Ron McKinney wrote:
Massi, you've got some interesting looks going on in your port. ...

Thanks Ron.  I took your suggestion on the purple dress shot and also refreshed my port with more recent work that I think better represents my creative direction.

Ron McKinney wrote:
I'm sorry for those of you that I skipped, but I have no idea if you're still following this thread, and I put some time and thought into this, just don't want to waste it.  Feel free to respond again, and I'll try to get it done more timely.

I would appreciate your input. I'm still subscribed to this forum and I have been skipped.

C A T H Y     wrote:
Go for it.

Given that you're agency-represented and you've clearly been around awhile, I'm surprised you only have 11 pics in your port.  the good thing out of that is that they're good pictures.  Just the one on bottom row far left doesn't do anything for you.  Your lingerie shot on the second row with your fair falling over your face is just wicked.  Your other shots also represent you quite well.  I guess I'm just not sure what you want out of MM.  You're here, you're here a lot with 5000 posts, you have a nice look.  But where are you going?

Axioma wrote:

In your profile, you say that you may not be "tall, thin, young, or beautiful."  what is up with that?  For one, you are thin, young and beautiful -- or you have had the greatest photographers and MUA's on the planet that have transformed you into thin, young and beautiful.  But what I really mean is that people who might hire you could see that and think... Oh, she has a negative attitude about herself.  She may be difficult to work with.  Maybe, I don't know.  And I hope you were just joking.  The only reason I'd photograph you is because you're young, thin and beautiful -- and you clearly are.

Your port is full of really strong images, diverse looks -- it really shows what you can do.  The only area your port is weak in is with outdoor location shoots, such as the image in the second row, far right.   

I don't know what got you out of modeling.  Sure, you're not going to do any runways, but there's still a lot out there.  And I'd photograph you in a heartbeat... unless you're really down on yourself and thus difficult.  good luck!

decorum foto wrote:
if you are still up to it I would like an evaluation.

Your work is pretty good  but it's one-dimensional.  You also sell yourself pretty short in your profile description.  Talk yourself up, boast without being egotistic.  Models are drawn to confident photographers.

You're doing really well with natural light and if that's your niche, great, keep working it.  But what about getting indoors and using lights?  My assumption is that you don't have speedlights, but even with two cheap LumoPro speedlights, you can create an entirely different scene -- and that will open more doors for you.

Still, I'm digging your work.  Put a more positive spin in your profile description, your port will sell yourself.  Only a couple pics I would definitely replace: 2nd row, far right; 4th row, far left; Really, that's about it.  Great job!

Cbroughton Photography wrote:
ok, im game..

Look, sorry, Chris but I said I was going to be honest and so I am.  You've got some work to do.  Check out the photography from the guy I just reviewed.  And check out some really good work on MM.   Good luck!

NYEdge - Gary Altman wrote:
I'm still game Ron. 
Let 'er RIP!

Gary, you're going in the right direction and you've got some talent, but you do have some work to do.  I really love your three silhouettes on the first row.  Second shot, second row, really nice use of light in direct sunlight, but the pose doesn't really do anything for your model.  The rest of your shots are just okay.  They don't really grab me, they're not going to be on the cover of any magazine.  It's like you haven't harness shooting in available light and really making the shots powerful.  Also, really work on your posing with the models. 

But like I said, you're moving forward on this.

Ron McKinney wrote:

Gary, you're going in the right direction and you've got some talent, but you do have some work to do.  I really love your three silhouettes on the first row.  Second shot, second row, really nice use of light in direct sunlight, but the pose doesn't really do anything for your model.  The rest of your shots are just okay.  They don't really grab me, they're not going to be on the cover of any magazine.  It's like you haven't harness shooting in available light and really making the shots powerful.  Also, really work on your posing with the models. 

But like I said, you're moving forward on this.

Ron, thank you!
You're spot on, and I knew it.  The top 2 rows were taken within the last month or two.
The others I'm looking to phase out and they were taken over a year, year and a half ago.  Been shooting 2 1/2 years so my level of progression has been confirmed by your analysis.

Thanks again!
Gary

SHIRA wrote:

I would appreciate your input. I'm still subscribed to this forum and I have been skipped.

Oh gawd... this is a freakin' waste.  I like what you have to say in your profile, and I love your look.  It's obvious you've been out there trying to find a photographer who will bring out the best in you, and it's just not working.  You've got the goods and you deliver, but the photography is just lacking in your port.  I'll see a thumbnail and think: Wow, this looks good.  I click on it and see the focus soft, the lighting too harsh and highlighting the wrong regions of your face, lazy photographers using a single light source.  Ugh.

