what do you think?

[lhilg780]

i am just starting to develop my photography business and wanted to post a few pics from a recent shoot i did. please feel free to critique and give honest (even if harsh) opinion. i need all the help i can get!

#1
http://www.hilgemanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220368988-M.jpg

#2
http://www.hilgemanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220368631-M.jpg

#3
http://www.hilgemanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220372532-M.jpg

#4
http://www.hilgemanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220370747-M.jpg

#5
http://www.hilgemanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220367841-M.jpg

#6
http://www.hilgemanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/220369635-M.jpg

Thanks for helping me out!

[eddarr]

I like them. I really like the use of the shadows in #5. I believe these are engagement photos, for that reason I don't like the separation between them to much. But that's just my opinion.

[lhilg780]

I like them. I really like the use of the shadows in #5. I believe these are engagement photos, for that reason I don't like the separation between them to much. But that's just my opinion.

thanks eric. it was a couple that my wife works with. they have been married for a while. we are just trying to build a portfolio anyone who is willing right now!!!

[f8ed4photography]

There are some vertical lines on numbers 2 and 5 (2 I can see them everywhere, 5 they are more visible on her face) that I am not seeing on the rest of the photos. I don't know if you maybe scanned these photos in from prints which can sometimes give that effect. I like the photos, but I agree with eddarr about not liking the distance between them. Here's my thought... the pictures are all good in my opinion. But if you put them all in a portfolio together, someone that views it may wonder why you would put so much distance between a couple and it could have an effect on their decision... especially if they are particularly looking for "couple" photos. The panoramic type shot at the bottom looks like they are actually fighting with her hand on her head like it is. The concept is great though.

[lhilg780]

There are some vertical lines on numbers 2 and 5 (2 I can see them everywhere, 5 they are more visible on her face) that I am not seeing on the rest of the photos. I don't know if you maybe scanned these photos in from prints which can sometimes give that effect. I like the photos, but I agree with eddarr about not liking the distance between them. Here's my thought... the pictures are all good in my opinion. But if you put them all in a portfolio together, someone that views it may wonder why you would put so much distance between a couple and it could have an effect on their decision... especially if they are particularly looking for "couple" photos. The panoramic type shot at the bottom looks like they are actually fighting with her hand on her head like it is. The concept is great though.

i did a little vertical grain in the pp. just trying to explore options. is the grain pretty distracting? i understand the space thing. was just trying to think of some different stuff other than "traditional" type things. i guess i do need to limit the amount of spacial type pics in couple photos. thanks for the tips!

[SilverHCIC]

Nice pics. Even though you had plenty of ambient light, a fill flash might have helped. Especially in #4, where a catch light would have sparkled up her eyes. Still, very pretty. ;)

[f8ed4photography]

I think the vertical grain is going to be one of those "personal preference" things. IMPO, I don't like it at all in the picture with the brick wall. I think there is enough texture that you don't need the added vertical. And 2, that might be nice in a print... on a canvas maybe since it gives a "linen" look to it. And just for the record, I DO like your creativity in trying different things. :) I could totally see that last picture being done in a different setting... SIBLINGS maybe... :D

[Bangtwister]

Hello, i like your ideas. The first Picture, i like the train tracks but the horizon needs straightening a little bit. Picture *5, i like the shadow's but i find the couple a bit distracting (maybe a picture with shadows only?), and the man appears to be looking at his own shadow so his profile is lost. Hope that helps!

[lhilg780]

Hello, i like your ideas. The first Picture, i like the train tracks but the horizon needs straightening a little bit. Picture *5, i like the shadow's but i find the couple a bit distracting (maybe a picture with shadows only?), and the man appears to be looking at his own shadow so his profile is lost. Hope that helps!

i guess it could be a little straighter. will have to fix that. thanks for the input!

[lhilg780]

Nice pics. Even though you had plenty of ambient light, a fill flash might have helped. Especially in #4, where a catch light would have sparkled up her eyes. Still, very pretty. ;)

still working on fill flash concepts. not incredibly comfortable with my 430ex yet. seems like i always blow everything out when in anything other than manual. gotta get that aspect figured out!

