Forums > Critique > Your Worst image. Ask and I'll tell you why.

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

As they say, your port is as good as your worst image. Let me help you get rid of it. This is a gentle, constructive criticism that will highlight your strong points as well. Consider your portfolio your art gallery where you want to show only your very best work. A portfolio in general should show less than 50 images. A common mistake is for a VIP member to show 200+ images just because he/she can.

LESS IS MORE - One of the easiest way to bring your portfolio to the next level is to delete your weaker images. Post only your star images. Don’t let your viewer play treasure hunt by having to sort through volumes of marginal images to find your gems.

Prior to responding, I will carefully review your port AND your profile, as my intent is to provide thoughtful, constructive criticism. Your port will be evaluated based on the following consideration:

Rule [1] AVOID VARIANT IMAGES
Posting multiple similar images from the same scene is the most common problem of poorly constructed ports. Decide which one you like and stick to it.  Don't let the viewer chose for you because he will judge you by the worst one.

Rule [2] DELETE IMAGES WITH POOR POSE OR EXPRESSION
Too many images are ruined by uninteresting expression or contrived pose.
   ♦ Get rid of images where you are just smiling with no unique concept behind
   ♦ Delete poses where it looks obvious it is a contrived pose

Rule [3] AVOID COLLAGES AND COMPOSITES
These are usually detriment to your port for couple of reasons. Like your port, your collage will be judged by its worst image, not by its best. Furthermore, the thumbnail of the composite does not show enough detail to invite a visitor in. An exception in using collage would be for a retouch artist or MUA to show before and after effect.

Rule [4] LISTEN TO YOUR AUDIENCE
Get rid of images that have been sitting there for months having received only one or two comments. Actually it is neither the number of comments nor the number of image views that counts. Rather, what really matters is what I call  "view-to-comment ratio". For example if you got 10 comments but it was viewed over 1,000 times this is a 100 to 1 ratio, a hint the image is marginal. The lower the ratio, the better is the image. A score below 20 I consider quite good.

Rule [5] AVOID THESE THEMES
   ♦ Cliche themes like Railroad scenes, Images with Guitar, Car, or Caution tape is a sign that the artist is not an original thinker
   ♦ Blood, gory stuff are negative themes. You want a viewer to walk away with a good feeling not disgust
   ♦ Overcrowding your port with large boobs hints that you have a one-track mind
   ♦ Open crotch photos. They definitely devalue your port

Rule [6] AVOID OVER-POSTING IMAGES OF THE SAME MODEL
It is YOUR port, not your model's. Show some diversity. If you are an inexperienced photographer just starting out it may be a challenge to find models willing to work on TFCD basis. Invest in your hobby and hire an experienced model or two. 

Rule [7] MALE MODELS AVOID
   ♦ Baring your chest. Unless you have an amazing physique, you have no chance of competing against the multitude of hulks lurking on MM
   ♦ Underwear shots, all male genital shots

Rule [8] DO NOT OVER PHOTOSHOP YOUR IMAGES
While I am a firm believer in photoshopping and retouching, doing so should not be obvious to the viewer. After you photoshop your image, stand back and ponder if any aspect of your retouch is noticeable. If it is, retrace your step and do it right. If you cannot hide your track, abandon your efforts and do not post the image.
   ♦ Avoid creating un-natural complexion. The model should look live and not like some sort of plastic mannequin
   ♦ Do not create artificial backgrounds or graphics - most people find this is boring

Please READ CAREFULLY the above guidelines and try to update your port accordingly, as best as you can, PRIOR to seeking my help. When ready, be specific as to what are your concerns and in what areas you think you need most help. Be thoughtful in your inquiry as I will be thoughtful in my answers. 

Once your review is posted, I encourage your comments, whether you agree or not. The readers would like to know your thoughts.

Thanks

Aug 10 12 12:06 pm Link

Photographer

Jorge Kreimer

Posts: 3716

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

Sure, why not?

