New photog Website/ FB critique

[imagemaker46]

Imagemaker- you are absolutley right, but everyone was once just a camera owner with a vision. I am not trying to convince anyone that I am a professional. However if I took the advice of everyone above, then I would either quit, or delete my fb an and website until I had all the photography knowledge in the world. unfortunatley, there is always more to learn, and I'm sure no one above really knows everything. We are all still learning.

It's not a matter of learning all the photography in the world, it's a matter of learning all the basics.

[TPF Sponsor]

[rub]

Welcome Grace Louise

First off, I will comment on your post. You came here specifically asking for critique on your site, and then took offense. Trust me, I get that it hurts. As a new "artist" you gather all the images that you feel are your best, and you put them on a silver platter for the world to see. Then some of the seasoned pros come and tell you the truth about your work. They tell you what your mother doesn't, what Facebook doesn't, what your best friend doesn't. IT HURTS.

But the thing is that if you want to be in this business, you need to develop a thick skin, and fast. Sure you need to believe in yourself, but one of the best ways to improve your work is to post it for critique. Put up your best, and let people rip it apart. Very quickly you will see your work grow, improve, and impress more than your fans.

Stating in your opening post that you know you have underexposed images on your site is not a good opener. If you know they are there, correct them or remove them. If you think a potential client will buy into an excuse that your monitor is too bright, you are in for a big surprise.

As for being a natural light photographer - thats fine as long as you know how to use light when you need it. I am a natural light photographer as well, I prefer the simplistic, natural approach. That being said I always have at least 2 speed lights and a softbox/umbrella in my truck. So I am ready and prepared to get the job done.

If you keep posting work here, you will quickly learn to appreciate the feedback, even when it is delivered in a more negative tone. Just remember, you asked for help. People are giving you exactly what you asked for. Saying your image is flat IS helpful. Use that information, and re-evaluate your images. Re-edit if need be. Take every bit of info and apply it.

I, like you, an still very new to this business, and I appreciate the feedback I get here more than any number of comments or likes on Facebook. Embrace it! It gets better - trust me.

____

Now for your website:

Things I Liked:
It's clean
Easy to navigate
There are a number of great images (IMO)

Things I think could be improved:

You could easily cut 1/2 the images so you show a stronger body of work
There are several images what look like you forgot to edit them, or were lazy (ie a handicappedparking sign between a bride and groom)
Go easy on highlighting the catch lights in those kids eyes
No pricing info
Adding your location to the contact page would be good

It's not bad overall.

[ManhattanShutterBug]

Welcome Grace Louise

First off, I will comment on your post. You came here specifically asking for critique on your site, and then took offense. Trust me, I get that it hurts. As a new "artist" you gather all the images that you feel are your best, and you put them on a silver platter for the world to see. Then some of the seasoned pros come and tell you the truth about your work. They tell you what your mother doesn't, what Facebook doesn't, what your best friend doesn't. IT HURTS.

But the thing is that if you want to be in this business, you need to develop a thick skin, and fast. Sure you need to believe in yourself, but one of the best ways to improve your work is to post it for critique. Put up your best, and let people rip it apart. Very quickly you will see your work grow, improve, and impress more than your fans.

Stating in your opening post that you know you have underexposed images on your site is not a good opener. If you know they are there, correct them or remove them. If you think a potential client will buy into an excuse that your monitor is too bright, you are in for a big surprise.

As for being a natural light photographer - thats fine as long as you know how to use light when you need it. I am a natural light photographer as well, I prefer the simplistic, natural approach. That being said I always have at least 2 speed lights and a softbox/umbrella in my truck. So I am ready and prepared to get the job done.

If you keep posting work here, you will quickly learn to appreciate the feedback, even when it is delivered in a more negative tone. Just remember, you asked for help. People are giving you exactly what you asked for. Saying your image is flat IS helpful. Use that information, and re-evaluate your images. Re-edit if need be. Take every bit of info and apply it.

