[JanJan]

It’s been awhile since I posted here. Anyway, I found this on a local Facebook group page geared towards photographers, models, makeup artist, and hair stylists who are trying to network and get paid work. The moderator (who is a legit and seasoned professional photographer) posted a pinned message saying “If you Are advertising $25 mini sessions, $400 turn and burn weddings or some other ridiculously unprofessional rate under the poorly informed idea that you are just starting out then I will remove you until you come back and post with professionally competitive pricing.” I know he had the following photographer in mind when he wrote this:

https://www.facebook.com/FlyWithMemories

I really don’t get posing with blue paint that was splashed on your shirt over your pregnant belly.
https://www.facebook.com/FlyWithMemories/photos/pb.173569522821822.-2207520000.1403755430./296221923889914/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Ffbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net%2Fhphotos-ak-xap1%2Ft1.0-9%2F10442891_296221923889914_4050550411250161976_n.jpg&size=643%2C960&fbid=296221923889914

This selective coloring with the cap and gown is atrocious!
https://www.facebook.com/FlyWithMemories/photos/pb.173569522821822.-2207520000.1403755458./293143784197728/?type=3&src=https%3A%2F%2Fscontent-a-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net%2Fhphotos-xpf1%2Ft1.0-9%2F10414464_293143784197728_5644766543306620289_n.jpg&size=643%2C960&fbid=293143784197728

I really hope that moderator kicks her out. I wonder what drama would ensue. LOL!

[JanJan]

I haven’t been on these boards in awhile because I’ve been on this Facebook group called Newbie Professional Photographers and it’s much, much brutal than these forums and site, and entertaining as well. Anyway, they were bringing up this girl whose photography is really, really awful.  On top of that, she’s just pure trash. She cusses on her business page, calls black people the N-word, and prides herself in starting fights. Anyway, here is the link.

https://www.facebook.com/krissy.annphotography

 

This is so unsafe, I’m surprised her neck hasn’t snapped.  Many people on that FB group page are planning to submit this picture to the moderators.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=264456170372635&set=a.252322491586003.1073741827.252322141586038&type=1&theater

 

Wow, this is all wrong on all levels.  She’s trying to be sexy in a very muddy and dirty looking bed of water (lake or river, I’m not sure). And her idea of boudoir is using a stripper pole.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.252849104866675.1073741850.252322141586038&type=3

 

I guess people hate her so much that a person from Canada made the blog about her (and she’s from North Carolina)

http://krissyanniscrazy.blogspot.ca/

[JanJan]

@Cameraclicker, there were different instances where I had control of the lighting, and others I didn’t. Throughout that whole event, I was kicking myself because I didn’t bring any stands for off-camera flash stuff because it was the organizer’s first time holding such an event. For instance, with that picture I showed Bill of the 3 models, there were about 6 people shooting those 3 models and one held a reflector. They had to work from the ambient light.  But for others, like the one with the redhead, in which it was a one-on-one session, it was all natural lighting in the shade.

Shootouts are great and fun because I get to shoot different people in different settings, but the downside to them is that you have to battle with other people on lighting. Which is why everyone just shoots with the ambient light.

@AndreCosto – Thanks for the compliments! I try to make sure that every time I post a picture for critique, it’s better than my last one. I do take everyone’s advice into consideration!

[JanJan]

Thanks for the help Bill! You are right about the contrast. Your contrasting made it better and he looks more rugged. But because I still wanted his eyes to pop a little, I didn’t contrast it as much.

#4 – http://31.media.tumblr.com/2e869fac10cce1954841702ccc687677/tumblr_mw1cgonbdu1sjzaluo2_r1_1280.jpg
#5 – http://24.media.tumblr.com/bce2ad022daf7dda4382d2fc26036250/tumblr_mw1cgonbdu1sjzaluo1_r1_1280.jpg

I think the change in contrast made it less look an Abercrombie ad and he doesn’t look some much like a pretty boy.

