Jason B Forbes wrote:
Everything looks good, but i'd say get rid of the photo of you in front of the graffiti wall. It's kind of outdated. And also the photo with you sitting in that warehouse looking place. Doesn't really go with the rest of your work. Everything else seems pretty coherent.

Thank you!

I think I'm a little attached to the graffiti wall shoot - it was my first shoot!

Lallure Photographic wrote:
Number 6, 15, 16, and 23, are my least favorites.

Thank you!

Any reason why or they just don't grab you?

John Horwitz wrote:
Show 'ABILITY' not potential

I agree with this statement.
My use of the word 'potential' comes from some critiques that particular shoots I have done look 'amateurish' and not high quality polished images from a photography standpoint (poor cropping, editing etc), and that they should really be ditched...
Except that they show ME in a good light - My 'potential', given the right photographer with the skills to help me achieve 'wow' shots.
I want photographers to say "I may not think some current shots are great, but I can tell from them what she can offer and that makes me excited to work with her".

Toto Photo wrote:
I spent much longer than I usually do when asked for critique. Why? Because I kept thinking there must be something beyond the graffiti wall that doesn't entice. There really isn't so I'll spend all my time trying to convince you that you've outgrown the graffiti wall shot.

1. It looks more fashion than glamour or art. Fashion isn't your forte. It is out of place.
2. Dated look--graffiti was so last century.

The others are all demonstrating your strengths and rotatable.

Thanks, I greatly appreciate it when people make a real effort with critiquing me, as I do for others!

I have a feeling the graffiti shot will have to go eventually (outdated), however, don't get me wrong, fashion (plus fashion) IS my forte. I have been trying to get more fashion work, but it's hard because prospective clients often automatically see my look as 'sexy' and from the start I have only been asked to do glamour from this account (hence the heavily 'bust focused' images).

I'm tossing up between adding more fashion work here (again) or starting a completely separate fashion portfolio. Considering when I had fashion shots here in the past they never got a glance, I think it might be a lost cause trying to incorporate them, and best for prospective clients in commercial plus fashion to not connect my glamour work.

Thanks for your input!

Yajhil Alvarez wrote:
Alright so here is what I think...

1. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719364.  The picture is ok.  Lighting is good, quality is good, but overall it's pretty boring.  Also, your hair on the right side of the image bugs me.  I don't like that it's sticking out like that.  And that piece on your shoulder bugs me too.

2. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32287017.  Again, picture is ok.  Lighting is good, quality is good, but it's all too set up and a bit bland.  Your face looks good in this but your hair color, it looks like you just got it done because I can see red tint in your scalp which makes it look unnatural. 

3. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31540288.  Same thing, picture is ok.  Lighting is good, quality is good, but in thos one, it's like that model could be anyone.  Also, that tree branch coming out of your mouth like that is not that great and even though your body looks good, none of this makes sense.  Why would you wear that on a tree and fall to sleep?  That's what this looks like to me.

4. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30493836 this in no way flatters your face.  Your lips like that, I call it the horned up look, come across as exaggerated and the camera settings and distance totally elongated your face.  Also, you have no nipples which makes no sense.  Either go all the way and show your nipples or cover them up, otherwise it looks off.

5. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36889026 you look like you are drunk and passed out on a rock in this picture.  That is not flattering to you at all.

6.  https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719534 the quality looks low and the crop is too tight for my liking.  And for some reason, the photographer accentuated the veins in your eyes.

7.  https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36743434 pretty interesting.  Nothing bad to say.

8. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719472 you look nice but the crop on all of them is weird.  It makes your boobs look like they just keep going and going down.  Had it been shot to show a bit of the bra, to stop that illusion, i would have liked these.

9. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/28495677 you hair looks thin because it's wet and because of the high angle which isn't flattering.  Face looks very good in this one.

10. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/26141469 this just makes no sense, you wearing that outfit standing in front of graffiti.  It also looks like you are struggling to elongate your neck which looks uncomfortable.

11. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36889025 quality is low and you look a bit out of focus but you look very good in this one.

12. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30319673 quality is not so great and the short looks manly and bulky.  The hair color doesn't look very natural to me and the hair on your face bugs me.

13. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34920638 quality is good but there's just so much going on with your outfit.  It's too bulky, too many accessories, and sorry to say but your hair looks a little damaged.

14. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36743451 it's ok.  The name on the box though kills it.  The photographer should have moved some stuff around for sure.

15. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30319565 you look good, hair color issue again, and I am not a fan of the crop.  It's too tight.  Had the photographer shown a tiny bit of your stomach below the arms to give you more of a shape this would have looked better.

16. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719562 the lighting is terrible and so is the quality.  Your top looks like it doesn't fit and it's crazy to me that the photographer took all this time to do the double effect but spent zero time retouching you.

17. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31540254 you look great, however, this wasn't executed all the way.  The branch by your head looks dead which kills the whole paradise illusion for me and the one in front of you is annoying.  Also, your toes are missing which is strange.  Not sure if you were bending them or what but yeah...

18. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719380 you already have pictures of this being displayed.  Try not to repeat images.  And even though this shows more of the bra, I am not a fan on the crop or how this was shot.  This would look better as a horizontal.

19. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35906076 it's ok, your expression is ok. 

20.  https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/27638547 pretty cool, looks like it would have been in a magazine in the 80's or something.  Quality is a little low but it works here.

21. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32326759 quality kills this.  Your face is not in focus at all.  It actually looks like the photographer focused on your boobs.

22. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35906043 again, try not to repeat images.  And again, bulky shirt.  Quality is poor.  You look good.

23. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30535394 Not flattering at all.  Chin should've been stuck out a little more and you look like you are scowling.  Also, your boobs look a little too squished.

24. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/35906742 Again, your face is way out of focus but your boobs are in focus.    I also don't like the angle or crop.  It's just not a good picture to me.

25. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/29113691 Nipple missing.  That ruins the image.  Again, if you are going to go for it, then go for it.  Photoshopping nipples out looks very stupid unless it's a shoot where you are supposed to be a mannequin which isn't the case here.

26. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719598 cool.  No issue.

27. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/33958949.  The bottom image looks blurry, not sure why because I'm sure that's not the case.  However, again, don't post so many pictures of the same shoot.  Try to narrow things down.  In 26 you have 7 images from this shoot and then in this one there are 2 more.  That's a bit much.

28. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/36719667 Just like someone else said, this isn't good.  And again, this another image from a shoot you already posted one for.  That outfit and the graffiti make no sense together.  Also, you are not selling this either.  I saw that this was your first shoot so I get it, but still.

29. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31470264 Another image from a shoot you already posted.  Your face looks doubtful which kills the image for me.  The branches don't bug me as much in this one because colors, they are more muted here.  And look, you have toes!

30. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/27893547 same doubtful face as the other image and the quality is pretty bad.

31. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/32287018 it's just cheesy.  This has been done to death and executed much better.  This is just regular.

32. https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/28413935 the lighting is not very good.  The idea wasn't executed all the way either and I'm not sure what it is with you and all of this material in bright colors.  Seems like that's a thing you like to do or maybe it's the same photographer from before but it's a bit much, a bit repetitive.

33.  https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/34231304 the focus on you isn't great and again, you already posted one of these.  Still think this whole set up is bland.

So in general here is what I gather:
A) You seem like you are self-conscious and therefore throwing a bunch of ill fitting clothes over yourself or random, colorful material.  If that is the case, cover yourself with clothes that actually fit you and accentuate your shape.  Boxy clothes are not sexy. 
B) Watch your hair color choices, specially when you're doing a shoot. 
C) Missing nipples make no sense, stop it.
D) You usually work with decent photographers but some of them suck.  Watch out for quality when you choose who to work with.
E) And last but most important of all, you need to sell yourself.  In a lot of these you look bland, like you are too aware that you are doing a shoot.  Look in the mirror, study your face, study your body, and then give it your all.

Hopefully from this, you can decide what images you want to keep and what images you want to throw out.  Good luck!

Wow, thank you so much for the time and effort put into critiquing me! Good karma heading your way

I definitely agree with most of your critique, after looking at the images I can see what you are saying.


A few points for clarification (only because you questioned, not because I disagree):

"I'm not sure what it is with you and all of this material in bright colors.  Seems like that's a thing you like to do or maybe it's the same photographer from before". "You seem like you are self-conscious and therefore throwing a bunch of ill fitting clothes over yourself or random, colorful material"
- Hehe neither.
Photographers just like it?
I don't have a stylist, the photographers ask me to bring particular clothes to the shoot - I am often asked to bring 'an oversized man's shirt' to the shoot (so they can see my cleavage...), or the photographer brings the material to the shoot.
Maybe it's the new fad like the 'graffiti background'? Don't know how much say I have in this but I'll try to refrain from 'colourful material', thanks for drawing it to my attention!

