Forums > Critique > Professional Photo Judge picks your Best & Worst

Photographer

Marin Photo NYC

Posts: 7348

New York, New York, US

Model with Michael wrote:

Your best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31829910

The pose, the model's outfit and her expression make this your strongest photo.

Your worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30725718

The photo conveys no meaning, it's just there. Photographing men is very different from photographing women. The lighting, posing, makeup, styling, everything must be different.

To improve your portfolio, take time to study lighting and posing. Don't expect the model to know how to pose. It's the photographer that is looking in the camera that directs the model.

Much success,
Michael

That worst photo is me. I just put it in there so people know who I am....Thanks!

Mar 07 13 08:17 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

RachelReilly wrote:
I'll play!

Your best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31280181

You highlight positive aspects of the model, such as her long legs, and beautiful hair. Your composition could be stronger. You are too tight on the right hand side of the image, the model's left. And too much space on the left, the model's right. Also the pipe runs the eye out of the image. You should remove it to focus the viewer on the model. In composition, decide what you are trying to say and do not have anything in the image that is not contributing to what you want to say.

Your worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30332068

The model is just there. It lacks composition, styling, makeup, hair. The composition is too tight. Everything exists in a space. The use of the space inside the rectangle is our composition. There should be no waste. This image I do not like, because the crop is too tight to say anything. This is a good model that could be worked better.

Your port would benefit from additional photos that show the model's face. The hair hides the faces in most of your work, although your models have fantastic looks. Don't hide your best assets, bring them out. 

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 08:43 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

Marin Photography wrote:
That worst photo is me. I just put it in there so people know who I am....Thanks!

If it's in your port, you will be judged by it. Take the time to create a powerful self-portrait. Here is an example of mine: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31866580

Mar 07 13 08:53 pm Link

Photographer

Keith Styles

Posts: 49

Miami, Florida, US

I would love to get some feedback. Thanks.

Mar 07 13 08:55 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

Digital1 photography wrote:
id love to know my best and worst so im in

Cheers

Dave

Your best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/29886662

The model's pose and how the dress is shown, both are excellent, with or without the church background.

Your worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30766780

The body is just there, no head and the scars from her breast augmentation show. It will get lots of views and draw attention, but not because of the quality of photography.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 09:08 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

Joseph William  wrote:
Would love to hear your opinion

Your best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/11801373

Your strongest image. Good concept, but the model must have moved. The legs and arms have a halo image.

Your worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31683581

The model is just there without a positive expression. The outfit could have been done well, but it just hangs on her in this photo. Some work should have been put into her hair and makeup. You need to study more about composition with the female form in mind.

To improve your port, focus on posing the model and getting an expression.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 09:19 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

Mary Zdo wrote:
Do tell.

Best: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31861456

Cute and playful. Good choice for your avatar from your current selection.

Worst: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31862036

A good head shot is crucial, but this one isn't flattering. It needs work on the makeup, the hair, the composition and lighting.

Look in the mirror and work on posing. Get photographers to direct you. Also your two black and whites are too dark. The pose in the top right is headed in the right direction.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 09:26 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

winking_wonder wrote:
I'm in.

Best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/27373071

Artistic concept and good lighting for the subject.

Worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/27772280

Everything is wrong in this image to me. The lighting is distracting and glaring. The pose is unflattering. The outfit is distracting. The expression is just there.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 09:32 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

hs photography wrote:
I'm next please.

Best: A toss up between these two
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117203
Good model and one of your best poses.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117277
Excellent model with a cute outfit and look, but the row seats are very distracting to the image.

Worst: Again a toss up between these two
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117260
The model is just there and lacks an enticing expression.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117119
Although the model is very attractive and would look good in the suit, the angle of the shot and positioning of her in the photo is unflattering and the image thus lacks good composition.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 09:41 pm Link

Photographer

RobertOPhoto

Posts: 59

Royal Oak, Michigan, US

Would appreciate your opinion.

Mar 07 13 09:44 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

Images by MR wrote:
Yes plz..

Best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31493924
Cute expression on the model and nice playful look. The image would be even better if there was a little more space above her head and her arm was better placed.


Worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31403616
This image makes no sense to me. It lacks composition, lighting and posing. Apparently others see something in the blindfolded concept, but to me it is not a salable item. 

Much success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 09:48 pm Link

Model

Nicole Nu

Posts: 3981

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sure, and why please

Mar 07 13 09:55 pm Link

Photographer

Jorge Kreimer

Posts: 3716

San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

Ok, judge me!

Mar 07 13 10:06 pm Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

Lil Miss Jade wrote:
I am game would like to know your opinion

You've got some great shots in your portfolio and are an excellent model.

Best:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/16417542

Fantastic image with creative styling, excellent pose. Really powerful.

Worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/22898422
I do not like the pose. I do not like the lighting. I do not like the composition. It only makes a religious statement to certain viewers. It changes the direction of your portfolio away from its commercial value and thus takes strongly from your port.

A model's port for sale should have commercial value. If it's not for commercial value, then it is for friends. Most of the rest of your portfolio has commercial value. Only you can decide which direction you are trying to take.

You should cull some other photos from your port. It's not the volume of images that you have, but the quality of your photos that will bring you paid work. It's your ability to cull the ones with less impact that will give you a stronger port and bring you more work.

Much continued success,
Michael

Mar 07 13 10:07 pm Link

Photographer

Steves Photo works

Posts: 418

Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada

I'd love to hear your thoughts....

Mar 07 13 10:28 pm Link

Photographer

DRaskin Photography

Posts: 167

Sacramento, California, US

Yes, I would love to hear your opinion. Thank you.

