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Gerbles is too nice (but you’re hitting the nail on the head, so to speak, of what i’m trying to get at. I’m just more of a b***h about it). At this point everyone can leave her be. She obviously knows everything about photography now. Didn’t you see her leaf pictures! Print me out a few of those, because i certainly couldn’t do THAT, I’m just not capable of widening my aperture like SHE can.

Back to my previous example, tattoo shops also get more than 1 to 2 clients a week, hell, they get dozens. That doesn’t make the workers there artists, it makes them capable of giving a tattoo. You may get more than one client a week, but only because you are able to push the button on the camera (but not hold it perpendicular to the ground, don’t worry, you’ll get there some day. ) And I love actions, there are tons of actions capable of making a good image even better. But you take a snapshot (taken with a high resolution camera) and apply the same action over and over and over again and then call it art. It’s unoriginal. Especially when dozens of teens/fashion bloggers/food bloggers/instagramers are using/doing the same thing.

The only reason i singled you out was because you made it a point to humiliate others. Those people never asked for it, if you want to help them privately message them. Do NOT publicly humiliate them. If they stole an image, tell them you are going to report it and they need to take action. Don’t be rude, especially when you call yourself a pro, because you are dragging down the others (the REAL pros) to your level.

And be honest with yourself, they say they’ve been in the business for 15 years, but how long have digital cameras been so readily accessible to a mass audience? They can say whatever they want, but they are the same as you. They ran into a bit of money, bought a fancy looking camera, and thought they looked pro so they opened up shot. The general populous isn’t going to question someone holding a fancy looking piece of equipment, they don’t know better.

Final note, before I let you get back to masturbating to your own flickr page again, you’ve never even offered your stuff up for criticism from this site, not once. The only times you post your page are in this general context: “look how BAD this person is. EW, this is the absolute worst. Oh hey, look how good *I* am! See! I’m not like this other photographer! I’m so much better! Please, somebody tell me how much better i am! ” (someone replies that you are better than said faux) “Thaaaanks, lol, duh!”  You don’t look for critique, you look for affirmation. And THAT’S why you can’t ever hope to excel.

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Thanks, Gerbles, for saying what i was thinking. browneyedgirl, you went onto somebody’s facebook page and (after the customer had commented on an image) criticized the photographer. It was unbelievably rude, it was unprofessional, and it was something you’d expect from a teenager…whoops.

lets look at this image again:

yeah, not seeing the groom. The bride is TOO full and her back gives off a warm hue and also creates a line pointing away from the groom. Ask anybody with an “artistic eye” that isn’t part of your family (it sounds to me like they are the majority of your fan club). And if you claim to understand line work, why do you use SO MUCH dutch angles. Holy cow, i probably came down with vertigo looking at just one page of your work. The branches do not “subtly frame” your brother. The increased contrast towards the foreground creates havoc in the entire background, the more defined branches lead out to the right corner. The road guard behind him is unnecessary background information for the eye.

I’m implying that you do not understand photography because you focus on crap like photoshop actions (holy freaking cow, is there ANY image on your site without an action on it. I can’t wait till this “vintage” fad dies down and we can see real photography again). You also embody every other teenager with a rebel, you overuse narrow DOF.

Here’s an example you might understand better. Tattoos are both art and product. So is photography. There are hundreds/thousands of tattoo-ists (i won’t say artist yet)/photographers. Sometimes people want to get a tribal tattoo, and that’s fine. Any tattoo shop in town (in any town) can do a flash piece. But then you have other people that want art , and that’s when they look around the country, find an ARTIST and get on a WAITING list. Sometimes they are on the list for over 5 years, and they put in a down payment (of up to $800, again that’s just down payment). THOSE are the people that want art, not the ones who went in for a house special $40 flash piece. Capisce? It’s the same for photography. When you WANT art, you look for it, if  you just want photos you find someone to just give you photos.

