Tell me where did I screwed up so bad

[zombiesniper]

As people have already stated. These are not photos to be ashamed of and the delusions of the model do not dictate the merits of the image.

Don't give up because of someone that doesn't see value in your work.....oh ya, YOU need to start placing value in your work. Regardless of what others think, you have to be able to look at your work objectively and asses it's quality AND also know who else may be able to aid you in remaining objective. (We all have that not the best shot but still love it for emotional reasons)
Everyone has a bad day whether real or perceived.
If you take nothing else from the support you are receiving, listen to this next part.

KEEP SHOOTING. KEEP LEARNING.

 

[FITBMX]

If you even think about quitting I will drive all the way up to Canada and slap you! You are very talented, and will to far.
Remember you are the artist, NOT THE MODEL! So you edit to your liking, the model poses the way you want. If they have a problem, that's what it is, THEIR problem, not yours. So, unless the client gives you a specific request before the shoot is even agreed upon, the shoot is always your show.
Being an artist has always been hard. But artist do what they love, because they love it. Art is for the artist that created it, not for the public.
Now here is a hug so you feel better!

 

[Derrel]

Chloe Lattanzi, Daughter of Olivia Newton-John, Opens Up About Her Body Dysmorphia

 

[Granddad]

If you even think about quitting I will drive all the way up to Canada and slap you! You are very talented, and will to far.
Remember you are the artist, NOT THE MODEL! So you edit to your liking, the model poses the way you want. If they have a problem, that's what it is, THEIR problem, not yours. So, unless the client gives you a specific request before the shoot is even agreed upon, the shoot is always your show.
Being an artist has always been hard. But artist do what they love, because they love it. Art is for the artist that created it, not for the public.
Now here is a hug so you feel better!

... And I'll fly over the pond and slap you from the other side!

You're a bloody good photographer, you have waaay more talent and potential than I do. I'm really enjoying seeing your expansion out of boudoir. *Granddad hugs*

 

[pjaye]

If you even think about quitting I will drive all the way up to Canada and slap you! You are very talented, and will to far.
Remember you are the artist, NOT THE MODEL! So you edit to your liking, the model poses the way you want. If they have a problem, that's what it is, THEIR problem, not yours. So, unless the client gives you a specific request before the shoot is even agreed upon, the shoot is always your show.
Being an artist has always been hard. But artist do what they love, because they love it. Art is for the artist that created it, not for the public.
Now here is a hug so you feel better!

... And I'll fly over the pond and slap you from the other side!

You're a bloody good photographer, you have waaay more talent and potential than I do. I'm really enjoying seeing your expansion out of boudoir. *Granddad hugs*

And I live closer to you than either of the two above, I'll provide them the transportation!

Please, you are an amazing photographer. Please don't quit. I've often wished I actually lived closer to you so I could get you to photograph me. Don't quit, please.

 

[FITBMX]

As for your portfolio, I have heard of artist having good luck with just walking up to someone on the street at saying "I love your look. I am a photographer and in the middle changing my style from boudoir to regular portraiture (or whatever you want to call it), and would love it if you would model a shoot with me. Here is my card with the web address of my boudoir portfolio, let me know if you are interested."
Most will be very flattered with this.
Not everyone will do a shoot, but some will.

 

[Advanced Photo]

In answer to the question posed by the OP, I think your mistake was letting the subject of a photo decide the value of it for you. That's your job.
In the future let people know you will do free or discount photos in return for full ownership and rights of use and get the signature on the release before the shoot.

 

[Frank F.]

In answer to the question posed by the OP, I think your mistake was letting the subject of a photo decide the value of it for you. That's your job. In the future let people know you will do free or discount photos in return for full ownership and rights of use and get the signature on the release before the shoot.

Model release before shoot is good. Necessary.

 

[JoeW]

Multiple thoughts:

1. The model doesn't decide the quality of the work. She can like a photo that you feel is bad. You can like a photo and she is "meh" about it. But be clear, your standards are your standards. You asked in the thread--where did I go bad? The answer is in nothing you did with your camera. It's in choosing a friend who has difficult standards to shoot and you weren't clear about those issues pre-shoot.

2. This is complicated b/c she is a friend. And even though (if she signed a release), you have the right to display (and without a release, at least the right to display in a personal portfolio), b/c you may want to preserve the friendship you may lean over backwards and not display the work.

3. This story illustrates the importance of working out details beforehand. Do not assume that b/c you are friends that therefore it will all work out. B/c the two of you are friends and she's beautiful, you assumed it would all work out. That's your biggest error here.

4. She's being rude and selfish...acting as if the sole purpose of this shoot was to produce photos for her use and enjoyment. BS. With a TF shoot, both sides need to benefit.

5. I know it's hard to follow but...don't take someone's opinion too honestly (including this one, and all of the others in the thread--though all of us know more about photography than she does). Listen to critics. But unless they're a paying client, you do not need to satisfy them--that is not your job.

