Need an opinion on something...

[Toogy]

Over the past 3 months or so, I've done alot to change the way I look.... I've worked out, maintained a better diet etc. I've lost almost 30 pounds, got a new hair style, dress differently, new glasses etc. The problem is my profile picture on my website is old, and I don't look like that at all anymore...
But the only recent picture I have of myself is this one...

http://www.pbase.com/image/75375576.jpg

I like the picture, but not sure if it is too "casual" you know? It is the image I want to portray though, I don't want to be know as the boring traditional wedding photographer....

This is the current profile picture on my website...

http://www.digitaliso.ca/images/about_r4_c4.gif

Should I change pictures? or try and get some new photos that are maybe a little less casual? What do you guys think?

[MrsOpie]

Change pictures but I would set up some time to have someone take a few pictures of you for your website.

[JustKat]

I like the new one best. You look very "artsy", relaxed and confident.

[GertS]

I would go for the recent picture, even if it's casual.

PS: Had a look at your wedding section at pbase. Really good shots there ;)

[JaertX]

yeah, I vote to change it. I think the pose and all is fine, but the really flat lighting keeps it from being a very interesting portrait.

good on you for the self-improvement. I have, um, about 50 lbs to lose. (and I'm only 5'-6"!!! lol)

[CyberPet]

Jeff, you look great in your new style, I love it!!!

Depending on your target, the new picture could be somewhat too casual. Maybe we should meet up when I'm in Canada and I'll take your portrait. :D

[PIXI_666]

Toogy.....to me people getting married these days, well MAJORITY of people getting married these days are in their 20s to mid 30s right? Which means there aren't so many "traditionalists" out there anymore.

Just look at the way photographers portray weddings now, 99% of my wedding photography was based around modern contemporary images with a photojournalistic flare to them. I had 1 wedding where they wanted traditional photos but in the end they were happy with the young carefree nature i had and asked me to shoot some PJ as well....

I think a casual approach to your photography, along with your portfolio photo isnt going to make much difference. I would see your portfolio shot and think "Great! He is young and funky....he will have some really good idea's" then i would look through your photo's and said "I want him to shoot my wedding" because more often than not Jeff...i freakin love your photo's!!!!

And on that note....well done on the losing weight and getting yourself into a healthy regime, i think that is fantastic news! And i really commend you on that :)

I hope this helps with your way of thinking ;)

Del

[kampphoto]

I say the new one... check out my site (the flash version) and click the about link people love the series of shots we use.

Cheers.

[Jullian]

Very fun, very bold, but not very wedding... Unless you come highly recommended I would not consider you for a wedding. Keep the first picture (in which you are also quite handsome) until you have a more professional one.

J

[jenne]

I like the new photo but it all depends on the market that you're after... I personally think the photo communicates your style and that will most likely be reflected in the photos you take, however, I can see where people may shy away because of that same style. The one thing might be that people may worry that you'll show up to the wedding in similar outfits.

Ultimately, the photos in your portfolio (which BTW are great) do reflect your creativity and should sell your skills as a photog.

[MikePetroskyy]

I vote for using the "hip/artsy" photo. You need to look at who you want as clients. Would you really want to work for someone who would not hire you simply because of the way you look in a photo? I mean really, it's not like you're sporting a pink mohawk and nipple rings. Anyone who is that uptight would probably be a real PITA to work with.

All imho, of course. :)

[Mario.]

I like the new picture a lot. I too shoot for more of the casual/relaxed appearence, with a more younger look. My main goal, for my appearence, is to have people be comfortable around me. Spikey hair and a modern dress wordrobe accomplishes this quite well. :)

[laura_e]

Change it ;) You look confident on the new one, not keen on the hands in pockets of the original one if I'm honest...

We employed our wedding photographer for being more relaxed and for being less formal, that looks to me like it is reflected in your pictures (they look great :D)

Congrats on the new image, that looks great too! :cool:

[Grace]

I love the new look and the new photo! I think its great to show fun photos of yourself! I use my avatar- because its funny, different and totally unexpected. People love it. and I agree that it depends on your market. I am in a college town with tons of young people getting engaged- they are my market.. :)

Congrats on the changes and weight loss!