I don’t have a photography page. I don’t hold myself on quite the pedestal that you do. My photography work exists for me and me alone, I do not care if others like it and i certainly wont go out there and claim how much better i am than anyone, that’s just rude. I am not a troll, and for a while i honestly thought YOU were, but it turns out you are just THAT passionately in love with yourself. Anyway, i’m done with this. Have fun getting off to your own poorly done “art”.

 

For the record, this site may be built to make fun of bad photogs, but at least the moderator had the decency to censor out the people’s names.

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You make a lot of bold faced assumptions.  People hire photographers for events because they want to be sure that the event is recorded. Why rely on everyone else with camera phones when you can sign a contract with someone that guarantees you’ll have the day recorded and that you will have images to see. you can’t guarantee everyone is going to share their camera phone pictures later on.

Art is entirely subjective. Believe it or not, some people don’t like van gogh, some people think rachmaninoff sounds like crap, and some people think artistic interpretations of their wedding have ruined a good moment. You have a picture on here where you claim you caught the bride’s dress in “beautiful bokeh”, to be  honest I thought it looked like crap. I’d much rather have a low quality photo of my husband making that heart melting face with nothing else in the frame whatsoever than have that much disruption with the bokeh. If we want to talk art, I might as well point out how little you understand it. Using that photo as an example, the eye is drawn to foreground objects (the bride) and warm hues (the cream of her dress). She’s also placed within the rule of thirds territory whereas her husbands face is in neutral ground. You botched that image, artistically speaking.

In fact, in your example “illustration” you claim your third image shows education/equipment but I  honestly believe that narrow DOF is a huge cop-out for composition. Why even re-place you’re subject with such a narrow DOF, you wouldn’t be able to notice the branch placement above his head. Look at some real photography and note the wide DOF used. A real pro can give you good composition without faking out using DOF.

I’ll say it again, this forum focuses hugely on digital imaging rather than real photography. Until understand the terms you use (aperture, white balance, iso) and  know exactly what the image will look like without even looking at the viewfinder, you won’t understand what you are doing behind the camera (trust me, it isn’t hard to do. I’ve taught 6th graders how to do it, it’s junior high physics).

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browneyedgirl, it looks like the only demonstration you are ever actually trying to accomplish is that you are “better” than others. If you wanted an honest demonstration on equipment eliminate the variable of “photography education”. Same exact pose/angle/fstop/iso/lense/white balance (heck, customize it with each camera to better demonstrate the quality difference). You had no reason to do it the way that you did it other than to say ALL other people with a point and shoot or a rebel will be clueless (unlike YOU of course) and make these mistakess.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=7-6468-7844

Education is important, photography is a science. In fact, it is a science of light manipulation. This thread/site have driven themselves into a discussion of computer graphics. It doesn’t MATTER what file size you chose/program you edit with. What matters is that you know how to manipulate your camera to capture the light the way you want. If you can’t do that and are only concerned with the final computer generated product then you are striving to be a graphic artist, not a photographer.

Also, sometimes people JUST want pictures/memories, not your “art” (you’ve called your photos “artistic” more than once.).

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I think the people above either missed that you are 16 or just didn’t care. Actually, i even think that your images are more powerful than Al’s (you’re a lot of talk, sir. Sorry to say your images are boring). Sure, they have a point that you shouldn’t use facebook as your sole business page, but then again you are only 16 catering to a demographic of 16 year olds.

That being said, IF you are only catering to the younger crowd (and not the serious crowd like weddings or pregnant people or engagement couples) then keep charging what you are charging. Do not portray yourself like a real business if you do not plan to stock it and run it like a real business (i.e. Back up batteries/lenses/cameras/equipment/staff). If you think you are being short changed then stop shooting and charging people. You are learning, it’s pretty evident if you look at a very early picture vs your recent pictures. And you will get even better.

