I have come across your work many times here on MM and have always been impressed. You have a definite style and fingerprint in your images, through lighting, post work, models etc, that allows us to know it is your work without seeing your name attached to it. So for what you have, I would say fantastic!
But I am feeling that today I want to go a step further, mostly for my own curiosity. I see that you have a set style, I wonder if you step outside of that style in other work that you simply do not post? This is not a criticism, but a wonder for someone who has a set style, does it feel static after a while, and do you feel the desire to break out from time to time?
In any event- I admire your work, and your vision, and ability to make an image your own
Congratulations! Making the leap to off camera flash in a studio is a big step- with lots of learning curve and trial and error. Your lighting seems to be progressins wel. I see you experimenting with some different sets ups- trying out multiple light set ups etc. Is it perfect yet? No. But it appears you have a grasp of how to direct lighting, so now it is about refining it.
Refining makes it tough when you run into your trouble of finding willing models to work with you. That is totally normal, having that challenge. And the larger challenge is finding willing models that will add to your portfolio with their skills. Great lighting on an uncomfortable, inexperienced model is not a great thing- not that a model with less experience cannot look good with direction- but when you are trying to figure out your lighting, and learning how to work with models, an inexperienced model will not naturally produce great results- where as an experienced one most likely would.
Have you considered putting up a casting call for a paid shoot? Or contacting experienced models in your area that require a fee for their time? I know it is tough to get money out for what might be a hobby- but you will see results more quickly if you go in this direction.
As per the portfolio view question. I hate to say it, but my thought reading your question before I even opened your portfolio was that his highest viewed images will be in direct relation to he amount of skin showing. And when I opened up and looked I was correct. A challeneging part of MM is that it is in some sense a market where sex sells over quality. So do not judge your own work on the number of views and comments it gets. Judge it on what you believe to be your best images and the direction you want to be going in. If you are looking for high comments just put a bunch of naked erotic images up. But I do not see that as your goal. Shoot what you believe in.
Thanks! You are correct in understanding that i do this for myself first and foremost, just for the satisfaction of saying, "i made that!" i'm very proud of my work, considering that i bought my camera just four months ago, and know that I can certainly improve.
is there any current image in my port that is almost there lighting, comp and PP-wise more so than the others, something i should use as my current benchmark as i go into future shoots?
I Ference Photography wrote: I'm in! As for my question: what should I be looking to do BETTER in future?
I am going to go with blah- out of an infintile jealousy of your locations!
In all seriousness...
It is very apparent that you are first and foremost an architectural photographer. I feel exceptionally critical of work that includes naked female models in abondoned spaces- mostly because it is an aesthetic I follow closely and have seen a lot of work by many different artists in this genre. I hate to say it is cliche- as I love it so- but it is getting harder and harder to have it stand out as anything fantastic beyond- that is an awesome location.
Whereas other images they feel like an afterthought, or just another brick in the wall
But beware- this is just my personal bias and taste- I need to feel a connection with the model and the space to have the image feel like a story worth looking into. This could not be your vision, or desired outcome- in which case...
So maybe it is just what you could do better is to be as good as a model/architecture photographer as you are an architecture photographer. You are well on your way
Lucid-Grafx Photography wrote: I have come across your work many times here on MM and have always been impressed. You have a definite style and fingerprint in your images, through lighting, post work, models etc, that allows us to know it is your work without seeing your name attached to it. So for what you have, I would say fantastic!
But I am feeling that today I want to go a step further, mostly for my own curiosity. I see that you have a set style, I wonder if you step outside of that style in other work that you simply do not post? This is not a criticism, but a wonder for someone who has a set style, does it feel static after a while, and do you feel the desire to break out from time to time?
In any event- I admire your work, and your vision, and ability to make an image your own
I shoot pretty infrequently. When I do I tend to work around ideas that I like, and I guess those ideas are fairly simple. One thing I find myself tending to do a lot is work towards a result that is very model-centric. So I tend to avoid any serious set design, props or elements in a frame that contribute to the story. It's all about the model for me.
That puts a lot of pressure on them of course.
As for tiring of it - well because I don't shoot all that often I really don't get tired of it. I'm sure if I shot every week I would. For me it's about having fun and the simplicity angle helps a lot with that. I also stick with just two lenses for most of what I do (Zeiss 85 1.4 and Zeiss 135 1.8). Rarely I'll pop a 28mm or 50mm on to mix it up. I'm seriously loving the Zeiss primes. I mention it only because when one uses the same focal length consistently that's going to contribute to a consistent look as well.
There are definitely other stylistic things I want to do. More ambitious things. But the time and money involved in going there tends to be prohibitive.
And regarding that image that you like - the model posted a critique thread about it and got a ton of 'your hair is in your face, that makes the image bad' type of feedback. This made me like that image more. It also taught me that sometimes image 'flaws' are sometimes a positive thing. I think that one is an example.
