keith_mcilvena

A big improvement would be to fit it all in, or crop appropriately, in this case I'd try cropping just below the branch.  Another is to focus on the eye, usually as true for wildlife as for people.  By focusing on the branch the claw is in sharp focus while the rest is a bit soft, a slightly smaller aperture may have helped.

Not much to be critical of, except 'apples?'  Eggs I could understand, two other small points, whatever object used, clutching looks ugly.  Either lay them on a semi opened palm, or give the impression of caressing them.  I know pyjamas and creases in real life go hand in hand, but you are not picturing real life so get rid of them (the creases I mean).  On reflection maybe getting rid of their clothes could improve the impact no end.  "Whatever, keep on clickin'."

Re your reply to Gabriel.

Gabriel, That is the whole idea of having background out of focus so you or anybody can concentrate on the beauty of the model. Pulling more background in to focus distracts from main subject.

Why then Ziggy go to the trouble of finding a great background, only to eliminate it, if you hadn't tagged it I doubt I would have known it was a waterfall, just because you have a lens with great bokeh doesn't mean you use it in all situations.  One thing more perturbs me is the 'sunset' tag. the light on the model appears too harsh and there is no evidence of it on the background.  In my humble opinion these are two separate images.  I am sometimes wrong but you do solicit opinion.  Keep shooting though as practice makes better, none of us are ever going to be perfect.  Oh! The eyes, focus on the eyes.

Sharp focus seems to be tip of nose instead of eyes, hair merges into background, too much wasted space (crop to square format) nose stud looks like white spot on face, ear piercing needs to be erased or used, hoodie top and shoulder strap don't seem to fit in with quasi glamour shot.  BUT you have nicely captured the portrait of a beautiful young woman

Having viewed many of your images I compliment you on your choice of subject, composition etc.  But very few are focussed correctly, (in my opinion) in fact in this particular shot I can't find 'anything' in sharp focus.  However we all have differing views on what makes a standout photo as opposed to a mediocre one, and in the end unless we are attempting to make our living from photography we only have to satisfy oneself.  I wish you well in your endeavours.