Reply To: Vary New to Photography…But I welcome constructive criticism

[Rizzo]

I am so tired of hearing fauxs say “photography is my passion!” I just want to tell them “then stop charging for it!”

I do not say photography is my passion. I am good at it, I make a living at it, I study and learn and grow daily within it. I do believe it is my CALLING… But it is not my passion. Maybe I’m wrong for saying that but I absolutely DO enjoy it. You have to like what you do, otherwise you’ll be miserable, right? However, with any business, it’s a LOT of work. If it’s too easy, you’re doing it wrong.

That aside, your photos are very much amateur. Selective coloring, vignetting (ESPECIALLY white) and it doesn’t seem you’ve found your “look.” I’m guessing you use a lot of actions – and I have nothing against those, but you need to figure out your style, what makes YOUR vision and interpretation of subjects unique instead of using a random action and saying “oh, hey, that’s pretty.” Consistency is the most important thing you’re lacking right now. Looking at all the categories, I haven’t seen one yet that has blown me away. I’m not a huge snob but if you haven’t posted one single photo that makes me go “oh, wow” then I have to say you probably shouldn’t be charging yet.

Your black and white images are very flat. Do you adjust the settings themselves or just “grayscale” it?

On the business side of things: There’s no consistency (again, I seem to be using that word a lot) in your watermark/logo on your photos. Choose one. Stick with it. Don’t use that godawful cowboy font thing anymore – it’s a fauxtog hallmark.

The website is basic. Weebly is not a bad host to start with and there are a lot of customizable options. Instead of having photos line down the page so I have to scroll for an hour, use a slideshow (they have that option). It’s a lot more aesthetically pleasing. You could probably streamline your menu and have separate pages under a portfolio heading for each category you shoot (kids, teens, families, newborn, maternity, etc.) and a separate for weddings. You also really need to proofread what you write. I’ve found numerous grammatical, contextual, and spelling errors. Marketing yourself as a professional = coming across as one in person AND online.

The fonts overall on the site are unprofessional. I’d choose something a little more reader-friendly, if I were you.  You have potential, you just need a lot more practice. It took me a few years before I even thought of charging, to build a consistent and professional “wow-factor” portfolio.

Oh. One more thing. Get RID of this image forever. It’s atrocious, I’m sorry. http://heatherlynnphotography.weebly.com/uploads/1/1/8/8/11885344/___820938064.jpg