Slava, Ron, thanks! I like that plate too, without it picture looses context an balance IMO.
I didn't have control over lighting, we were eating at local french place and I was testing my new lense :). She was right under spot light and her face was brightly lit + refelctions from the table, plates, napkins, etc. I have few frames with her not so brightly lit and with more details visible but than busy background shows up and distract a lot.
Alex, What fun! Would have liked to see a little more separation of the hair from the background. Probably disappeared in the upload. I don't mind the plate at all as it adds context to the photo. Great moment!
incredebly pleasant photo. the subject (how clinical) clearly trusts you, and does not mind clowning around the camera a bit. The portrait itself I really like. The light is great, even and golden. Her expression is priceless. The fork is fine, but the plate bugs me. Cut off as it is, I do not think it really works, and frankly I am really tempted to cut all of it out, along with the right shoulder. It is a bright spot away from the face, and keep dragging my eye there. I think a tighter crop would make her expression really stand out more.