Would they buy these pictures? (dial up warning)

Im thinking about having the nature center i live next to, carry my photos. The problem is, i dont like to get ahead of myself and assume that my photos are good enough to carry. So, im wondering, if you were the nature center, would you carry my photos?





























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-Kehoe

Are you really asking that seriously?
Those photos are nice and you should at least ask if they but those.

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Galapagos/Ecuador, lightnings, moon, nature:
http://www.petrilopia.net/
http://www.pbase.com/whig/

I'm not really sure what you mean by "carry your photos." Does that mean they have a gift shop and will be selling them on consignment? I sometimes face the same situation, wondering if my work is suitable to be shown or sold at a particular venue. What I do is visit the place and see what is already being displayed. And I ask myself honestly "How does my work compare?" If that is not possible, what I sometimes do when I want to critique my own work is this - let's say I have a photo of a "widget." I'll go online and do an image search for widgets. How does mine compare? It might not be as much a masterpiece as those of the world famous widget photographers, but is it in the same ballpark or possess some of the same qualities as far as sharpness, composition, lighting, etc. In this way, you can answer your own question and learn to honestly assess your work. Good luck!

Some of those are good - maybe even great; some not so good.

If they are the very best you have, then (IMHO) you're not quite there yet. I don't think you have reached a consistent level of greatness. The Egret, for example (I think it's an Egret) is too soft and doesn't have any kind of "wow" factor.

Don't get me wrong - I don't think you're far off - and the centre may well be interested. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask, but I'd just make sure you only take your absolute best shots with you, for fear of diluting your portfolio.
Better to have 5 stunning shots, than 50 average ones.

Phil
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http://tot-shots.co.uk



'Old photographers don't retire, they just lost their focus.' - Patrick Litchfield

Unfortunately I agree with Phil. Most of the shots fall short in one technical aspect or another, from lack of depth of field on some of the bug shots (you need to stop down to about f/8 or f/11), to the underexposed egret, to the nowhere-near-level horizons on the fourth shot and the third from last.

Some of the shots, which look at first glance as though they were taken with a long lens, are actually excessively cropped standard lens shots. Well done for trying, but you'll never get away with that, it is simply not possible to achieve the quality.

I'd agree with Phil on another thing though - some of them do show promise, so keep working at it! When you can look back at these and see the problems for yourself, you'll know you're getting there!

I don't want to sound mean, just giving an honest appraisal.

These seem a little soft. What lens were they shot with? I noticed the aperture was pretty low on some of them (didn't look at the exif on all of them) I use much higher aperture for things like small insects.
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'My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be'

The lens i used for some of them was my 70-300mm. Yes, its not the best. And im using a 7.1 apeture most of the time.
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-Kehoe

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--Ben

http://dominar.deviantart.com

I think you've got a great start. I'd work on your Wow factor. Try going to http://www.naturescapes.net/ and spend some serious time looking through the forum in the areas that you want to excel. When you feel comfortable posting pictures on this site and like the feedback your getting, then you'll be ready. Please keep us updated on your progress. We're all in this together in one form or another. Good luck and keep up the great work!
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Rod
http://www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski

I personally feel like the others.. these all could be better, and I think you are going through a learning curve.. so.. I think your images are good.. but maybe the nature center near you is a new one.. maybe there aren't many nature photographers in the area.. and just maybe you can both grow together. I know I have had a similar relationship with many nature centers in my area, also you get the perks of having access to usually public restricted areas, especially if you donate some of your work for their signs and such, which I do. I also get to teach classes at many of them now, starting this year. So.. the question you need to ask yourself is if this is the right time to submit your work, or maybe learn some more then submit.. or just ask if they need some help getting a species list for their center.

Hope this helps.

Charles
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http://www.fotki.com/charlemagne

While they are worthy of "great shot" comments here on dpr, a brutally honest assessment of true professional grade, make-money-at-it photography says that I'd pick one, maybe two. Better than 98% of the stuff out there, but only 0.5% is good enough for commercial sale (if that)

Try Photosig for honest, constructive criticism from true professionals. A formal, structured critique process will help with valuable feedback and improvement. And browse some of the galleries there for the stunning work a true pro can execute. I've learned a lot from participating there - mostly that I have a long way to go.

They are close and show it's worth continuing to work at.

Mistake? Couldn't have been with a 70-300 lens unless exif is wrong. All these were shot at F3.2 or F2.8 and at 55mm and under. Is the exif info being reported wrong? Would be nice shots if they weren't quite so soft. Still a good start though. Keep up the good work.
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'My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be'

Hey, i personaly liked what you said. This is the stuff i need to know. Honestly, it doesn't put me down to know that these shots aren't commercial shots at all. To me it tells me, i just need to get out there shoot more, and have you guys help me distinguesh how well my photos are doing. Thanks for being honest. =)
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-Kehoe

Well, yes and no. Some of the shots were done with a 24-70mm 2.8. Sorry for the confusion there. The other shots (71mm and above on the exif) was the 70-300mm which i tried to keep at 7.1 but never 5.6.
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-Kehoe