Eye Contact

'They' talk about eye contact and the subject connecting with the lens, but which one do you prefer.

Both images have had exactly the same treatment in LR

1



2

I prefer the first one whatever "they" say.

Agreed, first is far better.

The general point about eye contact is sound, but it is a generalisation. In this instance, the first shot is better IMHO because it adds a certain wistfulness to the portrait. But it is still the eyes that are key to the success of the image, they just don't need to be looking straight at us.

Agree with all the above. Eyes are too far 'bent' on the 2nd one, so I find that a distraction.

Yes No. 1 for me, I find No. 2 a little disturbing, eyes have a very powerful effect!

Regards
Mike

I would go with the first shot.

Depends what mood you want. As JohnR said, #1 is wistful, whereas #2 has a slight air of menace. Which one do you want?

I think I like wistful

The first is easily my preference, but it helped by the composition and surroundings. The second shot would work really well with a much tighter crop (take off an inverted "L" shape from the top and right down to the head and in to the hands).

Nice portraits

I like the first one, the second one doesn't work for me.

Have you thought about a mono conversion for the first one?

Not with this one in particular, but when I tried on others I missed that splash of colour from the scarf.

I prefer the first as well, but then if I'm taking portraits or general pictures of people I much prefer that they are doing something. People look much more natural if they are doing something, even if it's just chatting to the person behind the camera. Posed portrait shots always appear stilted and posed, and I avoid having anyone look into the lens.