environmental portraits Relaxing With a Friend

I was in a local coffee shop taking a break when I saw this woman

with her friend next to the window. I explained that the light was

wonderful and asked if I could make the photograph. She said her

friend was better looking and asked if I wouldn't rather take her

friend's photograph. I persisted with her and shot three frames.

This was the best of the three. The friend was happy I stuck to the

left side of the window!

Nice shot I like all the room around her, and the fact that she is looking away.

This is a wonderful shot Howard.You knew it.The light in the right place,it expresses that comfortable coffee shop feeling.Only a photograph can show that

very beautiful image...!!!!!!

Part of getting a good photo is asking for it! I seem to be better at that when I'm in a foreign country, acting the tourist part....but at home, I find it far more difficult.

Howard- I admire your ability to get people to cooperate. I would like to follow you around for a week :) Learn your technique!

 

I find the image very candid, relaxed & natural. This was not an easy lighting situation. I love seeing the lines in the floor & the detail in her face & sandals. The only constructive critique I can offer is that I find the small amount of detail outside the window a little distracting, I'd dodge it out. Plus, I want more details, the lens? Did you shoot it in RAW? Here's what I'm thinking, if you shot it in RAW you would be able to recapture some of the burned out area on her shoulder, where the sun was hitting it. Then combine the 2 or 3 different exposures in RAW to give just a hint of detail (more like the human eye) in that hot spot.

 

The composition, detail, subject & tonal range of the remaining image is super! Well seen :)

I agree with Jayme in general, but have to say if the highlight is burnt, even RAW won't be able to retrieve the detail. I'd say err on the under exposed side since shadow detail is easier to bring back. However, as a candid/photojournalism, I think this one works okay as is. I like the inclusion of window that makes the image "real."