Ghost Trees: I am always taking pictures of my daughter and got this one. My kids always called these Willow Trees (Ghost Trees). Always wanted one in my yard. They are beautiful.

Krames

I am always taking pictures of my daughter and got this one. My kids always called these Willow Trees (Ghost Trees). Always wanted one in my yard. They are beautiful. Didnt think it turned out too bad, but would like some honest critique. Always learning! :) Thanks

My Daughter

farmerjim Loc: Rugby, England

Hi Krames, thanks for posting the shot of your beautiful daughter. You wanted honest f/b so I have to say that the willow leaves across her face don't work for me. She has lovely eyes which stand out through the soft focus leaves but I think they spoil the shot. I'd like to see the greenery but perhaps framing her face or perhaps if she was holding them and looking through them. :thumbup:

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

I see photography as an art form. Great art engages the viewer, causing the viewer to use their imagination. Great art will cause the viewer to ponder the image, to wonder and question.

This image does all of that, and more. It leaves something for the imagination. Is the girl 4, 8, 12, or 16? What are those beautiful eyes saying. Are those the lips of a little girl, or of a young woman? We do not know, yet we wonder?

This is an almost perfect image, which tells a story that the viewer can only imagine and guess about. I might suggest that you crop off the right side of the image to make it even more strong. . .really bringing the viewer to those haunting eyes and mystical lips of your daughter.

Those who have to see the entire face have no imagination, no soul, and certainly can not grasp the pathos of true art.

Stunning image my friend, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Eveline

I agree, the branches in front of her face are distracting. You want her eyes to be the first thing you look at. It's either more branches to form a veil, or leaves pushed aside. Beautiful eyes. other than that, nice exposure!

wrrea

I happen to love shots like these with some sort of flora in the foreground blurred. I immediatly focused on the eyes whci are absolutley stunning.

wrr

Birdguide Loc: Ormond Beach, FL

Krames wrote:

I am always taking pictures of my daughter and got this one. My kids always called these Willow Trees (Ghost Trees). Always wanted one in my yard. They are beautiful. Didnt think it turned out too bad, but would like some honest critique. Always learning! :) Thanks

Stunning and full of mystery. OMG those eyes. :thumbup:

Birdguide Loc: Ormond Beach, FL

Krames wrote:

I am always taking pictures of my daughter and got this one. My kids always called these Willow Trees (Ghost Trees). Always wanted one in my yard. They are beautiful. Didnt think it turned out too bad, but would like some honest critique. Always learning! :) Thanks

Stunning and full of mystery. OMG those eyes. :thumbup:

Rosiepooh Loc: Alberta, Canada

I would have to say it is full of mystery and such beautiful eyes

tg-adrian Loc: Jacksonville, FL

I have to agree, this photo is outstanding art! The branches obscure enough to cause mystery, and her eyes radiate the power of the photo: Perfect!
What is she saying with those eyes?
Love it!

June Loc: Blue Mountains AUSTRALIA

And another that loves it GREAT!

prestonphoto Loc: Bath, NY

Simply stunning!!! Photography used the right way in art form is so wonderful. Did you use the orton-ish effect?

Krames

No what is that effect that you are speaking of? Sounds interesting

prestonphoto Loc: Bath, NY

Krames wrote:

No what is that effect that you are speaking of? Sounds interesting

Hi Krames - this is with the orton-ish effect used. I thought you might have used it in the original cause of the slight blurriness. I use Picasa 3.5 - it's a free program and it's included with the program. There are so many effects there that you can apply to photos. Fun to experiment with and use. Still...........the original photo is very stunning.

with orton-ish effect applied
with orton-ish effect applied...

Krames

That is nice! i will have to try that. It even brings out her face a little more. Thanks to all for the feedback - it is very appreciated :)

prestonphoto Loc: Bath, NY

Krames wrote:

That is nice! i will have to try that. It even brings out her face a little more. Thanks to all for the feedback - it is very appreciated :)

Just to give you an idea...........added a little toning, some warmify and light green vignetting reduced in size to just cover the edges of the photo. There have been times where I've added 8, 10 layers to get the effects that looked right - to me. hahaha Have fun.