[Rick_the_Uneducated]

I like them, 6 to me looks like they've had an argument and want to make up but neither is willing to make the first move...

[amironsi]

they are all lovely
no. 4 and 6 are my favorite and really didn't you expect the train to pass in no 3???

[p3photogal]

I wish in number five you had changed the angle slightly to get the girl actually making the kissing face out of it. I love the shadow of it, but actually looking at her making the face gives a split focus point...

[jpon2]

Number 3 is the only one that communicates real closeness between these two which I am assuming you (and they) were after.
Number 5 doesn't show any emotional connection because they are standing very far away from each other. That's how I kiss my aunt LOL
Numbers 1 and 4 I am tempted to speculate why the girl is often in the forground while the guy is in the back and out of focus :)
Number 6 Very cool shot that belongs on the cover of a divorce ceremony program.
Number 2 could be the most romantic but it looks like the pictures that come with a picture frame (and it is not the photographers fault). Something is missing in her reaction to the kiss (I think)

[amironsi]

Number 3 is the only one that communicates real closeness between these two which I am assuming you (and they) were after.
Number 5 doesn't show any emotional connection because they are standing very far away from each other. That's how I kiss my aunt LOL
Numbers 1 and 4 I am tempted to speculate why the girl is often in the forground while the guy is in the back and out of focus :)
Number 6 Very cool shot that belongs on the cover of a divorce ceremony program.
Number 2 could be the most romantic but it looks like the pictures that come with a picture frame (and it is not the photographers fault). Something is missing in her reaction to the kiss (I think)


JPON has got a view here.... that i respect.

[lhilg780]

Number 3 is the only one that communicates real closeness between these two which I am assuming you (and they) were after.
Number 5 doesn't show any emotional connection because they are standing very far away from each other. That's how I kiss my aunt LOL
Numbers 1 and 4 I am tempted to speculate why the girl is often in the forground while the guy is in the back and out of focus :)
Number 6 Very cool shot that belongs on the cover of a divorce ceremony program.
Number 2 could be the most romantic but it looks like the pictures that come with a picture frame (and it is not the photographers fault). Something is missing in her reaction to the kiss (I think)

thanks for the feedback. you have given me much to think about!

[KurtAlden]

I like the style of the photos and I think you have good ideas - I'm finding that I really like the pictures though a couple are a little "out" imho. For example..

#2 - He looks natural but she looks "posed" - where is she looking?
#5 - Where's he looking? It looks like he's not interested

Despite that though the style is really nice, it's a long way from the generic shots you see a lot so congratulations on being different :-)

Also I REALLY like #6. I seem to be on my own here but I find it a very romantic photo - to me it seems like they've been made to sit apart but their body language implies that they want to sit together.

[lhilg780]

I like the style of the photos and I think you have good ideas - I'm finding that I really like the pictures though a couple are a little "out" imho. For example..

#2 - He looks natural but she looks "posed" - where is she looking?
#5 - Where's he looking? It looks like he's not interested

Despite that though the style is really nice, it's a long way from the generic shots you see a lot so congratulations on being different :-)

Also I REALLY like #6. I seem to be on my own here but I find it a very romantic photo - to me it seems like they've been made to sit apart but their body language implies that they want to sit together.

thanks for the input. glad to hear you liked number 6. i can see where everyone else is coming from about the distance thing, but the client liked it and i guess ultimately that is what matters. although, based on a previous recommendation i think i will try to sell it to a divorce attorney that i know :D

[tonydee]

Seems everyone's got it in their heads (and into mine - had to read your posts carefully to find there wasn't much basis for it) that you want "romantic" couple shots. I guess that's where the overwhelming majority of business is, so it's probably the best thing to go for, but some of these comments don't apply if you're seeking more arty shots, or a different (non romantic) dynamic. Still, I'll join the horde and comment on the assumption that you are shooting couples who want to be obviously happy couples.

#1: the ground's strangely twisted with the buildings looking tiled forwards while the lady looks upright or if anything to be leaning back. Does my head in. Both people are focused towards the camera and don't seem connected. The fact I can't see his face is frustrating. If I was the "he" in a couple looking through your portfolio - yes I know I would hardly be the "she" - I'd be worried about using your services after seeing this shot. You really make him seem unimportant, uninteresting. She looks glorious by the way, and her clothing colours are nice and bold. Technically, an overexposed sky is a huge turn-off for me in any picture, and no good for a professional portfolio. Even a featureless blue will add a lot of life to this. Same goes for the second shot.