As for the red head, she is actually that pale. Here is another picture of her in a different outfit with 2 other models with darker skin, but this was taken by another photographer – https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1012729_10202433654348044_785377001_n.jpg

However, I did lower the exposure so she has a bit more color:#3 – http://31.media.tumblr.com/54a295d973806a4701a5f8f6f8d410a0/tumblr_mw2zmq3V6n1sjzaluo3_r1_1280.jpg

For #1, I should have gone wider. I was shooting with my 50mm, but I was on a crop sensor camera, so it wasn’t as wide. She was at least 5’10” and shooting her with my 50mm was pretty difficult. The 2 times I took pictures of her, I had my 50mm and wished that I went wider. I always found myself having to scoot way far to get her whole body.

[JanJan]

do you like this one

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=542317565821890&set=a.404254802961501.98058.229987970388186&type=1&permPage=1

Although the posing a bit awkward, this is MUCH better than your other shots. Keep on shooting!

[JanJan]

I looked back at the original thread where all this was started (https://www.youarenotaphotographer.com/forums/topic/have-fun/), and you and her supposedly squashed this whole thing. She supposedly apologized and you accepted it, so I really don’t understand why you have to come here and tell US to “Suck it”, when you already dealt with her. Just move on.

You said you wanted help and critiques, and people here were giving very fair critiques. Even ebi was giving spot-on critiques behind the brashness. But when you responded with ” you think this work is just ok???? lol maybe i need glasses”, it seems like you were implying that we ALL needed glasses because we weren’t ooohing or aaahhhing over your work. That may not be your intent, but it’s not what you say, but HOW you say it.

I’m starting to think that maybe Rachel (the girl who first bashed you) was justified in what she said about you, especially how you bash your clients (even though I didn’t see it on your Facebook). Why would a person you supposedly didn’t know start bashing you all of a sudden and make such claims? Maybe you really know her in person if you guys can text each other. I agree with with ebi. God forbid what you will say if your client doesn’t like the photos you took.

I was curious to see if Rachel progressed since the start of this whole thing (https://www.facebook.com/RachelGPhotographyNC), and she actually improved to your level. She took all the bashing to heart and actually improved. Hopefully you will do the same. But you guys are still “okay”.

[JanJan]

I was part of the first 5 comments, and yes, I said keep shooting and progressing, but I’m sorry, the messages you are conveying  in this entire thread has some cockiness to it. I think that’s why people are not responding well to what you’re saying, despite that in the past, we were defending your work when a bonafied fauxtographer tried to bash you. I see this post as you’re biting the hand that feeds you when you included “Suck it” in the title, when it was supposedly only geared towards one person.

I’m kind of on the same boat as you. I have only been doing this for about a year, not counting the previous years as a hobbyist,  (my portfolio – http://www.photosbyanjanette.com/) , so I understand the excitement from the feedback you’ve been getting from other people about your photography. I’ve had friends and family rave about my work, and even have blown away a few seasoned photographers in my area when I tell them that I’ve been only doing this for a year. One photographer even told me I should be quitting my day job and focus on my photography.  It’s been exciting for me and I’ve been on this high for the past year.

However, this website has brought me down to earth through these forums. I have shown my absolute favorite shots that has gotten me all excited, only to receive lukewarm responses on here, with some very helpful constructive criticism.  Those criticisms has helped me see my shots in a different light, and I strive to improve.

While your photos do not deserve to be on the home page (which it hasn’t), I agree with everyone here. I’m not really blown away by your work. There is not one image on your Facebook that makes me want to stay and keep browsing. The example that you showed us when you were surprised that everyone said it was just “okay” was only alright with me. To me, it’s just adequate.

I also agree with iliketag that you’re just fishing for compliments. Whenever I come here to show my work, I brace myself for any feedback, bad or good.

 

[JanJan]

Yes, I remember you. Someone came here to bash you, but she made herself look really dumb because her work was really awful. I remember everyone was defending you, albeit with some constructive criticism of  your work. Well, just keep shooting and progressive. Fauxtogs are the ones who are oblivious that their work is bad, are too complacent, and think they don’t need any improvements. You don’t fall into that category.

