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Snapshhots vs. planned portrait photography
Julia, the child is truly adorable and would make an exquisite portrait. However, sometimes photos like this do not translate well as portraits. Unless you achieve a completely photorealistic finish, the child can look rather manic.
Your handling of tones and values seem to be very competent but you have set up a very difficult problem for yourself. You and her relatives know the child and would probably think this expression is cute. Any other person seeing this as an independent work of art may find the expression off putting, especially in a portfolio.
I am of course responding to my first perception of it, which unfortunately is when most people form their opinion.
I would love to see what you do with this subject, given more preparation and a better resource.
Most people think that the rendering is the most important thing about a portrait. It is not! It is the planning and preparation. The lighting, wardrobe, background, point of view, color harmony, composition, etc., all have to be considered at the outset. Once you have a direction and proper reference, then you can proceed.
Sincerely,
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