Serious C&C Encouraged - Recent Portraits.

I like # 3 and 6 the best. I think the others wasn't sharp enough or the cropping didn't look right. Picture # 4 is different. It looks like it could be use in a magazine commercial for sunglasses.

I think it comes down to what you want to portray. For me, the backbone of my people images is to make them look beautiful. thats my underlining aim and I don't see any reason for pressing the button otherwise. This includes everything, reportage, candid, setups etc, if it doesn't show the beauty of that person the image is binned. Ofcourse this is subjective to my view of beauty and what i think that is. I totally agree with Moppie, he's hitting the nail on the head for what i see in your images, I don't see the beautiful side of that person as much as I see the insecurity and the reason for this is the light. Light plays a massive part on what you want to achieve in an image and it is the hardest thing to master. think like this, if the light in these images were swapped, so the darks were light and the lights were dark, what would that image portray to you? It would change the whole concept of the image and be portrayed differently. anyway, it's food for thought, there is something to realize though, there is progression in all of this, so you are shooting this now, one day you'll get sick of it and start going to other styles of shooting, when you do you'll have all of this information to help you make more informed decisions.

manipula wrote in post #7250401
Firstly, thank you for your comments one and all, I do seriously appreciate the effort it takes to bother to write stuff like you have. I've sat and chewed over what was said, and let it play in my head a bit before replying, seeing how it all soaked in.

Noted. Normally I'd say I wouldn't be too bothered, but as it seems almost every one else under the sun (using the posters here as a litmus test) agrees, I should listen to that. I think in my mind when I take it, I see the framing drawing towards the face, and see the space there, and possibly just forget or ignore the other bits, but I need to watch that more. (Especially as I hate cropping lol!)
this is good, this is looking for the composition, and composition is key, yup start paying attention to the other bits


Cheers for the input. Question for you? Do you think the crinkled nose thing is unattractive even if it's showing natural fun, which must be one of a woman's most endearing features? Genuine question.
yes, as it is yes, we can't see anything else accept for that wrinkled nose. we can't see what has made her do that, if we could see more maybe it would help, or if the lighting was different maybe it would help. I agree with a post that it is very much like a snapshot.


Hey Peter, genuinely appreciate the objective input there. We both recognise we shoot in different styles and I like the fact we can agree on that as opposed to slag off eachother's stuff. Noted regarding the feet again! LOL!

And no, didn't tell her a dirty joke, who do you think I am!? *insert fake angel smiley here*

Thanks for the comments, you've touched on what will prove to be a major question below.

Cheers!

Please, any further comments, what is it about the others that leaves you cold?

See below Moppie!

Thank you so much. Some of what you mentioned there, I'll get back to below.

Cheers for that...

Key question I think.

Where do I want to be in five years? Honestly, I'm not sure, that I want photos like these currently to be the starting point of some photographic career. If I manage to end up doing that, and I'd love to, you'd see me producing alternative stuff to this. then start producing those image NOW!! procrastination of taking that extra step can last forever, don't wait.

These photos are to me, a way of beginning a style and a method of recording people. If that means that in five years, I've managed to create a recongisable, even if non-profitable way of recording people and taking photos that show them as they are, under the skin, and without pretence, I'll be a very happy boy. I don't know if you can call it art photography or not, but I've begun to allow myself the free reign to photograph people without the bull or pretence, and it makes me feel good about taking photos again.thats good, keep at it, try and find the lightness that comes with happiness, happiness is not bull or pretence, it is pure love.

So with that in mind, and with some of the comments above rinign in my ears, any of you who can be bothered to answer, could I ask you this? (And can I point out I ask this not a way to be bloody minded and argumentative, but to asl for honest opinion once again.)

I own three reflectors, about six flashes, and have worked in studios for a long while. Does the fact that I think I want to make beautiful photos, but do away with the pursuit of idealogical perfect photographs, preferring to photograph what is real and raw, and what is actually there in a person, cast the images and your opinions in a different light? hard question to get my head around, but if I follow it correctly, no it doesn't cast a diffeent light on the images, most are still heading toward the darkside

I have recently manufactured various setups for lighting and costume for shoots, played with makeup, and colourful scarves. I like the idea of themes and creation of visual ideas. But I've found myself finding that in shooting these ideas, if the model wishes to take her head to one side, away from the light and pick her nose (an illustration) instead of forcing the photographs back to the manufactured perfection, to reocrd the imperfection, and to find beauty (or try) in how the model actually is.
capturing those off moments are winners most of the time for sure as you're capturing that great moment of nose picking extravaganza!
I'm struggling to convey, and to realise the intent I'm seeing with each shoot, but it feels like I'm going where I need it to. The purpose of this thread is to try and see if you guys out there with fresh eyes, not muddled as mine seem sometimes, can cast more light and understanding through your opinions.

Appreciate any input, seriously!

with each new shoot have an intention, know what you want to portray, think about it for the week prior and figure out how to portray what you want to portray. if you have this already worked out then you aren't standing there dumbfounded going"ok, um, k, lets do this eh" halfway through the shoot. you'll see the light as you want to and start creating images with more direction, you'll also find you'll have more confidence and be able to make the most of those off beat moments

I really like 4 and 8, they look amazing.

What I'm reading in this thread is that you know all the technical stuff pretty well and have chosen to disregard various parts of it in favor of artistic merit and emotion. I think it works...but take this with a grain of salt, because I don't have much experience at all.

Is it OK if I do a quick edit of #2? I noticed you don't have image editing turned on.