#2's very nicely composed, sky blown, but she seems so disconnected - staring off into space - almost as if she's been pasted over a background unawares.

#3 is good compositionally: disappearing diagonal lines in the corner - legs and torsos along the line of thirds, closeness. One downside is the sheer impracticality... who'd sit on railway tracks? It looks uncomfortable and she looks like she's itching to get up. Combines to make it seem very posed. Which is a shame. He seems much more comfortable with the photos than she (not just in this one).

#4's disconnected again... her colour's great, and she's pretty sharp, but that just makes her look pasted over the washed out background. Accentuated by his being out of focus (and ankle-less).

#5: now he's the one who seems distant. Maybe have to walk around this a bit to find an angle that gets a bit of both faces in, though I see you wanted a certain shadow. The wall highlights look blown. Doesn't quite work for me.

#6: I really like this, but it does suggest "issues". Too small to accurately access the expressions, so I won't comment further. I think this shot is a real success - head and shoulders above the rest - albeit not romantic. Only concerns are that some highlights might be blown again (are you stretching the contrast in PPing?), and the white area cutting into the bottom edge detracts.

Sorry to be harsh, but if you're doing this as a business every improvement opportunity, or even rejecting criticism with increased self-awareness, will speed your success. I'm sure you'll come back stronger with your next round. Best of luck with your portfolio.

Tony

[lhilg780]

Seems everyone's got it in their heads (and into mine - had to read your posts carefully to find there wasn't much basis for it) that you want "romantic" couple shots. I guess that's where the overwhelming majority of business is, so it's probably the best thing to go for, but some of these comments don't apply if you're seeking more arty shots, or a different (non romantic) dynamic. Still, I'll join the horde and comment on the assumption that you are shooting couples who want to be obviously happy couples.

#1: the ground's strangely twisted with the buildings looking tiled forwards while the lady looks upright or if anything to be leaning back. Does my head in. Both people are focused towards the camera and don't seem connected. The fact I can't see his face is frustrating. If I was the "he" in a couple looking through your portfolio - yes I know I would hardly be the "she" - I'd be worried about using your services after seeing this shot. You really make him seem unimportant, uninteresting. She looks glorious by the way, and her clothing colours are nice and bold. Technically, an overexposed sky is a huge turn-off for me in any picture, and no good for a professional portfolio. Even a featureless blue will add a lot of life to this. Same goes for the second shot.

#2's very nicely composed, sky blown, but she seems so disconnected - staring off into space - almost as if she's been pasted over a background unawares.

#3 is good compositionally: disappearing diagonal lines in the corner - legs and torsos along the line of thirds, closeness. One downside is the sheer impracticality... who'd sit on railway tracks? It looks uncomfortable and she looks like she's itching to get up. Combines to make it seem very posed. Which is a shame. He seems much more comfortable with the photos than she (not just in this one).

#4's disconnected again... her colour's great, and she's pretty sharp, but that just makes her look pasted over the washed out background. Accentuated by his being out of focus (and ankle-less).

#5: now he's the one who seems distant. Maybe have to walk around this a bit to find an angle that gets a bit of both faces in, though I see you wanted a certain shadow. The wall highlights look blown. Doesn't quite work for me.

#6: I really like this, but it does suggest "issues". Too small to accurately access the expressions, so I won't comment further. I think this shot is a real success - head and shoulders above the rest - albeit not romantic. Only concerns are that some highlights might be blown again (are you stretching the contrast in PPing?), and the white area cutting into the bottom edge detracts.

Sorry to be harsh, but if you're doing this as a business every improvement opportunity, or even rejecting criticism with increased self-awareness, will speed your success. I'm sure you'll come back stronger with your next round. Best of luck with your portfolio.

Tony


tony, thanks for the candid advice. very educational. best yet. will take all of this and try to improve future shots. please feel free to tear into any other photos of mine you happen to see at any time!!!