The more I look at this image...



...the more I hate the highlights. Is this a personal taste thing, with me, or do they ruin the image?

Thanks,

John

The only area I find a little hot is on the forehead which could be toned down a little in photoshop.  The rest of the highlights on her neck and cheeks, I think ad modeling that define the face.

I'd just tone down the spot on the forehead, and the highlights on her neck and collarbone to bring attention back to her face. I think it looks beautiful, too, imho.

The only specular highlights on the whole image are the highlight at the top of her forehead, a little on her lips, and the catchlight in her eyes.  The rest are just highlights.  If it's not zone 10, its not a specular highlight (assuming it has been exposed correctly, which this has).

Thanks everyone!

i'd be interested to see what the shot looked like straight off the camera. i'm thinking the problem might be in the retouching.

Bringing in some shadow detail would raise this lovely image to a whole new level.