Brutal Friday Critique - are you ready? Well punk are you?

Hey Scott,
I'm a hobbyist but I like your critique. Hit me. Also you have thoughts on my flickr and direction I can take please let me have it.

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IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …nailsandfeet/13​575281934/

stathunter wrote in post #16860211
Hey Pyro!

I think they are both good shots. I personally like the second shot best - would be a great shot for a human interest story. I like the B&W, works well with both. I think both shots are interesting and sharp and the b&w complements them well. I was interest in what you used and clicked on your flickr, and am impressed with the Sony. I never have shot with a Sony and you use it well!

I took a quick look at your flickr pics. Well rounded work. My two cents to you would be since you have an understanding of light etc now start shooting creative shots. You have some good work but I think it is similar to what is out there, common shots etc. Since you have a "good eye" for photography now use the creative side of your brain and push the limits on creativity. Make mistakes, but be creative - try new ways, angles - just push the limits and experiment further, deeper.

All the best!
Scott

Thank you so much for the kind words and taking the time to looking through my flickr stream . Your critique is a great encouragement for me to break away from the mold, trying new things, and most important of all stop being afraid of making mistakes.

losangelino wrote in post #16860350
Hey Scott,
I'm a hobbyist but I like your critique. Hit me. Also you have thoughts on my flickr and direction I can take please let me have it.

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

IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …nailsandfeet/13​575281934/

Hey LosAngelino!

Thanks for sharing - these are both decent shots. The first is going for drama, add it to the shot, lighting etc, focus on the subjects eyes here, direct the subject for more drama in the expression. You need to have a bit more control of your subject, it is your job to guide them for results.

The second needs a bit more backlighting to bring out the full effect. It is a good attempt, close but not quite there.

In summary I did look at your flickr account and think that these two photos represent what you need. Your work is good, you have the skills, now you need to confidence to direct your subjects for results. Some of the portraits are a bit off, some need more direction (example the girl on the couch needs direction and guidance on arm placement etc) The one boxer at the bottom left of the first page taken from a higher angle is actually great, creative and works well.

Some of your candid shots are very good, love the girls running on the beach etc.

The first picture on flickr of the girl could be good, but her head position is a bit off, odd, and that makes it a c photo at best. Shoot for results, control your subject, direct them.

In the end it is small things that make a HUGE difference. For example the guy in the business suit on the couch, has MAJOR potential....but I think you shot it two inches higher and two inches to the left this would be a great shot.

Keep shooting - keep experimenting. Try shooting your subjects at a little higher vantage point.

Hey Scott,
Thank you for your candor. You are spot on. Posing and directing is my weakness. I have been experimenting a lot with my technical skill and feel I am at the point where I need to focus more on the subjects. I love shooting people and I love people, I just don't get to shoot enough people. It is hard to direct when I myself and still trying to figure out what looks good. But I really appreciate your input.

Any advice on how to improve it? Of course, shoot more, but is there something that turned a light bulb on for you? Is there a book that I can read?

Thanks again.

stathunter wrote in post #16861024
Hey LosAngelino!

Thanks for sharing - these are both decent shots. The first is going for drama, add it to the shot, lighting etc, focus on the subjects eyes here, direct the subject for more drama in the expression. You need to have a bit more control of your subject, it is your job to guide them for results.

The second needs a bit more backlighting to bring out the full effect. It is a good attempt, close but not quite there.

In summary I did look at your flickr account and think that these two photos represent what you need. Your work is good, you have the skills, now you need to confidence to direct your subjects for results. Some of the portraits are a bit off, some need more direction (example the girl on the couch needs direction and guidance on arm placement etc) The one boxer at the bottom left of the first page taken from a higher angle is actually great, creative and works well.

Some of your candid shots are very good, love the girls running on the beach etc.

The first picture on flickr of the girl could be good, but her head position is a bit off, odd, and that makes it a c photo at best. Shoot for results, control your subject, direct them.

In the end it is small things that make a HUGE difference. For example the guy in the business suit on the couch, has MAJOR potential....but I think you shot it two inches higher and two inches to the left this would be a great shot.

Keep shooting - keep experimenting. Try shooting your subjects at a little higher vantage point.

losangelino wrote in post #16861516
Hey Scott,
Thank you for your candor. You are spot on. Posing and directing is my weakness. I have been experimenting a lot with my technical skill and feel I am at the point where I need to focus more on the subjects. I love shooting people and I love people, I just don't get to shoot enough people. It is hard to direct when I myself and still trying to figure out what looks good. But I really appreciate your input.

