C&C 1st Model

[layinginthesun]

Although many of these pics are outdoors, I would love feedback on those done in my home studio. She was my 1st model & 1st shoot in my home studio.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Steve

http://web.mac.com/stevenkozak/iWeb/Site%205/Sessions.html

 

[ScottyNV]

Pretty model, decent captures..

However, too many similar shots. As a portfolio, it needs more direction or grouped themes, and only present the strongest images - rarely this includes two workups from the same shot. There is a tendency to just put everything into a gallery on the web, but IMO the presentation would be improved by having only the absolute best ten or fifteen shots - is this a showcase for your best work, or a blog? (no insult intended, constuctive criticism).

I would also have made a note on your post here that there is some nudity (topless and suggested bottomless) as regards to the forum rules.. for myself, there is no issue with any of the shots, please do observe the rule as it is explicitly stated..

A bit of direction on the front page of the site would also be nice - of course I quickly realized that to see the gallery in question, I needed to click on the model, but simpler would be nicer.. is there more than one gallery, or is that the only option?

The studio shots appear decent, I am sure that CG and others will have detailed analysis - I am primarily an available light outdoor shooter, so can't really comment in detail on the indoor shots..

Cheers,
Scotty
--

• How deep does the Rabbit Hole go? *

My XT IS Full Frame -- APS-C/FF of course!

 

[HenryL64]

As I'm just starting in this type of photography myself, let me just say that that's a nice start. I agree with Scotty concerning the variety and content of the portfolio. Beyond that, I only have two suggestions:

1. The files are saved with the iMac colorspace which is causing them to look very washed out and muddy. For web display, save them as SRGB.

2. Looking at the histograms, most are significantly underexposed, which exacerbates the muddy look.

Keep
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Regards,

Henry

 

[Mairo Dees]

Georgous model.

I agree that most of the shots look underexposed. The studio lighting looks a bit harsh - not sure what kind of modfiers you're using, but for models I would try to soften the lighting quite a bit more. You made some great use of the hair light in some of the shots, in others she kinda blends into the background. In general, I would try to generate some separation from a black background especa use a kicker or a rim light and she will pop out much nicer

Some of the black and white images could use some more pop in contrast, they look a tad flat.

Her face is really shiny, some translucent powder can easily take care of that for you, even without any makeup experience.

What I noticed right away is that her facial expressions in most of the shots don't reflect sexy but discomfort or uncertainty. A lot of times when I get an expression like that, it's me not communicating enough with the subject, they sit in anticipation of the shot and are not sure what to do. If you get them engaged nicely and pump them up, they will strike poses and looks for you, you can't direct them to do.

If this page is her actual portfolio, I would definetly remove the shot in the water that's completly blurred, the naked boobs don't make up for it and her face has a spastic expression. Also I agree on the duplicates, for a portfolio you really don't need more than one shot of each look. Also I don't see a single full length shot, models kinda should be able to show of their entire body. I would like to see how her waist area looks standing up, before I'd hire her for a shoot. And if she is not planning to make a carrier in nude modeling, I would consider omitting those, or her mailbox will soon be flooded with adult offers.

 

[bwolford]

In addition to what's already been written, generally, the more clothes she has on, the more comfortable she looks. The only exceptions are the shots of her the knit sweater and now bottom garment.

Many of these are soft.

Not sure I agree most of them are THAT underexposed.

Brice

 

[bwolford]

OK, I change my mind, many are underexposed. Simple PS adjustment would correct many of these.

Brice

 

[Dan Goldman]

I think these are the best ones. She does best in smiling. The semi-nude pics aren't that flattering.

The white bal looks off. The BW conversions are poor. Pics don't pop enough. Model isn't enogh separated from background.

Dan





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[layinginthesun]

Thanks Dan!

I appreciate you feedback. I was using Aperture for the first time with RAW images. Because I am not yet yet a PS guru, I tried adjusting the white balance with an Aperture tool. I guess it didn't work too well.

The other issue I had was I set her up too close to the back drop, so I had light dropping onto the black...not too flattering. The adjustments I made dimmed the pics a bit. I think I'll have to move my subject further in front of the drop or be much more aware of where my light is dropping.

Thanks again for the feedback. I'll repost those you like after figuring out some good PS tools to manipulate the light on the black back.

I agree...she has a great smile

SK

 

[layinginthesun]

Thanks for the feedback Brice. I am not yet a PS guru...but I am aspiring! I had used a tool in aperture that dimmed light spilling onto the black backdrop...I think it dimmed the images as well. I'll take suggestions as to how I can work from the master in PS and do appropriate fixes.

Thanks again!

SK

 

[layinginthesun]

I appeciate your commments and value the feedback!

This woman is a good friend of mine and not once did I feel her discomfort. We actually worked together prior to the shoot to make certain we had a good plan. I felt she was rather comfortable.

Your advise on communication is very well taken though. After readng your post, I went back to see if I saw what your eyes did...you'll see I removed many of the poses and images where she looked less than...well... "happy" (for lack of a better word) .

As I mentioned...this was the 1st model I have worked with, as I am trying to build a portfolio. The images I posted were for both myself and my peers to evaluate, as you thankfully did. I am still in the process of picking favorites to show just one pose rather than several of the same as you mentioned. I tend to lean toward B&Ws, as there is something intriguing about them to me personally.

Thanks again!

SK

 

[layinginthesun]

Thank you Scotty. I appreciate your feedback.

I was not very happy with the beach captures...as you can see...much of my focus...was NOT focussed.

Feedback will never insult me, but thanks for clarifying. In the future, I will just post that work I feel is my best...but then I wouldn't recieve comments like yours...I'm learning

Regarding the nudity...my apologies...I sincerely thought I had mentioned it in my subject heading. No offense meant.

Cheers

SK

 

[ScottyNV]

Learning is the key - no offence taken here either!

The advice to only show your 'best' work was given me by an artist friend - and it mostly applies to portfolio (such as this one) - you are always welcome to show 'needs improvement' shots - either here or in the retouching forum..

I did not mean to sound harsh on the nudity comment - the enforcement varies, seems to depend on if Phil gets a complaint about it - but since this is truly an international forum, prudence suggests posting notice with your link, just to be safe..

You've got lots of good commentary so far... hope it is helping!

Cheers,
Scotty
--

• How deep does the Rabbit Hole go? *

My XT IS Full Frame -- APS-C/FF of course!

 

[ScottyNV]

both on the same subject.. in the other one, you did post 'some nudes'... but not in this one!

Cheers,
S.
--

• How deep does the Rabbit Hole go? *

My XT IS Full Frame -- APS-C/FF of course!