Nipples are blurred on here due to people being able to download the pictures on this site and use as/where they please, and friends/family/work political correctness etc etc. Nipples not blurred in originals if I need a hard copy portfolio. I agree doesn't look great, think might be 'no nipples at all' from now on. Cheers.

Most of the poor quality shots you mentioned (11, 12, 20, 21, 22) were taken with 35mm film (not digital). I did a few shoots with this photographer and unfortunately, while I love the skill of the unedited film captures and they are some of my favourite shots, I agree that they appear low quality and wish the quality wasn't so affected/grainy when viewed at a larger size.

I don't have enough full body shots and potential clients ask for them, so any with full body do need to stay until I get better examples. When I have sought out photographers that I particularly like the work of, they ask for particular looks/shots (portrait length, bust focus, sexy or wistful look) as the deal/condition of TF, and I don't get as much creative license as I'd like. Where I do, it's less experienced photographers. Being a plus model, I am finding it harder than some to get interest from the high level photographers, designers, stylists (unless they are doing a special 'love your bodies' publication...) :-/ I will keep pushing, thanks.

Haha, my 'doubtful' face is supposed to be my 'thinking', 'questioning', 'contemplative' face (depending on context)! Everyone sees things differently don't they? I'm asked to make this face for the shot, it's not me being self conscious - you should see the outtakes lol! I will make sure I show more of a variety and try to make my contemplative face look less doubtful

I do have to question, while I see where the issues are with most shots you think are not good (thank you for pointing out why!), some of them are loved by others and commented/listed constantly...? I understand opinions are quite varied, some might not see the issues an experienced photographer such as yourself does, but as those shots seem to get me work, I must keep them I think? In particular, 3, 4, 10, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32 (in your list, not current order of my pics).
I'd love to get more opinions on these...

Lastly, rest assured I don't normally have more than one pic up from each shoot at a time. I rotate them. I have only put them all up currently to narrow down which are the best from each shoot (hard, opinions vary again). Will cut them down soon, particularly when I have more shoots I think are of a quality to put up here.



Overall, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your wise words and I will be taking closer note of some of the things you have drawn to my attention. I definitely have more of an idea which I should keep now!

xo

E H wrote:
First I would lose the multi shoots in one, shows you are not able to decide which is the best shot of the shoot, because that is all you need is the best shot from a shoot, professional models/photographers should be able to call out the best shot and why it is. It may or may not enter the port but you shot know which and why it is the best shot of the shoot.
  The hand bras thing,personally I would tell you to pick 1, does matter which one,BUT ONLY 1,,  own it or you shouldn't be that undressed and want to take a little time to get dressed. It is a hang up, get rid of it either way so it will not hang you up again,, so you will be free to shoot and not worry what is where.
  Work with as many photographers as you can and learn as much as you can,, the rest is easy.

All the best...
EH

Hi, thanks for input!

I agree with the multi shots in one. For the magazine shots, that is how they came (as tear sheets in one), but with the other I'd love to choose - but everyone (experienced photographers, myself, other models) has a different opinion as to which is the best one!

Advice and your opinion on which is the best one out of a set (and why) would be appreciated.

I'm not 100% sure what you mean by the "hand bras hangup thing" sorry...? Clarification please?

I am asked to use my hand as a bra in the shots where I have done so... It isn't a 'trying to cover up my nipples' thing, it is a 'the photographer doesn't want me to wear a bra or top but wants me to have a very upright bust (even though I'm a natural F cup) that can be seen in the closely cropped shot' thing...

I want my new shots to not even have my bust in it (full length shots wearing clothes etc) but as soon as I ask for this, the photographer is suddenly not interested in doing the shoot, or ignores my wishes on the shoot. I feel like a novelty - only asked to do shots because of my bust sometimes, haha. Seriously. Over it.

Thanks for weighing in, appreciated!

Sharkie Mac wrote:
I have been trying to get more fashion work, but it's hard because prospective clients often automatically see my look as 'sexy' and from the start

Guilty as charged.

Sharkie Mac wrote:
...or starting a completely separate fashion portfolio.

One very strong vote here! Plus that would be a better home for Graffiti Wall

Do not do your sexy look nor let the girls out in the new port. Except when you get Sports Illustrated.

