A few of my most recent pics

[MattSEG]

Yes, I really would like criticism...positive and negative.

http://www.swspeed.com/matt/september/survivor.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/september/porsche.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/september/mantis.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/september/chopper1.jpg[/img]

[Radtech1]

First the easy ones. The Porsche and the Chopper both suffer from the same fatal flaw - the background sucks.

The bug - well, it does not appeal to me, but that does not mean that it is bad. It is a little overexposed, but since the shot does nothing for me overall, I don't know if that is a fatal flaw or not. One thing, though: It shows that you know how to control a depth of focus, and you should use that skill and reshoot the Porsche and the Chopper.

On to the breast shot. The scar and the tat - I assume you mean breast cancer survivor? The subject could be very compelling, but this one is not it. Again, the background is a part of the problem here. At least it is somewhat out of focus, but I would prefer a more uniform background with a little more light on it.

Speaking of light, the overall lighting it too uneven, with it falling off on the arm too much. Perhaps a second light source.

Also, I don't care for the overall presentation. I think that the problem is the piercings. They are such a strong part of the image that they detract from the story of the shot, that is, being a survivor. (A lot of my work is with cancer patients, so I know the emotion attached.)

My thought would be a straight on shot, closer - so you crop out the piercings, without a top on, her right hand cradling the breast. Most likely best for the hand to be covering the nipple. Not so much a position of presentation, but rather one of cherishing. If you can see the scar in monochrome, go that route, if not, try to mute the colors as much as you can. You are not trying for a tit shot here, but rather a shot that says "This is mine, I still have it, and this is the price I paid"

Again, could be very compelling, but this is not it.

Keep at it,

Rad

[MattSEG]

I'm not a setup kinda guy...I just don't like doing that. I'm more a street photography type, I think studio style sucks the soul out of most images.

But yeah, lighting could be better...I know.

I know the background for the car and bike suck.

As for the survivor shot, she had leukemia, not breast cancer. And the piercing are part of her personality...it's just her. And I wanted the scar/the piercings/ the tat to all be in it...they are part of her. So granted i understand what you are saying...that is my reason for not cropping it.