Give constructive criticism and any actions recommended to further enhance these, thank you.

Maybe try and do some that are not just subject-centered-in-the-frame and consider looking at having a slightly dark ambient light compared to subject for some contrast (likely requiring flash).

Very best,

Focus and proper exposure would help. The top one, in particular, seems underexposed, hence a lack of contrast. Compositionally, I'd move your girl to a side (in both), create some leading lines and interest using her body angles.

1. Distracting background elements (tree, white post). Agree with MV about having the background a little darker to make your subject stand out more. Three toes sticking out is bit weird to me.

For both, the dress is too much like the background. A solid color versus a print would work better with the green/yellow colors around her.

Keep shooting, Gart

The only idea I have to offer right now is having the model look towards open space in the photo. This of course shouldn't be used in every photo or it would be boring, but I love how it opens up and changes the feel of the photo.

I cropped two examples to give an exaggerated feel of how the models gave and directly impacts how the photo feels. They both give me a different feel of the space. The centring is not taboo but I am not a huge fan of it.

Completely second with Bokeh Bender suggests. Avoid centered shots if possible. His two examples are good guides. Second... background, background, background. The tree coming up besides her head is a bid no-no. It competes. So that's the rules part.... what I do love about this shot is it breaks the rules. I don't care about the toes piece. I guess it depends on if your are trying to capture the perfect image, or capture her. I am really tired of "perfect" photos that tell absolutely nothing about the subject. so if that first shot perfectly captures who she is.... run with it in my opinion. I'm a huge un-fan of "fashion" style shots because they don't tell you jack.

Love that you did a lovely shot of a lovely normal person..... good stuff. Some nits.... but most fixable.

Croasdail wrote in post #18669518
I guess it depends on if your are trying to capture the perfect image, or capture her. I am really tired of "perfect" photos that tell absolutely nothing about the subject. so if that first shot perfectly captures who she is.... run with it in my opinion. I'm a huge un-fan of "fashion" style shots because they don't tell you jack.

Preeeeaaaaaaach! So good!

Do you want to take a photo that anyone could take, or do you want to capture the personality and soul of the subject. BOOM

Great advice from all the guys above. I'd ad that in #1 there is too much shoulder (her right) and not enough head. Maybe a slight pose adjustment (bring arm forward) or a wardrobe adjustment would have helped.