Forums > Critique > im in the mood for some critique

Model

Nadia Ruslanova

Posts: 465

Tampa, Florida, US

post on here what you think of my work, what rates you think im worthy of..etc etc, and ill take a look at your stuff smile

Dec 04 12 08:05 am Link

Model

Nadia Ruslanova

Posts: 465

Tampa, Florida, US

anyone? smile

Dec 04 12 08:07 am Link

Photographer

B R U N E S C I

Posts: 25319

Bath, England, United Kingdom

You have a pleasant commercial look, not really editorial.

I can imagine you doing catalogue work or suchlike but you will need agency representation to get paid for it, and at 20 years old time is running out.

No comment on rates as very few models get paid via MM for anything other than nudes, which you don't shoot.




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Dec 04 12 08:24 am Link

Photographer

Don Garrett

Posts: 4984

Escondido, California, US

I do think you have a good look, and are tall, as is required by the powers that be, (not important to me, as an artist). I think your portfolio is weak, and doesn't show me very much I can use, regarding your value as a llama. Again, I am NOT a commercial photographer, and llama Mayhem is NOT "the industry", it has been described as a social networking site. Without getting too deep into the analysis, I would pretty much agree with that description.
I also would have to agree with Brunesci, that llamas who get paid jobs here, on a regular basis, are probably ones who do nudes, (that is the case with me). The llamas who travel, post an itinerary in their profile, and book all over the country are probably the most successful llamas here, (some who I have worked with have expressed that to me, and it is consistent with my own observations).
-Don

Dec 04 12 08:39 am Link

Photographer

Gabby57

Posts: 470

Ponca City, Oklahoma, US

Your avatar shot at least shows your lovely face and eyes.  The lighting is flat, but the bigger problem is that your body/shoulders are squared to the camera which is usually not flattering.

I can't really speak to the second row because I'm not a fan of the blown highlight/back lit style even though everybody seems to be doing it.

The black and white in the third row is the best shot IMO, except for the stray hair over your face which seems to happen often.  On that same row the seated horizontal is a workable image though I'd personally have cropped it tighter, the vertical seated shot has a lot of potential with vigorous post processing since no fill was used.

The shots in the wheat just don't cut it with your face so obscured in shadow and, again, the fly away hair.

Free opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them though, I'm much more into portraiture rather than fashion etc. which these would fit better with, and we all see the world though the lens of our own preferences and prejudices.

I look forward to seeing more!

Dec 04 12 08:40 am Link

Model

Nadia Ruslanova

Posts: 465

Tampa, Florida, US

-B-R-U-N-E-S-C-I- wrote:
You have a pleasant commercial look, not really editorial.

I can imagine you doing catalogue work or suchlike but you will need agency representation to get paid for it, and at 20 years old time is running out.

No comment on rates as very few models get paid via MM for anything other than nudes, which you don't shoot.




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

thanks for the feedback!

i trully love your work. i think the quality of images like yours is what makes mm worth it. i think it's all about the simplicity, great lighting and some very original posing and props. the models themselves are incredibly expressive in their body movements and on the face.

i think the shot with the pink lips is your weakest. its a little over shoped and doesn't pack the punch as your other images do... but i see why you have it in your book

all in all.. WOW! GREAT! im even adding you to my list hehe

Dec 04 12 10:18 am Link

Model

Nadia Ruslanova

Posts: 465

Tampa, Florida, US

Don Garrett wrote:
I do think you have a good look, and are tall, as is required by the powers that be, (not important to me, as an artist). I think your portfolio is weak, and doesn't show me very much I can use, regarding your value as a model. Again, I am NOT a commercial photographer, and Model Mayhem is NOT "the industry", it has been described as a social networking site. Without getting too deep into the analysis, I would pretty much agree with that description.
I also would have to agree with Brunesci, that models who get paid jobs here, on a regular basis, are probably ones who do nudes, (that is the case with me). The models who travel, post an itinerary in their profile, and book all over the country are probably the most successful models here, (some who I have worked with have expressed that to me, and it is consistent with my own observations).
-Don

thanks for the input!!

i think your work is pretty good. i really like nature shots and an earthy feel. i personally really like very contrasting tones in a shot (dark black and pure white, dark green, light green) but since you dont do too much effect in post, your images are very subtle. they are just more appealing to someone who likes minimal effect in the work.
i think nature shots have key in  posing. there is nothing interesting about a tree, a log, a bush, and a girl sitting looking at the camera. it doesnt really send an emotion, but when the model has a striking pose, like https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/12469469 i really like that. shes not showing a particular emotion but it makes the work much more visually pleasing

Dec 04 12 10:24 am Link

Model

Nadia Ruslanova

Posts: 465

Tampa, Florida, US

Gabby57 wrote:
Your avatar shot at least shows your lovely face and eyes.  The lighting is flat, but the bigger problem is that your body/shoulders are squared to the camera which is usually not flattering.

I can't really speak to the second row because I'm not a fan of the blown highlight/back lit style even though everybody seems to be doing it.

The black and white in the third row is the best shot IMO, except for the stray hair over your face which seems to happen often.  On that same row the seated horizontal is a workable image though I'd personally have cropped it tighter, the vertical seated shot has a lot of potential with vigorous post processing since no fill was used.

