A couple of shots done for a friend

[Bitter Jeweler]

whatever, same old tpf. have fun boys.

Yup, whatever indeed. Same old people asking for critique who don't really want to hear it.

 

[bennielou]

whatever, same old tpf. have fun boys.

Hi Again,

Look, I get frustrated too sometimes when I don't hear what I want to hear. I've blown up more than a few times. I also have a lot of pride for my work, and my different (IMO) style of doing things, which I sometimes defend vigorously.

But you know what? I blow up, get all pissed off, lash out............and then I realize in many cases that I just heard what I needed to hear.

For instance, I did a job a few months ago, posted it here, and got slammed. I was pissed and lashed out at others. But then I went and thought about what was said, and I went back and looked at the photos I posted, and damned if what was said wasn't totally valid. I'm a bit prideful, and hate to be wrong, but I'm also have a ton of ambition, and I want to constantly up my game. The honest deal, was that I realized I had "burned out" and I wasn't doing the best I could. So I took steps to get better. This was all due to the people who initially pissed me off. Now I am grateful to them, because I listened (not initially, I threw a tantum too) , applied what was said, and now my phone doesn't stop ringing. In short, hard crit actually helped my business.

You have mentioned this was a product shoot. What product was being shot? Was it the shoes?

Anyhoo, I'm hoping you have had time to think about things, and understand that people who take the time to answer, might actually have your best interests at heart. That's something I've come to realize only lately.

 

[KmH]

whatever, same old tpf. have fun boys.

Adios niño.

 

[gsgary]

I hate to say this, but as much as I really appreciate your feedback Bennielou, this is one of the reasons I stopped posting here. I understand you mentioned to take it with a grain of salt, but what this kind of criticism leads to is a very boring standardized style of post editing. I realize the colour is obviously off balance with these, but i think its pretty clear that it was done intentionally. as with the photo being "flashed to hell" its a personal/asthetic choice to blow some of the highlights in her face. You dont like it? cool just say so. these photos were meant to demonstrate the fashion stylings of a friend, so the focus should be on what she is wearing. Now the stuff i do appreciate is some of the framing issues you brought up like the obtrusive limbless hand entering the frame in the first one.

Bull**** we cannot see what she is wearing, if you can't take negative comments don't post, Bennielou was only telling you how he see's it, i won't say what i think you will probably leave again

 

[gsgary]

Sorry, I'm just speaking frankly. You said yourself this was your first time doing this sort of thing, so I offered suggestions or reasons I wasn't in love with the photos.

The "off" white balance doesn't look intentional to me. I'll be frank again, and say it looks to me like lazy editing. Tell me the steps you did, the programs you used to get this "look". It's not any disernable style as far as I can see. It just looks like bad white balance. Again, JMO.

I'm sorry you don't like the CC. I'm honestly trying to help you grow. If you tune out, then you stay the same. I'm telling you from a perspective as someone who makes their entire living off of making and selling photos. What I don't think you understand, is that I am trying to help you get better. I'm not the be all, person at all. You might get a lot of differing opinions. I say hear them out, and really take into account how you could become better.

These shots don't suck, but at the same time there is some really avoidable problems here. These are things easily corrected in the future.

As for the flashed out shot, maybe convert to B/W. Her cheeks are totally blown.

Again, I'm sorry that you don't what I have to say, and I certainly don't think it's worthy of hiding under a rock over. Just mull it around in your head, and perhaps try some new things. You never know. You just might get even better.

All the best to you.

You have nothing to be sorry for

 

[christian.rudman]

Man, no wonder he was gone for two years, can't take two minutes of constructive criticism. It's really easy to avoid getting your feelings hurt in critiques on the web, don't post photos and ask for other people's opinions. If you want to just revel in your "artistic license" that is perfectly fine, get your own website and don't take anyone's **** ever. I think benni did exactly what you asked and you flamed him hard for it, bad form. If you can learn to take the good criticism as well as the harsh you have no place in photography. And much better another photographer than one of your PO'd clients.

All that said, nice work, but I agree on benni's finer points. Grin and bear it.

 

[Dani41780]

I'm not even close to being a 'pro' and I thought the CC giving was very helpful.. The images could really use some sprucing up.

 

[Stanza]

Nice shots. I think the number 2 (fashionista 5) have too much "air", too much wall and not too much girl.