As for clients not liking their photos, i totally get it. I am one of those clients. My senior photos were amazing, they’d have been even more so if i wasn’t so…..gross. To be honest, the photographer never directed me. I was told “go sit on that stump” or “next to that wall, yeah left a little bit”. The photographer is perfectly capable of seeing the entire photo and can give great direction to make it even better for the client (mine should have said “don’t look like a fat troll eating ivy off that wall.” or “stand up straighter and look up, you look like the michelin man” ). In your photos your clients look relaxed and happy to be there, which is good. It shows that you are capable of directing them. So next time when you take a photo and if you know the person has some unresolved issues with certain flaws (acne, double chins, chunky face, big nose, …etc etc) give them some direction so you can hide the flaw in the photo. (if they have a bit of double chin have them look up at you a little. If they have fat face/big nose use short lighting. That is, shoot from the side that has the shadow. If they have acne….get them Clearasil or proactive….)

Anyway, you are doing good. Keep learning and keep your business humble until you can justify the price increase to your clients.

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Stef makes a good point about the black and white. It looks WAY  off to me. I am not sure exactly what it is, but it makes the images look really flat. I feel like the technique you are using is desaturation. And the angles, dear god…the angels. I feel like most of your images have the horizon shooting from one lower corner to the opposite upper corner. here’s an image i would probably have really enjoyed, except that it starts at the lower left corner instead of being level to any plane

http://magbeephotography.com/morrison/hc012859#hc012859

here’s another left corner (not one i particularly liked or anything, just example)

http://magbeephotography.com/deen/h5408d27#h5408d27

another

http://magbeephotography.com/deen/h2376d043#h2376d043

and another

http://magbeephotography.com/robello/h12b6fa09#h12b6fa09.

Images like this make me dizzy, i’m sure i’m not the only one. There than that, there are several badly composed shots (eye of the beholder, i’m sure). People end up smack in the middle of a shot, it’s almost like you are striving to fill the entire frame. Don’t be scared of negative space as long as the subject is correctly framed. Uhm…other than that….keep learning. Your images aren’t yanap worthy, and i think you’d have some luck being paid, but i don’t think you could be called legit for a long time.

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The weakest photo isn’t picked to poke fun. It is picked pecause it shows the lowest standard for yourself. Why include bad photos at all? Why not give the best so that you can say we critiqued the worst of the best instead. I ,as well as others, will disagree about “high standards”. What you are basically saying is that you get the job done, whether it be good or bad. It doesnt matter that you get the job done. And some people DO go to school for photography. You just shat all over their education with that statement. Would you rather trust your autistic child in the capable hands of someone who has gone to university and majored in a field that specializes in socializing/educating children with disabilitie? Or would you have your friend’s teenagr daughter come over and help him/her work through his/her autism? Would you send your sick child ti a pediatrician or would you ask the lady at the holistics shop? Who would you prefer make your medication? A pharmcist, or the guy down the street with his stash of chemicals and equipment that can “make the same thing”.

Get the picture?this is why some people are JUST hobbyists. You discredit a whole profession by assuming you can do the same thing the pros are doing just because you’ve purchased pro equipment. I could go on. I feel like you used the noble cause of photographing autistic children as a cruch for your bad photography. It doesnt matter WHY you are taking the photo, it matters that you arent taking good photos. IHF gave you good advice. Improve yourself with what you have before you fly off the handle and invest in new things.

[archy]

What part of your photography page were you hoping to get critiqued? You disclaimed a majority of it in your introduction. No one has given you feedback on your images because of that. If you narrow it down to at least one album on there, i’m sure you’ll get more constructive criticism.

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I’m going to play along here, bear with me.

If you are even the least bit serious (i wouldn’t blame you if you were. Some plus size boudoir looks straight up….ugh. ) wouldn’t you agree that being able to beautifully capture a fat person made you an above average photographer?

