Happy moment

I thought I would post this for some serious critique please. It is my first attempt at trying to flatter the subject with post processing.

It was shot on the back verandah of our home at around midday, with forced flash.

Lumix FZ-28 F3.6 @ 1/100th 125mm (35mm equivalent) ISO 100

I quite like it Gav

The obvious things to PP in portraits are teeth, skin tones and 'worry' lines (and sometimes double chins )

In that pic I'd prob try to clone out the line in the middle of the left hand side of the neck.

For a first attempt its not bad

The lighting is on the flat side and the composition for your subject isnt the most flattering but you have the basics down ie DoF.

Next time, if you can, shoot during the "Golden Hour" (sunrise - sunset) and you will get gorgeous lighting that always flatters. If this is not possible, Think f the sun as a giant light (well it is! LOL) Think about where you want your light to be and where the shadows will fall. You want to add depth to the face, but keep the light quite even to avoid bringing out wrinkles/blemishes/spots/whatever. To do this (in harder light) have the subject stand with the sun slightly behind to one side. Pop your subject into some shade and you get your own natural "gobo"! Keeping the light where you want it!

For angle, for this particular subject, try something slightly higher. Looking up at the lens will open her eyes more and also give more definaition to her chin area (a reflector under the face - held by subject - would also mke a big difference)

Personally, I would avoid PP so soon in your attempts at portrait photography. You will/may become to reliant on it rather than use lighting and technique to your advantage.

HTH

ETA: Just wanted to add, you also have alot of empty space above the subject - try to avoid this - fill and balance the frame

The above critiques are better than I could give, so I'll just say for a first serious attempt it's very nice indeed.

xx