[Mario.]

I love the new look and the new photo! I think its great to show fun photos of yourself! I use my avatar- because its funny, different and totally unexpected. People love it. and I agree that it depends on your market. I am in a college town with tons of young people getting engaged- they are my market.. :)

Congrats on the changes and weight loss!

That is great you are able to do that. I love that avatar lol.

[CyberPet]

The reason why I'm against "too casual" is that still, even how modern couples are today, their parents still pay their weddings, so you need to impress their parents, not the bride & groom as much.

[song4themoon]

I like the new pic, however the neckband might be a bit much for presenting wedding photography.

I would just take a new set, stay casual, but not too casual, do you know what I mean? I think jeans are fine with a nicer shirt on top and loose that goth band..haha (dont know what it is, but thats what it looks like)

Also: SMILE! The client wants to see a friendly warm face.. that's when they will be drawn to you

[jsimon724]

Toogy,

Why not do a few more shots of the new you? Maybe something a wee bit less casual (i.e., no t-shirt shots) but doesn't have to be stodgy. Button-down open at the neck, no tie, sportsjacket with mock turtleneck, polo shirt; whatever you're comfortable with, something you might wear for a night out on the town, casual but not sloppy. Most people looking for a wedding photog want someone who maintains a professional, neatly-groomed appearance, but suit-and-tie or tuxedo is no longer necessary. T-shirt with a logo on it is probably something you wouldn't wear out on an actual wedding shoot, so I don't think it's something you want to show on your web-site. Just MHO.

Jim

[njunear]

My question is what does this have to do with wedding photography? Why don't you put this in the critique section or something? I can't believe that all these responses for a person who lost 30 pounds and when people post shots that they want to have critiqued, you may get one response. This is some more of a forum!

[cdifoto]

My question is what does this have to do with wedding photography? Why don't you put this in the critique section or something? I can't believe that all these responses for a person who lost 30 pounds and when people post shots that they want to have critiqued, you may get one response. This is some more of a forum!

Did you actually read the opening post in full? He's a friggin wedding photog asking what image to put on his About Me page. He isn't asking for portrait critiques! :rolleyes:

[dragnfly1996]

Toogy, you are such a great photographer. A true artist. If this new photo represents you as the artist and the style that you shoot (which I think it does) then you should keep it for sure. You look GREAT by the way! ;)

[Toogy]

Thanks guys! I think I may get a local photog friend of mine to take some more photos. The one I posted was a self portrait I did. I agree with what some of you are saying, it maybe just be a tad bit relaxed. Like maybe the same pose and look, but with a black button down shirt instead of a t-shirt.

[jamiewexler]

I think that's a great idea Toggy - and congrats on the "new you"!

[njunear]

cdifoto - yes, I read his opening and I still say this is not the place to ask. He should have this in general chat or forum talk. It's great that he lost 30 pounds but this is a weeding forum not a weight loss forum. Go figure....no wonder so many get upset when you post photos for critique and comments and out of 30-40 views only one will critique.

[jamiewexler]

...It's great that he lost 30 pounds but this is a weeding forum not a weight loss forum...

In that case, the best way to rid yourself of those pesky weeds is to put a little diesel fuel in a spray bottle and let 'em have it.

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

This is a community, not a gulag...lighten up dude. This question was entirely appropriate from a wedding photography business standpoint and he received relevant answers from wedding professionals. He wasn't looking for a critique on the photo.

[dragnfly1996]

cdifoto - yes, I read his opening and I still say this is not the place to ask. He should have this in general chat or forum talk. It's great that he lost 30 pounds but this is a weeding forum not a weight loss forum. Go figure....no wonder so many get upset when you post photos for critique and comments and out of 30-40 views only one will critique.

The wedding forum is for all things related to wedding photography, photo & business. There are no other forums more appropriate to get feedback on proper representation to Wedding clients as a professional business photog.