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8eeucHa6E1qkutnbo1_1280.jpg

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8gsmiGrBQ1qe4buuo1_1280.jpg

http://ericayoung.blob.core.windows.net/media/images/5084115e8bfd4993b3791583f5d27c9c.jpg

http://www.londonboudoirphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/London-Boudoir-Photography-Laura-Wells-07.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m7ovluunuY1qbbrt2o1_1280.jpg

??? To answer your question, you’d photograph a fat person to prove how much of a bad ass of a photographer you are (unless you fail. then you look like a jackass with a fetish).

(before you people attack me, I googled “beautiful plus size” I am not the one labeling any of these women fat. But if you are so insecure within yourselves to incriminate me for the links who am i to stop you. )

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Ok, I was too quick with my last response. let me make a more thorough critique for you so that you understand better.

For the boudoir, i did a quick google search for you since you said you just started dabbling in it. Here are two VERY helpful links. Not just for boudoir, for photography in general.

http://www.thephotolife.org/2011/02/09/tips-for-getting-started-in-boudoir-photography/

http://www.better-boudoir-photography.com/tips.html

One thing i suggest, now that you have a new camera, is to scan the flickr pool for your model.

What the heck, here you go: http://www.flickr.com/groups/canon450d/pool/

Here’s a portrait pic off that pool (again, using the same camera you use): http://www.flickr.com/photos/unaddicted/7708676280/in/pool-canon450d

Here’s a portrait off your portfolio: http://melissasuemullins.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/9/6/10961146/6397631_orig.jpg

Can you spot the difference? If you look in the tags you can even find out that  they used a 50mm lense! VERY helpful.

Here’s another and in the comments they tell you the EXACT setup: http://www.flickr.com/photos/robrook/7611766466/in/pool-canon450d

Baby photos from pool: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirty_a_ngel/7601412192/in/pool-593043@N20/

One of yours: http://melissasuemullins.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/9/6/10961146/5905102_orig.jpg

Animals pool:http://www.flickr.com/photos/rodrigovila/7497492610/in/pool-canon450d/

Your animals:http://melissasuemullins.weebly.com/uploads/1/0/9/6/10961146/3817805_orig.jpg

I hope i made my point clear without sounding like a COMPLETE ass. My point is only that you HAVE the same equipment as these people do, the only difference is that they have better understanding/control of their camera. Everyone keeps saying it over and over again, when you are still in the early stages of learning you shouldn’t be opening up shop. Hopefully this was of SOME help.

Side note: i sincerely hope that linking those pics wasn’t taboo. I think the direct link credits the photogs…but if there’s an issue let me know.

 

 

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I honsetly felt uncomfortable looking at the boudoir. The light makes it look shady instead of sexy. I also noticed on your about page that you recently “upgarded” cameras. Honestly, you had no reason to upgrade since you’d yet to have mastered the first camera. I wouldnt even call the rebel an upgrade since it is still considered entry level and meant for learning (NOT for running a business).

[archy]

Thanks, ihf, for the back up on the bad outdoor lighting david, I like how you strive to improve with every photo you take , it definitely shows, your work is kick ass.
As for monitor calibration, I agree to am extent. Like david said, his images all look the same on all his devices. And white balance will take care of the skin tone issues for straight off the camera. But when people arr doing heavy editing, such as the OP, they should probably calibrate to avoid the awkward neon skin tones.

And buggersmom, if you enjoy florabella’s editing tutorials, I suggest finding stock images to practice on first. You cant exactly use techniques like that to improve your images if they arent high quality to begin with.

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I’m certain this has to be a joke. Don’t waste your time looking.

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I’m with i hate fauxtography on this one. I can’t shake the green off when i look at the pics.I see a lot of things that could be potential submissions to this site mostly because of the editing you’ve done on it. Also, i get the feeling you are rather tall. Most of your photos have a downward angle and i feel a bit dizzy going through the childrens albums especially. For the kiddos don’t be scared to get eye level.

