A portrait that I consider pleasant. The girl was a local friend
who enjoyed modelling and, as you can see, was very pretty.

The picture is severely cropped to give a strong effect and shot
using brolly flash. There is also a flash behind her head, fired
by a slave, and directed back at the camera. 

The final soft effect is the result of using a diffusing filter
on the camera lens. I always focus sharply before fitting the
diffuser.

It is very important, for successful home, or club portraiture,
that the model enjoys the experience, and that the photographers
talk to the model to keep them relaxed.

I've seen many cases at camera clubs where no one speaks to the
model - just walk up, take a shot, then walk away. A terrible
experience for the model.