maybe one could comment on layout or anything, which could be against
"standard" or usual portraiture.

Thank you

[Hey Elwood]

Hi paugie,

First off I just wanted to say these are really good shots you took here. I love the lighting you achieved in the second shot and the fence frames the the 2 little ones very well in the second. I would do a few edits to these photos (if you have photoshop).

My first suggestion (and this is my own personal opinion, other photographers may feel differently) would be to crop these photos a little different. I would crop out most of the bike in the 1st photo and pull the top down. This will move the girls more to the left and give the picture a more interesting feel. If that doesn't work clone out the bike and crop it the other way (so the girls on the right). In the second shot, I would crop it tighter on the right eye (even getting rid of some of the right eye) and maybe bring the bottom of the picture up.

The other thing I would do is sharpen the pictures a little or turn them either black and white or sepia. You could also add a vinette with will move the attentiont to the proper subject you want.

Some grain could really work for these pictures if you decide to go black and white or sepia.

The last thing you could try is muting the colors (almost to the point where the color goes black and white). It's a really cool effect that softens the picture.

Please take these suggestions as just that, suggestions. Of course I'm a little different when it comes to editing my pictures but that's just me.

[paugie]

Thank you, for the wonderful comments and suggestions.
Am a bit busy this February. But will try your suggestions about the 3rd week when things cool down.

[axl]

the second one is gorgeous IMO