I would have to go with the third one here.The first I would use the rule of thirds more. The second you cut part of his head and side off!! Don't really like doing that personally. And the last one looks the best to me but it still Could be tweeked a little. The background looks a little too hot. But I like the poses. Great job.
Very cool location and you definitely nailed exposure and color. Well done!
My only criticism is the same as gomes; you have to be mindful about where you choose to cut off portions of your subjects body. Partial arms, wrists, and just below the waist are a big no no in many peoples eyes. Here's a helpful guideline, but of course with all creative pursuits the way you compose your shot is up to you.
Thanks for the comments guys. I have been trying to think more about composition lately but still have aways to go. I appreciate hearing what works and what doesn't.
What was the purpose of the shoot? The location seems to have potential, but the subject seems bored and the compositions lazy. Was it just a scouting trip then, and these are snaps to show the location?
I guess you have been doing this for a while as you can read that much out of these pics. I had just wanted to check this place out for a while and there was no purpose beyond that really. So more of a scouting mission. My buddy was indeed bored/annoyed. As for composition, not so much lazy as uniformed and just figuring things out. I have been trying to think more about comp lately but still have much to learn.
I don't always think about my shots before taking them and have been more of a snap shot shooter than anything. Trying to move away from that and read and mature.
Any suggestions for improvement or resources that you have found helpful?
First and foremost, find a subject that WANTS to be photographed.
Try modelmayhem, istudio or onemodelplace for instance. Sign up, put a few pics on your profile, then browse for models in your area and contact them about TFCD shooting (time-for-CD; you shoot, he/she models, you send them images on CD/email/dropbox and you both get something out of the deal). Set up a time and place, meet, shoot, repeat often. Send out casting calls stating you're looking to improve your portfolio and want to shoot. Don't be surprised or offended if many of your initial requests go unanswered; just keep at it until you connect with those who want to work with you. You're in northern NJ, so I assume a densely populated city with plenty of willing models and artists, unlike some smaller towns where you may have to branch out to bigger cities to find models.
Go to meetup.com and search for photography groups in your area. Many of them have group shoots where you can meet fellow photogs/models/makeup artists, practice shooting, and network. You may have to pay for these, but they will at least get you started.
Once you've inserted yourself into the photographic community, you will find networking easier. Make friendships with those you meet, keep up with them on fb, g+ or whatever, and attend social meetups that involve photography. As your skill and reputation improves, you will find yourself being recommended by models/MUAs to other artists, and so it goes. Treat your models and other artists within the community well, and you will be rewarded for it with friendships and creative minds who enjoy working with you.
Thanks, that is great advice. My buddy had told me about modelmayhem but i have been trying to get the entrance photos together for my application. I have not been able to do any shots specifcally for that purpose and with my otherwise busy schedule its hard to find the time. However, i do plan on getting that done in the next few months. Luckly, i live close to nyc so there is no shortage of people with similar interests.
I have never heard of istudio or onemodelplace so i will have to checks those out. Thanks for the heads up.
As to meetup.com i have never heard of it either. Maybe that will be the way to get together some portfolio shots for modelmayhem. In the meantime i will contue to enjoy your's and other works here that is helping me better appreciate what to strive towards. Thanks again.
