So - not been doing this too long and really value all the comments /  critique I get.

Posted this on another (well known) photo community website for comment and got back a very helpful "you need to have much softer look if you get in that close"

https://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=15625587

Now I can see that and went out - got a softar filter and took this:

https://www.modelmayhem.com/pic.php?pid=15972920

I think the skin here looks like velvet and was really quite pleased. So post again and get "this is just too soft".

So, turning to a specialist forum, for people who take this sort of pic all the time, like here I have to ask: When is soft too soft? Honest comment about the second pic please.

Regards

Tom

The first image needs makeup or retouching more than it needs a soft filter.

The second image seems too soft for the subject matter. If I'm photographing something very feminine I would go that soft. But a model with a pierced lip doesn't strike me as being soft and feminine, so it seems like the wrong treatment for that photo.

I realize that's my own bias against facial piercing, others may see it differently.

Not bad but a little soft in the eyes.

  When choosing a softening filter I generally like one that softens the skin but leaves the eyes sharp. Filters like Tiffen's Soft FX and Pro Mist come in a series, so that yoiu can choose the strength based on the focal length of your lens (Use a stronger filter for a wide lens and less strong for a long lens).

Not a fan of the soft filter. Choose a model with clear skin and use hair styling, makeup, and retouching appropriately.