Any advice on how to improve it? Of course, shoot more, but is there something that turned a light bulb on for you? Is there a book that I can read?

Thanks again.

My pleasure - thank you for the PM, most appreciated.

I would tell you that it comes with time, but it is really about minor details. First key is to make your subject comfortable. The more comfortable your subject is with you, your camera, your skills, the better the results. I read my subject in seconds of meeting them. Put them at ease, give them confidence that we can make great pics and then guide them.

When they are comfortable they tend to look comfortable. With a little guidance they will look spectacular. The little things on how they should stand. Have fun with it. Like for example women, get them to stand with one toe pointing towards the camera the other pointing away. Have them lean forward, chin up. Get them to smile (naturally) and enjoy the experience by telling them how great they look etc. Men are sometimes harder, they are often stiff and harder to let go and be natural.

It really is about the little things. Practice, try different things and the more comfortable you are the better the results.

Here are a few tips on people that is basic but works:
http://www.iheartfaces​.com …posing-mistakes-tutorial/

Happy Friday Everyone!
If anyone has something they would like a brief critique on I am here for a few.
TGIF

Have at my recent senior work!!

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1375406

odern wrote in post #16877146
Have at my recent senior work!!

https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1375406

Let me jump to that link and comment there.

stathunter wrote in post #16877196
Let me jump to that link and comment there.

Awesome feedback Scott!

Here is 2 from my more recent shoot. Nothing too creative I'm afraid. Love reading your critique. Thanks in advance!

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/nuhP​9K

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/nsib​Um

pyrospawn wrote in post #16877258
Here is 2 from my more recent shoot. Nothing too creative I'm afraid. Love reading your critique. Thanks in advance!

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Candace (Take 2) by pyrospawn, on Flickr

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/nsib​Um
Candace (Take 1) by pyrospawn, on Flickr

Hey Anh!
These are pretty good. I do like them. Let me give you some thoughts on the next time what may be refined to make them even better.

The first is good, well executed. There a few minor things that I do see. First the hand placement is pretty good. But want I want to see is consistency with the entire image, minor details. For example the first thing I thought is that she has a bit too much makeup on, but then does not really seem to have any nail polish or umph on the finger nails to match the face. Looks like lots of makeup was used on the face but there could of been some used to blend her in with her top/shoulders etc. The face needs to be smoothed out (since it is so close of a shot) And then the wrinkles in the hand, hail polish, shoulders all need some work to match. The other part that could use improvement is that her neck is a bit dark, I would of liked to see some neckline.

Second - well done, the thing that bothers me is the over use of vignette. It is a neat pose, different - face is covered up a bit but I think it works. I do think it is a bit creative and works well.

Both these are definitely headed in the right direction.

stathunter wrote in post #16877702
Hey Anh!
These are pretty good. I do like them. Let me give you some thoughts on the next time what may be refined to make them even better.

The first is good, well executed. There a few minor things that I do see. First the hand placement is pretty good. But want I want to see is consistency with the entire image, minor details. For example the first thing I thought is that she has a bit too much makeup on, but then does not really seem to have any nail polish or umph on the finger nails to match the face. Looks like lots of makeup was used on the face but there could of been some used to blend her in with her top/shoulders etc. The face needs to be smoothed out (since it is so close of a shot) And then the wrinkles in the hand, hail polish, shoulders all need some work to match. The other part that could use improvement is that her neck is a bit dark, I would of liked to see some neckline.

Second - well done, the thing that bothers me is the over use of vignette. It is a neat pose, different - face is covered up a bit but I think it works. I do think it is a bit creative and works well.

Both these are definitely headed in the right direction.

Awesome critique as usual. The devil is in the details, these are the things that I would not notice unless someone point them out to me. Thank you

at the risk of spending the weekend contemplating selling my gear I'll get in on the action
Heres a shot of our church Choir Leader.

Onami wrote in post #16877890
at the risk of spending the weekend contemplating selling my gear I'll get in on the action
Heres a shot of our church Choir Leader.

No need to sell the gear.....right away.

Good crisp shot. A bit too much light on her from the sides, needs to be taken down a bit. Good shot but needs to be cleaned up a little (lint in her sweater & light reflection on her lip and face) - bit will a little editing it is a keeper. (Maybe a tad more contrast, which also may wash out some of the sweater details) I would also brighten up her eyes just a bit, just so they pop.

Keep on shooting!

pyrospawn wrote in post #16877741
Awesome critique as usual. The devil is in the details, these are the things that I would not notice unless someone point them out to me. Thank you

You are certainly welcome. Definitely in the details but the nice thing is you have the rest, now put it all together and it will be killer!!