First Time, C&C please

[noodles]

Hi All,

I'm in the process of trying to build up my portfolio by doing various gigs and shoots for friends etc (family events, random stuff) and eventually
make this a paid side gig.

I've started reading the Bryan Peterson book on understanding Exposure, have read my manual and am comfortable with the controls on the D90.
I'm in the process of acquiring various equipment that I feel could improve my shoots (i.e. reflectors, diffusers, etc).

Here's a few pics from my last shoot for a buddy and his car. Everytime I shoot, i'm always trying to be conscious of the composition and lighting.
I shoot in RAW, post in LR3 and Photoshop.

C+C welcome.

Thanks!

1.

2.

3.

4.

 

[noodles]

bump.. nobody ?

 

[mc1979]

I can't see any pictures

 

[gsgary]

I wouldn't use these in a portfolio

 

[noodles]

@gsgary - would you mind sharing why ?

 

[eggmanmeggan]

I like the last one best, but the thumbs up kinda distracts me. And I would of liked it more in the frame. To use in a portfolio is a harder question because if its the best you have then by all means use it. But- if you can do better the next time around? Then use the new ones. A portfolio should never be complete. My very first portfolio that I was SO excited about- is now hidden from the world. I was able to book people with it. How? not really sure : ) I think I even printed it at walmart.. gasp!

 

[noodles]

Thanks, for the feed back. I agree a portfolio should be a work in progress with adding new and better images, but since this is my first car shoot, it'll be the first ones that go into that section.

 

[Raigoki]

hi!

1st photo - i like this to be cropped tight. (or tight composition. less bricks shown)
2nd photo - you already have the headlight shot (1st photo). maybe other details of the car would be better for subject (let say the car's logo)
3rd photo - even though the background's blurred( panning shots) maybe you could have a unique/different background (let say more trees, desert, etc.) to bring out the uniqueness of the car.
4th photo - this makes the illusion that the car is trying hard to go uphill. if you're trying to project the car as a fast car, maybe aligning the path downwards or horizontal might do. and i don't prefer the bluish monochrome post-process of this shot.

hth.

 

[Patrice]

The last picture is unnaturally tilted. I can tell because all the houses lean to the right! I think this technique is overdone. If you must do it, be aware of the background.

 

[gsgary]

The first 2 are shot from an awkward angle get lower and shoot wider, 2nd 2 there is too much blur and nothing in focus use a faster shutter speed about 1/125 like this one

 

[noodles]

Thanks for all the CC.

@Gary - these were taken on residential streets so at the speeds he was going 60-80km's, panning it with 1/125 didn't seem to blur the background enough. Perhaps there was a technique i'm missing ? Should the car have gone faster ? I used an 18-200mm and it was zoomed in a bit... (i was standing across the street). Was using shutter priority on 1/60 as I panned with the car.

@ Patrice - yea looking back, the tilt is probably over done.. maybe just a bit would have been better.. and perhaps tilting it the other way.

 

[mrpink]

@Gary - these were taken on residential streets so at the speeds he was going 60-80km's, panning it with 1/125 didn't seem to blur the background enough. Perhaps there was a technique i'm missing ? Should the car have gone faster ? I used an 18-200mm and it was zoomed in a bit... (i was standing across the street). Was using shutter priority on 1/60 as I panned with the car.

It is easier when the car is going slower. Stop down and use a much slower shutter.

And I agree with gary, I would not use these to lure potential paying clients.






p!nK