Well, I have to say in all honesty (I always go for honesty) that I consider your work to be the height of what MM has to offer. So fantastic is an understatement. I would have loved to say I would like to see you push outside of the studio and lighting that you use so well- but then look at your Raw portfolio and know that you experiment and just enjoy what you do and how you do it, so my words have very little weight. Everyone has room for growth, but i am in no place to offer anything to you to contribute to your growth. I know my limits!
Thanks! You are correct in understanding that i do this for myself first and foremost, just for the satisfaction of saying, "i made that!" i'm very proud of my work, considering that i bought my camera just four months ago, and know that I can certainly improve.
is there any current image in my port that is almost there lighting, comp and PP-wise more so than the others, something i should use as my current benchmark as i go into future shoots?
thanks,
brad
Well, you are doing very well for 4 months! Self taught I am guessing as well?
I shoot pretty infrequently. When I do I tend to work around ideas that I like, and I guess those ideas are fairly simple. One thing I find myself tending to do a lot is work towards a result that is very model-centric. So I tend to avoid any serious set design, props or elements in a frame that contribute to the story. It's all about the model for me.
That puts a lot of pressure on them of course.
As for tiring of it - well because I don't shoot all that often I really don't get tired of it. I'm sure if I shot every week I would. For me it's about having fun and the simplicity angle helps a lot with that. I also stick with just two lenses for most of what I do (Zeiss 85 1.4 and Zeiss 135 1.8). Rarely I'll pop a 28mm or 50mm on to mix it up. I'm seriously loving the Zeiss primes. I mention it only because when one uses the same focal length consistently that's going to contribute to a consistent look as well.
There are definitely other stylistic things I want to do. More ambitious things. But the time and money involved in going there tends to be prohibitive.
And regarding that image that you like - the model posted a critique thread about it and got a ton of 'your hair is in your face, that makes the image bad' type of feedback. This made me like that image more. It also taught me that sometimes image 'flaws' are sometimes a positive thing. I think that one is an example.
Thanks for the feedback!
Thank you for the thoughtful response, and insight into your thinking and process. That is all helpful, as I wonder sometimes if I should try to refine my style more to develop a personal idetified style, or just keep on shooting what I love. I always go for doing what I love.
And like you, my imagination and ideas usually stray outside of my time and wallet.
What I love about that image is that it is not perfect. I like imperfection in images. I like hair that is slightly out of place. SOme see it a sa lack of detail, I guess I see it as a sense of realism and the imperfection of the world. Of course it all comes down to the intended purpose of the image. So yes, that image is a perfect example of flaws gone good
I see a lot of creative vision in your portfolio- a desire to step outside of the norm and experiement with style, technique, post work, and model selection. I think some of your images pull down the creativity and impact your portfolio has. I see a style developing, but possibly a few of your images are holding on to the past. Or maybe you like a diversity of styles and are not going for one specific style (I go through this all of the time). The images that you have that I see as demonstrating your style I would put as fantastic. This one stands out as such: http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/29911402
Your work reminds me of a friend of mine, who once she found her voice and style she exploded and is an amazing photographer now. I see that happening for you.
Apparently Sunday morning pre coffee is horoscope styled feedback...
Thank you for this fantastic feedback! I also feel like that image that you didn't like was kind of meh... It was forced actually as I didn't like the way the model well... modeled. I left it up because I felt like the model had done other things for me that lent me to leave it... though I should probably take it down because it does nothing to enhance what I have.
I mostly also wanted to show some diversity within my work... gonna do some trimming here in a minute
I like your use of light, and feels you have a good grasp of post work, model posing, camera angle and all of that critical stuff. I am however not seeing anything that jumps off the page as unique and eye catching. Solidly good, that stands out. But I am not seeing anything that excites me. I am reluctant to go with meh, but also reluctant to go with fantastic. Certainly not blah!
I am going to be critical, not because your work is not good, but because it IS good!
Yes- I am moody like that
You understand angles- both llama angles and camera angles. I think you are well on your way to being a very strong fashion photographer- so where am I being critical? I want to see you puch convention a little bit more. You have a creative eye, I can see that. I want to see more of that personality and vision coming out in your work- to moe it from great, to fantastic. I realize you have to work within the confines of what the customer is looking for- but I want to see personal work that shows them what you can do if given creative control.
Luckily, your images show more enthusiasm than your post!
Your work is solid all the way around. What really stands out though- for me at least, is your B&W work. But I suppose I am always a sucker for B&W, especially when it is portrait styled.
Your fashion work is good as well- but I do not feel it is as good as the rest of your work- seems to lack the same vision your other work does. It is good, technically... just does not scream out Kyle Burnell
Lauren Reynolds MUA wrote: Would love your opinion
An MUA! Exciting!