Truthfully, I don't feel you should have to struggle with this question at all.

You have the equipment and the working experience - you will no doubt gain in both areas the more you work. Photography is art - plain and simple. It's one person's view on something at that exact moment and nothing more. There will be people who love your work and people that don't understand it and I don't think you should base how you live your life on that. Be creative, be different, take risks - there is no right or wrong ever in the creative process and the fact that you have to ask about this is sad. Don't let others get to you about details this or perfection that - it's overrated.

Seriously - the creative part is the part that can't be learned! Use what you got. eh?

I think Nicole has a good point there.
I like looking at your pictures even if they are completely different to what I would take. This is because they are a form of art, and it's your art not mine or anyone elses. You don't have to bend to the wishes of the masses out there or you will end out taking photos that just look like everyone elses.
Be yourself and fook the rest!

fully, totally, 100%. just because you(Dave) or anyone are/is on a progression and trying different things doesn't mean you/they are going off the rails though. Every image you take you learn something new. it's all a learning experience isn't it?

somehow I don't think there's a chance of you taking photos the same as anyone else anyway

Nicole Faith wrote in post #7255612
Truthfully, I don't feel you should have to struggle with this question at all.

You have the equipment and the working experience - you will no doubt gain in both areas the more you work. Photography is art - plain and simple. It's one person's view on something at that exact moment and nothing more. There will be people who love your work and people that don't understand it and I don't think you should base how you live your life on that. Be creative, be different, take risks - there is no right or wrong ever in the creative process and the fact that you have to ask about this is sad. Don't let others get to you about details this or perfection that - it's overrated.

Seriously - the creative part is the part that can't be learned! Use what you got. eh?

akiwi wrote in post #7257736
I think Nicole has a good point there.
I like looking at your pictures even if they are completely different to what I would take. This is because they are a form of art, and it's your art not mine or anyone elses. You don't have to bend to the wishes of the masses out there or you will end out taking photos that just look like everyone elses.
Be yourself and fook the rest!

harroz wrote in post #7258018
somehow I don't think there's a chance of you taking photos the same as anyone else anyway

Are you trying to imply something?

I seriously appreciate all the comments guys.

I dunno if dare call it art, or myself an artist, it always sounds so pompous. I do know it's feeling and character I strive to find, not technically perfect traditional photos, and it's the striving for that which fuels what I shoot. Different goals maybe...

It's not so much a case either of feeling like I need to justify it, I'll shoot it anyway, but more of a case of external evaluation and feedback sometimes helping to make sense of the muddle of thoughts that go off in my head when I try and rationalise why I take what I do. I think it's good to examine a bit.

manipula wrote in post #7258145
... but more of a case of external evaluation and feedback sometimes helping to make sense of the muddle of thoughts that go off in my head when I try and rationalise why I take what I do...

This, my friend, is the definition of art in my opinion. When you try to create an image based on your thoughts and emotions...you have art; whether or not it's "technically" perfect.

Have you ever been to an art museum? If not, I strongly suggest you go. When looking at paintings and sculptures, people who don't appreciate art will critisize it for not being a perfect rendition of whay a person, animal or object looks like. Those who do appreciate the art will search for a deeper meaning into why a certain piece moves them the way it does. Or they may find fascinating that the artist was compelled to create something a particular way and wonder what was going on in his mind or life at the time.

1.yup, totally!. you shoot different, and thats a good thing.
2.you're sounding like a crazy lunatic artist type to me:p

manipula wrote in post #7258145
Are you trying to imply something?

I seriously appreciate all the comments guys.

I dunno if dare call it art, or myself an artist, it always sounds so pompous. I do know it's feeling and character I strive to find, not technically perfect traditional photos, and it's the striving for that which fuels what I shoot. Different goals maybe...

It's not so much a case either of feeling like I need to justify it, I'll shoot it anyway, but more of a case of external evaluation and feedback sometimes helping to make sense of the muddle of thoughts that go off in my head when I try and rationalise why I take what I do. I think it's good to examine a bit.

Originally Posted by xoiceox

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#3 is the only one that does anything for me.

Please, any further comments, what is it about the others that leaves you cold?

i don't think that is the message. i liked (the scarf is the weakest of the group. looks too planned)all of them but 3 was the one that struck me also.

you and i think alike and it shows in your work. doesn't matter what ya call it. i like it!

jmo and nothing against anyone here but i think some take technique so seriously soemtimes they forget why they wanted to shoot a particualr subject to begin with.

ansel adams once said "A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into. "

terryger wrote in post #7262072
i don't think that is the message. i liked (the scarf is the weakest of the group. looks too planned)all of them but 3 was the one that struck me also.

[B]

you and i think alike and it shows in your work. doesn't matter what ya call it. i like it!

jmo and nothing against anyone here but i think some take technique so seriously soemtimes they forget why they wanted to shoot a particualr subject to begin with.

ansel adams once said "A photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into. "

true from a viewers standpoint, but you can bet he designed the photograph, planned it.

Shouldn't every photograph be planned, either literally, or subconsciously by the intake into the photographer's mind and how it impacts his/her output?

deep!

planned or spontaneous, 2 different things I think. if subconsciously, I suspect that would be also spontaneous no?

manipula wrote in post #7265072
Shouldn't every photograph be planned, either literally, or subconsciously by the intake into the photographer's mind and how it impacts his/her output?

I've been staring at #3 for the past 5 minutes - amazing.

6 & 8 are incredible.