Sharkie Mac wrote:

Thank you!

I think I'm a little attached to the graffiti wall shoot - it was my first shoot!

Put it in a frame and enjoy it on your wall.  Do you want your port to help you show your ability or to be a place for reminiscing?   Then someone else took a lot of time to review your port and you gave the reasons that you wanted to keep the shots, or why he was wrong, or whatever.  I stopped reading there.  Since I read the thread, to that point, before I looked at your port, I won't look at your port.  If my valuable time, used at your request to review and write, is simply going to lead to my opinion being dismissed, why should I invest in you?   You are content to let your port show employers where you used to be.  Not where you are.

Sharkie Mac wrote:

Thank you!

Any reason why or they just don't grab you?

Simple. They aren't as good as the others.

Sharkie Mac wrote:
...or starting a completely separate fashion portfolio.

Toto Photo wrote:
One very strong vote here! Plus that would be a better home for Graffiti Wall

Do not do your sexy look nor let the girls out in the new port. Except when you get Sports Illustrated.

I know... It will be little hard for me to break from my 'sexy eye look' and glamour posing, haha!
Been offered Men's Mags here but full nude work and not the avenue I want to go down at the moment.
Must start again as a baby/beginner at fashion and hope people don't keep asking for more of the girls! I did a very classy bridal shoot the other day, should be a good start

Hunter  GWPB wrote:

Put it in a frame and enjoy it on your wall.  Do you want your port to help you show your ability or to be a place for reminiscing?   Then someone else took a lot of time to review your port and you gave the reasons that you wanted to keep the shots, or why he was wrong, or whatever.  I stopped reading there.  Since I read the thread, to that point, before I looked at your port, I won't look at your port.  If my valuable time, used at your request to review and write, is simply going to lead to my opinion being dismissed, why should I invest in you?   You are content to let your port show employers where you used to be.  Not where you are.

Lol, I think you misunderstood a fair bit.

I am not keeping the graffiti shot BECAUSE of the input given, just explained why it was still there as an older shot, as everything else is current. Like I said, it is one of my only full length shots (which has been very important for prospective clients to see), BUT I am taking on board the feedback from multiple sources that it is outdated, so will be listening to that advice, and I appreciate ALL constructive feedback.

I have personally thanked the photographer who spent the time writing a detailed critique (privately), I greatly value his opinion and have since listed some of his work as inspirations for my new work. I have copied his critique and saved it to a Word doc, with each comment under the corresponding picture, to assess further and use as a basis for deleting the pictures once this thread has run its course and I start culling my portfolio (which I of course will do, but not while others are still critiquing it). I have taken it VERY seriously and HUGELY appreciate it.

However, I work in psychology - it's my nature and job to always explain the 'why' of things, give background info, details, questions, and not just blindly follow any one person's opinion. I certainly did not say anyone's opinions were 'wrong' (are opinions ever wrong?). I did explain some things to clarify what was questioned and what may be misunderstood. I.e. I was told I seem to like covering myself in big men's shirts and colourful material - which has been at the photographer's requests, not mine - am I wrong to explain this? I said I'll try to not have any more of this look in my portfolio, and I agree with the critique of it, just not that it's me being 'self conscious'. Nipples blurred? Explained that is just on here because of public access, not on my professional port, also agree with the critique of it. Multiples from the one shoot? Explained that I don't have that usually (because I agree with the critique of it), only up now to get opinions on which from each shoot should stay, and etc etc with other explanations related to his final impressions down the bottom of the page. Doesn't mean I have not taken on board everything in the critique, just my nature to explain background that may give people a better understanding.
Must-hold-back-from-being-a-thinker-and-just-act-like-a-dumb-model, yes??

The only thing I genuinely questioned (that wasn't just an explanation) was that some of the shots that I get the impression he thinks I should get rid of are some of my most listed and viewed shots - and I wonder why that is? If they get me work and so many other 'opinions' do like them, I question that they should stay for now... Is that wrong to ask for more than one opinion of my 'best' work before deleting them all?

Thank you for your input. I will take away from it your comment "Do you want your port to help you show your ability or to be a place for reminiscing?"
I will take that seriously on board when I do cull my portfolio soon.

Marin Photography NYC wrote:
More full length shots of you posing, less boobiliciousness...  You have a great look but there is too much emphasis on your boobs.