[JanJan]

@Bill, if I had it my way, I would have done the shoot an hour before or near dawn! I’ve done shoots at the sign, but only in the daytime, and I tell people we need to go really early. This was a surprise shoot that she set up for her husband and she had other things scheduled, so it HAD to be close to sunset. I know that the parking lot is close, but it’s small, and when I arrived, it was full to the point where the line was slowing down traffic.

As for setting shoots on the Strip, I try to do exterior shots as much as possible. That way, by the time security gets to me, I’m already done shooting. So far, I had no problems with security in Downtown because the last time I went there, my husband was my human lightstand.

Bill, I may need to get your personal email because I would like to know the ins and outs of shooting in the LA area. I’ve been wanting to shoot at Griffith Park at night and the lights at LACMA. I frequently travel to the area, as my family still lives there.

[JanJan]

Twice I have been receiving CC on these forums about my flash-work not being really great and needing to scrap it out of my portfolio. These were usually shoots that were done at the most popular Vegas tourist locations like the Strip or Fremont Street Experience. I’ve been told to use off-camera flash, but because these areas get crowded on top of having security hassle you because you’re a “professional”, it is hard to do any off-camera flash work. For even the most seasoned Vegas photographer, getting a permit to shoot from the casinos is nearly impossible, so we have to sneak and take pictures discreetly.

Fortunately, there are no security guards at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign, but it does get really crowded. Yesterday, I did a quick shoot with a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary and all the odds were against me. It was crowded and it was windy,  so setting up  a speed light on a stand was not an option. It’s a hassle dealing with the crowds and carrying a speedlight stand and sandbags.  Also, there was no one who could help me and become  a human lightstand and hold my speedlight. So my only option was to use my speedlight on my camera and a small 11×7 softbox. Well these are the pictures. Do you think a flash bracket would have helped?

http://myweeklypictures.tumblr.com/post/65332318460/week-5-52-reagan-and-londons-10-year

[JanJan]

I live in Vegas, but I’m not a wedding photographer. Most wedding photographers in the area include engagement sessions, as well as the wedding, so the photographer can get to know the bride and groom. It will be bad if the photographer doesn’t click well with the couple, especially on the day of the wedding, because it will show in the pictures.

Also, in Vegas, with the exception of a couple wedding chapels (Chapel of the Flowers, Vegas Wedding), the chapel’s photographers are usually really bad, but you are stuck using them because most don’t allow 3rd party photographers during the ceremony. Some places don’t even let guests take pictures! So you are stuck with whatever photographer they provide.

[JanJan]

@Sharra….I was drooling over your list and I’m honestly quite embarrassed to list my gear. But here goes nothing…

Nikon D7000
Nikon D3000
Nikon 35mm, 50mm, 85mm all 1.8
Nikon 18-55mm kit lens, which I barely use unless I need to go wider and there is enough lighting
Tamron 18-200mm (piece of crap)

Yongnuo YN-560II speedlight
2 Yongnuo flash triggers

I borrow my nephew’s 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 sometimes, but it’s a 3-hour trip from Vegas to San Bernardino County, Cali to pick it up.

@Sharra, I’m assuming you picked up all that equipment over time right? I’ve been doing more and more event photography, and I really want my own 24-70 and 70-200 so I don’t have to bring too many lenses with me.

Gosh, I’m feeling poorer and poorer by the minute!

[JanJan]

Terry Richardson could be photographing the Pope or the Dalai Lama for all I care. I agree with TammyLynn in terms of his photography. By his photography and his photography alone, it’s not that appealing. But I pay attention to the photography alone. If my favorite photographers like Herb Ritts, Dave Lachapelle, Matthew Rolston, etc. were perverted, it wouldn’t stop me from admiring their work.

[JanJan]

Here are some more that I think would have been better if they were left alone. I wish I could see the originals though.

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/998788_586228898085807_1505590063_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/156461_459451897430175_2010791769_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1380541_608200409221989_525313168_n.jpg

[JanJan]

I know this is about the pictures, but if you see the caption of that album, I find it a bit weird that those were not only a senior session, but also engagement session as well. When I was that was an engagement session, I was like, “She looks really young”, until I saw the caption that it was both a senior and engagement session. Well, at least she’s over 18, I assume!

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