Ron McKinney wrote:

Bethany, I'm so glad to see you have some seriously good maternity shots.  Great job with that!  Most of the rest of your port is really solid editorial shots.  The one you use for your avi is kick-ass!  Great personality, great style, just a great look with energy!

The only pics I would definitely want to replace are 3rd row, 1st and 3rd pics, and the entire 4th row.  1st row, 4th pic needs to go as well, just a snapshot.

Overall, you definitely have a great look and you've been working with some solid photographers.  Now... we just need more.

Thanks so much for your feedback!

Ron McKinney wrote:

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.

Thank you so much   Cant demand much in South Africa.....I'm still waiting for my big break

ELENA

Ron McKinney wrote:

Holly, you and your assistant are welcome to Chicago any time at all!   :-)

You have an excellent body of work in your port, if you don't mind my saying so.  The one thing that surprises me is that you don't have more artistic nudes in there.  Nothing wrong with the shots that you do have, I'd just expect to see more artistic shots.

Your avi is a really good artistic nude, though I'm never a big fan of the hand bra.  I like all those shots on the beach.  But I'd like to see some artistic shots in the studio.  Nude landscapes.  Just some beautiful shots of you using artistic lighting.

Thank you!  I actually just started the nudes but I am definitely looking to explore the artistic side of them so stay tuned.   I appreciate the offer and the feedback and will def let you know when I'm headed to the Midwest.

mjartphotography wrote:
You seem to be offering great advice and honest suggestions so I'll offer my portfolio for the treatment too! 

Thanks in advance.
Martin

Hey Martin, you're definitely an artist so this critique has to be given in line with that.

Let's start with your non-projection/non-lingerie galleries.  It's a bit unfair to put all your styles in one hat, as they wouldn't all fit there.  Your non-projection images are all over the place.  I don't even get a sense of your style, as you'll have an amazing high-key shot right next to a low-key shot that just doesn't work for me, and I don't understand why you went from one to another in the same shoot with the same model.  It's like doing a cover shot for the National Christian Monitor and then telling the model to get changed to do a cover for Hustler Magazine.  I don't get it. 

Your high-key b&w images really kick nicely.  Most of your other work in this gallery is just blase.

Your lingerie shots also really are exceptionally good, whether b&w or color.  They all work.  I think you could make me look good in lingerie!

And then there's this work with projection.  And here's what I have to say about that.  If you know what you're doing and you're creating what you have in mind, you simply can't solicit advice from others on this because it's not traditional photography, it's your vision and your vision only.  Some of this stuff is just so good, it's sick.  The shot that is the avi for the Projection gallery could be on a magazine cover, it's that good/interesting/creative/artistic.   A lot of them are that good, not just the avi shot.

And the shot that is your profile avi, just scintillating good.  So keep on doing whatever it is you're doing.  You're blazing a new trail.  Just keep going, keep pushing yourself, don't ever be completely satisfied.

Ron McKinney wrote:

Egle, you're 19, you're 5'8" tall, and I don't think it's possible that you can take a bad photo.  Your only problem, in my American-biased opinion, is that you're in Lithuania.  How am I ever going to take pictures of you if you're in Lithuania?

Your pictures rock, and the looks are very diverse -- from high fashion to girl-next-door look.  And you've got sexy covered as well.  In the modeling world, I'd expect you could do anything that you want to do.

Please come to Chicago?!

thank you so much: )))

Dimitri Roemello wrote:
check me out.

Dimitri, you don't have many, if any, professional shots of yourself.  But I think you have a great look and only you can decide how far you're going to go with this.  If you want to use MM to its full capability for you, you'll need to hook up with some pro MM photographers and get some really good editorial shots done.  Good luck!

Kyra McKinney wrote:
How is my portfolio?

Kyra, let me tell you: You're gorgeous!  And I'm not just saying that cuz you have such a great last name! 

Your avi, however, is your only professional pic in your port.  It's a great shot of you, really shows you off well.  But now you need to get busy and start doing some TFP shoots so you can have a port full of shots that show you off like that.  The runway shots don't really do anything for you here on MM, and the others are just snapshots.  Take advantage of the great weather we're going to have this fall and get some really good location shoots in.  Then this winter, add some studio shots. 

