Try moving around your subject, any distraction in the background that doesn't add a dynamic element to the pictures is what I term a tangent. Don't always shoot at your own eye level. Going lower would leave a clearer background to cope with. Higher and you have no horizon issues.

Use the foreground to add depth to the image, don't crop too close at all times.

Do a 5 picture character study of one person, your first image must be what's called an establishing photograph, placing the subject in a place where the viewer can place where, when and what the subject does, where she lives, her profession even.

Then move in for more detail shots. Don't be scared to ask the subject to change positions for you. Engage them in a conversation maybe. Ask them to point out points of interest in the surrounding location. While they are doing that the noticeable relax and that is when you catch their essence or at least an aspect of it.

Remember depth of field control, hight light low light exposure and all that other boring but unfortunately essential technical elements. Once learnt they can of course be ignored at will.

Please note I hope you find this a constructive critique of the image you uploaded here.

Please don't clone stamp the background clutter mentioned above. Spend the time involved in that practicing getting a better portrait for your next upload.

Jonathan Taylor

The element of this picture should be the relationship between the two subjects. This doesn't mean they have to be actively relating or communication visually with each other. Some images work well when the show a divide and conflict of attention between each person photographed.

The picture, for me, doesn't do either. I hope you don't mind me saying this? Or the full critique I offer below.

The colour drop out effect on the roses again takes the eyes away from the element of communication between the two. Getting dynamic emotion or empathy is difficult with just one subject though and even harder the more subjects involved in the composition.

I also feel colour awareness, the decision to go Black-White, Colour, Split tone or selective colour drop out should be made before the exposure is made, not after. I have so many students who decide during post production what colour process will be applied. I personally feel this decision should be made prior to the picture being taken. The factors involved in making the choice should be the subject or topic you are photographing. The feel and emotion you want to convey too.

Still this picture has its merits and obviously I found intresting enough to comment on.

Best wishes to you, Jonathan Taylor