Marisa at sunset

This is a late afternoon portrait in available light. I am very new

to this, and would like to hear any feedback you may give.

This is a good a portrait. The pose, amount and angle of light on the woman and look is great. It would probably help if the background were more uniform in color, a bit more out of focus, and were one of two things:

• Either a uniform dark background - in which case there would need to be a bit more light on the woman to make her stand out. (this would probably be a bit better for B&W pictures)
• Or, a lighter background.

One other minor thing (which could likely be the result of scanning) - it would be nice to see more detail in the woman's hair on the right side of the picture. Overall, this is a good job (and a beautiful woman).

If her hair was more defined this would be a PERFECT shot for a clothing catalog.

I have to disagree with the other posters. Although this was shot in late afternoon light (apparent by the direction of the shadow) it would have been a much kinder portrait to her if it would have been shot with diffuse skylight. I have shot thousands of portraits this way. I tell by putting a card over the subjects head. If the racoon eyes and the real deep shadow under the chin disappear I know I have too much overhead light. Here the direction was okay, but much too strong (the shadows are black meaning the contrast was too high). Try and find some open shade and reshoot this beautiful woman. I bet you will like the results even more. kevin