people: portraits and candid Emily

This shot was taken on a Canon 60D. I am more of a landscape and

candid photographer than anything else and I'm looking to improve my

portrait skills. I used Lightroom 3 and reduced clarity to the bottom to

get the 'oil-painting' effect. This is the first photo I've tried that on and I

kind of like the resuts. The subject is Emily, my neice. I would REALLY

like some feedback on this one as I'm trying to get the hang of a new

genre so to speak. Thanks!

I'm in the same boat, but I haven't gotten as far as you.  Regarding the photo, I think it would have benefitted if you had gotten down to her level, rather than looking down on her.  I feel somewhat removed by being "this high up."  You caught her at the right moment -- she has a wonderful look on her face.  I'm not crazy about the processing done on the background, and I'd prefer a wide open aperture and more natural bokeh, which I think would go unnoticed rather than being distracting.  All IMO, of course.