Forums > Critique > Fun and Games > Offering critiques.

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Exam week is finally over so in celebration, I thought I'd offer critiques. I'm settling back into photography after a really busy semester at school. What better way to find inspiration than seeing people's work?

disclaimer: I know nothing. I'm just spewing my ideas.

Jan 15 10 04:14 pm Link

Photographer

JLC Images

Posts: 11615

Phillipsburg, New Jersey, US

Feel free to spew on me

Jan 15 10 04:16 pm Link

Photographer

Bright Candle Photo

Posts: 1247

Los Angeles, California, US

Bring it on. Best and worst also why if you could.

Jan 15 10 04:18 pm Link

Model

Summer Breath

Posts: 306

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Definatly interested

Jan 15 10 04:29 pm Link

Photographer

ConnorStewart

Posts: 1163

Dallas, Texas, US

im in

Jan 15 10 04:35 pm Link

Model

Asher J

Posts: 41

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

and i! smile

Jan 15 10 04:39 pm Link

Model

Jillian McDonald

Posts: 182

Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

spew away big_smile

Jan 15 10 04:39 pm Link

Model

Miz Divine

Posts: 291

Flint, Michigan, US

spew your thoughts

Jan 15 10 04:45 pm Link

Photographer

lIlIl

Posts: 2336

Lexington, Kentucky, US

me too if you're still going!

Jan 15 10 04:47 pm Link

Model

Clockwork Phee

Posts: 15

London, England, United Kingdom

go for it ^_^

Jan 15 10 04:51 pm Link

Photographer

Mike Chaiken

Posts: 1089

Bristol, Connecticut, US

spew

Jan 15 10 04:55 pm Link

Makeup Artist

Madison Mills Makeup

Posts: 36

Seattle, Washington, US

feel free go through my port and spew your ideas

Jan 15 10 05:06 pm Link

Model

Miss Bond

Posts: 1507

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

oki:)

Jan 15 10 05:08 pm Link

Photographer

Bill Jones Photography

Posts: 1618

Los Angeles, California, US

Go for it smile

Jan 15 10 05:11 pm Link

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

JLC Images wrote:
Feel free to spew on me

An interesting portfolio. The first thing that I would say is work on organization. I scrolled through by clicking on each photo to see the next one and then I looked through the pages. I felt that there were photos that were meant to be in a series or centered around the same concept but because they were scattered all over the portfolio, there was no flow. It was as if you would begin a thought, and then jump to another and then another. For example, The Calm, Garden, and Born felt like they were created under the same concept/subject matter (biblical reference?). However, they were separated by a bunch of photos in between. The other thing that confused me was for the photos that I thought were tied together by the subject, you used different editing effects. That made me question if they were meant to be together. For example, Goodnight and Half. I thought there was some deeper meaning because there is a similar wardrobe and the models have similar poses. However, you threw on a lot of textures for one and none for the other. I feel like you have a lot of interesting concepts but I can't follow them because everything is so jumbled up. The final thing about organization. There are a few photographs in here that seem completely out of place. First is the senior picture. The others are the rope swing. They feel like after thoughts. As if you don't really like shooting those kinds of photos but you feel the need to show that you are versatile. If you want to shoot more photos like those, then I would try to incorporate them more fully into your portfolio. If that isn't your main goal, then I would take them out.

I like your use of textures and photo manipulating to an extent. For example, Then I Woke. It made me think of a fantasy world with mythical gods and such. Very cool. Another is In Love. For those two, I think you put a lot of effort into the idea and putting it all together. However, for some of your other work, (such as Look) I felt as if you slapped on texture for no reason. Of course, you may well have had a reason but it doesn't show for me.

https://modelmayhm-5.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/080308/23/47d36e55abdc6_m.jpg
The above photo really stands out for me because I really think that the image it self is strong. You manage to capture an interesting photograph but keep the dark feel. However, I feel as if looks almost out of place among the other photos that are heavily textured and grungy. I definitely think that the texture can be used if you use it in moderation and for a purpose. Otherwise, I feel like it's an effect you're using to try to hide otherwise weaker photos. And sometimes, I feel like the textures distract from otherwise interesting photos (example: Knowledge and Seed).

Jan 15 10 05:14 pm Link

Model

Aly Gallagher

Posts: 811

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Me please smile

Jan 15 10 05:18 pm Link

Photographer

Rebecca Newman Photography

Posts: 1631

Tampa, Florida, US

Lanya B wrote:
Exam week is finally over so in celebration, I thought I'd offer critiques. I'm settling back into photography after a really busy semester at school. What better way to find inspiration than seeing people's work?

disclaimer: I know nothing. I'm just spewing my ideas.

Yes, please!! I just added brand new work!! smile

Jan 15 10 05:19 pm Link

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Bright Candle Photo wrote:
Bring it on. Best and worst also why if you could.

None of your work particularly stands out to me because I don't really relate to your style of work. I would say my least favorite is :
https://modelmayhm-1.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091229/01/4b39d18ebdd5b_m.jpg
The composition makes the photo looked cramped. I also think that the model's expression is awkward rather than alluring.

Jan 15 10 05:26 pm Link

Photographer

Kyiah K

Posts: 580

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I'm ready *ducks and braces for impact*

Jan 15 10 05:29 pm Link

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Summer Breath wrote:
Definatly interested

I like the variety of work you have in your portfolio. I hope you're able to keep finding different photographers to work with because each photographer has his or her style that will portray you in a different way.
https://modelmayhm-2.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/071202/04/47527a5b9dcff_m.jpg
This photograph really stands out to me because it shows that you are comfortable getting into a role. You have a smile on your face and you just threw your whole body into it. I think this shows your comfort in being in front of the camera and that you're willing to try things. Another example of this is the boxing photo. Your triumphant look is convincing.