Aug 10 12 12:08 pm Link

Photographer

Drew Smith Photography

Posts: 5214

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

DO IT (to be read in the voice of Arnold Schwarzeneggar).

Aug 10 12 12:08 pm Link

Clothing Designer

Chainmaille Treasures

Posts: 828

Hermitage, Tennessee, US

I'll play. though i hope i have some good ones that you can find a worst shot.

Aug 10 12 12:13 pm Link

Photographer

Rebecca Christine

Posts: 7074

London, England, United Kingdom

I'm game smile

Aug 10 12 12:15 pm Link

Model

JodieMae

Posts: 71

London, Ontario, Canada

Sure thing

Aug 10 12 12:17 pm Link

Model

Axioma

Posts: 6822

Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium

I'm asking

Aug 10 12 12:18 pm Link

Model

Luna Diosa

Posts: 13242

Elizabeth, New Jersey, US

hienvy

Aug 10 12 12:21 pm Link

Photographer

L Raye

Posts: 5045

Petaluma, California, US

Please tell me.

Aug 10 12 12:25 pm Link

Model

J Jessica

Posts: 2431

Coconut Creek, Florida, US

okay

Aug 10 12 12:28 pm Link

Photographer

Images by MR

Posts: 8908

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Shoot...

Aug 10 12 12:33 pm Link

Photographer

Photo Visions

Posts: 1034

Cape Coral, Florida, US

ok, tell me.

Aug 10 12 12:35 pm Link

Model

rosemerry

Posts: 59

Glendale, California, US

I would like to know , thx

Aug 10 12 12:44 pm Link

Model

LisaInLondon

Posts: 707

London, England, United Kingdom

Interested!

Aug 10 12 12:54 pm Link

Model

Rei L

Posts: 264

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

oh this sound exactly like what I need!! Yes please!

Will look at your port too ;D

Aug 10 12 12:57 pm Link

Model

Siloette

Posts: 16

Whitney Point, New York, US

Me?

Aug 10 12 01:08 pm Link

Model

Emily Smiles

Posts: 295

Columbia, South Carolina, US

Still in the process of cleaning out my port. Please, which is the worst and why?

Aug 10 12 01:14 pm Link

Photographer

BK Shuman Photography

Posts: 430

Springfield, Ohio, US

I would like to know.

Aug 10 12 01:17 pm Link

Photographer

Dagger133

Posts: 362

Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Sure, I'm interested in hearing your opinion.

Aug 10 12 01:34 pm Link

Model

Miss Bond

Posts: 1507

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

oki:)

Aug 10 12 01:45 pm Link

Model

Loria Harrison

Posts: 1757

Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, US

please read my profile first and then pkease me!
thanks,
Loria

Aug 10 12 01:50 pm Link

Model

C A T H Y

Posts: 5464

Anaheim, California, US

go for it smile

Aug 10 12 01:52 pm Link

Photographer

Joseph William

Posts: 2039

Chicago, Illinois, US

am I too late?

Aug 10 12 01:52 pm Link

Model

Annabella Kathryn

Posts: 848

Brooklyn, New York, US

Great!

Aug 10 12 01:59 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Jorge Kreimer wrote:
Sure, why not?

While I see creative composition throughout your port using nice soft light, you've got too many images in your port. For example I would delete this one: https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120803/09/501c00b71b61c_m.jpg
While Gabrielle8 and  Lauren Amante are two pretty girls, they are just  posing for the camera. You have a better image of them laying downd in the grass.

I do love some of the poses and light in your indoor work. Keep it up!

Aug 10 12 02:07 pm Link

Photographer

Nuance Photography

Posts: 110

Brantford, Ontario, Canada

Please and thank you.

Aug 10 12 02:10 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Drew Smith Photography wrote:
DO IT (to be read in the voice of Arnold Schwarzeneggar).

Get rid of the first two B&W images of the first row. While Laura is gorgeous, and you have done a great job capturing her in a natural setting with some great light, you are showing three similar photos of her. Make up your mind and decide which you like, and dont confuse the viewer. Her third image is the best, so keep it.

