Aspiring Photographer in need of feedback!!

[gathertherosebuds]

I've always loved photography, but only ever dabbled with in it. In the last couple months however I purchased my first DSLR and starting taking pictures of whoever would let me! I'm hoping to get a side business going with it. I feel like I'm learning fast but I'm starved for feedback!! The people I take pictures of have been happy with them, and my husband says stuff like "oh i like that one" but he doesn't really know. I would love to get some photographer's opinions. Feel free to critique and/or tell me which ones you like and maybe why you like them. I like them... but I know they could be better and I'd really appreciate some of your feedback. You can see some of my work at shaunanicolesphotoblog.blogspot.com .

Thank you !

[CheaperKings]

Hi there and welcome.

Looking through your photos, I generally like them. The comp is good, colors are good so, pretty good.

First and foremost, get over the selective coloring. Everyone does it when they first start out but, it's just a bad idea IMO. I cringe when I see it.

You're on the right track. Better than most that are just starting out.

So, just stick to your guns, you'll get there!

[Niresangwa]

Welcome to the site..

I would encourage you to select your best shots and following the guidelines laid down in the Critique section, offer them up to members to offer CC on. PM members when you see work you like, they'll be flattered enough to tell you whatever youw ant to know usually

You're also going to get a healthy dose of advice on how to start your business/project if you take the time to peruse the forums. If you have an open mind, a thick skin and some patience, you'll find more than enough help here to take you further than you think you can go right now.

Having looked over your blog I see a lot of heavy vignetting, white vignettes, rotated crops, selective coloring, heavy textures and borders. Cheaperkings is right when he says these are common with new photographers looking for a 'creative edge' ...it isn't all that creative when everyone is doing it Can the image stand out without that short cut creativity? If yes, why use it. If no, what's missing in the first place? As I mentioned, use the critique forums and grit your teeth. Its never as harrowing as you think it will be though.

In conjunction with learning the technical and creative side, you may also wish to accept the fact that it is only a small proportion of this path, and steel yourself for the drudgery of working on your business model. Again, humility and thick skin recommended

Again, welcome

[TheDarkReaver]

Originally Posted by CheaperKings

First and foremost, get over the selective coloring. Everyone does it when they first start out but, it's just a bad idea IMO. I cringe when I see it.

Agreed.

Unless your name is Steven Spielberg, and you're directing Schindler's List, it's probably going to look bad.

But yeah, some nice photos on there. Lots of potential and certainly better than me (I haven't bee practising). I'd pick some specific photos and offer them up to the critiques section for some more detailed advice on certain aspects. People can't really give you detailed feedback if you're offering up a whole sites worth of images.

I'd lose those vignette and framing effects though, I think they're distracting and rarely work for anyone.

[Jim Bryant]

Get ahold of Bruce Graner or Tony Giberson at the Pensacola New Journal. He's locally and might have some time to give your some tips. I was in Pcloa 80-83, and 87-90, really nice area for photography, especially Ft. Pickens and the beach areas.

[gturner]

I really like the comp in a lot of your shots, but +1 on the selective colouring

[gathertherosebuds]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

As I mentioned, use the critique forums and grit your teeth. Its never as harrowing as you think it will be though.

I found the critique forum once but I lost it and couldn't find it again so I didn't think it was such a huge deal to put it here. It wasn't like I'm afraid of criticism.

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

Having looked over your blog I see a lot of heavy vignetting, white vignettes, rotated crops, selective coloring, heavy textures and borders. Cheaperkings is right when he says these are common with new photographers looking for a 'creative edge' ...it isn't all that creative when everyone is doing it

If you've looked over my blog you'll notice I've only been experimenting with such things as vignette and rotation in the last couple shoots. If you take a look in "Families", that's more of my usual style so far. Perhaps those things are cliche, and while I'm currently experimenting, I do like the look of them.

Thank you for your feedback!

[kelleyrie]

I like what you have on your blog and I'm one the few who likes selective coloring on certain shots There is definitely a lot of information on this forum so stick around and read a lot

[Swisstony10]

Originally Posted by gathertherosebuds

I found the critique forum once but I lost it and couldn't find it again so I didn't think it was such a huge deal to put it here. It wasn't like I'm afraid of criticism.

If you look at the navigation indicator at the top of the page (just under the big Digital Photography School logo), you'll see a link for "Digital Photography School Forums" - that'll take you to the top level view of all the DPS forums. Scroll down, and you'll see all of the available forums, including the Critique boards. You can't miss 'em...