Image Magik wrote:

Thanks for the tips. I cleaned house and it looks a lot better:-)

ikonas Boston wrote:
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

Good rundown of do's and don't. Photogs can save a little money by getting free portfolio reviews here.

Although there are no hard and fast rules.  I've gotten all sort of feedback from 'nothing photogs' over the years and many of the shots they hated are in museums collections.

nsfw

https://danielteolijr.wordpress.com/201 … s-got-one/

I turn off the comments t my blog. There comes a point where the photog has to think for themselves or he / she is sunk.

Amelia Vane wrote:
Yes please!

Greetings Amelia,

Your portfolio is brief yet diverse, it's well organized  -I even like the way you alternate portrait and landscape images. The dramatic light, your poses and your beauty truly captivate with a great artistic presentation.

If I were to point out one shortcoming, it would be the placement of your hand in couple of your images. While you look absolutely beautiful in the portrait you just posted, your hand is touching your cheek in an awkward manner, making the pose contrived looking.


Same goes for the following nude image titled "Wood Elf"
<img src='http://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/140927/19/54276d2671194.jpg' />
Its a beautiful image and you got many comments on it so I am not asking you to remove it.

Hand placement can be  a challenge. Perform some natural action with your hand(s), such as pretending you adjust your hair, hold on to something to support yourself, or hold a prop..

You have many strong images in your port. Here are a few:

<img src='http://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/131025/07/526a810789268.jpg' />
Love the presentation of your lovely back in selective dramatic illumination.


A super sexy wardrobe.

Btw  seems like we are neighbors - my studio is in Somerville

Happy New Year and best wishes to you.

Wandering Child Photo wrote:
Alright, I'm up for it.

Welcome to MM Wandering Child. Your new port is very brief, as it should be, and yet it is quite diverse and captivating, showing your talent as a photographer. You have no variants, the poses and expressions of your models are good, and the light is great.

Keep them all !!

AshThom wrote:
Please!

Greetings Ash,

I can say almost exactly the same like in my previous critique Your  port is very brief, which I encourage, and yet it is quite diverse and captivating, showing your talent as a photographer. You have no variants, the poses and expressions of your models are natural, and the light is great. Keep them all !!

I would advise you to play with black and white and try some indoor shots in the future.

Emma Joan wrote:
Now that my mm port is full every time i have new options i like to edit out older material that isn't as good as the newer options and i'd love your advise as to what might be the weakest of the bunch, Thanks!

Hello Emma, thanks for stopping by. Nice work. Once again, like in the previous two reviews, your port is compact which makes it very effective -  less is more which is the main idea behind this thread. The light , poses and your expressions captive. 

I would recommend removing couple of images to make your port even more brief and more effective

Remove this collage - Rule [3] AVOID COLLAGES AND COMPOSITES


While this one is not a variant, you do have 2 or 3 more similar portraits already posted.


Here is one of my favorites for the pose and dress which displays your lovely figure very effectively.


While I do like your natural look, I do recommend playing with different hair styles and makeup.
Great job overall!