By next spring, your port will look as good as you do.  Good luck!

Lulu Hearts wrote:
yes please! would love to hear your opinion!

Lulu, I'm a bit amazed that you have as many nudes in your port, and so few views.  Usually the nudes blow up in numbers, especially when they look as good as you do.  Having said that, there's only one picture -- 1st row, 3rd pic -- that I consider professionally done.  But it is a gorgeous shot of you.

I do like that you have so many conceptual shots.  You definitely will put yourself "out there" for the shot.  But I think you need to be more discerning with the quality of your photographers.  Maybe you should come over to the USA?  We'll take care of you!   :-)

Sedition wrote:
sure.

This is another situation in which you're consistently pursuing your own vision -- and since I can't really relate to your vision, so I'm of little help.  I can say that if you really believe in your vision, you need to stay true to it.  Good luck!

Celine Sophia wrote:
Skipped twice! Is my port really that bad?

Yes, unfortunately it's that bad.   NOT!!!!!

Sorry about that, Celine, I don't know what happened.  I have a soft spot in my heart for dancers.

First, let's talk about your profile description.  You're taught to dance with confidence, right?  Same thing with modeling and it comes right down to how you present yourself.  That third paragraph indicates a lack of confidence in your modeling.  Get rid of it, change it, talk about how comfortable you are in front of the camera as you've been performing all your life on stages.  Photographers want to know that you're going to be easy to work with, and confidence is part of that.

Unlike most newer models on MM, you've been working with some really good photographers, and that makes a huge difference.  Aside from 5th row, 1st pic -- the blue pic -- you don't have a single bad picture that I think needs to be tossed.  Really, from here, you simply build on what you have. 

You come across as very comfortable and natural in front of the camera.  You're very attractive, you're in very good shape, and if you ever come to Chicago for a dance performance, let's hook up for a photo shoot.

Just to give you an idea of one thing I'd do with you, go to my website and under the "dance" tab, check out my Urban Portrait Series.

http://www.ronmckinneyphotography.com

I hope to hear from you some day.

Ron

Vile Knights wrote:
come one really

Funny, but when I decided to do this, I didn't really think of reviewing other photographers' work -- but it makes sense, of course.  However, it's a little more challenging to review a style that is so different from your (my) own.

Conceptually, we're just miles apart in what we do.  There's definitely a place in the photography world for what you do, just has a different area code from my place in the world.  Based on that, it's really hard for me to make any suggestions, as it's like we speak in different languages.  I'd like to see you use your green-screen skills to create more realistic composite images.   Good luck!

lnvidia wrote:
Please~

I have to be honest, as soon as I see "agency represented" model in your port, I immediately raise the stakes on your port.  I have a much higher expectation of your work.

I absolutely love your avi.  Your port has its moments of greatness, but a number of shots that just suggest "amateur".  Even if it's because the photographer couldn't come up with a professional look, it's you who looks bad.

Let me break down your port for you.

First row, the first three pics are what I would expect to see from an agency represented model, the fourth pic is a snapshot.

Second row, get rid of the blue car pictures.  And don't ever shoot with that photographer again, just a waste of your time.  2nd, 3rd and 4th pics are what I would expect from you.

Third row, 2nd and 4th pics work.  The third pic is a wonderful concept, but the processing of the picture just ruins it for me.  I love your style, your fashion, your posing, in those three shots, but the cross-processing just ruins it for me.  That 4th pic of you in the water, that one sizzles!

Fourth row, dump 'em all.  The second and third pics do represent your live action look on a runway, but stylish portraits will represent you much better in my opinion.

So I just said 8 pics in your port are worthy of you.  In my opinion, you need more, tons more.  So I would recommend that you seek out the best photographers in your area for some TFP shoots that can build your port up to represent an agency represented model much better.  Good luck!

Gabriella S wrote:
Mine still needs a lot of work I'm sure, but any advice on posing, expressions, things I could be doing better, etc?

