CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Some ladies wanted a few images in their fightin' gear so I arranged a studio session for them. Here are just a few.
Camera was the Nikon D850 and most were shot with the 105 f/1.4E, One was with the 85mm f/1.4 and the last one in the series with the Sigma 50mm F/1.4 Art. The lady in the first two images is a Denver Police Detective. Do NOT mess with her!

The light streaks coming in from the right in a few of the images is a Nikon speedlight fired through a 16x20 piece of cardboard with some slits cut in it.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Great work form an accomplished photographer!

Cliff- would you consider managing this section? I plan to leave the form shortly and would like to leave this section in good hands.

Please send me a PM if you are interested.

Photog8 Loc: Morriston, FL

Absolutely super set.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Ed, I hate to see you leave.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Hey Bk!

You know how it is. Lately I feel like a guest around here that has overstayed my welcome. My reason for joining the forum was to learn and teach. I have learned that there is a kind of resentment for professional photographers and mostly a lack of interest in what we really do. I have always tried to "advocate" for the hard working professional photographer and hope that they are well represented and not simply and foolishly perceived as a bunch of hacks that are just in it for the money. There seems to be little or no interest in wedding photography and when the subject arises in the main section, there are usually the silly and uninformed comments, especially from folks who know nothing about the job. It can be boring and demoralizing at times.

I have seldom participated in a thread that did not turn into a name-calling match- to put it politely. Too many unkind grouchy folks with no social graces.

I certainly don't mind putting in the time to help out if I though there was any constructive results.

I am not leaving abruptly- I want to think about it for a little while and will continue whatever responsibilities I have undertaken. I never leave behind unfinished business.

I will keep you apprised.

Sincerely, Ed

CO

I haven't seen any name calling or silly comments in this section. Everybody has been civil in the posts I have read. I've never been quite clear if this section was intended for professional photographers or if enthusiasts and amateur photographers can participate. I've posted a few times here and have always been interested in reading your critique. I was hoping to read your opinion about complementary colors in my last post.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

I'm thinkin' about it. :-)

chip94 Loc: Massachusetts

Great set of photos!!

CanonTom Loc: Birmingham

I for one, a serious amateur have witnessed what you have just verbalized, not in this particular section, but in the main photography section where I spend most of my time. I have learned much from you and other professionals and have great respect for each of you. Hopefully, you will change your mind and not leave. We definitely have some trolls here.....we also have a few blathering fools! But there are many like me who want to be able to continue to learn from accomplished professionals like yourself. I have read many of your comments on previous posts and while not always understanding everything you have said, I have learned and improved. Many of us do not comment nearly as much as we simply read and try to comprehend, then try new (to us) things on our own cameras. We need you and others like you. Please do reconsider. Tom

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Well said.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

While I hate to see Ed leave, if he does, I can't imagine a better teacher to take his place.

It was you who convinced me after YEARS to join PPA, and work towards certifications. You were also instrumental in me gaining my love back for learning and not just falling into the same old rut.

I actually search for posts by both you and Ed... because I always learn something.

EdR Loc: Gig Harbor, WA

I am strictly a hobbieist, but I enjoy and learn from this section. Thanks for having it and if we get new leadership?, I hope it will continue, and we will keep getting import/instruction from you. Thank You👍👍👍

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Update and information!

I am gonna hang in here for as long as I can, however, I would love it if Cliff could join me in managing this section. I would like to have opinions from working professional portraitists, besides myself. Different points of view and alternative techniques make for a better resource.

There is not that much activity here as yet so the is not all that much work to do but the second professional opinion would be valuable.

For Co's and everyone's information: This section is open to everyone who is interested in advanced portraiture, on an amateur or professional basis or anyone who is aspiring to a professional career in the craft. There have been a few posts that technically may not qualify as portraiture but the posts were entertained and critiqued nonetheless. Advanced portrait techniques sometimes overlap with those of fashion, wedding photograph and other genres that concern the photography of people, however there are different criteria.

Anyone who wants to learn, teach and contribute is certainly more than welcome to participate, comment offer a critique or ask questions.

There has been no rude goings on, trolling or bad language in this section simply because, as manager, I will not tolerate any of that monkey business. Rude posts, coarse language or bullying posts will simply be deleted. This rule does not include opposing opinions, lively debate, even whakey points of view! Y'all can speak your minds- just keep it friendly, constructive and "professional".

I really feel strongly that professional photographs should be well represented on this forum- not as some kind of elite group but rather as folks who know what they are doing and can be very helpful and informative. Sadly, there seem to be a core of folks who tend to disparage professionals, show resentment, "sour grapes" and continuously point out, without proof or evidence, that they see a great deal of substandard "professional " work that could be easily outdone by amateurs. Not that this is impossible- every profession or industry has some hacks, charlatans and fakers. Most of the pros that I know and associate with are hard working craftsmen and masters in their field and ethical business people. They always run the extra mile for their clients, serve their communities in many ways, support charitable causes are active in their associations and are all around good guys and gals.

alissaspieces Loc: New York

Awe, Ed that is too bad that you are leaving. You add so much knowledge to this forum. Are you on facebook? There are some excellent groups there that could use your expertise.

alissaspieces Loc: New York

What is really hard in a forum like this is that not everyone really has enough experience or knowledge to give quality advice. So when one posts they have to really know who they are looking for to give feedback based upon the one who is giving the critiques own portfolio and history and then just "smile" at the ones that think they know and give harsh, unnecessary feedback. But critique is a huge part of the learning process. I have found this forum invaluable over the years. People like Captain C and Russ and others have helped me immeasurably to grow, and I will always be grateful. That is enough of a reason for me to keep coming back, because there are a few who's opinions I really respect and I look to for either confirmation that I am growing or help to see where I can improve. Thanks for giving of your time here in this forum.