The shots in the wheat just don't cut it with your face so obscured in shadow and, again, the fly away hair.

Free opinions are worth exactly what you pay for them though, I'm much more into portraiture rather than fashion etc. which these would fit better with, and we all see the world though the lens of our own preferences and prejudices.

I look forward to seeing more!

thanks a lot smile

I would like to start with saying that i think your strongest image is your first image. its throwing me off a little (haha here we go, us and our hair pet peeves lol) that on the model as your profile pic, te hair is on the neck. since its such a soft color like her skin, it almost makes her neck look thicker than it actually is, i think with a darker haired woman, the hair would outline it more and slim

you frame the shots well and they are visually appealing, but my own personal taste is for a little more edgey shots smile

Dec 04 12 10:27 am Link

Photographer

L Bass

Posts: 957

Nacogdoches, Texas, US

There are a couple of shots in your port that do you justice. Your AVI works as a basic torso shot and shows your facial features nicely, but as was mentioned earlier, 'squaring up' with the camera isn't always the best way to pose or capture. The B&W shot against the wall shows some artistry by the photographer and a stylish pose by you. The shot of you standing on the tires gives the viewer a good look at your overall body shape, which is nice. The rest of your port comes across as basic photography and modeling. Nothing that reaches out and grabs the viewer.

Your profile won't appeal to the professionals. At 20 years old and a weak modeling port... to say 'experienced' and 'Paid assignments only' will be enough to reduce the amount of professional traffic substantially.

The second paragraph in your profile was enough to do me in. I only kept reading because you asked for critique, and that was the only way I could respond accurately. A model that refuses to shoot TF should have an exceptional port and not have the need for improvement.

As for what rates you are worthy of... that would depend entirely what you can get. There are 'photographers' out there that will pay for your modeling services. Just don't expect seasoned photographers that have more under their belt than a camera and a copy of Photoshop to break the door down trying to shoot with you.

You have the looks and stats to be successful at this. Relax and get on a level that makes sense for now, shoot some TF to build your port and gain experience, and then... run with it! I feel as though you will do well.

I will commend you for starting and participating in so many forums. That's a great way to become familiar with MM and see what is available to you as a model. There is a lot of advice here. Some you'll like, and some you won't. Some is valid and some isn't. One thing for sure... there are plenty of great photographers in your area that would probably do TF work with you. I wish you all the best!

Dec 04 12 11:20 am Link

Photographer

Peach Jones

Posts: 6906

Champaign, Illinois, US

Except for 2 or 3 of your works it is pretty vanilla. If you want to ask about rates then I would not pay you now based on the work in your port.......but, I do think with stronger work that you can be on the road to making $$

Dec 04 12 12:24 pm Link

Photographer

Sergei Rodionov

Posts: 868

Dallas, Texas, US

Yup. Fairly plain port.
Clean enough to be a comp card, contains face, 3/4, full body & etc.. Not interesting enough to pause or see any unique talents or features.
Same expression everywhere.

Dec 04 12 01:00 pm Link

Photographer

BigBangInc

Posts: 28

Dallas, Texas, US

I have to agree with much of what's been said - but overall:

Your face has some really interesting/exotic lines... which really need to be "looked for" and brought out. You have the capacity to look fairly vanilla, but I could see some really cool stuff with the right lighting. You'd have to work with some really excellent shooters and stylists to get there... you'll need to trade to do it.

Dec 04 12 07:53 pm Link

Photographer

Mark

Posts: 2977

New York, New York, US

your port is pretty weak.  Your photos appear to be from different years and many are not so attractive-  And you are.  Bite the bullet and plunk down some cash and shoot with a photographer that can guide you better - you could be doing commercial print

really bad choice for an avatar- I cant even find the model

Dec 08 12 11:13 pm Link

Photographer

L Bass

Posts: 957

Nacogdoches, Texas, US

OP... you really should be keeping up with this thread, as you have with the other threads you have started. You are receiving some valid advice and should be taken seriously if you truly intend to be successful at modeling here on MM, or anywhere for that matter.

Granted, it's not always what you want to hear. But if you ask for honest advice on how to improve your skills, then walk away as if this thread never happened... it tells me something about your sincerity, desire to improve, overall attitude, collaboration skills, etc.

Really... it says a LOT.

Dec 09 12 03:23 am Link

Photographer

Lee_Photography

Posts: 9863

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/121110/23/509f566ada01e_m.jpg
In this photo I see the makings of a great fashion model, being 5’ 10” is probably a big part of the look

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/121107/06/509a7494dc533_m.jpg
The over all feel of this image is a model that is quite stiff
[Talking about just the pose, first why just let those long arms hang at your sides, pose them, grab the wall, your hips, elbows something. Place hips on angle to camera, try not to point toes at camera, place an”S” curve through your spine.]
Details smooth out top near armpits, and below knees.

Granted that you are the model and not the photographer, but in these images you have a competing background, simply move away from the background so it is out of focus

So as to a rating I would give your look as a model a solid 10. The photos however do not all live up to that level

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/121109/08/509d3338d549a_m.jpg
In this photo you have lost the appearance of your neck, lower shoulders, distractions take away from the model, the red thing to the photo left of your head, bright backgrounds

No return critique desired or required

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Dec 09 12 10:25 am Link