Julie,

These are great images of the blue bird and the chipmook; however, I think both can be stronger images with some crop to eliminate those things that distract the eye from the main subjects. The spider webs are fun, but would love to see with a nice macro of the critter who made the web.

I have taken the liberty of doing a hard crop on the bird, cleaned up his chest, and sharpened. On the chipmook, I again did a hard crop and sharpened. These now really bring the eye right to the subject. . .without some of the distraction.

Let me know what you think.

Here is a small sample of some of the wonderful Iris fields in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. I have printed and sold some of these as large as 30x40.

Tracey,

First, this is a truly wonderful image.

Second, if you don't have business cards for your photography efforts. . .you couldn't do better than cards with this image.

Third, this image crys out for a "caption contest"!

Let me share a few thoughts about photography of people. While it is true that you want to strive for nice color and tonal balance. . .none of this matters if your image of the subject is not as fattering as it may be. There are certain rules for photographing people that you might find very helpful to pay heed to.

The pose in the guitar/railroad track is good, being the classic "C" pose that adds interest and is flattering; however, before an image can be termed as a "zinger", it must work from corner to corner. The sucess is in the details, to wit: Where do your eyes go, why? The two poles or trees standing out off of her left side are serious distractions. Move your shot so they are not in the background. Also, the guitar strap is a distraction to the eye, and it should not be a forefront element, and the string hanging down at the neck of the guitar should have been removed. Let's take a look at her wardrobe. The top is great, both in style and color. . .it flatters her, as do her jeans; however, the shoes are completely wrong. As a photographer, it is up to you to see and control the details in order to flatter and to make the image real. The model's name on her coat is a good concept; but, I would avoid making it look too posed or staged.

For the image with the girl and boy in the doorway, again where does your eye go? Who is your client? While it is difficult to see what she is wearing, it does appear that she is wearing cowboy boots. . .footwear better suited for the guitar and railroad track image.

The image with the reflection of the boy in the window is a good idea, gone bad due to not paying attention to details. The colors in the building work and cannot be changed; however, the color of her top says "ouch!", it not only clashes, as posed this top is not flattering to your subject. Let your mind's eye see this shot with her wearing the doorway outfit (what I can see of it, I think the result would be more pleasing).

Looking at the image where she is holding onto the rope, the dress is horrible. Look at the area of her left under arm. . .not nice, and should never have happened. Her outfit is just bad. Also, she needs to be turned, so that you are not shooting her square and head-on, as this is hardly ever flattering. Another tip is this is a pretty young lady who I am certain does not want her Senior Photos showing a double chin. . .the photographer needs to see and control the details, learning two words when shooting people: "Chin up". Another tip learned from my decades of shooting people is never let them firmly grip objects. . .note her "white knuckles" where she has a death grip on the rope. Details are key. Make sure every element flatters. Take this image as is and crop the bottom so that only about half of her middle finger shows on the rope hand, and while is is still not perfect. . .the flattery aspect is improved 100%.

Again, it is in the details, and you need to take control of every detail so your client is plum delighted with your work. Her multiple bracelets in the rope image should have been removed. . .that add nothing and only serve to distract the eye from the heart of the image. Also, have your female clients show up with clear nail polish, which is easier to deal with, unless you are shooting a commercial for the nail polish company.

The last image does not work at any level, other than as a snap-shot. If these images are your first attempt at Senior Photos, I will conclude by saying that you have some creative ideas, and I am sure that you will learn and improve greatly. Two things to remember. . .you have to take charge of every detail; and, all within the four corners of an image are important and under your control.

Email me if you have any questions. There are any number of books, videos and classes on how to best photograph people that can give to you many things to consider in your endeavor to become a great people photographer. Always ask yourself. . .where does the image take your eye, and is that what you wanted? Edit hard, and give only your best to your clients. Develop your own standards and rules, and insist that your clients follow them. The trick is being able to explain to a client why what she wants to do is not going to work or is not going to be flattering to her. If she insists, get her to do it her way and then also do it your way. . .she will later select your vision, because you know what you are doing. When I had my studio, if someone refused to heed my direction. . .I would refuse to do their photos. Remember, they will tell others who took their photos. . .and if they are not your best, you will begin to lose business.