Forums > Critique > Serious Critique > Free Critique From Working Fashion Photographer

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Vlan Photo wrote:
Me please smile

Hi Vlan,

Your portfolio is solid. Is shows that you have good technique. Lighting is always beautiful. Composition is great, this one is fantastic:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36605546

However I expect more from a photographer with 10 years of experience (written in your resume).

Things you can improve on:
- Some images look flat, missing depth. Lower aperture might help?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36605525
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36605569
- Step up in production. The models are pretty, wardrobe is pretty but the portfolio as a whole doesn't stand out. Try to work with high-fashion looking models or really commercial looking ones.
- Show more artistry.

To sum it up, your execution is solid. Think about having a clearer direction. Experiment, have fun.


Good luck!

Aug 07 14 05:37 am Link

Photographer

Marin Photo NYC

Posts: 7348

New York, New York, US

vantran wrote:
Hi,

Your portfolio is good. However there are some technical issues that prevent it from becoming great.

Stuff you can improve on:
1) Your lighting techniques in Black and White work seems all over the place. Experimenting with lights to create mood/style is fine, but an image must maintain pleasing aesthetics.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35573818 Overexposed hair, right face. Shadow in the background.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35184670 Bottom left underexposed. If the whole bottom was darker, that would be fine.

2) Retouch is not the perfect yet.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36045104 Skin texture is too smooth, doesn't appear natural. Too much burning (dodge and burn) on the hollows of the cheeks, not enough transition.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36328650 Skin texture is still grainy with visible pores on the forehead. Better frequency separation technique will help?

3) You mix to types: portraits of androgynous, high fashion agency models and portraits of bombshells in sexy lingerie. One more likely to sell to women, the other for men. It could be a downfall for your business as the audience is so much about following brands identity now.

The good stuff:
1) Your color work is strong. Technically stronger than BW. This is an example of a well-executed lighting set-up while maintaning a personal style: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36372108

2) I like the fact that you don't conform to latest magazine trends or some hipster techniques. We have bazillions photographers doing that already and it is kind of boring. So keep going your way.

3) Your profile pictures is your strongest image. Well done.

I wish you good luck!

Thanks, I only have 2-1/2yrs shooting models, still learning. Thanks for the feedback! I will clean it up. I struggle with retouching. big_smile

Aug 07 14 05:48 am Link

Photographer

Vlan Photo

Posts: 378

Tucson, Arizona, US

vantran wrote:

Hi Vlan,

Your portfolio is solid. Is shows that you have good technique. Lighting is always beautiful. Composition is great, this one is fantastic:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36605546

However I expect more from a photographer with 10 years of experience (written in your resume).

Things you can improve on:
- Some images look flat, missing depth. Lower aperture might help?
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36605525
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36605569
- Step up in production. The models are pretty, wardrobe is pretty but the portfolio as a whole doesn't stand out. Try to work with high-fashion looking models or really commercial looking ones.
- Show more artistry.

To sum it up, your execution is solid. Think about having a clearer direction. Experiment, have fun.


Good luck!

Thank you for the critique! Yes, you have a good eye, i HAVE been photographing for ten years, but my more technical lighting exploring is about two years in, i was predominantly available light/single light source before. Now that ive gotten to a place where i feel comfortable, it's time to take the style up a notch.

Aug 07 14 06:25 am Link

Photographer

Robert Hare Photography

Posts: 81

Worcester, Massachusetts, US

Would love some feedback on my MM Port!

Aug 07 14 09:16 am Link

Photographer

Matt Schmidt Photo

Posts: 3709

Charlotte, North Carolina, US

I can't like your FB page . . . I'm in FB jail for posting 'UN-community like images'

But I'd like a look over my port if you can . . .

Aug 07 14 09:24 am Link

Photographer

brunoalves

Posts: 12

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Me, please?

Aug 07 14 09:30 am Link

Model

winking_wonder

Posts: 5907

New York, New York, US

Me?

Aug 07 14 01:04 pm Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Robert Hare Photography wrote:
Would love some feedback on my MM Port!

Hi Robert,

Excellent work. You have solid technique and clean execution. Lighting is gorgeous, composition is on point. Love the attention to details. The perfectionist approach makes your portfolio quite pleasant to the eyes.

Strongest contenders
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30093898
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34209273
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34077377

Stuff to consider
Some overexposed/blown out images. Could be a stylistic choice, however it's not aesthetically pleasant.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36630238
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36384377
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36630254 Retouch is too obvious on her body, especially the belly part.

To sum it up, your work has a clear direction, which is great. You are doing an excellent job on beauty/fashion. Good luck!

Aug 08 14 07:54 am Link

Model

Pixie Galore

Posts: 141

New York, New York, US

Visited and liked...can I play? I finally "filled out" my portfolio and would love to know if I'm headed in the right direction.

pixie xo

Aug 08 14 11:49 am Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Matt Schmidt wrote:
I can't like your FB page . . . I'm in FB jail for posting 'UN-community like images'

But I'd like a look over my port if you can . . .

Hi,

Your portfolio is fun and artistic. Technically you are solid too. Beautiful lighting and compositions. Let's go over some images.