Your three shots with Jake Simp are the real deal.  Can you see how those shots are so different from the rest?  That's what you should be shooting for, that type of photographer.  At this point, I wouldn't waste my time with anyone less than Jake.  Be discerning on who you shoot with.  It's summertime, lots of good evening light.  Don't waste it.  Find some great shooters and get out there.  Good luck!

Norman Ding wrote:
I'm always interested, thanks!

Norman, I think you have good ideas and you have access to some good models.  It's simply the execution -- particularly your handling of light -- that could be improved and would take your photography to a whole new level.

There should be no accidents in your shots, especially since you consider yourself a fashion photog.  No mistakes.  First row, first shot.  Pretty good for one light, would be a lot better with two or more lights.  Maybe this was the look you were going for.  But you want the light to sculpt the face.  If you would have moved the light over just inches to create even shorter lighting, the shadows would have defined her cheeks better.  Next pic over, light is spilling everywhere: on the beer tap, on the picture on the wall, it's falling off so her leg disappears into darkness.  The concept is interesting, execution sloppy. 

Dance shot on first row looks really good.  2nd shot, 2nd row: girl in blue dress, really nice pic, very nice lighting that sculpts her face well.  Just an inch more over and you wouldn't have that slight light spill below her left cheek.  This is what I'm talking.  4th row, 3rd shot (last shot in port), see her hair falling over her face.  That doesn't look intentional.  Everything has to be intentional.  THe shot to its left, I really like. 

Final one I'll comment on.  4th row, first pic.  Why the light to the left?  Look at how it's hitting her cheek?  It blows it up.  My money says you set the light there for her to look right at the camera, and that probably worked nicely.  Then you asked her to look that way, or she did on her own, and you took a shot and liked the idea of what she was doing.  If you had moved the light to the right, directly in front of where she's looking, you would have loved this shot.  And so would I.  You've got talent, keep plugging away.  But really focus on your lighting.

ArtisticallySexy wrote:
Excellent, love an honest opinion

Great!  You ask me to look at your work, but you don't let me in your "Friends Only" port, huh?   :-)

Ron McKinney wrote:

Great!  You ask me to look at your work, but you don't let me in your "Friends Only" port, huh?   :-)

Ok, check your friends requests, accept for access

Elena Antonia Pappas wrote:
OK

Elena, not a whole lot to say here.  You have an amazing look: beautiful eyes, beautiful hair, amazing body.  Really good photography, but someone like you can demand better.  You really should pursue modeling, and I don't say that very often, hardly ever.  If you ever come to Chicago, please look me up.

Elesha Eden wrote:
I am up for this I know at just 17 I have a lot to learn but I would value your opinion so far and I am always looking to improve.
Thanks
Elesha Eden
x

Hi Elesha, if you saw my port, you know I have a soft spot in my heart for dancers.   :-)

I like what you have to say in your profile description.  Regarding your port, you have to be discerning about generic comments such as "gorgeous!"   Row 5, Pic 3, black top with blue denim shorts, you have a lot of really nice comments.  But the photographer didn't get light into your eyes, which would have really made this picture sensational.  You have great lines with your body posture, you just look great, great attitude.  But look at the shadow from the light on the right how it accidentally cuts across your face.  And the side lights are too far back to get into your eyes and give you life/energy.  You're bringing it, but it's not captured.  Same photographer missed it on the shot next to that one as well.

Now go down to the next row (6), second pic.  Very dramatic lighting, and look how your eyes are lit up.  Very nice.

Okay, specific comments just to help you look for what you want in a photographer. 

Overall, you have a very nice diverse body of work.  A heavy emphasis on studio shots vs outdoor location shots.  Nice balance of full-body shots vs tighter head shots.  You have some shots that are just sensational: 1st row, 1st and 3rd pics; 6th row, 1st and 4th pics; 11th row, 3rd pic; 12th row, 1st and 3rd and 4th pics; and 14th row, 1st pic (probably my fave of your port).  A lot of other really good shots, those are your best IMO.

Less is more.  You have some mediocre shots that really don't represent you well.  The bottom two rows except the third pic with your hair flying.  Quite a few others.  Less is more.

