wanna critique my photography?

Question

I'm an amateur photographer and today I decided to put some of my favorite photos I've taken on flickr. I only take pictures of family and friends for fun. It's juts a hobby, but I'd like some criticism do you know how I could improve or something, so let me have it...

Here's my flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettygirl88/

Answer 1

Not bad, I think a lot of your work is quite good. I like how you framed the letters shot, and the detail in the decorations shot. I'd like to give a friendly suggestion, if you look at the shots done outdoors in direct sunlight, you'll notice how folks tend to squint. That's because the sun is bright, and often unflattering. They could benefit from using some fill flash, and a diffuser to cut the brightness a bit, but still retain the natural look of the light from the sun which can be very flattering to subjects when utilized right. You could also use a reflector and place your kids in the shade and bounce the sunlight onto them, that will also diffuse the harsh sunlight. And try not to pose them with the sun directly in their face, without a diffuser, you could simply accomplish this by changing the time of day you shoot. Image 3 is a perfect example of why an electronic flash should be used to fill in the harsh shadows cast by the sun. Softer diffuse sunlight will allow for a more natural expression, more relaxed, without having to squint. Squinting, like frowning uses more of the facial muscles than smiling does and that tends to create awkward facial expressions. Smokey mountains is another that could benefit from an electronic flash, you could use it on or off shoe, but off shoe would give a better angle of light. Using artificial light together with natural light will also improve the exposure of the shot as a whole allowing you to properly meter the highlights with a slight underexposure and give your subject proper light as well. As an amateur photographer myself, one of my biggest difficiencies was my use [or lack] of light. A link is posted below to a blog that provides a lot of insight into the use of artificial light to improve your photography. I think you've got a good eye, learn what you can and keep up the good work!

Peace

Answer 2

Firstl i was very impressed with the skill portrayed in your photographs, im an A level media studies student and excel in Film and Photography. Well done.
Your use of framing for emotional effect is very good and you really know how to "capture the moment" shall we say! The only problemi encountered was that they seem a little too repetitive in the sense you have uploaded multiple images of the same shot, but on the other hand you were not uploading them as part of making them look good so it doesnt matter that much.
The only advice i can give you is try to upload one image of each shot, preferably the best looking asuploading more will lower the tone of the photoraphs and create the image that you struggled trying to "capture the moment," it makes the photograph lose it's natural feel. Keep up with the awesome work and make albums that follow a paticular theme (i did notice the military theme and i especially loved the "dog tags" pic!)

Answer 3

The one titled "3 Months" is very nice. I am a fan of black and white so that makes me a little biased. All of the pics are tight and clear. For the sheer artistic value, I would only pic a handful from the group. The hand holding, the tree by the stream, a couple of the kid pics. The disney shot is tight. Like all great photographers, you will find a handful out of 100 you take that actually grab you. You have a good eye.

Answer 4

You have good photos there. Still, try not to get trapped on a single style. take pictures from different angles, using different methods. And you might want to learn a bit of editing to add effects, to learn how to give more charm to a simple picture.

Have fun with the camera!

Answer 5

Some of them show talent, while others just look like snapshots.

Judging by all the images you've taken of children, you might considering having a child portrait studio. You can make a lot of money, if you know what you're doing.

Answer 6

some of your portrait backgrounds are to `busy` and distract from the subject.
if you have a macro or` macro mode ` lens try portraits with it ,it will `blur the background and the subjects face will take `centre stage`
hope this helps
happy snapping

Answer 7

I went and saw some of your pictures~! They are really good~! You already look like a pro. I love them all ....You seem to have a great eye for neat pictures~! :)

Answer 8

I think you have a real talent. The baby & the memorial wall in black and white is really good.

Answer 9

wow i looked at some of your pictures and i woul've commented them but i'm not a member on that site. so anyway ill just comment them trough this:
you are a really good photographer
lol =D

Answer 10

There are ok but work on the scenery and background.