Evie Loc: Sacramento

I'm looking for advice to push me forward in photography

(Download)

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

HI Evie, I have to say that I'm so impressed with your first two posts in this section, (especially after a break from photography, and shooting wildlife before that), that I have no words right now that would be helpful! Honestly the quality of your shots looks like you've been at this for quite some time, and in fact already surpasses some who actually "have" been doing this for quite some time! You have a very good eye, and I'd say a natural talent. I can't wait to see what you produce as you gain experience and move forward. Stay safe, keep shooting and have a great day.
Ray.

Evie Loc: Sacramento

[quote=KindaSpikey]HI Evie, I have to say that I'm so impressed with your first two posts in this section, (especially after a break from photography, and shooting wildlife before that), that I have no words right now that would be helpful! Honestly the quality of your shots looks like you've been at this for quite some time, and in fact already surpasses some who
actually "have" been doing this for quite some time! You have a very good eye, and I'd say a natural talent. I can't wait to see what you produce as you gain experience and move forward. Stay safe, keep shooting and have a great day.
Ray.[/quotes

Oh, my. Thank you so much. I still would greatly appreciate any help as I go along

mjc925 Loc: SF Bay Area

Welcome Evie, glad you are joining the group and look forward to your images from the few I have seen. Critiquing images is never an easy path, mostly cause most people don't like negative critique. Personally, and I probably should not admit this, but what the hell, I critique along one of two paths. For some photographers who are just starting out or are not as experienced in this form of photography, I generally just give high level thoughts and comments, positive and negative, usually to encourage them cause this forum is enhanced greatly the more people participate. For a smaller group of experienced and proficient photographers who I know are very good at this type photography, sometimes the critiques are a bit more in depth, which makes them seem maybe pickier and harsher when the opposite is true. I personally put my skill range sorta in the middle of those groups. Oh there is a third group, but it has only one photographer at this time and I just sorta skip all critique...just because. From the couple shots you have posted, you are clearly good at this genre and I look forward to many images of yours. For this shot I like the layout and overall feel/mood. A very nice image. I don't mind the empty spaces at the top of either photos you have posted cause they are how you, the creator, want them displayed. Four VERY minor nitpicks, I would crop the image just a bit to make the model dead center and the distance from the end of the blade to the edge of the image the same as the distance of the end of the handle to the edge on the right side. Second, the lighting on her face is just a bit hot on the forehead. It works on the katana blade nicely, but not as much on her forehead. Third is completely a personal preference, but I never seem to be able to capture great images of kneeling models when their legs are not sort of turned out a bit. Makes it hard to figure out what to do with the visible foot and slightly exaggerates the size of the knee. And finally, and I have this issue constantly, just watching for wrinkles in the floor fabric, some you can't always help, some you can. And I love the models hair!

Evie Loc: Sacramento

[quote=mjc925]Welcome Evie, glad you are joining the group and look forward to your images from the few I have seen. Critiquing images is never an easy path, mostly cause most people don't like negative critique. Personally, and I probably should not admit this, but what the hell, I critique along one of two paths. For some photographers who are just starting out or are not as experienced in this form of photography, I generally just give high level thoughts and comments, positive and negative, usually to encourage them cause this forum is enhanced greatly the more people participate. For a smaller group of experienced and proficient photographers who I know are very good at this type photography, sometimes the critiques are a bit more in depth, which makes them seem maybe pickier and harsher when the opposite is true. I personally put my skill range sorta in the middle of those groups. Oh there is a third group, but it has only one photographer at this time and I just sorta skip all critique...just because. From the couple shots you have posted, you are clearly good at this genre and I look forward to many images of yours. For this shot I like the layout and overall feel/mood. A very nice image. I don't mind the empty spaces at the top of either photos you have posted cause they are how you, the creator, want them displayed. Four VERY minor nitpicks, I would crop the image just a bit to make the model dead center and the distance from the end of the blade to the edge of the image the same as the distance of the end of the handle to the edge on the right side. Second, the lighting on her face is just a bit hot on the forehead. It works on the katana blade nicely, but not as much on her forehead. Third is completely a personal preference, but I never seem to be able to capture great images of kneeling models when their legs are not sort of turned out a bit. Makes it hard to figure out what to do with the visible foot and slightly exaggerates the size of the knee. And finally, and I have this issue constantly, just watching for wrinkles in the floor fabric, some you can't always help, some you can. And I love the models hair![/quote

This is exactly what I need and I thank you for the honesty. I want to be better at this

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Fantastic image!!!
Like your first post for portrait just a little off the top about 2", if used for advertising I think its fine.

Huey Driver Loc: Texas

I'd have that beautiful creature posing for me rather than you! Seriously great shot. I wouldn't change a thing. Hope we see more of her.

RogStrix Loc: UK

Stop listening to criticism, even if it is meant to be constructive. Make pictures you like. Sod everyone else. Learn to have confidence in yourself and your abilities. The only time to listen to criticism is when you are fulfilling a contract, when the person paying wants something specific. Otherwise just have fun.
...and always ensure the final square close bracket is on the end of quotes [/quote]

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

When caught up in your own work, like reading a sentence you just wrote that contains a missing word or can be taken more than one way, having someone point that flaw out is a way of looking at or hearing things as how others see it and not what you have in your own head.

Criticism is just that, another point of view. Some you may find an epiphany in, and others you are free to dismiss out of hand.

Photo is professional and perfect, model is professional level and perfect, lighting is lovely and interesting. Crop perhaps, but that is minor and depends where and how displayed. Is it a cover story and Headline appears above... or framed and hung.. etc., etc.

Forgive me being suspicious though- perhaps too good for an amateur thinking of ditching their equipment. In any case, I enjoy the photos.

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

To the OP: Since you asked (and this doesn't apply to you) Post processing can always take anybody's work up another notch. Those who don't use it are missing the boat.

Toby

I think you photos are very good. The only thing i would change on this one is to use a blending brush or mixer brush on the black cloth on the floor to soften the wrinkles

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Your eyes or computer is better than mine.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

Ohhh Evie, there was some dust on the edge of the blade, totally ruined the image............give me an effing break! You do not need criticism, you need time to create more beautiful, erotic photographs. Stop worrying that some other person holds the key to bringing it all together for you. When you have made a mistake, you will know it and search for an answer. But just keep creating from your own mind, it is obviously filled with beauty and wonder!

KindaSpikey Loc: English living in San Diego

I completely agree with you, (and looking at it slightly differently, I think I'll reserve my judgment). Have a great day!
Ray.

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

Evie...With all due respect, YOU LACK FOR NOTHING!!! The first two images you posted are fantastic. Keep doing what you are doing!!!
Maybe you can get a little closer to your model so that there is not sooooo much negative background...Other than that, your work is superb!!!