How is it that I get hit up by so many gorgeous models from MA a year after I leave the state? 

Okay, let's cross the first obstacle.  Yes, your port needs work.  I like that you're asking for specific constructive criticism.  To me, just looking at your port holistically, it's really evident that you're trying too hard.  Like an actor over-acting, it's obvious that they're acting.  Modeling is something that should look more natural.

Left hand to the top of your head, right hand to the side of your neck.  Over and over.  And over.  Or some variation of that.  I think you have the right instincts, or understanding, that your arms can't just hang limply at your sides.  If it bends, bend it.  But work on doing it in different ways.  Don't fall back on doing the same thing over and over again.  See if you can see a series of shots of your favorite model from the same shoot.  Watch how she moves her arms, hands, wrists, elbows, neck, head, legs, knees, feet, hips. 

When you shoot with an experienced model, you take a shot, she moves, you take a shot, she moves, you take a shot, she moves. In two or three minutes, you have 40 or 50 different looks of the same shot.  Then you change the setup, or the lighting, or you go for a different composition, and then go through the same thing: you shoot, she moves, you shoot, she moves, etc, etc.

If you see an entire sequence of one of these shoots, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about and why I'm then pointing out your exact same arm positioning in so many shots.  Given the many looks you should be showing, that shouldn't happen.

Okay, let's check out your port.

First row, third pic.  This is one has all the makings of a killer shot.  I look at this shot and I instinctively want to do a shoot with you.  I look at this shot, and I all see the amazing potential in you.  I do wish that you would have some luscious red lipstick in that shot.  In the post-processing, your guy should have done more with your lips.  It's your most prominent feature in that shot, and it's not as glowing as it could be.

Your avi is okay. 

Third row, first pic.  I hate the lighting and processing, but you look freaking amazing.  After seeing the first shot I mentioned in the first row, if I didn't know if I wanted to work with you yet or not, this shot would sell me completely on you.

All the rest of the shots don't do enough for you.  Part of it is your monotonous posing, but most of it is your photography.  Since you asked for specific feedback, the slightly opened mouth works well for you, but watch the teeth as in 1st row, 4th pic.  It doesn't bother me in the 2nd row, 4th pic, and it works extremely well in 4th row, 2nd pic, but I think the angle makes it look bad in the 1st row, 4th pic.

3rd row, 3rd pic, ugh.  That guy just sucked with his lighting.  You have a great look going on there.  By the way, even though I love the 3rd row, 1st pic shot, try not to block your arms.  Always be aware of your body and limbs in relation to the camera.  See how your left hand comes out of nowhere to hook into your jeans?  They shouldn't come from nowhere.

You really need to find photographers worthy of shooting with you.  I know you're relatively new at this game so it's like exciting to find anyone who will do a shoot with you -- but most of it is a waste of time if they can't deliver the goods.  So get out there and get some good shoots going. 

By the way, the pink hair is gone, right?

Get yourself in a car, get on a train, fly in a plane, or just plain walk to Chicago and spend a few days with me.  We'll fill your port with amazing shots.  You've got it, go for it.

Ron McKinney 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!

Thanks a lot for taking a look ! It was more or less meant in a light-hearted self-relativating way but I get how it could come across. I've rewritten my profile and added some new pics. Thanks again.

Ron McKinney wrote:

I have to be honest, as soon as I see "agency represented" model in your port, I immediately raise the stakes on your port.  I have a much higher expectation of your work.

I absolutely love your avi.  Your port has its moments of greatness, but a number of shots that just suggest "amateur".  Even if it's because the photographer couldn't come up with a professional look, it's you who looks bad.

Let me break down your port for you.

First row, the first three pics are what I would expect to see from an agency represented model, the fourth pic is a snapshot.

Second row, get rid of the blue car pictures.  And don't ever shoot with that photographer again, just a waste of your time.  2nd, 3rd and 4th pics are what I would expect from you.

