Looking for constructive criticism http://www.flickr.com/aemphoto

[alex.m90]

Bit of an odd one, but I've had my DSLR, 550D previously 450D (RIP) for a few years now and been uploading pictures to my Flickr, but never really had any sort of critique so I don't really know how I rate as a photographer.

I think I'm an ok photographer, but I would say that, I'd love to know what other people think, whether my Lightroom adjustments are tasteful and not OTT etc etc!

If you could let me know what you think in general, or even sign in to flickr and favorite some pics you like I'd really appreciate it. open to anything to you think would improve my photography!

http://www.flickr.com/aemphoto

Alex

 

[kenoh]

Hi Alex.

I am no expert. Hobbyist here and not a good one at that so I add my usual disclaimer - feel free to ignore me.

I took a browse through your pictures. Nice to see Scotland appearing in there.

Generally speaking, I like your pictures. You are getting decent lighting, varying your angles a bit and getting out and shooting different things.

The two things I did see were:

1. Be conscious of your horizontal lines. Few pictures could do with a slight straighten. Mainly the food.
2. Compositionally you are appearing to be biased towards focussing your subjects in the centre of the frame. Maybe add some magic ratio or rule of thirds into your composition to add a bit of dynamiscism? The one of the Empire State building is a classic compositition so not a lot you can do there as it is not like you can bump a building to the right to get a better angle. However the people shots at the ski resorts, take them off centre and get some depth to the scene or get in real close.

This is just based on a quick glance. Hope it helps but yes you are taking good pictures. I really like the shot of the shelves of wine.

Ken

 

[acearchie]

General CC is often quite hard to give as the photos are very different for some, as a photographer, you want different things out of them.

For best results pick a set of images and ask for really specific CC.

Overall I would say that PP wise the images seem a little darker than I would usually PP my images but that is a matter of personal taste.

Also, I feel there are some images which are images for the sake of being images. I love people photographs so I struggle with non-people shots unless there is a clear subject or something that my eye is drawn to.

Keep it up! What's your next plan with your photography? New lenses?

 

[alex.m90]

Thanks!

Overall I would say that PP wise the images seem a little darker than I would usually PP my images but that is a matter of personal taste.

Yeah, I like to keep as much detail as possible in the photos, without multiple exposures the the bright, I've found the bright, highly saturated look isn't really achievable without ugly tradeoffs. Lightroom's new HDR feature makes the workflow so much easier so that may change!

Keep it up! What's your next plan with your photography? New lenses?

I have just invested in a EF 50mm 1.4, barley used it, I love the low light capability and the soft focus it gives. Problem is I usually want to take low light pictures indoors and 50mm is quite unrelenting in enclosed spaces on an cropped frame body.

I REALLY want to get my hands on a premium L lens, my 17-85mm has served me well but the remove chromatic aberration tool in Lightroom is only so powerful! The dream is a 5D Mk III with the kit lens, being able to push the ISO to 1600+ indoors with minimal noise would be great.

Hi Alex.
This is just based on a quick glance. Hope it helps but yes you are taking good pictures. I really like the shot of the shelves of wine.
Ken

Thanks, I'll certainly consider this, I am aware of my tendency to put subjects in the centre, its just what I feel best with, and with the relatively cheap lens thats where you get the best sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration.

Glad you like the wine shot, thats one of my favourites too! Done as part of a web design project http://www.greygoosegilmorton.co.uk

 

[Small White Car]

2. Compositionally you are appearing to be biased towards focussing your subjects in the centre of the frame.

This is my biggest comment too. You seem to really favor symmetry and things being on the 50% lines, both horizontally and vertically.

And that's ok! I love some of your symmetrical photos. But if you're asking us for ways to push yourself as a photographer, I'd suggest forcing yourself away from that comfort zone.

Also, your photos of people are your weakest shots. I think it's because you're so good at landscapes and landmarks that you're treating the people like they're decorative scenery. Try doing different things with people than you've been doing.

I'm not even going to make a suggestion here as to what that might be because the point is not to do something I would do. Just try something different.

I'm only saying these things because you asked. Your work is quite good. But if you're looking to grow, these are the two places where you should start.

PS ~ Because I always love hearing when people like things I've done...

The streak, the boots, and the 'Top of the Rock' are all fairly phenomenal.

 

[576316]

You do have some really strong images. One thing I would say is think more about effective composition, particularly when it comes to buildings. Cutting stuff out of the frame can often lead to bad images, but large buildings can benefit from slightly quirky composition and angles, if you really can't fit the whole building in.

Also, I'd say try to edit more. Some of the duller images would have so much life added through simple clarity, contrast and saturation tweaks.

I've favourited a bunch of your images and added you as a contest. For my Flickr exposure, explore Flickr groups and add your photos to relevant ones on upload. Also make use of relevant tagging.

 

[Phrasikleia]

You'll probably receive the most useful feedback by posting individual photos for critique instead of an entire portfolio. The exception might be if you have a portfolio of images that have a clear theme or distinct style in common, something that makes your images read as a coherent collection. Otherwise, put your best work forward and ask how it could be even better.

 

[phrehdd]

Do an exercise that I made some of my students do many years ago (film days) - shoot a bit looser as in a bit wider angle and then try different crops from the obvious to some extremes.

It is hard to critique since you cover quite a large series of subject matter. As others have commented, look at the rule of thirds, understand when symmetry adds rather than detracts (and visa versa) as well as explore tighter crops to create an entirely different "image statement."

In general, they are a nice collection of images. The question remains what exactly are you trying to convey with them?

Hope you take my comments as a constructive as intended.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Bit of an odd one, but I've had my DSLR, 550D previously 450D (RIP) for a few years now and been uploading pictures to my Flickr, but never really had any sort of critique so I don't really know how I rate as a photographer.

I think I'm an ok photographer, but I would say that, I'd love to know what other people think, whether my Lightroom adjustments are tasteful and not OTT etc etc!

If you could let me know what you think in general, or even sign in to flickr and favorite some pics you like I'd really appreciate it. open to anything to you think would improve my photography!

http://www.flickr.com/aemphoto

Alex

Probably my favourite. https://flic.kr/p/pK6Qay
I do wonder if you might have pushed that blue a little too far though. Bringing it back a tad would make it look more natural.
Lots of nice images though.

 

[alex.m90]

Thanks for all advice, seems stepping out of my comfort zone is the way forward. I think I'm going to invest in a full frame camera pretty soon, living in California next year would be nice to take it to Yosemite etc!

Probably my favourite. https://flic.kr/p/pK6Qay
I do wonder if you might have pushed that blue a little too far though. Bringing it back a tad would make it look more natural.
Lots of nice images though.

I completely agree with you! I've had a tweak in Lightroom, looks much better I think! Let me know what you think. Before below, new one on Flickr...

https://flic.kr/p/pK6Qay

 

[Nielsenius]

You've got some really cool images. I think you've done a good job of capturing the moment with most of them. I don't profess to be an expert, but if you want a few general tips to get more "artsy" or intriguing photos, then here are some.

- For landscapes it can be boring to keep the horizon line at the center of the frame. Try some creative framing or rule of thirds.
- Try to provide an obvious subject or center of interest for each image. For landscapes this can be something cool in the foreground or a magnificent background.
- Some photos look better as black and white. Experiment.
- Before spending big bucks on a full frame camera, buy a 50mm prime (or equivalent for crop sensor) so that you can experiment with shallow depth of field and do more in low light.
- If you haven't already, read a photography book. I've read a few and learned a lot from them.