I'd keep doing TFP shoots, but really be careful about the level of photographers you're working with.  You're fairly tall, you look great, you can do well with this.  Especially with your dancing, it would be fun to work with you.  Good luck.

Dwight Smalls wrote:
I'm in

So you're in Jacksonville, FL, and all we get are two location shots????

My fave shot in your port is the headshot, 1st row, 4th pic.  Really nice lighting, just really like how that works.

But check out the rest of your port.  Step back about 10 feet and look at all those thumbnails?  Aside from your two location shots, and the girl on the white ottoman, don't they look exactly the same?  Sure, they're in different positions, different lingerie, different looks, different models, and yet really all the same.  Maybe it's the backgrounds, maybe it's the lighting.

It could be that you've found your niche and you are very consistently delivering it over and over and over again.  If this is it, then you've nailed it.  I just think there's more.  Along those lines, the most interesting shot is the location shot, 3rd row, 3rd pic.  There's something there, more of a story.  All the studio shots, they just look like models posing for the camera.  It doesn't feel like there's anything else. 

I think technically you have things down.  I think you're next step is express yourself artistically.  Think of your pictures as telling a story.  Pin-ups, for example, are capturing a moment, part of a story.  Good luck!

Pete Axford wrote:
Hi Ron,
Just been reading through some of your critiques - intersesting and useful stuff.
If you're still going, I'd like to hear your opinion on my work, from whatever persepctive you deem fit.
many thanks,
Pete

Hi Pete,

Not sure how helpful I'm going to be to you.  I look at your work and I'm picking up on your distinctive style.  Settings are different, but style is yours.  So I think you have a pretty good idea of what you're wanting out of a shoot.  I don't get the idea that you're spraying and praying.  You know what you want, you go after it, you get it.

Do you realize we don't even see a foot in your entire gallery?  Okay, 1st row, 1st pic, bottom shot, look hard enough and you'll see her feet buried in the background.  You got something against feet?   :-)

So here's my challenge to you.  In your next shoot, get the shot ready, and then move back -- way, wayyyyyy back!  Shoot the entire scene.  Then slowly work your way in to where you normally shoot your medium closeups.  I really like what you're doing, but I think you can offer more by going wide. 

In fact, message me when you post some wide shots.   I'd love to see them.

Good luck!

Ron McKinney wrote:

Hi Pete,

Not sure how helpful I'm going to be to you.  I look at your work and I'm picking up on your distinctive style.  Settings are different, but style is yours.  So I think you have a pretty good idea of what you're wanting out of a shoot.  I don't get the idea that you're spraying and praying.  You know what you want, you go after it, you get it.

Do you realize we don't even see a foot in your entire gallery?  Okay, 1st row, 1st pic, bottom shot, look hard enough and you'll see her feet buried in the background.  You got something against feet?   :-)

So here's my challenge to you.  In your next shoot, get the shot ready, and then move back -- way, wayyyyyy back!  Shoot the entire scene.  Then slowly work your way in to where you normally shoot your medium closeups.  I really like what you're doing, but I think you can offer more by going wide. 

In fact, message me when you post some wide shots.   I'd love to see them.

Good luck!

Hi Ron,

You've been very useful - but I knew you would be!
Thanks for taking the time to take a look.

I'm glad that there's a distinct style emerging - I guess I have a soft spot for the more feminine (as I once heard it described?!) style of shooting; though I don't want it to become what I do by default. I am aware that to improve my game I need to shoot outside of what has become my comfort zone, and learn the associated lighting and retouching work that will go alongside it. Luckily the soft, hazy, pastel look seems to be 'on trend' at the moment - but I have to make sure I keep ahead of the game eh!

And as for the feet - that's a great, totally true, and very useful observation. I shall do as instructed and use my feet next time to show off someone elses! Results to be posted and sent to you as soon as I've done it.

Cheers for now,

Pete

MyrnaByrna Jen B wrote:
Hello Ron!

While I am not there now, Chicago is my hometown. Your critiques in this thread are encouraging, (for both good and bad.) I'd appreciate it if you have time for another critique.
Thank you,
Jen

Don't worry, I'm going to go back up and get the others.  I haven't skipped and completely passed on you.

Jen, it always helps if I have an understanding what your goals are, as I'd like to give some feedback that goes along that line.  If you want to do professional modeling, your biggest challenge is that you're 47 but in these pictures, you look 30.  Mature models are hired all the time, but one look at you and the casting agent is going to say, "Our demographic is 50-plus, and you don't look anything like that."  I think your best bet is the mid-30s to early 40s jobs.  You've probably got 10 more years of fitting into that category.

