Wistful Happiness

[Iguanasan]

I'm curious about what people think of this. Please feel free to give me completely honest opinions.

[Greg_R]

I like the composition however I find the the small tree branches at the top right distracting. The rest of the background has nice bokeh but my eye is drawn to the branches that are in focus.

[Lorey]

Very interesting shot. I really like the POV and composition... and the elements in the photo. Two things, of my own personal taste, I would try and change. #1 - The big yellow ball being a different color - one that didn't distract from the model. #2 - I think maybe b/w would look good and take care of change #1. Just my 2 cents worth.

[thoughton]

I quite like it Iggy, but I don't love it. I find the looking-up viewpoint somewhat unflattering. The twigs in the TRC are slightly annoying, but nothing major IMO. For me the main problem is that yellow ball It has equal prominence as the model but as a viewer it's not clear what it is or why you've included it. The bokeh on the green/blue bit (roof tiles?) is a bit busy and slightly distracting - and I find the dark line around the edge of the roof is a bit dominating. I would also consider a tiny touch of localised brightening on the darker side of her face and perhaps her hair as well.

Having said all that I like the splash of red very much, and her windswept hair. Colours are good, and exposure is good, plus you've nailed the skin tones.

[Iguanasan]

Wonderful insights, everyone. Thanks.

FYI: The green roof and big gold ball should be recognizable to anyone from around my neck of the woods as a local landmark so it was included kind of for that purpose and because I thought it helped balance the composition instead of leaving a pile of empty space on the left. That being said, I can see how it competes with the model and I would likely choose differently next time.

[Marko]

Although I like this shot and find it striking overall, your last response echoes my instinct here Iggy.
The composition including the selective focus overall is very well done imo, but the gold ball does compete with the model (distracts) instead of compliment the scene.
Thoughton is also correct here imo, shooting up (into someones nostrils) in this way is rarely flattering.

[scorpio_e]

I think it has a lot of potential and I would reshoot it. Maybe a profile for the same perspective. The light on her face is not work for me.
Those darn branches are in the way of the ball too.