I have a love hate relationship with MUA's. I love that they exist and do great work. I hate that I cannot seem to connect with a consistant one in my area where our style jives to build a longer term working relationship....
I like the work you are doing. I feel reluctant to give out a fantastic becasue there is not an image that knocks my socks off. But I would hire you onto a project that I was working on. I like your experimentation. I like that it looks like you like to have fun with this, but take a professional approach.
Well, I will be honest and say that I will put you in the upper reaches of blah/low end of meh. It seems you are not happy with your work? Why? What do you want it to be? What image out there excite you? How can you emulate them, yet make them your own?
Don't be affraid to make "mistakes" so long as you learn from them. Get to know about lighting, and how it works an image. VAry your shooting angles, read about composition, if you want it, you will figure it out.
You are a tough one! While nothing in your portfolio jumps off the page for me, the quality of your work is great. For my taste, I would put you on the upper end of meh- but for your genre I will bump you up to fantastic due to your lighting and post work.
Sorry, I am going to have to go with meh. There is nothing jumping off the page for me both in interest or high quality. I am not feeling a connection to your llamas, or a feeling of life in the images. There are a few I like well enough, but none knock my socks off.
My favorite image of yours is this self portrait: http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/22029127 and looking at it I am inclined to re-write what I said above as you look like you could kick my ass all over town
justforfunphotography wrote: I would love to hear your thoughts
I like a few of your latex shots. But a lot of your more glamour/lingerie work feels like I have seen it many times before. I like that the latex shots have energy, and attitude. The modesl stand out, and thus the work stands out. If you could get similar energy into your other work I think I would bump up above meh- where I unfortunately have to place you for the moment.
RoryBanwellPhotography wrote: Most of my photos are old so I would be interested..
Sorry, I am feeling meh when looking at your portfolio. Some images feel like snapshots from a trip out with friends- though that candid style might be what you are going for. Other images I am not sure where you are going with the cocnept- where it almost feels like an incomplete thought. Though there is something I like about your work- as far as the color saturation and casual feel. I imagine the wedding work that you have been focusing on is quite successful in a quirky way- I am just not seeing that in your current portfolio.
KeithDewey3 wrote: I would like to know. Big boy pants are on and belted up.
So, I was scrolling through your images and saw a wide variety of style and approach, making some hmmm, and such noises. Then I get to your last image and didn't see that one coming!
While nothing stands out, there are images I like, and feel that I see some quality work peering its way through. I can't quite give you fantastic- so the upper end of meh- I put you in the upper end of meh due to the variety of styles you seem to be exploring. I do see inconsistancies in quality of images- so you might benefit from some portfolio trimming.
Lucid-Grafx Photography wrote: So, I was scrolling through your images and saw a wide variety of style and approach, making some hmmm, and such noises. Then I get to your last image and didn't see that one coming!
While nothing stands out, there are images I like, and feel that I see some quality work peering its way through. I can't quite give you fantastic- so the upper end of meh- I put you in the upper end of meh due to the variety of styles you seem to be exploring. I do see inconsistancies in quality of images- so you might benefit from some portfolio trimming.
Thank you for the feedback and taking the time to look. I agree my port needs trimmed. I have been working on that and need to do more. I like to experiment with just about any concept around so the diversity is on purpose.
Thank you again.
Lucid-Grafx Photography wrote: Bring me to your portfolio and I will let you know if I find anything about your work that stands out as unique, and eye catching. Ratings will be as follows:
...
As a bonus- you can ask me any question and I will make a half ass attempt at answering it.
Hi,
If you are still going, I'd like to know.
Thanks!
Jen
You are a tough one! While nothing in your portfolio jumps off the page for me, the quality of your work is great. For my taste, I would put you on the upper end of meh- but for your genre I will bump you up to fantastic due to your lighting and post work.
MyrnaByrna wrote: Hi,
If you are still going, I'd like to know.
Thanks!
Jen
I am feeling a bit of a mixed bag with your portfolio. On one hand, I really enjoy llamas with a dance background- it shows through in their posing- in your case both in dance related images- but in others as well. BUt, on the other side, I am not seeing anything really jumping out at me. I think your body is fantastic in a unique way for art nude work- so I like that work- but other images in your port sort of drag the whole thing down. I think there is more to you than is coming across in the images. So I think I am going with meh for the overall thing.
You are though, someone I would totally contact about working together!
I believe our paths have crossed a few times before on this site. Each time they do cross I am reminded that I left Denver too soon!
So- I am also reminded when looking at your portfolio that I totally want an awesome red head in my portfolio! I will put you in the area of fantastic. There are several images of your that I really like, but today I am digging this one: http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/26861739
Well that is good! I really like the simple aesthetic of your images. The lighting catches my eye- but the clean styling and posing really stand out to me. There is something pushing me toward saying fantastic for your work- as it is so simple- yet I keep looking at it and enjoying it.
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