You'll find that the more a person gives back to other members on POTN the higher rate of responses you'll get on your posts. The less negative comments you make, the even higher chance you'll get more feedback. You've only posted 13 times and 2 of those are negative.

Sorry Toogy for hijacking your post, but I couldn't let these comments go.

[njunear]

Mr. Wexler and Ms Dragonfly,

If he wanted comments about how well he looked, then he could have posted in another section - maybe even the forum of the business of photography!!!!

There are many people who have posted many times their photo for critique from adavanced photog's and no one comments! For example, look into the critique forum and look at the number of views the LisaMccoy has had concerning her Budweiser something or other and see how many replied - ZERO! Also, on down for "Critique my sunset sillhouetes, see what is there - 84 views, 1 comment. This is my point, we can comment about losing 30 pounds but nothing about a photo from someone who wants to make their next one better.

Make this forum what it suppose to be, helpful info concerning photographs and how to improve. And thank you for letting me know how many times I have posted.

[Mario.]

Mr. Wexler and Ms Dragonfly,

If he wanted comments about how well he looked, then he could have posted in another section - maybe even the forum of the business of photography!!!!

There are many people who have posted many times their photo for critique from adavanced photog's and no one comments! For example, look into the critique forum and look at the number of views the LisaMccoy has had concerning her Budweiser something or other and see how many replied - ZERO! Also, on down for "Critique my sunset sillhouetes, see what is there - 84 views, 1 comment. This is my point, we can comment about losing 30 pounds but nothing about a photo from someone who wants to make their next one better.

Make this forum what it suppose to be, helpful info concerning photographs and how to improve. And thank you for letting me know how many times I have posted.

This forum is much more than for just posting a wedding photograph. :)

[Strayz]

Mr. Wexler and Ms Dragonfly,

If he wanted comments about how well he looked, then he could have posted in another section - maybe even the forum of the business of photography!!!!

There are many people who have posted many times their photo for critique from adavanced photog's and no one comments! For example, look into the critique forum and look at the number of views the LisaMccoy has had concerning her Budweiser something or other and see how many replied - ZERO! Also, on down for "Critique my sunset sillhouetes, see what is there - 84 views, 1 comment. This is my point, we can comment about losing 30 pounds but nothing about a photo from someone who wants to make their next one better.

Make this forum what it suppose to be, helpful info concerning photographs and how to improve. And thank you for letting me know how many times I have posted.

Well you could always just not comment and move on rather than helping the post count on this thread, or how about going over to the threads you were refering to and comment there? I am sure that they would be a bit more welcome.

Or you could PM a Mod and ask them to move the thread rather than Jacking a thread. And appologies to Toogy did nto mean to add to the flamer/hijacker.

[njunear]

I can tell that you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats that just don't get the point. THIS IS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM!!! NOT A WEIGHT LOSS FORUM!!! HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND????

YOU FOLKS SIMPLY AMAZE ME.

[Toogy]

Did I ask anybody to comment on my weight loss? I just thought it was relevant to the question I asked about changing my picture on my wedding photography website. And I have been on this forum for awhile, and people know me (I think), so of course they are probably going to comment. Seriously Lighten up....

[jamiewexler]

...you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats ...

Now THAT was a low blow, dude!

[CyberPet]

I can tell that you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats that just don't get the point. THIS IS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM!!! NOT A WEIGHT LOSS FORUM!!! HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND????

YOU FOLKS SIMPLY AMAZE ME.

Wow, someone is in a bad mood today. Toogy is a very good wedding photographer who's was asking about how to present himself on his wedding website, as he was worried the new photo he has was a bit too casual and might turn away clients.

I find that youre the one who amzes everyone with your blunt and rude comments. I hope a moderator chimes in soon and remove some inappropiate posts.

PS, why are you screaming?

[strmrdr]

my 2c new pic is too casual

[dragnfly1996]

I can tell that you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats that just don't get the point. THIS IS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM!!! NOT A WEIGHT LOSS FORUM!!! HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND????

