Bek Ruszin wrote:
For the most part, your portfolio is solid and technically sound.  I'm just not finding anything that really jumps out at me.

I don't dig your head shots.  Again, they're sound, but they're lacking something.

I think I probably like this best:

My only complaint would be that it appears as the you focused on the llama's eye furthest from the camera as oppossed to closest to the camera.

I think the reason for my ambivalence has less to do with your skill set and more to do with your subject.  I've seen countless portfolios like yours and after a while, they start to melt together.  I'd suggest you take some risks, experiment a little, do things you haven't tried or wouldn't normally do in order to set yourself apart from the pack.

Thank you!!

Amelia Rouge wrote:
How about me?

I meant to ask about my over all portfolio

Bear wrote:
My overall port please.

Watch shots like this:

I know you're petite, but this shot makes you look thick and stumpy when compared to this shot where you look taller and more slender:

I'm quite sure it's the angle at which you were shot which you don't have control over.  You do have control over what goes in your port, though.  I'd ditch the firt, honestly.

Lotta sexy going on in your port which is fine if you primarily want to shoot that.  I'd recommend (and I see you have a call posted for) doing some beauty shots.

Also, watch that arm up, hand on head thing...you've got too much of that going on:




It's also in that photo I recommended you get rid of.

Section 008 wrote:
you still at it??

I am, but you didn't indicate what you wanted me to critique, so you're being skipped.

Sibby S wrote:
my overall portfolio please

Not digging these:


You look plastic.

I don't like this either:

I've seen the whole "model eating bowl/plate of strung pearls" and I've seen it done better than this.  The bowl of pearls is mostly cropped from view and you've got part of another girl (upper frame right) that is extremely distracting.  Plus, your hair looks fried.  Trash that shot.

I think these two are your best:



Everything else is mediocre.  I honestly would not categorize you as "experienced".  I'd lean toward "some experience".  You still need to work on your expressions a bit more and work on doing some bolder poses.

MMR Digital wrote:
I hope you're still feeling not so good and tired, like me- go for the port!

You're a masochist aren't you?  You must be if you're here and wanting this so bad.

First off, your top 4 images are all of the same model.  What's worse is that she has the same expression in each of those 4 images.  What's even more terrible is the wrinkled backdrop.  I can't even say I'd recommend you keep one.

What the heck is this suppossed to be:

"Hey look!  A big, flat back!"  And you threw some awful blur on there which seeped over where it should have, thus creating a halo around the model - particularly around her hair.

What the fuck is going on here?  Did she want you to check and see if something was hanging out of her nose?
 
And there you go with that blur again.  Gag.

WHAT THE?

You're taking pictures of people walking around town?  And this was published?  Seriously?  Does this woman know?

I'm starting to think you're on some crazy fucking drugs, dude.  This is just too much for me to bare:

Really.  Really?  REALLY?

I'm not even going to go into depth on how terrible your watermark is.

There is nothing, I repeat NOTHING in your portfolio that backs up your claim of "experienced".  And you accept paid work only?  You're fucking kidding me right?  Awful shots, blurring the crap out of everything, wronkled backdrop.  For real, pal...my 5 year old could assemble a better port.  There is so much that is bad in your port, it would take me hours to get into it all.

You've got to tell me who's publishing your work and for what, because if YOU'RE getting published and paid work with what you're producing, there's no reason why I shouldn't be a millionaire right now.

This is honestly the best image in your port:

No blur, well focused, good composition, amusing model.

You really need to sit down and either read a book on photography or hook up with a more experienced photographer in your area to assist you.  I'm being totally serious here, too.  You want to get better?  Get help.  Please.  Now.  Or god help me, I will drive to Doylestown and stomp on your camera.

JuliaRabkindotcom wrote:
overall portfolio www.juliarabkin.com

No.  Just no.  I'm grumpy.  Do you really think I'm going to go to your website and look at every image in every category you have there?  Maybe if I was a client looking to hire you or if you were paying me.  But neither of those are happening, so my lazy ass in only going to look at your MM portfolio.

Personally, your black and whites are a little too contrasty for my taste, but that's me.  Some people like it, I think it's a bit overboard. 

You have 3 similar images in your top row.  There's no reason for that.  You need to whittle that down to one.

This one is the winner:

Lovely, soft color.  LOVE the way the curve of the leaf flows into her face and then up and around blending into her hair...that's marvelous.

I'd like to see you do more like that...it's quite the opposite of your harder, contrasty black and whites.