I, like you, an still very new to this business, and I appreciate the feedback I get here more than any number of comments or likes on Facebook. Embrace it! It gets better - trust me.

.

^Good advice!

Check this article out, The Ten Biggest Website Mistakes by Photographers | MCP Photography Blog I think it will give you some good pointers on creating a wesbite

[orljustin]

@OrlJustin- I don't currently shoot with any lighting equipment, and I make sure clients know that. I'm not trying to hide anything. I really love the way photos look with natural sun, and so that is the type of photography I have focused on perusing at this time.

Still a cop out, as the others have said. You can "love the way photos look with natural sun", but unless you are competent enough to provide the promised product when the sun isn't out, you shouldn't be out there trying to be a "business" yet.

[orljustin]

Imagemaker- you are absolutley right, but everyone was once just a camera owner with a vision. I am not trying to convince anyone that I am a professional. However if I took the advice of everyone above, then I would either quit, or delete my fb an and website until I had all the photography knowledge in the world. unfortunatley, there is always more to learn, and I'm sure no one above really knows everything. We are all still learning.

You are trying to convince people you are a professional. You've made a website with the intent to solicit clients to provide a service for money. That makes you a professional. The advice is to hold off until you can provide a good product in a variety of circumstances, not just when the sun is out.

[GraceLouise]

Welcome Grace Louise

First off, I will comment on your post. You came here specifically asking for critique on your site, and then took offense. Trust me, I get that it hurts. As a new "artist" you gather all the images that you feel are your best, and you put them on a silver platter for the world to see. Then some of the seasoned pros come and tell you the truth about your work. They tell you what your mother doesn't, what Facebook doesn't, what your best friend doesn't. IT HURTS..

Rub- thanks for your feedback, especially regarding the website layout!

Also, Just wanted to clarify that I really am taking a lot of great feedback from this posting. I have already changed some images on the site, I am re-editing like a mad man, AND I went out today and bought reflectors and a speedlight. Went out for a test shot with my hubby and already noticed a huge difference! So, its not that I wasnt willing to try, I just didn't really realize how much I really was holding myself back! Thanks for the kick start!

[rub]

That's awesome! It will open up lots of new doors for you. And behind those doors will be clients with dollar bills

[imagemaker46]

Welcome Grace Louise

First off, I will comment on your post. You came here specifically asking for critique on your site, and then took offense. Trust me, I get that it hurts. As a new "artist" you gather all the images that you feel are your best, and you put them on a silver platter for the world to see. Then some of the seasoned pros come and tell you the truth about your work. They tell you what your mother doesn't, what Facebook doesn't, what your best friend doesn't. IT HURTS..

Rub- thanks for your feedback, especially regarding the website layout!

Also, Just wanted to clarify that I really am taking a lot of great feedback from this posting. I have already changed some images on the site, I am re-editing like a mad man, AND I went out today and bought reflectors and a speedlight. Went out for a test shot with my hubby and already noticed a huge difference! So, its not that I wasnt willing to try, I just didn't really realize how much I really was holding myself back! Thanks for the kick start!

Sometimes it just takes the words from others that do this for a living to understand learning the basics will improve what ever you do if life.

[rexbobcat]

Camz- thanks for your feedback. the two weddings you see were for friends that paid very little. I don't know much about flash lighting but I intend to learn. I am publicizingnot my self as a wedding photog, rather just displaying what I have done so far. I am always honest and anyone that wants to book I make sure they know how much experience I do have.It seems as if you have all forgotten what it was like to be new and learning and looking for constructive critiques. Simply saying my images are flat or underexposed is really not that helpful.

It's not that people don't remember what it's like. It's just that you designate yourself with a business name, you setup a website for what appears to be the sole purpose of attracting clients, and then you come on here to ask for a critique.

Most people who are new and learning don't advertise themselves as more professional than they are.