Yes, very constructive feedback for all, and congrats to the winners and commended. Some very good images captured in this wide net of a theme!

The shallow depth of field works well, too - making it a much different image than if the whole frog were in focus.

Nice, Simon. I like the intersecting patterns made by the clouds, jet trails, and fountain - creates a sense of activity in the sky to match that on the water and in the city.

Too bad the swans aren't swimming in the other direction, but we're using cameras, not magic wands or paint brushes!

Enjoy

Good tips ... I have the first one ordered in from the library, and I'll check on the other one too!

And MattMatic's guide to Silkypix looks so clear and helpful.

Will you do any photography over the weekend, Gwyn?

Thanks Gwyn - I'm pleased with the close-up, too.

Yes, I've been shooting everything in RAW, but to this point haven't had anything but the sliders in iPhoto to adjust. But now I'm about to enter a brand new software universe - just downloaded Silkypix, and have Elements for Mac en route, so I'll be able to tinker as you suggest - once I figure out how!

I do get exactly what you mean. It's funny, when he plays - all by memory - he kind of stares at a place in the "middle distance", just as a way of concentrating I guess. Too bad he wasn't staring out the window, though! : )

Thanks for the feedback all ... back to the drawing board on this one, I think.

Cheers,

Gwyn: love the teeth comment - that's what I was afraid of!

Don: Helpful on reflectors, especially "found objects", because shots like this (I suppose as is obvious) are not prearranged portrait sessions, but more like me trying to capture something of the person in the moment. I don't often think of polarizers for indoors, but it certainly seems wise. Thanks.

Either of these look a little better? Or is the face simply too dark ... end of story? (What I really need is a Photoshop tool that allows me to turn his head to face the window, or me to travel in time!!)








And this is as shot:




Gratefully,

Experimenting some with casual portraits, making use of available light and - just as crucial! - available patience!

I am wondering about two things lately. First, how to deal with eyeglasses, avoiding glare. (Obvious answer: capture subject looking away from window, leading to second issue - shadow, especially around the eyes). So second, shadows and highlight spots on half of the person's face, hands, neck, etc.





In this case, I have fiddled (in iPhoto) with exposure and contrast and de-shadowing to keep the balance between blown highlights and overly shadowed face. Not enough contrast as a result?




Here, I think the directional light helps, drawing attention to the tattoo and accordian keys. What do you think? Is it effective to keep the rest of the image more shadowed?




Here, it's a question of composition for me - does this work? The problem with the way he plays the harmonica is that you can't see it!!

These were all shot with the kit 18-55, spot AF. And in fact, I had a number of rejects because of missed focus: would a matrix mode be more useful for this kind of situation, do you think?

Your help on these points, but also your general feedback welcome as usual.

Cheers!

Richard, I would be amazed, too! Lovely dappled light under the tree, and such rich colors beyond. Interesting sky.

Would like to see a larger version, or others from the same spot that day.

And ditto on the nearest fence distracting from what's already an interesting image.