Forums > Critique > Positive Feedback

Photographer

Elise Imagery

Posts: 29

Niles, Michigan, US

I'm a new photographer and really thin skinned, so be nice. What do you think works best in my port, and what should I do more of?

Nov 23 14 08:32 pm Link

Photographer

ShapeTheLight

Posts: 270

Garner, North Carolina, US

Learn to get thick skin..Its the only way you will grow..Composition is off on most all your pics..Retouching is been overdone as well...Lighting needs work..Use your main lighting patterns..Expressions of models are Meh...
Good Luck...

Nov 23 14 09:44 pm Link

Photographer

Elise Imagery

Posts: 29

Niles, Michigan, US

So my work basically sucks in all respects? Thanks.

Nov 23 14 10:44 pm Link

Photographer

cheshiredave

Posts: 394

Oakland, California, US

Don't let that be your takeaway from the previous comment. Your work doesn't suck; it just shows that you're still on your way up. Take the actual critiques to heart and learn from them.

Keep experimenting and having fun with it, and don't be worried whether you're "there" yet. Asking for gentle critique here also just shows a lack of experience on this site -- you're not going to get handled with kid gloves by most commenters here.

For what it's worth, this is my favorite image of yours:

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/18/54729963dcc40_m.jpg

I like the contrast of shapes and textures. The muted colors are nice, and this could also work as B&W. But I don't love the image, and here's why:

1. There is a little halo at the top of the umbrella, which is distracting. It betrays a problem with your processing, probably overprocessing in that area, maybe trying to sharpen too much?

2. I'm not sure why it's important that the subject is a ballet dancer, or why she's hidden under an umbrella where she's clearly not going to get wet.

That said, at least there does seem to be some kind of story being told here.

Keep going...

Nov 23 14 11:34 pm Link

Photographer

L O C U T U S

Posts: 1746

Bangor, Maine, US

Elise Imagery wrote:
I'm a new photographer and really thin skinned, so be nice. What do you think works best in my port, and what should I do more of?

If you get defensive when people pick apart your photos, dont ask for critiques.

If you want to advance and grow, listen, put some thought into the critique and see if you agree with it.
If you do not agree, disregard it and move on.

BUT DONT flipout, be snide,  etc etc etc.

YOU asked for critique, now take it.


I find your work nice.
BUT, you need to watch lines in the background that should be straight, but aren't straight in your photos.
It throws off the photo, gives it an odd feel to the viewer.

Also one thing I find annoying, others may disagree, is when someone with tattoos has writing across their body, and the photo is turned so I can't read the words without turning my head sideways.
It causes me stop looking at the photo and move on, uninterested and annoyed.

BUT you're in school to learn all this stuff. SO be patient, and learn as much as possible.
You'll be taking photos better than all of us in no time. smile

CHEERS

Nov 23 14 11:46 pm Link

Photographer

Lallure Photographic

Posts: 2086

Taylors, South Carolina, US

One cannot critique without being honest. If you seek only positive comments, without any negative comments, then I can be of no service to you, because both the good, and the not as good, must be discussed.

Nov 24 14 06:16 am Link

Photographer

Lee_Photography

Posts: 9863

Minneapolis, Minnesota, US

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/22/5472cdbbdb77d_m.jpg
Most people do not seem to look good upside down, which probably stems from the fact few people walk on there hands when we see them in the street.
The white part of models eyes looks off too

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/20/5472b2f836806_m.jpg
Up the nose shots are not the most flattering of angles
[Hi, you]

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/19/5472a071e3125_m.jpg
I like a lot about this image
[Why not show more of the model and less of the bench?]
For me you used too wide a lens, you are getting perspective distortion, {making her nose look big}

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/18/54729b0489cac_m.jpg
The backward tilt and out of focus eyes plus the up the nose angle are not working for me


https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/18/547299c4a2856_m.jpg
Odd bend at models left elbow
Wish left hand were in photo too, placed on hip or tummy

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141123/18/54729963dcc40_m.jpg
Interesting photo
[What would have happened if you were lying on the ground when you took this photo?]

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141109/21/546047efcb6c8_m.jpg
Show all of her hands please, bit of a tilt too

https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141109/06/545f7a581d635_m.jpg
Great looking models and pose
Image seems washed out, elbow looks out of place

You have a great eye for photography

Happy Thanksgiving

Nov 24 14 03:10 pm Link

Photographer

alessandro2009

Posts: 8091

Florence, Toscana, Italy

I think this is the best shoot on your port:
https://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/141125/21/54756c45bd2ed_m.jpg
that enhances your creativity (better with eye a little more open).
I think it would be better if you enhance your creativity until your skill reach a sufficient level to make more "standard" shoot.

Nov 26 14 04:14 am Link

Photographer

Studio 17B

Posts: 46

Waterdown, Ontario, Canada

I agree with the above comments, your portfolio is not strong for now, but neither was mine when I started (and still may not be).  I started shooting about a year and half ago and have asked for critiques from time to time.  The more critical the better as far as I'm concerned.  Remember that people are offering you their own opinion based upon their shooting style and likes and dislikes - you don't have to agree with them but try to understand what they are saying and learn from it.  Incorporate the advice and input you receive with your own artistic impressions and ability and you will develop your own style.  Gauge your success on how you are developing, not on where you are.

Nov 26 14 07:46 am Link