Soooo true. I struggle to get many full length shots back from shoots - some photographers act like they have never seen boobs before.

I want to use your quote when working now - taped to my boobs ;D

Paul Tirado Photography wrote:
In a way I think there is might be too much variation in your look in these shots from being too close up, focused on boobs as the other poster mentioned, hair color, etc.  As a photographer I would maybe wonder how you currently present yourself if I was to hire you. I think you might mitigate this by having one shot of you, head to toe in a tight body or swimsuit,  clean to minimal makeup that shows your current look and hair color. This you would update every 2-3 months if no real changes have occurred.

This is a great idea.
Thank you.

While I like having 'variety' in my portfolio to show that I can work in multiple genres and suit different looks/styles, I have had people thinking I am a photographer shooting different girls occasionally, and I totally agree that it is hard to tell what I currently look like (especially with past hair colours/ lack of full length shots). Most people aren't going to go through my up-to-date stats or look at the copyright date of pictures.

I wonder if some photographers would feel it is 'unprofessional looking' to have a simple selfie style shot in my portfolio? I think it is helpful and what agencies ask for, and I really want to do this now!

Lallure Photographic wrote:
Number 6, 15, 16, and 23, are my least favorites.

Uncanny -- you spot on nailed my bottom four of the portfolio.

Toto Photo wrote:
Guilty as charged.


One very strong vote here! Plus that would be a better home for Graffiti Wall

Do not do your sexy look nor let the girls out in the new port. Except when you get Sports Illustrated.

Sound advice here if you want more "fashion work" (remember fashion models usually have certain stats.)


Its hard for me to define what style most of your portfolio is compiled of right now but if you want to make money shooting these "sexy" shots or nudes then keep it as it is and go with that business model. ( This will probably be your best bet at making the most money )

If you want to try a different style make a separate portfolio.   


This one can go no matter what

TheRobertHanley wrote:
Sound advice here if you want more "fashion work" (remember fashion models usually have certain stats.)


Its hard for me to define what style most of your portfolio is compiled of right now but if you want to make money shooting these "sexy" shots or nudes then keep it as it is and go with that business model. ( This will probably be your best bet at making the most money )

If you want to try a different style make a separate portfolio.   


This one can go no matter what

Hehe, I hope I don't come across as deluding myself that I have the stats to be a 'regular' fashion model

I feel I need to point out I'm talking about plus fashion... Yes?
I'm a tad short (5'7) but new clothing companies don't seem to be as strict about that here so just hoping to see how I go. I've had some work for smaller companies so far and am really happy to be a part of breaking the mould for fashion here
There is starting to be a push for it here, especially commercial fashion because customers want to see what clothes look like on their size (the 'average' size of Australian women today). I'd love to be a part of that!
Thank you for bringing up what others are probably thinking, respectfully.

Regardless, am getting off topic. Very sound advice about glamour(ish) shots being the best business model for me currently. I will be keeping on glamour modelling, while I explore & see where I can go with plus fashion. I think a separate album for fashion/ editorial/ no glamour or nude style is very helpful advice for that side of things, but still seeking to know my 'best' of this work, to continue to get regular work.

**Side note (more blabbing, I'm recovering from surgery and its boring, apologies)
- Not sure about nude yet, have only done implied (or sheer tops with blurred nips where using online), thinking of leaving that in the past. My art shots are really just more hobby/creative outlet/promotion, as I generally don't make much money from them but they get published in art magazines. I consider that my age might be a factor in making an eventual move from being photographed as a 'fresh', 'young', 'sexy' woman that people want to add to their portfolios, and that 'mature', 'elegant', 'classy' commercial plus fashion/editorial work might have more longevity, but just my musings...

Oh and yep, about 4 votes for that pic now! I'm glad others have a better eye for what should go than I do!

Thank you thank you

Lallure Photographic wrote:
Number 6, 15, 16, and 23, are my least favorites.

Puckman Photography wrote:
Uncanny -- you spot on nailed my bottom four of the portfolio.

It's definitely uncanny when I have actually changed the order of the shots between that person's post and your one in order to add some shots.

The shots previously in slots 6, 15, 16, 23 were:

6.


15.


16.


23.


The shots currently in slots 6, 15, 16, 23 are:

6.


15.


16.


23.
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/29113691

I'd love to know which set are the ones that "nailed your bottom four of the portfolio"?

Cheers