Any really good photographers out there?

Question

I just finished taking a photo class and uploaded some of my pics on Flickr. If you have a couple of minutes you can take a look at them and tell me what you think. Any feedback would really be appreciated. :)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsteez/

Answer 1

Yes keep going. What follows is my honest criticism of your work, but don't let it tear you down, just use it as things to improve on OK? Overall I think you are well on your way.

Old Gun. Great idea, but there was way too much background light. The sky is pure white because it was outside the range of the camera at that exposure. Try repeating the shot right on sunrise or sunset whichever applies. Also use flash or bright lighting directly on the gun. Good shot though.

Nas: Excellent photo, no real criticism. Background is the same color as the subject and the foreground is a little soft but I would say you did this for effect and it works for me.

Evergreen. Take two steps to the left and get that light right behind the tree, its too bright for the sensor to cope with. I would have framed it a touch tighter, but that's just me.

UFOs: Camera focussed on the closest subject (they do that) and yet you say this photo is about UFOs which are out of focus.

Traffic & Bridge: Try a slightly faster shutter to get a cleaner darker background and less confusion.

Lightning: Brilliant, simply brilliant, I love it.

Termites: Simply brilliant use of lighting, both excellent shots.

Carson St: Yeah OK but like a million that have gone before it.

My Foots: No. Looks like a photo a bored kid would take, doesn't hold any interest for me.

California: Excellent use of lighting, making your subject stand out. Very close to great composition, but move the jar to to the right until the center is 1/3 the way across the photo.

Unitiled: You need complete depth of field to make this shot work. Try about F22 or even higher and a tripod, it will be a slow shot.

Vee in N.Y.C. No. Photo isn't straight and face is a little blown from flash.

Heroin Chic: Could have worked but the face needs to be down and left a little. Hand might then need to be held a little higher.

Ayo thats gangsta yo: So very nearly worked. Great idea, I like this the best of all your portraits shown, but she just needed to be to the right a little. You needed all of her head in the shot, not necessarily all the hat though. This would have given you the effect you were looking for but a much better balance.

I hope this helps you a little. Just my honest appraisal. Overall you are doing very well please keep going. Thanks for sharing your work.

Answer 2

I can't really add anything else that has not already been said. Sorry this happened to you. What I wish is that everyone who is thinking of doing the same thing could see and read this. Now you see why any knowledgeable photographer here ALWAYS BEGS for people to NOT do weddings when they have no experience. On any given day there are people on here saying how they are about to do their first wedding, yet they have no clue how to use their equipment, if they even have decent equipment. Yes, professional photography is NOT just owning a fancy camera... sorry you have found this out the hard way. I am assuming there was no manner or style of contract signed between you and your Aunt... so at least she has no grounds to sue you.... you probably will just have some very ill feelings for a long time... but hopefully she will get over it and maybe there are some decent photos from others that were there. steve EDIT... to Pooky... yea, a couple hours after I put up my answer that thought occured to me.... WHY on Earth would someone not take some looks at the monitor to see what they were getting during the shoot. I am NOT a "chimper" who has to look at EVERY shot immediately after it is taken, I think that is stupid and wastes battery power and time... but... sheesh.... to take "over 1200" shots and not look once at what you have? Another thing just occured to me. Obviously, if taking that many shots, (which is totally ridiculous anyway), he was probably letting the camera fire off in continuous mode much of the time, and the flash did not have time to recharge.... Oh me.... digital amateurs. We all need to save this entire thread and post the link anytime the newbies pop up asking "what settings do I need to put in my new DSLR for my first wedding" questions.

Answer 3

I'll be blunt.

All are very ordinary and predictable. Some have potential and others have nothing to hold the interest.

That said, it is clear that you have enthusiasm. If you wish to progress you need to study GOOD photographs and SEE why they are good. You need a guiding hand to explain what makes a good photograph if you can't see it for yourself ... and I don't think you have a natural eye at this time. Some are born with a natural eye and others have to be taught. You need to be taught. You need some guidance.
Experimentation IS good and can lead to eventual quality.
Try this ...
You know that FlickR is too big. Your work can get lost in the melee.

Go to:

http://lenz-frienz.freehostia.com

Near the top left of the screen, under the logo, you will see

Lenz-Frienz@YahooGroups

Click on that and it will invite you to join.

Enter a screen name and use the password 'moveon'

You can change this password to suit yourself later.

Still, that should get you started?

Any probs, contact me direct. My e-mail address is here.

This site is very small, as it is a very new site. You will get the attention and guidance you deserve but you MUST be capable of taking harsh criticism. If you want to progress, join forces with someone who is experienced and who will give you individual attention.

See you there?

Answer 4

I'm far from professional....right now. But I'm working on it. I do know what I like, and this is what I thought about your pictures (hope you don't mind constructive criticism--don't take it too personally).

Old Machine Gun--ok. But nothing really sparks my interest. To me it's really just a snapshot. Back-lighting probably not best for this subject. My advice--zoom in on one particular area that you think might convey the same feeling you're trying to get with the whole gun.

Nas--Like it. Very artistic.

UFO and UFO2--Like the contrast with B&W. I know it's supposed to make the blimp in the background look like a ufo, but the photos would be just as interesting (or even more so) if you cloned out the "ufo" and kept focus on the foreground.

Traffic--Interesting concept--might be better with fewer lines (like Vincent Thomas).

Vincent Thomas Bridge--I kinda get what you're trying to do with the light effects (in all your photos) but that would be just as good with a tripod.

Termite Wing--Like the mood the blue tinting adds.

My Foots--interesting story, but if you're focusing on the feet, it might be better fi you kept the feet in focus.

California--that's cool. I'd frame it and add it to my art collection. Send it to me? [e-mail]

Untitled--like it.

Of all the portraits, I like Hey Its Vee best. Good use of light and shadow plus placement and expression.

Kitchen Gloves--Looks really good too. I'm a big fan of the B&W with splashes of color.

Answer 5

I would say that you have what they call "a good eye" and you are looking around for interesting subjects that are a bit out of the norm which is nice. It is a good starting point, but you should think about what your goals are in photography. Something that I found to be useful is to go out and try to express a specific emotion like "I am mad!" or "I am happy" or "I don't believe" or something that is important to you. Try to think about just that and start shooting without thinking too much about what you're doing. Later see if you actually accomplished capturing the emotion with a picture (or more than one).

Answer 6

just a $0.02 worth from me, your creativity is there, your photo processing skill is not bad either. all you lack is the ability to differentiate between a good and a bad photo.

i do realised some really bad photo among the album, for example: "the bridge in the rain". to be frank, i find it crappy.

merry x'mas.

Answer 7

I would call you very talented. You make me wish I had enough daylight left to take some of my own today.

Answer 8

Very good work on the artistic/impressionistic side of the scope.

Keep at it.

Suzy T-Bo©

http://s93.photobucket.com/albums/l43/SuzyT-Bo/

Answer 9

Just keep practicing, you have a hidden power and need more experience

Answer 10

u have talent! my favorite is the hitchcock photo. excellent work!