well, I think I have done a lot of progress this last year, 2 years now out photographing people. I have for the most time improved my skill be studying lights and others pictures and comments. I know its a lot to ask.. but what would you say I need to improve on?
In my opinion, your images would be stronger with less depth of field and with less even lighting. In each image, you need to think to yourself - what's important and what's not important. On the guy on the RR tracks - if you're selling jeans, then they have to have a more important role - if you're not, then they should have just a supporting role - just like a supporting actor in a movie shouldn't try to steal the scene from the hero. The eye is attracted to brightness, contrast, sharpness and color. By manipulating light, focus, composition and Photoshop you want to home in as to what you want the photo to say or promote, and then do everything in your ability to control where the viewer looks and what feelings they get from the image. There is an expression in advertising - "say everything and you say nothing". I'll try to attach one of your images - never done this here before. It's a quick Photoshop fix. It's far from perfect, and would have been better to do in lighting - it's just to communicate an idea. I'm not saying it's right and the way you did it is wrong - it's just another way of seeing.
Find established pro's in your area and assist them. You will learn how they light, shoot and conduct their business. I spent the first year thinking that I could do it on my own. I met someone that became my mentor and spent several years traveling and assisting shoots for Time, People, Premiere and a lot of advertising jobs. Those experiences were better than a College degree and you cannot throw anything at me that will freak me out.
It looks like you're going for that "ironic" style of posing coutour models in environments not fitting with how they look or dress (such as model sitting in wicker chair on riverbank or woman with dress in forest). A lot of people have made their living shooting stuff like this, but I think it's a overdone. To me it borders on a little kitschy.
One thing I noticed after glancing at your photos 3 or 4 times is that your models don't seem engaged with the viewer. They are absent, looking down or away, which is OK some of the time, but not all of the time. I would try to enhance your portfolio with some photos of models really locked in with the viewer.
I don't really like the cowboy photo at all. I'm not sure if that is an ad for the clothes, but what he is wearing is not flattering on him. For one the jeans are too baggy and you cannot really see the pattern on the shirt.
rquindry: thank you.. I really wanted my shoots to be more light that.. and thats why I have invested in other lights then vivitars and umbrellas. Spill light has been a long problem for me. I see that I culd have done much more in photoshop to get what I want also
tcphoto, there is really no other photographer in my area that I feel that could bring me up that much. To find someone that I really could learn a lot from would mean moving to a bigger town. And thats not a option for me , but I see your point and know that if I had the chance I really would have gone after it.
mdude85, It is a look that is not much used here, maybe I'm ignorant but for me it feels new. I know it is well and much used in the states. I want to try to expand my experiance, also gain more and get a lot better. Also with the none ironic look
her is one with more personal with the viewer, but a standard portrait.
Sorry devisor, by not new I mean not new among fashion photography. Each new style you try or attempt to emulate will be new for some time until you mold it into your own. Your work is quite good, however, I would look for that one thing which sets you apart from other good photographers. It takes a long time to find that one thing. I have not found it yet...
I like that last shot you posted -- much more engaging. Actually I prefer it to the riverbanks shot but that's just me. I'm a sucker for a good head shot.
If the photos look like the "look" you are trying to create, then you have answered your question, and good for you if you are trying to find your own expression.
Everybody has their own thing, their favorite lenses, apertures, light etc. For example those that like wide open apertures and images less hot, like myself, will tell you to change what you do, but then I see plenty of images in the style you are using being used in many areas because there is enough market and variation of opinion to allow something for everything and everybody. Take what you want from the advice offered, and find your target... I reckon.
, but I see your point and know that if I had the chance I really would have gone after it.