Portrait in Italy

Very nice one Cheryl since a long time the best portrait here.
I would only crop 1cm in the under part so thad the strong rope comes into the corner!

I agree with JohnArs about the beauty of the portrait: I like the face and the way the hammock is used.

The hands are a problem. Compared to the rather large (in comparison) left hand, the right forearm and hand look withered and detached, like that body part is arising from the lower edge of the hammock. This is accentuated by the soft focus compared to the large left hand. You've go the face nailed, but the body parts detract from the image. Suggestion, try different poses for the extremity (down by the sides, under the head, etc) and experiment. You'll see big differences.

I disagree... I like the hands. They tell you that he still has some growing to do! Agree that a slight crop off the bottom would emphasize his face, and the strong line of the hammock. It's been great to see you posting again! Thanks!

Thanks for the comments.

Lmdmd, I couldn't disagree with you more. LOL. Sorry. This boy is in the awkward thirteen-year-old stage, when he's growing into his body, but still has a lot of little boy body language in him. This is not a posed image; I far prefer catching people how they naturally position themselves. I know very well how to pose people for "correct" portraits, but I think it decreases the honesty and impact of the image.

- CJ

Seems like the DDX secret is slipping out..... I have been shooting HP5, TriX and Arista 400 at speeds up to 3200 adn using DDX with great results....keep it up.... and try the 35mm Fuji 1600..... super stuff!

great portrait, you will have a fine print!

Thanks for the comments.