Mar 07 13 11:58 pm Link

Photographer

Eros Fine Art Photo

Posts: 3097

Torrance, California, US

Always interested in the opinion of those in the know.  Please tell me what you think.

Mar 08 13 12:09 am Link

Model

Jen B

Posts: 4474

Phoenix, Arizona, US

Model with Michael wrote:
I've been a professional judge for photo competitions for many decades. I teach professional photographers at workshops, photo schools and seminars. I also teach models how to pose. So if you want honest feedback, I will pick out your best and/or your worst. If you want to know why, I'll let you know my reasoning.

If I really like your work, I'll comment and list it.

I wish you much success!

Michael

Wonderful of you!

Please and thank you!smile
Jen

Mar 08 13 12:19 am Link

Model

V Laroche

Posts: 2746

Khowmeyn, Markazī, Iran

What kind of photo competitions do you judge?

Mar 08 13 12:23 am Link

Photographer

Maria Panina

Posts: 142

New York, New York, US

That sounds interesting. Please, let me know

Mar 08 13 01:58 am Link

Model

Beth Chambers

Posts: 465

London, England, United Kingdom

I would love to know smile

Mar 08 13 02:08 am Link

Photographer

Brosius Photographics

Posts: 1511

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

Please let me know my best/worst and your reason why. Thank you.

Mark

Mar 08 13 02:28 am Link

Photographer

Jeff Fiore

Posts: 9225

Brooklyn, New York, US

I'd love to know my best and worst

Mar 08 13 03:13 am Link

Photographer

Decay of Memory

Posts: 682

Asheville, North Carolina, US

Sounds great, thanks Michael.

Mar 08 13 03:33 am Link

Photographer

EdwinR Photography

Posts: 3154

Gainesville, Florida, US

is it too late???  tx

Mar 08 13 03:34 am Link

Photographer

click snap

Posts: 468

ACE, Texas, US

Model with Michael wrote:

Best: A toss up between these two
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117203
Good model and one of your best poses.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117277
Excellent model with a cute outfit and look, but the row seats are very distracting to the image.

Worst: Again a toss up between these two
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117260
The model is just there and lacks an enticing expression.

https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30117119
Although the model is very attractive and would look good in the suit, the angle of the shot and positioning of her in the photo is unflattering and the image thus lacks good composition.

Much success,
Michael

Thank you.

Mar 08 13 03:51 am Link

Model

SaraMarie8390

Posts: 2

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

fedunoks.wix.com/saramarie

Mar 08 13 04:06 am Link

Model

HEATHER 19

Posts: 1156

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Yes...please...

Mar 08 13 04:46 am Link

Photographer

TDSImages

Posts: 1032

Salt Lake City, Utah, US

Me next?

Mar 08 13 05:39 am Link

Model

Maggie Xia

Posts: 452

Atlanta, Georgia, US

so what are my best and worst? smile

Mar 08 13 05:44 am Link

Model

Seraph_Protocol

Posts: 3

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

I'd love to get a professional opinion, please!

Mar 08 13 05:52 am Link

Model

Nicki Micki

Posts: 270

Charleston, South Carolina, US

I would love to hear your opinion

Mar 08 13 06:19 am Link

Photographer

Rebelroma

Posts: 16

Birmingham, Alabama, US

If you are still interested in playing this game. I would really appreciate your opinion!
Thanks

Mar 08 13 06:37 am Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

double negative wrote:
i'm curious

Your best: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31476435
Your current profile picture is the strongest photo. Direct gaze of the model adds to the image. The cracked ground imparts interest.

A close second is: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/10244439
A great concept, but it's difficult to see when small.

Your worst:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/12090271

I don't think this photo matches your portfolio and the out of focus shot doesn't do anything for me. I realize many people relate to this photo, but I don't see it.

Images of commercial value should not impart a vague concept. They should be clear and concise. Images just for fun can be anything and many people may relate. This image detracts from the rest of your work.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 08 13 07:32 am Link

Photographer

Revenge Photography

Posts: 1905

Horsham, Victoria, Australia

I'm game

Mar 08 13 07:38 am Link

Model

Tattiana Marie

Posts: 3

Phoenix, Arizona, US

I'm in, lets go!

Mar 08 13 07:46 am Link

Model

_eMMe_

Posts: 866

Florence, Toscana, Italy

Let me know what you think.

Mar 08 13 07:48 am Link

Photographer

AndyD10

Posts: 352

Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

I cordially invite you to judge my photographic efforts.

Mar 08 13 07:55 am Link

Photographer

RB_Images

Posts: 76

Los Angeles, California, US

Would like your thoughts. thanks

Mar 08 13 08:06 am Link

Photographer

Model with Michael

Posts: 391

Frederick, Maryland, US

B E A R wrote:
Sureeeee

Hi Bear,

Your best: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/30425230
Great outfit. Has a sensuality to it that draws attention and makes you stand out. Pose is headed in the right direction, but would have been even stronger if your stance showed off both legs, instead of hiding one behind the other.

Here I'm using a frontal pose, but you can see that it shows off both the model's legs:
https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31843252
The concept is the same for a side view, one leg should be apart from the other to better show off your form.

Also a slight glance toward camera would hold the viewer better. It's all the little things that make the difference between a good shot and an outstanding one!

Your worst: https://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/pic/31843799
Doesn't flatter you. Makes you look a little frumpy. The arms are awkward. Pressing your arm against your body makes it appear larger. Good shot for friends and family, but not your port.

Much success,
Michael

Mar 08 13 08:39 am Link