Best portrait?

Question

Choose your favorite portrait from these:

1. http://static.flickr.com/90/257919746_6fc51dfdb9.jpg?v=0
2. http://static.flickr.com/89/257904654_ffb6d99b49.jpg?v=0
3. http://static.flickr.com/113/257899467_88eaa22c39.jpg?v=0
4. http://static.flickr.com/64/231444370_5212068025.jpg?v=0

Answer 1

I'm kind of liking #2. A portrait should give you a glimpse of the personality (in my opinion) and I think #3 is all put on. The soft focus doesn't do it for me in that dark lighting, either. I don't know why. I found I could look at #2 and wonder if I really knew her. #4 is a nice picture of a beautiful child, but I see so much more of interest in the eyes of #2. She's not staring at the camera and not seeming to pose for the camera. There is a bit of background distraction in #4 that detracts from the subject. It looks like a Nike shoe or something. I find myself tryign to figure out what that is instead of looking at the subject.

Answer 2

#3 The deep shadow and dark hair are contrasted by white gloves and necklace. There's a mavelous gradient to the shadow. The eyes are well focused and there's a point of light in each. The pose and facial expression are good. The bookcase in the background is to busy, especilly given the necklace and gloves draw attention from the face.

#2 is okay, but it is overexposed. It is nicely framed, but the "faraway" expession isn't that attention grabbing.

Answer 3

Portrait #3. Understated elegance. Very nice.

Answer 4

I love #2, great tones on the face and her eyes really pop! Also I love the texture. Great Job!

Answer 5

Hands down #1. Color and contrast is good and the angle is exceptional.

Answer 6

#2, it shows balance, weight and movement.

Answer 7

i like 2 best, they are all awesome though.