Critic's Corner! (Patreon)

Arthur send me some photos for "Critic's Corner". He said, "It's from a quite fun outdoors shooting with nature as a background, which creates complications for lighting and composition. There are 6 pictures where I wrote the specific comments for which I'd like your opinion on how to improve the picture"

You know, I'm not an expert in outdoor photography, because it's really different. For example, to create popular photos, outdoor photographers always change sky for more dramatic and colorful ones (Luminar can do it). They use a lot of layers like falling leaves, sunbeams etc. 

And I have to admit, Arthur did a pretty good job. It's a great improvement from oroginal shots. So, let's talk.

1. Composition can be better, she's falling to the left, we need more space there. So, I rotated it a bit and moved to the right. And crop is not perfect, better to keep more space above her head. Hand is ok, no problem. And bush is to messy to remove. But you can easily erase the bright spot with the spot healing brush.

2. Add more light on her face. Don't try to hide stray hair, instead, add more light, it's beautiful. Use liquify filter a bit on her neck and chin. I used Patch tool to hide some white spots.

3. Try to change sky completely, for something more dramatic, as I mentioned before.     

4. It's too bright. You can use Gamma Correction to add some contrast, but not enough sharpness and details. And crop is better. Too much empty space on the right.

5. Yes, we need more space on the left. And, maybe another shot without tree at all. And completely new sky again, yes :)

6. Sand is ok, don't waste your time. But crop is not good. Top part of this photo is filled with sand, and her great hair is cut on the bottom. So, try to find another one, with her hair in all it's glory.