As for your port, I'd switch your avi to 2nd row, 3rd pic.  that shot rocks. 

I think you're into this just for the fun of it.  If that's the case, the port really works for you as your images are just all over the place. 

Less is more.  Here are the shots I'd dump:  1st row, 2nd and 3rd pics.  3rd row, 1st pic.  4th row, 1st pic.  5th row, 4th pic (look at your face).  6th row, 3rd pic.  7th row, 1st pic.  At 47 (according to your profile, but I'm in a bit of a state of disbelief), you have an amazing look.  Have fun with this!

AGinger wrote:
I would love for you to critique my work. I love to learn, I know I am not an exceptional model yet and I know critique will only improve my work.

Ginger, sorry, can't really help you much.  You don't have a single shot in your port where I can see you, see into you, something that reflects your energy.  It's not you, the photography is just absolute crap. 

I see potential in you as a model in the following pics: row 1, pics 1 and 4.  And row 2, pic 1.   That's it.  And honestly, I'd replace even those as quickly as you can.  It's warm out right now, which gives you a lot of freedom to get out there and get some shoots in.  All of your shots so far are on location, you need to do some studio shoots as well. 

Get some photogs to shoot you, but don't waste your time if they can't deliver the goods.  Good luck!

Pete Axford wrote:
And as for the feet - that's a great, totally true, and very useful observation. I shall do as instructed and use my feet next time to show off someone elses! Results to be posted and sent to you as soon as I've done it.
Cheers for now,
Pete

I look forward to it!
Ron

Ron McKinney wrote:

Ginger, sorry, can't really help you much.  You don't have a single shot in your port where I can see you, see into you, something that reflects your energy.  It's not you, the photography is just absolute crap. 

I see potential in you as a model in the following pics: row 1, pics 1 and 4.  And row 2, pic 1.   That's it.  And honestly, I'd replace even those as quickly as you can.  It's warm out right now, which gives you a lot of freedom to get out there and get some shoots in.  All of your shots so far are on location, you need to do some studio shoots as well. 

Get some photogs to shoot you, but don't waste your time if they can't deliver the goods.  Good luck!

Thank you so much for your critique. There aren't a whole lot of really good photographers out here, I am hoping to find a really good one to work with soon. Again. Thank you so much.

Eli McClain wrote:
Hi,
If you are still up for it I'd love some critique on my portfolio.
I know it needs a lot of work but I'd like to know what you think.
Eli

Eli, your situation is a lot like Ginger's.  You just haven't done enough shoots with really good photographers.  I really get the sense that you newbies are looking for some encouragement more than anything, and I can say that you have a nice look in your headshot.  But that's the best I can do for you until you have some photos up that have been taken by solid photographers.  And also, get some studio shots.

Good luck.

Ron McKinney wrote:
Don't worry, I'm going to go back up and get the others.  I haven't skipped and completely passed on you.

Jen, it always helps if I have an understanding what your goals are, as I'd like to give some feedback that goes along that line.  If you want to do professional modeling, your biggest challenge is that you're 47 but in these pictures, you look 30.  Mature models are hired all the time, but one look at you and the casting agent is going to say, "Our demographic is 50-plus, and you don't look anything like that."  I think your best bet is the mid-30s to early 40s jobs.  You've probably got 10 more years of fitting into that category.

As for your port, I'd switch your avi to 2nd row, 3rd pic.  that shot rocks. 

I think you're into this just for the fun of it.  If that's the case, the port really works for you as your images are just all over the place. 

Less is more.  Here are the shots I'd dump:  1st row, 2nd and 3rd pics.  3rd row, 1st pic.  4th row, 1st pic.  5th row, 4th pic (look at your face).  6th row, 3rd pic.  7th row, 1st pic.  At 47 (according to your profile, but I'm in a bit of a state of disbelief), you have an amazing look.  Have fun with this!

Hello and thank you,

Oh dear though, I've moved my port around before I looked at your advice! Let me reconstruct from memory which one you like for the avi.

Thank you again!
Jen
p.s. currently a hobbyist as I am on a contract for work and obligated for another year and a half
p.p.s. Oh wait...I've changed my port a bit too much I realize to fit your advice, would you mind to p.m. me when you can so I can fully see! So sorry I didn't check the forum replies first! Lovely advice all around