6. You do good work. If you feel like your non-boudoir work hasn't grown, then at a minimum, you need to re-evaluate how you're getting your models. Look at OMP or MM and put out a casting call for a glamour shoot. Or a bridal shoot. Or a maternity shoot.

 

[zombiesniper]

If you even think about quitting I will drive all the way up to Canada and slap you!

... And I'll fly over the pond and slap you from the other side!

And I live closer to you than either of the two above, I'll provide them the transportation!

Please, you are an amazing photographer. Please don't quit. I've often wished I actually lived closer to you so I could get you to photograph me. Don't quit, please.

And people say you can't solve your problems with violence. F*%k that! I'm slapping all my problems from now on!

 

[Peeb]

You 'screwed up' by counting a rude clod as your 'friend'.

Ignore her.

 

[cauzimme]

Thanks for the kind words, i'm very overwhelmed these days, it seems to be mistakes after mistakes, let down, trouble, continual struggle and no advancement. Never tought it would be so hard. I love photo, and i'm depressed when i'm not shooting and now I was depressed after shooting...

After a small conversation where I explain, that I didn't shoot for fun at all (she knows I'm struggling with my portfolio and my business) she told me I could post the images that she judge okay (the ones with extensive photoshop) I guess I'll get better with the fluidity and content aware tool. I also have one friend\ usually client (escort) who offer to help me for my normal portfolio next week (Amelie in the NSFW section, I have work with her in the past and it's always a charm)

 

[pendennis]

Thanks for the kind words, i'm very overwhelmed these days, it seems to be mistakes after mistakes, let down, trouble, continual struggle and no advancement. Never tought it would be so hard. I love photo, and i'm depressed when i'm not shooting and now I was depressed after shooting...

After a small conversation where I explain, that I didn't shoot for fun at all (she knows I'm struggling with my portfolio and my business) she told me I could post the images that she judge okay (the ones with extensive photoshop) I guess I'll get better with the fluidity and content aware tool. I also have one friend\ usually client (escort) who offer to help me for my normal portfolio next week (Amelie in the NSFW section, I have work with her in the past and it's always a charm)

The process to become a successful photographer, whether journalistic, fashion, portrait, etc., is long, and frequently disappointing. That stated, the disappointments are learning experiences from which you always have to learn. Whether a crappy friend/model, over-demanding customer, uncle Jake using his cell phone cam, piggy-backing onto your posed wedding shots, etc., these are the pitfalls which you need to either avoid, or work around, most likely work around.

I noticed that your signature carries a number of diverse inspirations. Perhaps you should narrow your inspirations to maybe Diane Arbus and Richard Avedon. All are great photographers, but so many can scatter your focus. If you chose Ricard Avedon for example, read everything you can, and study each of his photographs to learn his lighting, poses, environment, etc. I'm not saying you should mimic him, but learn from his strong points.

The other thing you need to do, is to not obsess over taking pictures. While you may love photography, you need to be able to put it away, and find some type of recreation. I firmly believe that one should love his/her work, and may likely do it without pay, but R&R is massively important to your own mental health and development.

 

[JoeW]

Let me offer a couple of thoughts...

1. You're passionate about your work/art. And that's a good thing. Though at the time it doesn't feel like it. Bc you'll get depressed. You'll want to quit. You'll want to throw things. When we are passionate about something, that's what we do. We don't go "whatever" or "I don't really care."

2. Don't worry about salvaging the results from the shoot with her. I think you probably have a bunch of shots you could use. But you got tremendous value from this shoot--and it has to do with lessons around managing expectations upfront, reaching agreements about using results, shooting with friends, etc. That's invaluable (though painful) insights. As for trying to salvage the photos...what if you get some she says "okay" and then she comes back 6 months later and says "that's on your website or business card or in a gallery? I never gave approval for that--take it down!" What you know is that she's skittish about the pictures of her.

3. To build your portfolio for non-nude, non-boudoir work, you need real models. Models who understand that they give up the rights to the work when they sign a release and they pose. Reach out to friends. Unless you already know what you're going to specialize in, you can use a mix of different stuff: maternity shoots, nursing moms, brides, engagement photos, children's portraits, pets (especially pet sports), athletics (especially kids), marriages, parties. You'd be surprised how many serious, experienced models will do TF--you shoot a concept they need (showing off their new cut or them after they've had a child) in trade for what you want

 

[FITBMX]

You post the photos that YOU like, not what " that she judge okay". You are way to good to put up with this!

You should go out and take some photos for fun, not for your portfolio, not to sell, just for fun. Go to the park and take some animal photos, get some landscapes, cityscapes, some street shots. Just go out with your camera for fun, with no intentions of getting "Good" photos. Relax, breath, click that shutter, and love it!

I also have one friend\ usually client (escort) who offer to help me for my normal portfolio next week (Amelie in the NSFW section, I have work with her in the past and it's always a charm)

Make sure you post these new photos, I am looking forward to them.
I haven't seen the previous photos of her. Since I'm not a supporting member (don't have the money) I don't have access to the NSFW area.