I am new in this forum and I registered to be able to comment these pictures. I have no words to describe the beauty of your photos. Very good, the best I've seen. Congratulations!
As a reader, I appreciate the opposing viewpoints. Frankly, I didn't find the initial criticisms to be particularly negative or personal. When posting images here, one should be ready for criticisms, not just compliments. It may be educational not only for you, but also the rest of the audience.
As a hobbyist, I dabble here and there just for fun. I get bored easily with post-processing so that is usually a weak spot in my photography.
The comments on post-processing, skin smoothing, cropping, etc were helpful to amateurs like me in the audience. On cursory examination, I found image #1 aesthetically pleasing but the rest was rather monotonous. These comments helped me to evaluate the images in a more critical manner and to understand why I liked or disliked particular images.
Mam your photos are spectacular! They have such a special feel to them. Congrats on the lens however, i feel it more you than the lens. Thanks for sharing.
The first photo is fantastic. This has inspired me to go and shoot portraits! I don't have a 200 2.0, just a 200 2.8 but I have been meaning to 'try' portraits with my 300 2.8
Thanks for the inspiration!
Lisa, these images are absolutely stunning. You have posted other great series, but these have a touch to them that I will remember for a long time. The little girl is adorable, her hair color awesome, fabulous lighting, along with the sharpness of a great lens, in the hands of a talented photographer, all make for memorable images. As always, thanks for sharing.
Ed
Hi Lisa - As usual, all of the images are excellent but the first image and the last two are so beautiful that viewing them makes me feel wonderful. That makes them art. You have captured the beauty and innocence of that young girl in a way I never see anywhere else. Thanks very much for sharing them.