YOU FOLKS SIMPLY AMAZE ME.

The title of the forum is "Wedding photography: Wedding photography from all angles." not "wedding photo critique" or "strictly wedding photo's" why are you taking this so personally? there is nothing stated that says this forum must be strictly focused on photo critiques. There is already a forum for that. Toogy didn't ask for a critique of his photo or for a cudos for his weightloss, just advice on the appropriateness of his bio photo in his wedding photography website. It seems so simple, if you actually read his post, even for us "liberals" to understand.

[Strayz]

I can tell that you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats that just don't get the point. THIS IS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM!!! NOT A WEIGHT LOSS FORUM!!! HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND????

YOU FOLKS SIMPLY AMAZE ME.

Actually I am a Republicain, We get the point. We dont care that you have voiced your point and to be 100% hounest were hopeing you would have gotten the point we were making.

and Glad that I could amaze someone today. makes my day a bit nicer every moment. :)

[picturecrazy]

Jeff, I'd use the new photo. If it's the new you, then it's you. Even better, put up a couple pictures of you doing something you really enjoy (that is not R rated... LOL). Climbing? Biking? Gardening? Whatever. People DO want to know about their potential photographers BESIDES their photography. You may not think it, but it's true.

And good job on your weight loss.

[Kristy]

HI Toogy... I haven't see any of your work for a long time... maybe have bad timing on the forum, anyway, love your style. :)

The new photo is very cool.. it's very relaxed and makes me feel like you are an "artist" and easy to work with.. I'd hire you.

I agree about doing it again when you have time, and wearing sort of a casual/resort style of clothing rather than the T-shirt and arm/neck bands...

The glasses are really cool looking, so just think hip/modern/artist type and minimalist on the accessories... I'm sure you'll find a hit. I like your idea of the black button up shirt. Post your results so we can see what you come up with. :)

Happy Day and congrats on the weight loss/image change...

[njunear]

Again, no one has answered as to why comments can be made concerning weight loss and how good someone looks and not comment about photographs posted. This was my point and still is. You all have taken offense to this comment and you were the ones in the wrong. Too many views and not enough replys concerning shots people have taken and wanting comments of; good or bad so they can learn. That's the whole point of this forum. If you want to critique yourself, then do it where it should be posted. Help others when they need C&C about shots.

[Grace]

Again, no one has answered as to why comments can be made concerning weight loss and how good someone looks and not comment about photographs posted. This was my point and still is. You all have taken offense to this comment and you were the ones in the wrong. Too many views and not enough replys concerning shots people have taken and wanting comments of; good or bad so they can learn. That's the whole point of this forum. If you want to critique yourself, then do it where it should be posted. Help others when they need C&C about shots.


comments can be made concerning weight loss and looks because we have developed friendships. stick around and try be nice and you might make a few too.

yes, people post pics and want critique to learn. there is a forum called critique row for that. some people get used to posting in certain forums and "know" people in that area know them and they will get more responses.

It's ok that you don't agree with whats being said here, move on. Nobody is making you come back and re-read. Check out other parts of the forum. Perhaps you'd fit in with the lens forum.

[jessiper]

I think the new pic is great! If it represents you, then go with it. I think a super formal pic my give people the wrong idea about the type of wedding photography that you do, anyway, which, from what I've seen, is not super traditional/formal. Congrats on the weight loss, BTW, you look good. :)

[jessiper]

I can tell that you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats that just don't get the point. THIS IS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM!!! NOT A WEIGHT LOSS FORUM!!! HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND????

YOU FOLKS SIMPLY AMAZE ME.


Oooh...that would be a "fun" thread to go off on...I'm restraining myself! ;) Any mod want to help keep this thread on track? :)

[MagicallyDelicious]

Personally i like the new one!

You dont look like you have a pole up your arse or anything! You look approachable and easy to talk to! And im sure thats what people will want to see in thier photographer!