These are stunning:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36240509
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35355160
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/33011613

This is a weak one:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36342009
Shadows created by the hard lights are not pleasant. Composition distorts model's body. Model's pose and expression are not the strongest.


In general, I see a good marriage between technicality and artistry. Keep going and good luck!

Aug 08 14 11:59 am Link

Photographer

Matt Schmidt Photo

Posts: 3709

Charlotte, North Carolina, US

vantran wrote:

Hi,

Your portfolio is fun and artistic. Technically you are solid too. Beautiful lighting and compositions. Let's go over some images.

These are stunning:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36240509
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35355160
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/33011613

This is a weak one:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36342009
Shadows created by the hard lights are not pleasant. Composition distorts model's body. Model's pose and expression are not the strongest.


In general, I see a good marriage between technicality and artistry. Keep going and good luck!

Yea!  TY so very much smile

Aug 08 14 12:41 pm Link

Model

Donnie Dae

Posts: 90

Brooklyn, New York, US

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Aug 08 14 01:03 pm Link

Photographer

_CSPhotography

Posts: 72

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

Yes please - my images on here are small but on my profile I have a link to my facebook page, if that helps smile

Aug 08 14 03:31 pm Link

Photographer

Seattle photo

Posts: 199

Seattle, Washington, US

Me, please?

Aug 08 14 04:25 pm Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

brunoalves wrote:
Me, please?

Hi brunoalves,
Your portfolio has too little content for me to judge. You need to expand your work. Find models that are willing to shoot TFP, or pay them at the beginning.

Get rid of this one. It doesn't do your portfolio any good. Lighting is flat. Retouch is weak (watch a good tutorial on frequency separation, dodge and burn). Model's face seems distorted, not sure what lens was used but 50mm and up is good for portrait.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36548820


Fashion photography is a competitive market. Your previous experience should help you to kick off your work in a new direction. Good luck!

Aug 09 14 06:45 am Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

winking_wonder wrote:
Me?

Hi winking_wonder,

I like the quality of your photos. Smart models work with good photographers.

You should invest into a good production. Proper hair and make-up like this really elevate your look.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31137057

Consider to get rid of this one. The make-up and angle doesn't do you good and from photography point of view it is rather week.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35533402

You are a good model. However, your look is rather fit for niche market than commercial one. I advice you to keep going with the current direction...do it for fun and here and there get some paid deals within the photographers community.


Good luck!

Aug 09 14 07:05 am Link

Photographer

Gustavo Escanelle

Posts: 759

New Orleans, Louisiana, US

Aug 09 14 07:19 am Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Pixie Galore wrote:
Visited and liked...can I play? I finally "filled out" my portfolio and would love to know if I'm headed in the right direction.

pixie xo

Hi Pixie,

I see a lot of potential. You have a wonderful symmetrical face and an androgynous look.  Your height is problematic though. It's not enough for the high-fashion world. It is up to you to find that market that will accept you.

I advise you to clean up your portfolio and showcase a clear direction. These give off a confused vibe. The Santa concept is too cheesy and the smiley photo in bed is good for a personal collection but not in a model's portfolio.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35623486
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34744610
I would stay with being edgy, strong, androgynous. The is already a lot of femininity in the 'strong' look so don't overdo it.

The rest of the photos are good and showcase you well.

To sum it up, you are a good model. Keep growing and find your audience. Good luck!

Aug 09 14 07:45 am Link

Model

Maria Susanti

Posts: 546

Banyuwangi, Jawa Timur, Indonesia

me please smile

Aug 09 14 09:00 am Link

Model

Monique S C

Posts: 70

Mesa, Arizona, US

I would like some input......I am still working on adding to my portfolio.

Aug 10 14 11:33 am Link

Model

Abigail Thomas

Posts: 23

Celina, Texas, US

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE COMMENT AND CRITIQUE

Aug 10 14 12:37 pm Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Donnie Dae wrote:
I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Hi Donnie,

You have a good diverse portfolio. Quality of images are awesome. I see great modelling potentials. You show a good range of poses and expressions. However, it is time to kick it up a notch, so let’s go through some points and see what you can improve on.

Clean up your portfolio.

First of all, delete the series of these https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36078227 They belong to a personal collection rather than model's portfolio. You can do couple photography but redo the shoot with a professional photographer.

Keep only the strongest photos. Get rid of repetitive stuff. A client should see your potential and versatility in less than ten photos. Example of strong photos:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/33302927
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34733069

Your portfolio lacks a clear direction. You want to do all styles…fashion, body building, acting, commercial, artistic. Try to narrow it down at the beginning and expand the range when your are more experience. However, the clean-up will make your direction much clearer in an instance.

To sum it up, good model, good portfolio. Continue to grow and expand. Good luck!

Aug 11 14 03:24 am Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Seattle Wes wrote:
Me, please?

Hi Seattle Wes,

I see you as an artistic photographer. However the execution of your photos are bad. Retouch is not good, objects are not focused, rendering problems, lighting problems…

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35427326 How the image is rendered, is awful. Model's skin has five shades of colors. Nothing is focused.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36065851 Lighting on model's nose is not nice
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36517899 Overexposed face

On the other hand, this is good artistry and execution together. So please continue that direction.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36546311
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36546314

Keep working on your technique. Good luck!

