I was surprised when I saw this today.

My immediate thoughts were - a stunning looking "lady monk" with hair?

It transpires that she is in fact a "civvie" on a sabbatical and apparently this is not uncommon. Many girls elect to spend a period of time at the Temples as a soul cleansing type of vacation. She explained she was to be there for some 10 days or so. Never heard this before. It was a first for me!

Canon EOS 5D - 85mm f1.8 - 100 iso - 1/60th @ f4 - fill-in flash

Selective soft focus applied as I felt the subject befitted this treatment

No, it's not uncommon. But it's not the same thing as Mae Chi and believe there are a few topics dedicated to this subject in Buddhism forum.

As to the soft focus (photoshop unsharp filter?) I'd like to see if you have the original photo if it really befitted the treatment. I think you've managed to have it done very discreetly making it look as natural as possible (but part of it still makes it look obvious). As usual, excellent exposure and flash work. Good subject.

As requested original image attached

Used "Neat Image" software for soft focus effect - still learning so a little "shaky"

I'm intrigued about this pursuit - going back today to do some more shooting and learn more about the concept.

Agreed the original photo benefited from soft treatment and believe the model would probably like the treated image better.

I would, however, use multiple lighting flash to eliminate the shadow on the face in the original shot, if that was at all possible. But then again you've done a great job making the rendering look as subtle, discreet and natural as possible that I probably wouldn't have noticed the retouch at a glance had I not seen the original photo.

Great portrait

perfect placement - the contrast of the richness and complexity of

the interior with the honesty and simplicity of the exterior brings

a perfect narrative to the subject matter

the ladies beauty and poise only helps

well done

l