The other shots are, IMO, not of the woman but of her relationship with the owl, which is a much more compelling and interesting story and relationship than the "portrait" that you and a few others prefer. Perhaps I look for different things in a photograph, more meaning than the simple snap shown in the pic that you prefer.
Shel > [Original Message] > From: Christian > > And what are the other strong points? The light is harsh and brings out > > the imperfections in the woman's skin, the highlights are fried and too > > bright, the different focus of the eyes is at the least distracting ... I > > guess we'll just have to disagree on the merits of this one. Still, I'd > > like to know what you consider its "many" strong points. I do think the > > expression is quite nice ;-)) > > > > I have to disagree with you too, Shel. The other two shots of her are > "nice" and "sweet" but are not very flattering for the girl. She comes > across as a bit dumpy and very plain looking (which she might very well be). > > But the portrait takes this plain girl and transforms her into something > more. The angle it was shot makes her face look thin. Cotty did a great > job of emphasising her strong points: the wonderful smile, those amazing > freckles, her dimples and her eyes. The lighting makes her skin glow and > the lack of obvious makeup makes her look fresh and clean. I think, if the > purpose of this photograph was to flatter the girl, Mr. Cottrell did a great > job. > > BTW, I admit to having bad eyesight but both eyes appear to be in focus to > me.