[picturecrazy]

Again, no one has answered as to why comments can be made concerning weight loss and how good someone looks and not comment about photographs posted. This was my point and still is.


Dude, it's a free world. People FELT like commenting and helping out on Jeff's PROFESSIONAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE PROFILE, which is relevant to this forum. And if there are threads where nobody is commenting on photos to critique, it's just because nobody FELT like commenting. I often don't comment if I don't have much of anything to contribute.

The question is... why are you thread jacking and trying to spin this topic off in a completely opposite direction? And reacting poorly when people are trying to stay ON topic?

You all have taken offense to this comment and you were the ones in the wrong. Too many views and not enough replys concerning shots people have taken and wanting comments of; good or bad so they can learn. That's the whole point of this forum. If you want to critique yourself, then do it where it should be posted. Help others when they need C&C about shots.


You know, some sets of photos people post up don't have comments because they are often very good and difficult to critique. Other picture threads have many pages of critiques to help the photographer learn.

If you want we can start filling up every picture critique thread with comments... they will be useless pointless comments and of little to no help to the original poster. I suggest we end the discussion about this topic. If you want to continue then create a new thread.

[grego]

I think the new is a good way to go. If you can take some new ones that would be great. But above all, its the whole presentation of your website and of course the work you do.

At least if I ever go looking, I'm going to look at their work above all. Because in the end, its the memories that will last a life time, not the photographer's outfits(unless they are really out there-or if the blue man group is doing it!). :)

[mizuno]

Use the new one.

It wouldn't be considered too casual in my market, not sure about yours.

[Toogy]

It's funny, I remember somebody complaining that we posted too many pictures for critic on this forum at one point LOL

[tim]

New pic too casual and not friendly enough IMHO.

[Toogy]

Well I got a few new photos done, and I think this photo is abit more what I am looking for. It's more professional, but still hints towards being non-traditional.
http://www.digitaliso.ca/about.htm

[Grace]

love it!! looking very handsome :) thanks for the update!

it is more professional looking. there was one spelling oops on there...let me go find it for you

[Kristy]

Yep, I like it too. The spelling error is in the part where "I resides with my family in..... You should change it to read "reside". :)

sorry about the color.. was trying emphasize the letter "s"... but it didn't really work very well.... DUH* You get the idea though.

[dragnfly1996]

Oh that one is great. Excellent image. It does convey a stylish yet professional artist/photographer.

[Toogy]

I also added this page on my blog with a few more new shots
http://www.digitaliso.ca/blog/?page_id=47

[Joe Cyr]

I like the Avatar one myself! Never stop rockin'

[Grace]

OT: love your signature..thats so me these days....

[Kristy]

I just looked at the blog page... I really like the 3rd shot with the brick wall behind you... The one of you walking with the camera is pretty cool too, but not for your webpage.. I just like it, so I thought I'd comment....

[DocFrankenstein]

Well I got a few new photos done, and I think this photo is abit more what I am looking for. It's more professional, but still hints towards being non-traditional.
http://www.digitaliso.ca/about.htm
Uncross your arms man. You seem "closed" in that pose and uncomfortable.

U should know this.

[mmahoney]

To me both pics are about the same, the Pbase one is a little more modern & the other one (current website profile pic) just a tad more conservative. Both work well. If I had to choose which guy to shoot my wedding based solely on the profile pic I'd go with the first one (PBase).

Congrats on the weight loss,
Mike

[csm328]

I can tell that you all are just a bunch of liberal democrats that just don't get the point. THIS IS A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY FORUM!!! NOT A WEIGHT LOSS FORUM!!! HOW HARD IS THAT TO UNDERSTAND????

YOU FOLKS SIMPLY AMAZE ME.

LOL. Someone needs to chill before he makes himself look more stupid than he already has.

Yelling in the forum is bad. Getting so frustrated because noone is listening to you or disagreeing with you is dumb. Reading how you talk down to us all as '...you folks...' is priceless!! LMAO. Keep up the great work.