One thing that I would watch out for is that I see quite a number of the tilted head & smile look. That may also be the angle and way that the photographers happen to capture you though.

I love the close up kiss photo. That was beautifully captured. Also, the one I posted above. In addition:
https://modelmayhm-2.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/080308/04/47d2584c29dd8_m.jpg
I think it has a very different feel from the bubbily happy photos in your port. I think that it shows that you are willing to work with photographers who have different styles.

I don't really like:
https://modelmayhm-2.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/090928/23/4ac1abddccc52_m.jpg
because I think that those photos are done frequently and it doesn't show off your facial structure appealingly.

https://modelmayhm-2.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/071211/21/475f47cbc997e_m.jpg
https://modelmayhm-2.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/081103/02/490ea49c829ca_m.jpg
I don't like the lighting so I don't think they match up to the other photos in your port.

Jan 15 10 05:50 pm Link

Model

Colleen Lucky

Posts: 1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US

me please

Jan 15 10 05:56 pm Link

Photographer

JLC Images

Posts: 11615

Phillipsburg, New Jersey, US

Lanya B wrote:
An interesting portfolio...

Thank you for your in-depth critique smile

Jan 15 10 06:10 pm Link

Model

Beatrix Mae

Posts: 2499

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I'm interested if you are still offering

Jan 15 10 06:24 pm Link

Model

Boston Artist Model

Posts: 1159

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Go right ahead

Jan 15 10 06:32 pm Link

Photographer

- Not Here Right Now -

Posts: 137

Redford, Michigan, US

Me! smile

Jan 15 10 07:31 pm Link

Photographer

Lauren A Farrington

Posts: 999

Sunderland, Massachusetts, US

Please? smile

Jan 15 10 07:36 pm Link

Photographer

Franko Photo

Posts: 1622

San Jose, California, US

I'm in

Jan 15 10 07:37 pm Link

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

ConnorStewart wrote:
im in

Ohhh I enjoy your work. I like the variety of styles in your port while you maintain a fashiony feel to your work. I feel as if it's less common for fashion oriented photographers to take horizontal shots and I'm impressed by those. You manage to take photos from interesting angles. A few things that I noticed is that for some of the photographs (1 & 2 in particular) you aren't focusing on the model's faces. Actually #1 is sharply focused on the bed which I found distracting. For #2, my eye wanders to her leg rather than her face. At the same time, I think that a "different" focus produces interesting results. For example #3. I'm not sure if it was intentional to not have the model in focus. I can't quite explain why I like the blurriness but I do.

https://modelmayhm-4.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091228/22/4b39a6505af95_m.jpg
I don't think this photo belongs here. I feel as if you were trying to take photos that convey a darker emotion but instead, I just feel as if the photo is underexposed. It's also blurry and in this case, I don't think it works. If you're going for that style, I much prefer the photo that is before that.

I love the composition for this photo. The lighting is also beautiful. I like the back lighting, especially on her hair and body. You also managed to keep the rich detail in the jeans.
https://modelmayhm-4.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091109/16/4af8b04f1e0e9_m.jpg

https://modelmayhm-4.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091109/16/4af8af9ca58ad_m.jpg
Was this shoot spontaneous? The location seems very random, especially with the skirt. The photo also some how feels flat to me. Also, in this case, it bugs me that the very bottom of the skirt is cropped out.

Jan 15 10 08:08 pm Link

Photographer

Tom Boehme

Posts: 187

Vancouver, Washington, US

Hit me!!

Jan 15 10 08:10 pm Link

Photographer

DystopianStudios

Posts: 795

Los Angeles, California, US

I know nothing either, so feel free to spew your ideas my way.

Jan 15 10 08:17 pm Link

Model

TrackBelle

Posts: 4497

San Francisco, California, US

I'm absolutely interested if you're still going

Jan 15 10 08:34 pm Link

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Asher J wrote:
and i! smile

I think the photos in your portfolio vary in quality. The first photo is dramatic. It made me stop and really look. The next 3, the photography doesn't match up at all. Maybe that's just my taste though. I'd say just keep working with different photographers.

https://modelmayhm-5.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091123/09/4b0ac8bff28ec_m.jpg
I think this is my least favorite.. First of all, I don't understand what is going on. I feel as if there is meant to be some story but your expression is blank (and I'd say the male model's face is equally blank) so I don't understand.

You have a lot of "staring seductively into the camera" photos for the first few rows. There's nothing wrong with that. However, I guess I wish I could feel more emotion from your expressions. https://modelmayhm-5.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091123/09/4b0ac81339172_m.jpg
Compare the left and right. The you on the left looks a bit surprised or wary of something. The right just seems like you're looking at the camera. I think it's hard to get emotion because it can be a really subtle change of face but I think it would make your portfolio seem more diverse.

Jan 16 10 04:43 pm Link

Photographer

Lanya B

Posts: 1825

Boston, Massachusetts, US

Jillian McDonald wrote:
spew away big_smile

You do a nice job getting into character. For example:
https://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/100115/16/4b51086bbeb9c_m.jpghttps://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/100115/11/4b50c865a2226_m.jpg
You go from looking seductive and then like you're up to no good both of which blend with the overall creepiness with the blood and scissors. I couldn't help but wonder what the woman wanted. Was she just crazy or...? Great job with that. Keep at it.

Now, this one less so:
https://modelmayhm-3.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/091218/14/4b2c001fd4736_m.jpg
Maybe because you just look as if you're bored and are looking down at the wall.

From your port, it looks like you've only had a handful of shoots. Get out and shoot more with a variety of photographers.

Jan 16 10 04:50 pm Link

Model

Annie RS

Posts: 5699

Baltimore, Maryland, US

me please?

Jan 16 10 04:51 pm Link