Third row, 2nd and 4th pics work.  The third pic is a wonderful concept, but the processing of the picture just ruins it for me.  I love your style, your fashion, your posing, in those three shots, but the cross-processing just ruins it for me.  That 4th pic of you in the water, that one sizzles!

Fourth row, dump 'em all.  The second and third pics do represent your live action look on a runway, but stylish portraits will represent you much better in my opinion.

So I just said 8 pics in your port are worthy of you.  In my opinion, you need more, tons more.  So I would recommend that you seek out the best photographers in your area for some TFP shoots that can build your port up to represent an agency represented model much better.  Good luck!

Thanks! It's so refreshing having honest critique. Unfortunately there's a lack of professional photographers in the area.. small community.
So do you suggest I delete those pics now? With the utmost urgency, or wait until I receive more pictures to replace them with?

lnvidia wrote:
Thanks! It's so refreshing having honest critique. Unfortunately there's a lack of professional photographers in the area.. small community.
So do you suggest I delete those pics now? With the utmost urgency, or wait until I receive more pictures to replace them with?

No, you need more than 8 pics in your port.  I say just get busy and replace them as you get better ones.  As for who you shoot with, that's your challenge.  It's a waste of your time if the photog can't deliver pics that take your port to a higher level.   

Larry McMahon has been marginally okay in your studio shots, but missing the ball with outdoor location shots.  Do another studio shoot with him, but go for something more dramatic.   Chris Davisse did well with the river shot, but I'm not that excited about how he shot the Audrey Hepburn look -- but he's definitely worth doing another outdoor location shoot with. 

Other than that, don't be afraid of going with someone newer, younger and without a ton of experience if they're producing quality shots and have an edge to his look.   Good luck!

TaylerMcKenzie wrote:
I'd love your opinion;)

Hey Tayler, for you, it's all about light.  Light loves your face, shadow does not -- at least in the pics in your port.  Your first three pics in the second row... you just look awesome.  I'm not a Packers fan but you look hot in that shot, love how you have your hips, just a lot of curves in your body.  That is by far your best pic.

These shots with the shadows, esp that fourth pic in the second row, they don't do you well. 

You have a great body, you have a great look, you seem to know what do with yourself in front of a camera.  So let's pick up the pace on your photoshoots, I'd like to see more from you.

Nicolette wrote:
Hit me

Hi Nicolette, it's interesting about you because the way you come across in your pictures is different from pretty much everything else I see here on MM. 

Normally, I'm really drawn in by the face -- the eyes often in particular.  But in your pictures, I'm taking in the beauty of the whole shot and I barely even make it to your face.  I hope this comes across as a huge compliment because this just doesn't happen very often, if at all.

You have an incredible body and it doesn't look AT ALL like you are posing.  These look like natural shots.  So I love what you're doing.  I can't even write what I really want to write in public.  :-)

Nadia Kaminskaya wrote:
Please check out my port!

Not a lot to say here as you need to get some shoots in with more professional photographers or at least serious hobbyists.  What you have right now are Point and Shoot camera shots that don't really feature you the way you deserve to be.

I will say this much: You wear red lipstick scintillatingly well.  And flat lighting (pics 3 and 4 in row 2) does not do you well.

Good luck!

Ariadne Photography wrote:
Seems like you're giving really good feedback, I'd love to know what you think!

Laura, don't kid yourself.  You're not a photographer.  You're an artist and you've got mad talent.  Go for it, run, you've got the world at  your feet.

Zachary Epstein wrote:
lemme have it please

You asked for it, you get it!

For me, your images are hit-and-miss.  It's pretty obvious you like to set the mood with your lighting and create a scene.  Sometimes it works really well (for me), and sometimes it's a complete miss.

For me, your entire first row is a miss.  For example, it's pretty obvious that you intentionally hid the subject's face in the shadows in the fourth picture -- but it's not clearly evident why you did that.

Second row, I'm totally digging.  I especially like the lighting on the military guys. 

Third row, first pic is for me a great example of excellent low key lighting.  The second pic in the third row is a good example of bad low key lighting.  I think you need to keep focusing on creating these scenes.  For me, you come across as an excellent editorial photographer.