I'm really stunned at the level of hate here. I agree with those above who've stated that unabashed and unearned praise is annoying. However, to say the images look like "Vogue at Walmart" with no reasoning is not criticism, it's just negativity. To say that the image(s) is too busy, or too contrasty, or the composition is distracting, etc. is a valid criticism (if that is one's point of view.) The point of criticism should be to suggest a path to improvement in the future, not to spit upon someone's work.
That said, I like the images. I also expect I've read a few more fashion magazines than most of the posters. To me the point is that they're busy and contrasty and stylized. They're not ethnographic studies or senior portraits, but conseptual high fashion shots. I like them for that. What's more is that they are exactly the sort of images I would expect to see in a high end fashion magazine for this sort of story. This is knowing the audience, and I say kudos to that as well.
I enjoy benjikan's pix because they're well made and let me look at a world poles apart from mine. Come to think of it, I read National Geographic for the same reason -- 'Vogue' and other fashion mags just have a different kind of wildlife.
Regarding the "haters", both ('boomertim1' and 'finster1018') have fine Websites dedicated to their preference; traditional photography. That's exactly what Vogue and its ilk do NOT want. Their aesthetic is about keeping readers off balance just enough to keep them intrigued and involved and they hire photographers who can do that. That benjikan has had success doing so over a couple decades speaks for itself.
I also appreciate that he credits that the other members of the team. This kind of work is the result of the collaborative effort of a number of creative folks and it's nice to that acknowledged.
Her intense eyes are what grabs me in the first shot. I do notice the deer, but after her eyes, my gaze drifts first to her outfit (which, I guess, is the reason for the shot), then I notice the deer. All fashion mags look different when the layout is done, and we are not seeing the context (what sort of shots will these be placed near?). I like both of them. I thought the color of the flower combined with the stripes on the model were a good contrast.
In the end and on average, those people who are positive, who share (things, accolades, anything), and who consider others... or any combination of the above... nearly always live longer, enjoy happier lives, are better regarded by others, and make significantly more money.
Your photography is edgy, interesting, and flawlessly executed. To echo an earlier post it is to your credit that you recognize the team worked to create your final image. I may be wrong, but I doubt seriously that the set, BG is entirely your idea. I would guess that there is considerable creative input from the magazine, and other participants. In other words there are several people, or entities that must be satisfied in order for the final product to convey what the magazine wants. I just love the end product, and wish I could work with you and your team.
farley wrote:
Your photography is edgy, interesting, and flawlessly executed. To echo an earlier post it is to your credit that you recognize the team worked to create your final image. I may be wrong, but I doubt seriously that the set, BG is entirely your idea. I would guess that there is considerable creative input from the magazine, and other participants. In other words there are several people, or entities that must be satisfied in order for the final product to convey what the magazine wants. I just love the end product, and wish I could work with you and your team. ...Show more →
Actually, the birth of an idea starts with seeking out themes or subject matter that would be an interesting seed to develop. I often commence this process with my retouch artist and partner. Once a list of idea's have been developed, there is a short list that eventually is presented to the magazine. Often, I will have an epiphany and just go with that idea if it is accepted by the magazine. Here is an example of the process.
jeremy_clay wrote:
You have a good point, but consider this - who is better to gauge how 'good' these shots are, the FM members who posted, or the editors of Vogue? I mean, if they print these, is that not the ultimate confirmation that the shots are, indeed, "good"?
Wasn't gauging, just expressing an opinion. I really liked some of the other images that he posted in this thread. Not sure I need to justify my comment since there is probably nothing that I can offer to him in the way that is constructive or helpful in his photographic endeavors. But if he wants, I'll be happy to explain my conclusion if the OP explains his reason for posting the image in the first place. Oh, and just because it was published in Vogue, does that mean there can be no critics? Come on man, get off the bandwagon.
finster1018 wrote:
Wasn't gauging, just expressing an opinion. I really liked some of the other images that he posted in this thread. Not sure I need to justify my comment since there is probably nothing that I can offer to him in the way that is constructive or helpful in his photographic endeavors. But if he wants, I'll be happy to explain my conclusion if the OP explains his reason for posting the image in the first place. Oh, and just because it was published in Vogue, does that mean there can be no critics? Come on man, get off the bandwagon.
I have been critiqued since the onset of my profession. I have no problem what so ever with constructive observations and opinions. It is a very healthy part of growing. But when I am asked to critique other photographers images, I rarely do for this reason:
Hey Benjikan!
Nice work!
Ignore the flames! Sad to see it happening but I think FM is becoming Flame Miranda!
At any rate .... If you're ever in Hawaii, look me up, I'd love to intro you to our AD & Editors.
litepixels wrote:
Hey Benjikan!
Nice work!
Ignore the flames! Sad to see it happening but I think FM is becoming Flame Miranda!
At any rate .... If you're ever in Hawaii, look me up, I'd love to intro you to our AD & Editors.
