people Soft Rock

OK, so I'm at the end of a long line.  And I have no real experience in shooting portraits, to boot!

I love the composition, especially how your granddaughter's hand on the fretboard is at face level.  The tonality helps to give the image a mysterious air, and coupled with the facial expression, it encourages me to think that there is a lot behind those eyes.  As to the "porcelain" look - - In my opinion, this is somewhat of a different touch in doing portraiture, and I admire your creativity and integrity for trying it.  For me it works quite well.

My best,

michael 

Whilst its great to get the help and advice of people that have relevant expertise in any given genre, I place equal importance on gettng the impressions of people that have a less in depth knowledge. In fact, you could say that viewers with less experience,  are more honest in thier evaluation, simply because they do not have preconceived ideas of how it should be done according to the "rules" or the text books.  Therefore I find your thoughts and opinions invaluable and will of course consider them when trying again. Doing something different and pushing the boundaries, will always be subject to a lot of criticism and questioning, and I welcome it, it helps me learn. One thing we are all guilty of as photographers, myself included,  is that we never seem to consider how none photographers view things, and somehow we can't go back to when we saw things more simply ourselves. 

Sincere Thanks for your thoughtful comments & Best Regards

Alf

Am enjoying catching up, including looking at a number of your images that have not seen.

This is a most arresting portrait.  The young lady seems to be saying "here I am - I am comfortable with who I am and getting my photo taken".  What struck me first however was the almost Japanese look - which it makes me think of.  This would be in terms of your granddaughter's very finely drawn make-up.  Not Japanese eyes, of course, but there is a precision of the eyelid colouring.  Judy speaks of it as more doll-like look.  Secondly the perfect positioning of her hand is excellent.

Judy and I both prefer this image to the other one of your granddaughter.  Your signature even adds to the feel, and is well positioned.

I see that I am not the only one to be surprised that you are a grandfather.  Whilst not thinking of you exactly as a youngster, I thought of you as probably twenty years younger than me.  You must be young at heart !!  :-)

Your use of basic tools for lighting has given a good result.  I have just started the learning curve of a speedlite, which have never had before.  Am learning to cut back a tendency to use too strongly.  Have not yet dared to try in a portrait situation.

You are lucky to have someone seemingly compliant and eminently photographical.  You will probably be able to continue to practice to try all types of effects. Will look forward to seeing any results.

Best wishes

Jim

Good to hear from you!

The perception of a "Japanese" look is an interesting one, and I quite like the idea of it, even though i have to concede that isn't exactly what was intended.  There has been a few comments that would concur with Judiths observations of looking "doll like" . As for the age thing, I always maintain that growing old is inevitable, but "growing up" isn't : - )

I haven't yet aquired a "speedlight" but its on the lst of things I need, and will no doubt involve another lurning curve for me also, so I will be most interested in seeing your results Jim.

My Grranddaughter has grown up to be a lovely young woman, and has a kind and gentle personality.........well most of the time : - ) Hopefully I will get her to pose again in the not too distant future.

Sincere Thanks and Best Regards to yourself and Judith.

Alf

Nicely composed, great light and expression.

Many Thanks, portraits are not one of my strengths, but I try 

Best Regards 

Alf 

Lovely effect, composition and processing.