Aug 10 12 02:12 pm Link

Photographer

TallPix

Posts: 222

Miami Springs, Florida, US

I will play

Aug 10 12 02:14 pm Link

Photographer

A N D E R S O N

Posts: 2553

Rockville, Maryland, US

Yes please.

Aug 10 12 02:16 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Chainmaille Treasures wrote:
I'll play. though i hope i have some good ones that you can find a worst shot.

I am not sure MM is the best forum to advertise your product, and I am here to critique the art and creativity of photos as opposed to have input on marketing. Having said that I would delete all images except keep 4. To me the images all look similar, and so does the jewelery. The model is attractive, but lacking appealing expression. In your future photos you should make point to have the image sharply focused. Good luck in your business.

Aug 10 12 02:20 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

RebeccaChristine wrote:
I'm game smile

Firstly I see you have registerd 5990 forum posts, meaning you are spending too much time here in the forums. You should be spending more time doing  photography. I love the color in some of your images.

Get rid of this one.

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120213/16/4f39b052dd080_m.jpg

You already showed this guy's hairdo in the previous image, so why show his limp body too ?

Aug 10 12 02:29 pm Link

Photographer

Jeffrey M Fletcher

Posts: 4861

Asheville, North Carolina, US

please feel free, thanks

Aug 10 12 02:35 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

JodieMae wrote:
Sure thing

I propose getting rid of two images. Here your expression is dead plus there are too many guitar images on MM, you want to be unique.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120806/10/502005bab2e55_m.jpg


The image below is a snapshot, showing your huge boobs. Is that your intent?
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120726/14/5011b59fbd693_m.jpg

I do like your B&W image in the first row.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120803/22/501cb4337e081_m.jpg
Your expression is captivating, it shows your beautiful face in great light. You should continue working with professional photographers like Jeffery Timbrell. Have fun!

Aug 10 12 02:37 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Mini_ wrote:
I'm asking

I would say keep them all. Your port has few images and they are all artistic and interesting. If I HAD to choose one it would be your most recent one. Why? I think your expression is too contirved.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120808/10/50229f33bd859_m.jpg

You are also spending too much time posting in these forums. Rather, use your time to create more beautiful images

Aug 10 12 02:44 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Cynthia Serrano  wrote:
hienvy

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/090718/06/4a61d31bcfc40_m.jpg

Too many images with waterfalls on MM. Your expression is not that interesting.

I love the image shown below. It shows your exotic beauty in a creative way in great light. Very captivating.
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/090814/16/4a85f6ef54900_m.jpg

Aug 10 12 02:48 pm Link

Model

Veritas4Venus

Posts: 135

Baltimore, Maryland, US

Please, I'd really appreciate your opinion. I am trying to figure out which pics in my port are weakest, but nobody ever seems to want to critique me. Thanks!

Aug 10 12 02:49 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

L Raye wrote:
Please tell me.

Get rid of Lisa, second image in the third row. The capture of her lleft breast in this angle is not particularly flattering.

Your overal port is a visual feast and quite creative/ My favorite is the first image of the third row for its unique pose and light. Cant show the link here as its  a nude.

Aug 10 12 02:55 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

J Jessica  wrote:
okay

Get rid of the rabit. While he is cute, you are infinitely more beautiful smile

Aug 10 12 02:57 pm Link

Model

KristianaRose

Posts: 585

Denver, Colorado, US

I'm in.

Aug 10 12 02:58 pm Link

Photographer

ikonas Boston

Posts: 736

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Images by MR wrote:
Shoot...

Girl with the shutters should go. Image does not come even close to the quality or originality of the rest of your port.

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/120718/12/500710b3aa998_m.jpg

BTW I already commented on several of your port images in the past. My favortite one is shown below. WOW!
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/100501/00/4bdbd270a0295_m.jpg

Aug 10 12 03:02 pm Link