A wonderful day at the end of the year.

This is one of few photos which I really like in my portfolio.There was some minor manipulation in Photoshop although I tried to leave everything as is. If you notice some vignetting effects then it's because I simply mounted the wrong lens hood!

 

Any comments, whether positive or negative, would be appreciated.

Aesthetically this shot is 'pretty', but the problem is it's basically a human interest shot rather than a scenic or landscape.

 

As such you need to see at least part of the the subjects faces to create a strong human link to the viewer. This element is lacking here.

I agree, alternatively, you could have included what they were looking at, even out of focus behind them, for a more interesting shot.

Thank you for your constructive critics! I thought it might be good to exclude what they were looking at because one could get the desire to see behind. Obviously I was wrong :) Thanks anyway.

I disagree with the above writers; I think that, although this is a human interest shot, you don't need to show the face to make it "work". Also, in a sense this is a scenic - a scene of everyday life, with people as a part of the landscape. Secondly, by not showing what they are looking at, it creates a sense of mystery and/or thoughtfulness. They may not be looking AT anything, but maybe just looking. A lovely photo.

Wow, this one really strikes me. The color is gorgeous, and generally this photo leaves me jealous of your abilities. Certianly my favorite in your portfolio.