RBM Photo wrote:
If you should find time to set your grumpy eyes upon my portfolio, I would be interested in hearing your opinion

It's going to be hard for me to be grumpy with your portfolio.  Right away I was drawn into it.  And you know what?  Whether I like it or not really doesn't matter, because you caught my attention.

You've got some crazy interesting shit going on in there my friend. 

I'm just going to say that this doesn't seem to fit in with the rest:

18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/25073040

Cole Morrison wrote:
The portfolio please? It hasnt had a looking through in a while.

Hello again Cole.  Are you sure you want this?  Like really, really sure?  I hope so, because I had offered you some friendly advice in the past which you were none too happy with and this is NOT a friendly critique.  This, again, is the grumpy critique.  It's the critique where I'm going to try and look for anything wrong I can.  So, if you've read this far and think you might get upset, just stop reading and pretend this never happened and there will be no hard feelings.  If you think you're ready, read on and prepare to hate me...

You've still got to work on varying that expression.  I'm still seeing generally the same look throughout your portfolio.  There seems to be a bit of tension in your jaw.  Could you try a slightly parted lip?  I'm not saying wide open mouth or big shit-eating grin, I'm talking about loosening them, ever so slightly, so that there's just the teensiest bit of space between them (like you did in the third part of the tub set).

I've gotta admit though, I like the new shaved look and the new direction you're heading in.  Unless you're planning on growing your hair back in anytime soon, I think your port could stand to lose the shots in which you have hair - it's strong enough to stand without them.

I don't like this:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31061708
I feel like your vag is being shoved in my face and your features are lost in those shadows cast on your face.  Plus, it's creating a bottom-heavy effect.

This is much better:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31061717

This is just badly blurred:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30926014
I've seen camera/motion blur used in an intentional, artistic way.  It was not used that way here.  Dump it.

This is wonderful:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31364527

You could stand to have some images where your poses are 'bigger' (think high-kicks and outspread arms).  I think you would probably do well trying to do some bendy-type nudes...like twisting your body as much as you can and forming odd shapes. 

Take more risks.  Don't be afraid.  What's the worst that can happen - that the image doesn't come out great or as expected and you gain valuable knowledge as to why?

Bek Ruszin wrote:

Oh please, what do you want me to tell you?  That you're good?  That you're experienced?  You already know that.  Your portfolio is solid.  You obviously know how to pick and choose when it comes to working with photographer.  You have an amazing diversity about your portfolio without it looking jumbled.

The only thing I can tell you is that I would LOVE to see more beauty work like this from you:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/29192794

And perhaps some old-hollywood type shots.  That's what this reminds me of:
(picture)
Beautiful bone structure.  Strong look.  Intense eyes.

Now get the fuck outta here.  You have better things to do than seek my opinion.

Thanks so much!
*silently tiptoes backwards out of thread*

Samantha Emme wrote:
Hope you feel better (or already do feel better either way). Was in a similar boat this weekend. Not fun =/

Anyway, full portfolio please

(except for the fact I have three images from one look. Working on seeing which one is best so I can cull the others)

Right away, this is the best:

Glad it's at the top, but it should be your avatar (I think it was not that long ago, if I recall correctly).

I had popped into your port briefly last night, so I can tell you've done a bit of work in there since then.  Good.  My critique would have probably been harsher based on what I saw last night as compared to tonight/this morning.

I don't care for this:

It's not horrendous, I just don't personally like what you're doing with your mouth.  Maybe you're trying to do a cute little smirk...I dunno...it reads as a sneer to me.  I just don't think it looks good.

This is the worst:

Which is sad because it has interesting makeup, good lighting and highlights your tattoo nicely.  It's just...man...way too friggin smoothed out.  Your eyes are especially overdone.  It looks like someone painted the whites of your eyes the whitest shade of white possibly visible to the human eye. 

You know what I don't understand?  I don't understand how at 5'8" you have only three full body shots - one standing, one seated in a boat and one laying curled up on a couch.  Why is that? 

I don't think I'd mind seeing some more beauty work from you either.  You have fantastic eyes, but it doesn't seem like anyone you've worked with has really capitalized on that.  I'd like to see them really emphasized and not necessariily with tons of makeup.  Just enough to play them up.

Bek Ruszin wrote:

Hello again Cole.  Are you sure you want this?  Like really, really sure?  I hope so, because I had offered you some friendly advice in the past which you were none too happy with and this is NOT a friendly critique.  This, again, is the grumpy critique.  It's the critique where I'm going to try and look for anything wrong I can.  So, if you've read this far and think you might get upset, just stop reading and pretend this never happened and there will be no hard feelings.  If you think you're ready, read on and prepare to hate me...

