Do these pics work as portraits?

[Wavy C]

Curious to know what you think of this picture. Do you think this angle works for a portrait? What do you think about the processing?

Don't hold back :)

[Wavy C]

Here is an alternative approach. I've also added a film-type border. Is it better than the first picture?

your comments appreciated...

[mbze430]

These are more Headshots than they are portraits. Portraits usually are shoulder length.

[PhotosGuy]

#1 If she likes it, then I like it! (I like it anyway) ;-)
#2 The lighting emphasizes the roundness of her face which makes me think "chubby cheeks", + I'm not a big fan of seeing the pores on her face. Like the eyes, but would soften the cheeks.

[Wavy C]

Tnx for the feedback guys.

mbze430 - yes, I guess headshots is a better word, sorry about that.

PhotosGuy - Interesting comments. I was purposely avoiding the pin-sharp and perfect colour look but hoping for slightly mysterious, though still reasonably flattering, images. Wish now I had used a light coloured background instead as I think it might have offered more possibilities. I might have another attempt at some editing later when I get home.

[mbze430]

Headshots are prone to have too much details specially when it comes down to showing up imperfection of the skin. Unless of course they have perfect skins, and that's almost impossible.

I personally prefer having a MUA around when doing close-up head shot. It will hide the cracks and scares.

The other method is use Soft F/X filter. Or soft-focus. But you'll end up with a much dreamy image and might not be best for use for casting calls.

[Wavy C]

Ok, I've redone both shots. I'm happer with them now - what do you think?

[Wavy C]

And the other...

[PhotosGuy]

Personally I liked #1 better in color, but #2 rocks!

[Wavy C]

PhotosGuy - couldn't make my mind up about the colour version. I wanted a kind of album cover look and thought a sepia tone effect might be closer to that. But maybe not.

Tnx for commenting. It really helps me to know how other people see things. With pictures that have quite a lot of processing I'm never quite sure if I've gone too far or not far enough!

Wavy C

[PhotosGuy]

:D:D Ask 10 people & get 11 different answers! ;)

[dioptic]

Hey Wavy C,

What did you do to number 2? Whatever you did really makes for a good picture. Will you share your technique, please?

Thanks.

dioptic

[Wavy C]

Hi dioptic - I was using a program called Picture Window Pro instead of photoshop. The technique is similar in both. Make a new layer and apply some Gaussian Blur. Then erase the parts you want to stay sharp, like the eyes, mouth etc. Now the eyes, mouth etc from the riginal remains sharp, but her skin is slighly blurred which gives it a much softer look.

Hope that helps...