Portrait.

[vfrstephen]

Need advice on this portrait eg.skin tone, perspective, lighting etc.Taken with a 50d, ef-s 17-55is and 430ex flash.
http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff116/vfrstephen/IMG_3479-1.jpg

[breathless]

It's simply snapshot-ish and just okay. Background is busy and cluttered. On camera flash and subject engaging directly with the camera doesn't help add any artistic value. Not at all different than what anyone with a standard point and shoot camera will achieve.

If I may suggest tips - put away the flash for now and introduce your subjects to existing/available, diffused, yet directional light(e.g., under a shade tree, next to a wall in open shade, indoors next to a window, etc..) Study the light on your subject, then try to achieve some ratio of light on the face(i.e., one side is brighter than the other.) Consider the background - be mindful of lines, shapes, colors, highlights, shadows, etc., which may distract attention away from the subject. The camera only captures what is there, so learn to see the image before tripping the shutter.

All the best! :)

[Sisyphus]

I think it's quite good. The photo may have a few technical flaws, but I like the bright and engaging quality of the portrait. Focus is good, color is good, composition is maybe not the best but okay (the crop is maybe a wee bit close to the chin). The excess saliva at the corners of her mouth is a distraction, but maybe it's just me. Parts of the background are blown, but for some reason it doesn't bother me too much here. Maybe a few small blemishes could be touched-up, but nothing major. All-in-all, it's a whole lot better than a great many of the portraits posted here.