You've still got to work on varying that expression.  I'm still seeing generally the same look throughout your portfolio.  There seems to be a bit of tension in your jaw.  Could you try a slightly parted lip?  I'm not saying wide open mouth or big shit-eating grin, I'm talking about loosening them, ever so slightly, so that there's just the teensiest bit of space between them (like you did in the third part of the tub set).

I've gotta admit though, I like the new shaved look and the new direction you're heading in.  Unless you're planning on growing your hair back in anytime soon, I think your port could stand to lose the shots in which you have hair - it's strong enough to stand without them.

I don't like this:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31061708
I feel like your vag is being shoved in my face and your features are lost in those shadows cast on your face.  Plus, it's creating a bottom-heavy effect.

This is much better:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31061717

This is just badly blurred:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30926014
I've seen camera/motion blur used in an intentional, artistic way.  It was not used that way here.  Dump it.

This is wonderful:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31364527

You could stand to have some images where your poses are 'bigger' (think high-kicks and outspread arms).  I think you would probably do well trying to do some bendy-type nudes...like twisting your body as much as you can and forming odd shapes. 

Take more risks.  Don't be afraid.  What's the worst that can happen - that the image doesn't come out great or as expected and you gain valuable knowledge as to why?

Thanks - I dont remember a case in which I got a crit from you so its not important. I remember some cases where I wasnt happy when I made threads asking for one thing and only got other stuff, maybe it was that. But again not important. Its easy to become stubborn in this industry but Im working on self improvement.

I believe that the expressionlessness is due to my braces causes mouth tension (its something Ive been working on), they come off next month so hopefully improvement will follow shortly after). When they show in shots its typically not that great looking so I end up tight-mouthed.
Ive been trying to shoot some out of the box concepts the past few months and throw myself out of the comfort zone. Though I am growing my hair back out, Ill be going a different color, making some old shots obsolete anyway, and I've been looking to trim back my portfolio, but not sure where to begin.

NicoleNudes wrote:
Doooooo meeeeee

all over my entire port

Oooooooh, baby! 

Again, I really dislike having to critique someone I know and like on a personal level.  Even more so when I've worked with that person and had a wonderful time doing so.  At the same time, I think you're familiar enough with me to know that I am not an inherently mean person and I'm not going to rip something/someone apart just for kicks. 

Profile information is clear and concise and makes you come across as approachable.

You honestly don't have a single BAD image in your portfolio.  I wouldn't expect that you would either as I see you often ask for the advice of others when adding or removing photos.  You keep your portfolio neat and tidy and showcase only the best images from your shoots.

This, though, is probably my least favorite shot:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31265201
Again, it is a technically sound image.  For some reason it just doesn't seem to fit in with your other images.

I don't remember exactly, but didn't a few people complain about this being in your portfolio:
18+  https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30993657
Aside from the fact that SPRINGHEEL is an awesome guy and that I love my liege, this image brings something else to the table that the others don't.  It's darker, it's more thought provoking, it catches your eye.  It's not as serene as the other images.  It shows that while you are a beautiful young lady, you're not just another pretty face - you are capable of diversity.

Which brings me to the main problem with your port.  Ready?  I think it's too safe.  I want to see you explore poses outside the standard art and glamour nude.  Literally, try doing some weird shit pose-wise.  I'd really like to see you create more images with bigger impact.

_eMMe_ wrote:
I'll go for an overall critique, thank you.

I think your profile needs a little bit of work.  I understand there may be a little bit of a language barrier and that is ok.  Just, please, fix this: "and to find outfits and stuff."  It sounds very unprofessional to "and stuff".  How about changing it to "and accessories" or "and other items"?

Typically, I like diversity, but, for some reason, there's a sense of unity that is missing from your portfolio.  Some images make me think "fashion":


I know you're only 5'6", so you're not going to be a high fashion model, but those images express that attitude.  That's not a bad thing.

This says "classic art nude":
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30608066

This one makes me think "punk rocker":


A couple of them have an avant garde feel to them.

As a whole, the quality of your images is so-so.  A couple of them aren't exposed well, a couple not as sharp as they should be, however that's nothing you, as the model, have control over.

I think this is probably your worst:

Not a fantastic image and shows nothing of your capabilities as a model.

These two are, what I'd consider, your best:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/27723632


I think you need to seek out more capable photographers and try to see if you can bring a better sense of cohesion to your portfolio.

DanielScott2191 wrote:
Overall critique, avatar suggestion? If you're still doing this...

You're asking for two things.  Skipped.