I hate fauxtography makes a good point about your outdoor lighting.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/579212_298330110248604_458821898_n.jpg

I had to concentrate on this picture to figure out what it was. The light is overpowering on the left and is causing the dress to wash out into the background.

I honestly did not find the Muphin Chuckrs Live album to be very good. This photo especially

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=255913767823572&set=a.255913507823598.59801.135543696527247&type=3&theater

I know your friend said they liked it but, if you think about it carefully, would you honestly like this picture if you saw it in a magazine featuring the band? Concerts CAN be tough to shoot because of the light show, i understand. Overall, i would just have left this picture out from that album. The other photos have a strange wash over them that i’m not sure if you edited in or if you got them off camera like that.

I think that your best bet is to start out working on composition. Like i said, you have this downward angle on a lot of shots. And most of the photos feel like they are something someone could have done with a cell phone. When you figure out the composition thing (rule of thirds. it is a fundamental of photography! there are tons of articles out there to help you out if you do a quick google search), i would suggest learning how to deal with your lighting situation. (look up how the iso and shutter speed affect a photo. again, fundamentals). And then when you have that figured out look into aperture settings and how they work (fundamentals again!).

And there is no reason to be terrified of people here. Everyone is just trying to help. If we were truly a-holes we’d let you think you were doing great and then would submit your photos. I think everyone here honestly wants to help, otherwise we wouldn’t take the time to go through your portfolio and thoroughly critique it. 🙂

 

 

 

[archy]

I agree with the “instagram” thing to an extent. Really just on your earlier stuff. Not that the pictures aren’t good, it just isn’t that much of a compliment to you when you work hard on an image but people can log into instagram and find several pictures just like it within minutes.

That being said, you certainly have improved (er…from album to album, that is). The only thing i think i could comment on is the composition. The angels sometimes feel a little forced. But overall i think you have a good grasp of how to handle your camera and what to do in certain lighting situations. Your post processing is also nice and light (not overwhelming or even noticeable).

Here’s an example of a picture that looks fantastic, except for one small flaw:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=414679168567263&set=a.414690761899437.84208.139011372800712&type=3

her HAND. I can’t stop staring at it! The model is gorgeous and her eyes are stunning, but the strangely cropped hand is very distracting. Otherwise, the photography elements in the picture are all nicely balanced.

Here is the next photo in that album.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=414694598565720&set=a.414690761899437.84208.139011372800712&type=3

The composition here is much nicer. The tree creates a nice line that points us to t he model, and the light casting down spotlights her very well. The only real thing that might could improve the image would have been if the light hadn’t hit her dress (particularly the chest area) so much. It isn’t distracting or bad. It is just the only thing that might could have improved the picture (if it needed improvement at all).

from a different album:

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/200794_418338391534674_899890329_n.jpg

This picture isn’t bad at all, but do you see how the railroad tracks lead straight into that very white area behind the model? A crop might have made the picture better, or a slight adjustment to the model’s position or your angle relative to her. There is also this large blank space above the model’s head that is emphasized by the overly washed out white areas. Otherwise, this is a nicely done photo.

The female portraits album is actually quite nice. My suggestion is to avoid “myspace” angles. (over the head. dramatic tilts.). There aren’t a lot of those but they are still something you want to avoid.

I think you are doing great, especially since you appear to be continually learning as you go. Keep up the good work.

Oh, and as for the discussion on lenses and manual vs auto, if you REALLY want to understand your lenses, i suggest taking an Optics course (if your high school offers it or in college when you get there). This is a physics based course, i’m not sure if photographers generally take it, but when i took it i learned a crap load about light and lenses (not specific to camera lenses, of course). When I was taking it I would sit in class and calculate different focal points to about +\-2% accuracy and then go try my calculations out later. It didn’t help my photography skills, honestly. But now i can guesstimate my  DOF and focal point without even looking into the viewfinder depending on what lense i’m using and my aperture setting. I suppose it’s kind of a fun bar trick?

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