tonyhart Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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Interesting thread and at a good time. I'm in the process of refocusing my brand.
@Joel - Your work looks to me like the sort of thing that a certain type of modern couple would hang on their wall. Big, epic shots with a set piece feel to them. I see creativity and an extremely contemporary vibe. For me, the first four images and the last two speak in slightly different directions. It's obviously not possible for every image to be 100% on message - that'd be incredibly boring - but for me the first four paint a picture of a photographer aiming to produce interesting environmental portraits where the subject sits comfortably within the scene without necessarily being the obvious centre of attention. I can totally see how the right couples would appreciate the unique quality of one of these images hanging on their wall without feeling like they'd gone ego-mad by having a massive picture of *just* them on the wall - if that makes sense.
For me, the later two images feel somewhat different - they speak to an attempt to bring more obvious emotion and soul into the work, but I feel like they aren't such 'best of breed' contenders as the earlier four. Essentially they don't have as much pizazz and therefore I feel like they somewhat clutter your brand identity.
Still... that's based on a mere six images. While there's strengths in distilling things down to their essence, it's often hard to appreciate the subtleties and nuances as well. I also feel like the processing goes in a different direction in the later two images and as such further clutters the brand a touch.
Overall however, I'd say your brand is largely solid and fairly clear in it's message. It's not work I'd go for, but it's well executed and warrants respect.
@Danny - For me, I'd sum it up by saying you're projecting chic romance. The blend of the more static and dynamic images works well because it's united by the overriding sense of romance. It's not ott, but it is comfortable. If I tried to build a mental image of the photographer, based on these key images, I'd imagine a young and fairly good looking guy who has a keen sense of style without stepping into the 'trying to hard' category. I think that's reflected in the work - there's no sense of trying to hard, it all feels very comfortable and at ease with itself.
@mirrorim - I think the main feeling here is a photographer who has potential, but it still finding their feet and refining their brand. There's some nice work but no uniform thread running through the centre of the work. There's too much variety, in terms of processing, thought process and from a technical point of view there's nothing that sets it apart. Don't be discouraged by this - it's a process of development and in time I think you'll end up with something stronger for thinking about it.
@Duy - For me, these images are largely reflective of an extremely well honed intent on the part of the photographer. They almost border on being too uniform. The colour temp is largely similar and the vibe I get is that while the work itself is beautiful in it's own right there's maybe not enough variety and uniqueness from one shoot to the next. That's harsh criticism - nitpicking even - because in all the message is really strong, I'd just consider easing off the reins a touch and challenge yourself to think different from time to time. Brand refinement is awesome, but if it goes too far it risks getting stale.
Other thoughts. There's a magazine feel to the work. I mean that in a good way. It might well grace the pages of a classy publication read by those with cooly modern homes! The approach to content goes off message in image 2. For me, this one has an entirely different genesis to the others. Yes, 3 is a dancing shot (it appears) but it's taken as if it was a staged portrait. Nothing wrong with that, but number 3 simply doesn't fit in that mould. If you're doing a bit of both, I think I'd be inclined to show at least 2 ad-hoc moments so that it feels like a part of your work rather than an aberration.
This one sounds so critical. Sorry about that - the vibe is really positive, and your work inspires confidence, but approaching the mood of it thoughtfully leads me to linger on the 'sameness. Hope this comes across as somewhat useful and not simply negative.
@Heiko - I have to say that I find your selection the most confusing thus far I'm afraid. Individually there's some lovely work, but there's no overriding train of thought that I can glean and the approach to content feels very mixed. The fifth image doesn't (IMHO) have any place. I know where you were trying to go with it, but it jars against the other work and it jars technically - it doesn't inspire confidence. The first two are arresting, but again, SOOO different. While the work is nice, I struggle to discern any inherent message.
@mineymole - There's something about this work that basically just screams "Stylish Facial Hair/Pocket Combs/Rock'n'Roll/Wild West/Some Tats". It's hard to put a finger on, but I'm imagining Groom's who own moustace wax and styling mouse and Bride's who love those guys! There's definitely a thread. I feel the PP gives a slightly mixed message, or perhaps, better put, a lack of a strong and obvious message. I feel like I'm probably quite removed from the target market so I struggle to engage satisfactorily with the vibe, but my peripheral senses do suggest quite a well considered message and intended target demographic.
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