Nicole Packs  wrote:
still going at it?
overall port please, thanks c:

At 5'9", these images are doing nothing for you:



This one just makes me want to cry:

You look SO amazing here, but the crop is bad.  I don't understand why the photographer left so much headroom and chose to cut you off below the hip.  This image should have either included more of you or should have been tighter cropped around your head and waist.

Now there's those legs!

I just find the background to be too distracting and you don't stand out enough from it.

This is your best:


I think this is merely a case of you needing to work with better photographers.  Preferably, photographers that can coach you a little.  There is no reason that someone with your stats and looks shouldn't be shooting AT LEAST once a month.

Let me know if you're ever in my area.

Rosemarie Bennet wrote:
I would love some direction. Have a look at my overall port if you're still going. Thanks

Profile a little wordy, but everything pretty much spelled out and not unreasonable.  You seem to realize that with your stats and "some experience" it'd be nice to get paid, but that's not always going to happen.

I don't like this:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31028133
The photograph, itself, was executed perfectly.  It's your pose and expression here that aren't working for me.  Would I ditch it?  Not so sure.  I think I'd tell you to ditch the ones in the nightgown first.  Don't like the sleeves on the gown...they add additional weight to you and the pearls...they come across tacky in those images.

You look kinda like Natalie Portman here:



I honestly don't have a favorite from your port.  Every photo in there has a little something that bothers me about it whether it's lighting, compostion, crop or focus.  Right now, you're going to have to keep plugging away and working with photographer to get some superior images in your portfolio.  Once your portfolio is stronger, you might get some paid art nude gigs.  You also might want to consider getting a couple of beauty and glamour photographs in there to broaden your horizons.

Bek Ruszin wrote:

Profile a little wordy, but everything pretty much spelled out and not unreasonable.  You seem to realize that with your stats and "some experience" it'd be nice to get paid, but that's not always going to happen.

I don't like this:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31028133
The photograph, itself, was executed perfectly.  It's your pose and expression here that aren't working for me.  Would I ditch it?  Not so sure.  I think I'd tell you to ditch the ones in the nightgown first.  Don't like the sleeves on the gown...they add additional weight to you and the pearls...they come across tacky in those images.

You look kinda like Natalie Portman here:



I honestly don't have a favorite from your port.  Every photo in there has a little something that bothers me about it whether it's lighting, compostion, crop or focus.  Right now, you're going to have to keep plugging away and working with photographer to get some superior images in your portfolio.  Once your portfolio is stronger, you might get some paid art nude gigs.  You also might want to consider getting a couple of beauty and glamour photographs in there to broaden your horizons.

Thank you so much, Bek. I will absolutely take all of that into consideration! Get well soon.

Bek Ruszin wrote:

I go into your port for a better view of your avatar (and perhaps some work to compare it against) and get...your avatar.

Why do you not have anything else up?  You're quite lovely.

Honestly, the avatar is not as crisp as I'd like it to be.  The lighting, tone and your expression and pose all fit together nicely, but it seems as if the camera is focused on you dangling earring.

I have 21 images, kindly hit expand and there are albums filled with various other work.

But yes, I felt similarly concerning this avatar. Though it is one of my best, where fashion is concerned....something did seem a bit off.

Thanks much!

Melodye Joy wrote:

I have 21 images, kindly hit expand and there are albums filled with various other work.

But yes, I felt similarly concerning this avatar. Though it is one of my best, where fashion is concerned....something did seem a bit off.

Thanks much!

Ahh.  Word of advice?  Change your settings so that they show up right away.  I've heard quite a few photographers complain about having to click on seperate folders, etc.

IDiivil wrote:
I want you to be mean to me Critique my overall portfolio, please!

I am SO fucking pissed right now.  I was more than halfway done with your critique when I accidently closed out the window and lost it.  Sonuvabitch.

Anyway, you'll have to refer to Nicole's critique above for what I said regarding having to critique people I know and like because it applies to you, too. 

I can't promise I'll be mean (especially if it's unwarranted), but I can promise that I will give you absolute honesty and my sincerest opinion(s).

Let me start by saying that you should be the official poster child for the phrase "Get Out There And Shoot".  You shoot your ass off and it's shown.  Your portfolio has grown and improved at a tremendous rate - proof that the more you shoot, the better you get, the better the selection of photographers available to you.

You've got the ability to communicate a variety of qualities:  strength, sexuality, vulnerability and confidence.  It'd be hard for me to pick one favorite from your portfolio because, like Nicole, you're pretty meticulous in your maintenance of it.

