Hello, I'm new to Fstoppers and this is my first post. I was wondering if I could get some feedback for my portrait pictures. This picture was taken with natural light and no reflectors. I'm a fan of Dani Diamond and I recently read his article of retouching. I'm still practicing my retouching but I'm hoping to get some feedback and constructive criticisms from this group. What do you think? Thank You.
Natural Light Portraiture/Retouching - What do you think? Feedbacks/Constructive Critisms are welcomed
I quite like it. Her bored expression and the colour palette and the flat light all work together. The light is a bit dull but you have handled it well, it did not need a reflector. I would have spotted-out the two marks on the wall either side of her wrist as they are distracting. The door to the right, if that is what it is, is unhelpful, so I would have cropped it out, you don't need to keep your image the same shape as the file, it is your image and it can be any shape you like.
I would have tried for a different top, something less busy, so it did not distract but the shallow depth of field has helped with this issue fairly well. If you could shoot it upright to include a reflection of her face, that would be interesting. I supect the windowsill may not be long enough but just an idea to try to make it more interesting. What about black & white?
Your "airbrushing looks good to me, very good infact, although I suspect you have very slightly over done her eyes, the whites don't look quite right to me, but I don't know the girl, do I? Her neck needs a subtle touch of airbrush to make it match her face better, otherwise the game is up and we can see what you have been up to.
Your comment was very informative and helpful. The "door" on the right side isn't actually a door. It's a small hallway and what you see is the wall at the end of it. The windowsill was long (as seen in the picture, it continues more behind me) but I didn't think of adding her reflection in. I'll keep that in mind for the future ;) Thank you Ian! I appreciate your help!
Looks good! The pattern of her blouse caught my eye, particularly the vertical arm along her head. The detail in the fabric is what I looked at second, after her face. Not a big deal.
Thank you Craig for your comment, I appreciate it! Now that you mentioned it her top is a little distracting. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for those things for future shoots. :D