Aug 11 14 03:53 am Link

Photographer

brunoalves

Posts: 12

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

vantran wrote:

Hi brunoalves,
Your portfolio has too little content for me to judge. You need to expand your work. Find models that are willing to shoot TFP, or pay them at the beginning.

Get rid of this one. It doesn't do your portfolio any good. Lighting is flat. Retouch is weak (watch a good tutorial on frequency separation, dodge and burn). Model's face seems distorted, not sure what lens was used but 50mm and up is good for portrait.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36548820


Fashion photography is a competitive market. Your previous experience should help you to kick off your work in a new direction. Good luck!

Thank you

Aug 11 14 01:05 pm Link

Photographer

Seattle photo

Posts: 199

Seattle, Washington, US

Thanks, appreciate you taking the time to review my work.

Aug 11 14 02:36 pm Link

Photographer

Erick Rodriguez

Posts: 29

Pomona, California, US

Critique please?

Aug 11 14 04:05 pm Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Maria Susanti wrote:
me please smile

Hi Maria,

Good portfolio. Nice quality of images.

You have a lovely symmetrical face and wonderful features. However, you have the same doll's eyes expression throughout your portfolio. Study your face, change it up, experiment. Work on delivering a large range of poses as well.

It looks like you already have a good amount of experience. It's time to kick it up a notch. I advise you to find a clear direction. Either high fashion or commercial or experimental. Choose one and do it full out. If I was a photography hobbyist, I would pay to shoot you. However, your portfolio is still not strong enough for real paying jobs for magazines or adverts.

To sum it up, good potential but start to step out of your comfort zone. Good luck!

Aug 12 14 01:04 am Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Monique S C wrote:
I would like some input......I am still working on adding to my portfolio.

Hi Monique,

I see a good model. However you are too short to be a supermodel. When I read the about me section and then look at the images, I can only think you are not realistic about the industry you want to be in. Good model needs to be smart too. Clean up your about me section.

Let's go through some images.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/25769023 This photo showcase you the best. Ask for better quality and resolution from your photographer.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36466824 Relax your face. The pose is timid and not flattering.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36645265 This belongs to personal/art collection not models portfolio.

So, good model, good potential, needs to do some clean up and practice more. Good luck!

Aug 12 14 01:21 am Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Erick Rodriguez wrote:
Critique please?

Hi Erick,

Good portfolio. You have good technicality, good style. Lighting and composition is solid. Choice of model is great. The color correction is a hit/miss though.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36623680 The blue lips works here. I can see this in a magazine.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36161391 The orange yellow combo is not pleasant. Model also has red spots on her hair line.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34118921 This is great.

Your work is already solid. No it's time to experiment, show more artistry, try different lighting techniques...etc

Good luck!

Aug 13 14 06:53 am Link

Photographer

glamourit

Posts: 161

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

critique me … Please.

Aug 13 14 07:51 am Link

Photographer

Robert Hare Photography

Posts: 81

Worcester, Massachusetts, US

Thank you - very grateful for the feedback!

Aug 13 14 12:33 pm Link

Model

Fiona Scarlett

Posts: 28

Los Angeles, California, US

I liked your FB stuff smile Would love a portfolio critique I'm still a newbie.

Aug 13 14 12:46 pm Link

Photographer

vantran

Posts: 37

Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

Fiona Scarlett wrote:
I liked your FB stuff smile Would love a portfolio critique I'm still a newbie.

Hi Fiona,

Wonderful portfolio. You are showcasing your self in different styles of photography, that's smart. Good quality of photos as well.

You have great potentials as a model. You can easily pull off high-fashion, commercial, and the flexibility is a bonus.

These are your best
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36545587
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36545676

You are already on the right track so keep going. Good luck!

Aug 19 14 12:18 am Link

Photographer

erics_Toronto_GTA

Posts: 5176

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Liked.

Thanks in advance.
I know I have too many pictures in my port.

Aug 19 14 07:20 am Link

Model

AquarianLove

Posts: 13

New York, New York, US

Hi, I'd love your critique please!

Aug 19 14 02:46 pm Link

Model

Diane Diane Diane

Posts: 23

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

I would appreciate some critique on my
Port please smile

Aug 20 14 11:47 am Link

Model

Fiona Scarlett

Posts: 28

Los Angeles, California, US

Thank you Vantran! smile smile

Aug 21 14 04:18 pm Link

Model

Oliver Pras

Posts: 7

New York, New York, US

Hey! Just commented on your facebook!

Would LOVE some quality feedback! smile

Sep 17 14 10:10 am Link

Photographer

RyanLePhotography

Posts: 38

Cary, North Carolina, US

I love your works. I need some guidance please, and your instructive critique will be super helpful for sure. Thank you in advance.

Sep 17 14 10:22 am Link

Photographer

cvltblood

Posts: 7

Chicago, Illinois, US

I would really appreciate some feedback! Just added some new photos to my portfolio. You can view it on MM or www.cvltblood.com

Sep 23 14 02:54 pm Link