I don't like this, though:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31367778
Don't care for the grain, the compostion, the lighting or the color (Merry Christmas).  I'm also not typically a fan of totally nude models wearing high heels, but that's just me.

You're probably going to want to smack me because you just put this up, but I'm not feeling this one either:

It comes across "blah".  You look tired.

I'd consider moving this one out, too:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31359986
It's not that it isn't good, it's just that these are better and similar:
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/26636203
18+ https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/26929917

You've got a few images with movement and I'd really like to see you expand on that in the coming months, if possible.

Chelsea Baucom wrote:
Overall port, thanks! I don't have much, but I'm thinking of taking out any older images that just don't work with the new stuff.

It takes too much work to figure out what this is.  It just translates into a big pile of mess:

Dump it, it's embarassing.

This photo (and the other one from this set) have GOT to go:

This images don't demonstrate any degree of know-how with SFX make-up.  They demonstrate a bunch of face blood dumped on a model.  And the light-up candy cane?  What the fuck is with that?  Shred those.

I've gotta pause here for a moment and tell you that you appear in too many of your photos.  It's annoying and looks unprofessional.  Especially given the fact that all these images are generally mediocre at best and that your horror/special effects make-up is not quite up to par.  I can see edges around your work with latex...it's not blended in well enough and that ends up to it looking, well...fake.

This photo isn't great, but this is probably the best of your work and the most interesting, at that:

It still needs work - it has that drippy latex look.

Before you even think about working with some better photographers, I really think you need to practice more and step up your game.  There are some seriously amazing SFX artists on this site and your work is going to be easily passed over in favor of theirs.  I'd even go so far as to tell you to go into the Hair, Makeup & Styling as soon as possible and post an image in there and ask for suggestions on how you can make it better.  Once you've received advice, get to work.  Post again.  Refine your technique as needed until you've mastered it.  Then move on to the next thing.

Northern Lights Images wrote:
don't really care what you think about my work, how is that for grumpy ?

If you were really grumpy enough to not care what I (or anyone else) thought of your work, you wouldn't have even bothered to post in this thread.



You lose.

Shelbiee Savage wrote:
Profile picture?

Thank you! ^_^

I don't think it's great.  Unfortunately, it's the best you have until you get out and do another shoot.

Amanda J Foster wrote:
Overall portfolio please

16?  You have got to be kidding me?  Not only do you not look like the typical 16 year old girl, but you're not built like the typical 16 year old girl and you don't carry yourself like the typical 16 year old girl.  Totally impressed over here.

There's really nothing for me to offer.  You've got it and you work it and I am just speechless.

This is amazing and should be your avatar:


I would throw my grandmother down a flight of steps to work with you.

Bek Ruszin wrote:

Right away, this is the best:

Glad it's at the top, but it should be your avatar (I think it was not that long ago, if I recall correctly).

I had popped into your port briefly last night, so I can tell you've done a bit of work in there since then.  Good.  My critique would have probably been harsher based on what I saw last night as compared to tonight/this morning.

I don't care for this:

It's not horrendous, I just don't personally like what you're doing with your mouth.  Maybe you're trying to do a cute little smirk...I dunno...it reads as a sneer to me.  I just don't think it looks good.

This is the worst:

Which is sad because it has interesting makeup, good lighting and highlights your tattoo nicely.  It's just...man...way too friggin smoothed out.  Your eyes are especially overdone.  It looks like someone painted the whites of your eyes the whitest shade of white possibly visible to the human eye. 

You know what I don't understand?  I don't understand how at 5'8" you have only three full body shots - one standing, one seated in a boat and one laying curled up on a couch.  Why is that? 

I don't think I'd mind seeing some more beauty work from you either.  You have fantastic eyes, but it doesn't seem like anyone you've worked with has really capitalized on that.  I'd like to see them really emphasized and not necessariily with tons of makeup.  Just enough to play them up.

Thank you very much, and it was surprisingly pleasant for a grumpy critique. I agree, and should work on the full body

Bek Ruszin wrote:
And now I'm going to call it quits as my grumpiness is subsiding.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll come back here the next time I'm having a shitty couple of days.  Thanks for playing.

Thank YOU for playing. Hope you're feeling better soon.

Bek Ruszin wrote:
I think you need to seek out more capable photographers and try to see if you can bring a better sense of cohesion to your portfolio.

Thanks for your words, I'm working on it.

Bek Ruszin wrote:
You're another one that I wish had some more avante garde beauty/make up shots.

I am slowly working on that. I'd like to focus on beauty, whether avante garde or natural is ok with me, and maybe jewelry. Basically keep it on my face. Thank you for your time and critique. Now I got the flu.