 Tiger Lilly |
Gallery Feedback, Please I am requesting feedback (honest) on photos in my gallery. I am straight out amature, but would like to try to earn some money with my hobby. I'd like to know whether I've got what it takes or not. Thanks, in advance, to those who respond. Whether it's positive or negative, I appreciate your time & feedback.
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Elizabeth Coachman |
Hi, Lily! Well, to me, most of your pictures looked either a little dull, or too bright. The strawberry one looked like you used a flash... which you might not have done, but it seemed to me that you did. I really liked the comp. of "What Lies Ahead," I really liked that one. I also really liked the color of "Hart Springs"... great color and contrast. Also, I like "Negelected Up Close"... neat overall picture, but still a tad dull to me. Of course, I am only fourteen, and not very experinced, so please dismiss anything that I said that is incorrect. Hope that helps, at least a little. By His Grace, and For His Glory, Elizabeth C.
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Autumn Hernandez |
I think you have a really good eye for things, but I think you could use a little fine tuning. For example, the strawberry could definitely have used a polarizer and I would say no flash. (of course, I don't know about the light situation that day, and I am not sure you can use one with a kodak easy share. lol) It just looked a little flat and glary. I would suggest maybe taking a beginning photo class so you can learn a little about tonality, metering, etc. That way you can learn a little more about your camera and get it to do what you want it to do. (I'm assuming you didn't get the desired result with the waterfall picture, right? You will learn about that kind of stuff in class. :)) Good luck. I definitely think you have the raw talent to work with.
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Irene Troy |
Hi Lilly You asked for some feedback on the images posted and your gallery and since I know that I always appreciate feedback, even when it seems a little negative, I thought that I’d share some ideas with you. But, first an aside to Elizabeth: please stop thinking that your age somehow makes your opinions and vision less valid than someone older. You can share your opinions and vision anytime! Now Lilly; your main problem, to my eyes, is that of exposure and knowing how to properly expose in varying conditions. Many of your shots are simply not properly exposed. Elizabeth’s view that many appear either too “dull” or too “bright” is on the mark and means that they are either under or over exposed. I fully agree with Autumn’s suggestion that you consider taking some basic courses – perhaps here at BP. I took Brian Peterson’s course on exposure last year and learned more during those 8 weeks than I ever could have learned on my own. I am currently taking Kerry Drager’s course on composition and am learning a great deal and having a wonderful time. My enthusiasm for photography, along with my knowledge and ability, has increased dramatically as a result of the courses offered here. I certainly understand your interest in “making money” with your hobby. I started getting serious about my photography because I want to add photography to my work as a freelance writer. But, as I have learned, you have to have a firm grasp on the basics before you can consider going even part time pro. You have a good eye and a nice creative vision; you just need to get the skills to match. Good luck!
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Elizabeth Coachman |
Hey Irene, I am sorry that I continue to say that I am only fourteen, but I hardly feel qualified to be giving advice or offering comments. I apologize. By His Grace, and For His Glory, Elizabeth C.
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Kerry L. Walker |
Elizabeth, Honey, your age and experience is of little consequence when you have an eye for photography like you do. I have 40 years on you and I am in awe of your artistic eye. Lily, others have addressed the problems with exposure so I won't comment too much on that except to say that that that is one of the easier things to learn. With a little study and practice, you will become proficient. I would like to comment on your composition, which is good. In My Neighbor's Pasture - Move the horses to the left (OK, I mean move your camera to the right). Usually, but not always, the subject should be off center of the picture. In this picture, if the horses were further to the left, the white horse's face would lead your eye to the center of the picture. Nature's Arch - Good DOF and detail. You did well to fill the frame with this one. What Lies Ahead - Good composition. It leads you eye down the path making you wonder indead What Lies Ahead? Needs more DOF. Learn to use hyperfocal focusing. It really isn't hard to do. Cypress Reflections - I really like this one. I like reflections. Excellent composition. Framing Coquina - Good framing technique. Needs more DOF but I think this was limited because of the camera you chose to use. Good photo anyway. Good composition is harder to learn than good exposure. While you practice on your exposure, don't get so caught up in the details of exposure that you lose the good composition techniques you already have.
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Tiger Lilly |
To all of you who took the time to respond--THANK YOU! Now, for my reply to your responses: Elizabeth--I agree with your points. I did use flash on the berry (Autumn), but that was because of the time of day. Since I ate the one pictured, I have to wait for more to grow...and I won't use the flash! As for the ones you liked, thanks; I'm sorry you weren't fond of "Neglected Up Close" as it's one of my favorites, but everyone's entitled to their taste. Also, PLEASE don't put the age disclaimer in your response! I have to agree with the others on that one. You are as entitled to your opinion as anyone, and frankly, I don't care how old you are!!! Autumn & Irene--I am currently taking an on-line course for digital photography, as well as investing in some books to study. As you may have noticed, the dates on some of my photos are very old, but some are recent. My goal is to see where I stand before the class to see what improvements I need to make, then ask the same question down the road to see what improvements I have made. I can see the over/underexposure you are talking about. I am already working on that. My comment about making money is not something I think is going to happen tomorrow--I like to make LOOOONG-term goals for myself, that way I feel like I have plenty of time to work out the kinks. Autumn--please expand on your waterfall comment. I love water shots & would be happy for all the insight I can get on making them better. Kerry--I'm glad you think I've got a good eye for comp. It's a consistent positive I've rec'd more than once, and balances out my problem with exposure! I am going to re-scan the horses & try cropping it differently to make it come out like you suggested. I'm glad you liked as many as you did and I hope that means the exposures were good in them. Please respond & let me know if I'm incorrect. Oh yeah, as for the hyperfocal stuff, I currently have the first 2 videos from NYIP--that's one of the first things they talk about, so I'm covering that base as well. Why can't I do this full time so it won't take so long to learn (who has spare time???)...maybe I can sell my "before" photos to instructors? Maybe that will support me until I can make the big bucks with the "after" photos--LOL To all of you, again, THANKS! Sorry I didn't get to this sooner; I've been dealing with life in the real world & I know ya'll can identify with being busy!
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Kerry L. Walker |
Lily, I think your exposures on your landscapes was good as far as I can tell. I am working with an umcalibrated monitor so things may appear darker to me than they are. Or it could be the conversion from film to digital. As an example of what I mean, I have a photo in my gallery entitled Hot Springs Park. After scanning it and loading it up, the shadows on the left side appear very underexposed and the highlights in the grass on the right side and the bridge appear blown out. On the print, they are all fine. This may be the same situations with some of yours.
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Tiger Lilly |
Kerry, I think it may be a combination of both of what you suggested. I know when I do some of this stuff at work (shhh! don't tell on me), the monitors there aren't calibrated & my stuff looks absolutely horrible. I am, however, going to have to pull the original pics out & compare them. I will be checking out your gallery tomorrow to see what you mean about Hot Springs. Just so you ALL know, I am waiting on the arrival of about 7 different filters (yes, one's a polarizer!) and I will be experimenting with them soon. I am also reading & re-reading about exposure, aperture, etc. Thanks again, ya'll!
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