Tim Park, how can I make my photos better?

Because I admire your photography, I just wanted to ask.

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

HTTP response: NOT FOUND | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Redirected to error image by FLICKR

Hi Razeus,

Thanks for the kind words. I'll try to provide a little input for each shot, and I'd love to hear others' thoughts as well.

A couple initial observations...It looks like you were going for an environmental feel, and you were shooting in the middle of the day - not an easy combination!

Photo 1:
Her expression is not very flattering, so that's the first thing that grabs my attention (not that every picture needs to have smiley faces).

Photo 2:
Lighting is very harsh, and the picture has an overall snapshot feel to it. Did she know you were taking a picture of her? Sometimes, you might approach a person and let her know you're doing a personal project and ask if you could take a picture. This way, you can set up a nicer shot. As it is now, she just gets lost in the busy wall.

Photo 3:
I like it!

Photo 4:
Compositionally, I can tell you were focusing on the yellow one. I think it would have been better to open up your aperture and create a shallower dof to minimize the busyness of the store.

Photo 5:
With all your photos, I can tell you put thought into the composition, and that's nice. But the back of this lady's head is not very interesting. We don't always have to take pictures of people's faces, but if we want to take pictures from the back of people, I think the environment or the activity really needs to be compelling enough to do so.

Photo 6:
The crop feels too tight, and the blurry thing in the bottom left corner grabs a lot of attention.

Photo 7:
I like his "pose," but I think a better camera angle (maybe lower and more to his front) would have provided more impact. Also a shallower dof to minimize the background. Taking shots of strangers in public is not easy at all!

Photo 8:
I think this would have been a really cool shot if you had gotten closer to the lady and featured her more. Again, this one has kind of a snapshot feel to it.

I hope these very quick comments help. With these kinds of shots (especially of strangers), people's expressions, camera angles, composition, and aperture selection, and of course, lighting all need to work together to produce images that "wow" us.

Tim

I think Tim's style, compared to these pictures, is completely different. I do see some candid snapshots in Tim's corporate section of his site, but mostly I see crafted works on his site, where as all the pictures here are candid snapshots.

From that perspective...

...says it all!!!

Thank you Tim for taking the time to respond to this photographer personally...it's what makes these forums so great!!!

Tim Park wrote in post #12360025
Hi Razeus,

Thanks for the kind words. I'll try to provide a little input for each shot, and I'd love to hear others' thoughts as well.

A couple initial observations...It looks like you were going for an environmental feel, and you were shooting in the middle of the day - not an easy combination!

Photo 1:
Her expression is not very flattering, so that's the first thing that grabs my attention (not that every picture needs to have smiley faces).

Photo 2:
Lighting is very harsh, and the picture has an overall snapshot feel to it. Did she know you were taking a picture of her? Sometimes, you might approach a person and let her know you're doing a personal project and ask if you could take a picture. This way, you can set up a nicer shot. As it is now, she just gets lost in the busy wall.

Photo 3:
I like it!

Photo 4:
Compositionally, I can tell you were focusing on the yellow one. I think it would have been better to open up your aperture and create a shallower dof to minimize the busyness of the store.

Photo 5:
With all your photos, I can tell you put thought into the composition, and that's nice. But the back of this lady's head is not very interesting. We don't always have to take pictures of people's faces, but if we want to take pictures from the back of people, I think the environment or the activity really needs to be compelling enough to do so.

Photo 6:
The crop feels too tight, and the blurry thing in the bottom left corner grabs a lot of attention.

Photo 7:
I like his "pose," but I think a better camera angle (maybe lower and more to his front) would have provided more impact. Also a shallower dof to minimize the background. Taking shots of strangers in public is not easy at all!

Photo 8:
I think this would have been a really cool shot if you had gotten closer to the lady and featured her more. Again, this one has kind of a snapshot feel to it.

I hope these very quick comments help. With these kinds of shots (especially of strangers), people's expressions, camera angles, composition, and aperture selection, and of course, lighting all need to work together to produce images that "wow" us.

Tim

Greatly appreciated Tim. And yes, taking pictures in bright sunlight is not my optimal time to take photos, but when traveling with family (we were in San Francisco), you do what you got to do. I'll review your comments and make my notes for my next trip (Austin, San Antonio). I need to spend more time in the streets, that's for sure.

Kechar...thanks for the kind words! My pleasure.

Razeus...looking forward to seeing your Texas pictures after your trip!

Razeus wrote in post #12359479
Because I admire your photography, I just wanted to ask.

I agree.. Tim's work is beautiful. One of my favorite child/family photographers.. Not only do I love his work, but the fact that his personality and love for what he is doing is reflected through his subjects... Always inspiring.

If I could harness half of his talent, I'd be smiling all day long...

if you're in southern california tim does workshops from time to time

Kristy...you're too kind.

banpreso...I need to schedule some soon! I trust all is well with you.