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ggjo1972
ParticipantThe gun ones are the ones I linked to above. Way wierd.
Uggh I looked a little more. This adorable little boy and then what the heck made his eyes look alien??
ParticipantSorry, I’m no pro, but these are her self portraits and personally, I strongly dislike them
http://www.facebook.com/pages/EG-Photography/245685202137847
That’s about as far as I made it. Uggh! Just a personal preference, but I think that might offend or turn some folks off. To each his own though.
ParticipantThanks again. I am going to keep looking online for as much info as I can get. Currently I’m taking an online course and so far, I see I have a lot of weaknesses and just have to keep plugging along, slowly, but surely learning as I go.
I did purchase a reflector. I need to get the hang of it, not be afraid to use it and really just slow down some more and think things through. That would be beneficial, I’m sure.
@Intuition, I didn’t realize I could even adjust actions when I first opened them, I’ve realized now that I can pick and choose parts of it that will work. Typically, I strive for clean color, but again, just trying out actions and other options to see if I like them. I know they won’t stand the test of time so I’m trying to focus more on learning how to get them to just look “real”.I just want to say one more thing here – I was really scared that I was just going to be attacked when I posted my pictures (cause I know I need lots of work/practice/learning to do). But, I have been clear about my ability/goals and I’m open to constructive criticism. Amazing that people can actually learn from others if they would just check their ego at the door and have some humility. I see so many catty fights on this site. Thanks again!
ParticipantThanks cameraclicker. I think it looks great -much better and honestly, more true to the real colors of his shirt. The original was edited with an action. I do use PSE 9, but to say I’m a novice is even overstating my skill level (which is why I think I sometimes lean on actions but really should invest in a class). I was experimenting since they aren’t “clients” just my family and the more I look at mine – the less I like it. I genuinely appreciate the time you took to give me an example. I’m grateful to learn whenever/wherever I can.
@Sarah – you are probably right. I should have picked a different time of day (it was about an hour before sunset and we were behind a line of trees so there wasn’t much light coming in), but had rented lens for the weekend and that was my last chance to use it. While I was not completely happy with the sky, I was happy to have those images of my son. I didn’t notice when I was shooting them, but when I opened them on the computer, I noticed. Currently, I don’t own an off-camera flash. It’s on my wish-list.
My response kind of sounds like I’m full of excuses, but in all honestly, I am a mom of 4, grandma to 1, work full-time and have two other businesses on the side (w/my hubby) so finding time to sneak in learning and taking pictures really is a struggle for me and I have to make time for it when I can. I genuinely love it though, so I keep trying and even though I make lots of mistakes, I look at them as a chance to learn and grow.
Great tips and advice. Thank you!
ParticipantThanks cameraclicker for the feedback. Yes, there are quite a few of the same girls. They are my nieces (twins) and since I know I need the practice, they are more than willing to let me “use” them. I do like my images, I would rather say I love them. Would you mind editing one of the low contrast ones so I can get an idea of what you mean? I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
ParticipantI think one thing is for sure. That since the rapid speed growth of the fauxtogs there has been even more “competition” to get jobs/shoots. I think that some people see the fauxtogs as a threat to business. I know everyone here says that if you are good they won’t be your competition. I think that I sense that frustration in browneyed’s posts. I also see her say she has lots to learn. I’m not a pro and still have a very long way to go. I’m currently taking another course in an effort to learn more. But I do think that this is a place to vent and while I get that the folks who started this site do leave out the names of the togs, I’m sure they would know their own images if they did troll this site and no one thinks twice about criticizing them. I too see my own level of frustration with these people. Heck as soon as my own cousin knew I was seriously embarking on a journey to learn photography and am working to have the skills/knowledge to open a business (not to mention a savings account to sustain it while I’m getting off the ground), she bought a Rebel, whipped up a Facebook page and viola, she’s in business. That kind of stuff tends to irritate people who are still trying to learn. Watching her produce image after image of the same over saturated railroad track pictures with extra heavy vignetting and having people comment on how wonderful it is makes me wonder if people are constantly bombarded with that crap is that what they will expect as talent and quality. I sure as hell hope not.
I’m glad I am not alone in my frustration and honestly, it saves the family drama to have somewhere else to vent about it. I know in our area there are so many faux popping up every day, I can’t keep them straight. It is so irritating to see the crap they produce and call it pro. Which I believe is the driving force behind this site. So I’m guessing that if any of us comment on how crappy those pictures on the front page we are bullies???
I think the point of this original post was that while browneyed self-admittedly has things to learn, those folks think they have mastered photography by clicking a button. And honestly, back to my cousin, I even tried to talk to her to share/exchange knowledge and she acted like she was the greatest pro and because she took one course at a local community college back in her film days, she didn’t need any advice and certainly didn’t care to share her knowledge. The only advice I had even offered was to show her some basic editing, after she said she had someone else edit her pictures because she couldn’t even open Photoshop. And when I say basic edits, I mean what some of the tools do to get her started.
I don’t know any of you but I did post my personal flickr page with hopes of getting someone to give me some feedback and only a couple people gave me the time of day on this site. Yet, one person posts about a faux and everyone is on it like flies on shit. We’re all guilty.
Participant@browneyedgirl – You’re killing me. LMAO @ your “Gag me with a spoon” comment. I think I would stab myself in the eyes if these are the best I could do, not start my own business. WTH is wrong with people. Seriously? Now you KNOW I want to add to this!!! One of the fauxtogs I sent you before, has started “copying” some of my pictures and started using locations that I have used and one is on private property and she didn’t even get permission. I know for sure because it’s my husband’s “shop”. Almost mad enough to message her!! He says he would love to catch her there in action and call the cops on her. Now that would be hilarious!
ParticipantThanks everyone. And @stef, I never thought about her getting traffic from here, but I suppose I should have. The post title probably didn’t help either. Thanks for taking time to give me input.
I really appreciate all the feedback. Like I always say, I’m still trying so hard to learn and like to keep my feet planted firmly on the ground with real expectations.
I agree though that you don’t need all of it at once to take a good picture, but limits options. I am not even close to a pro and I know I’m limited in my lenses sometimes when I try to get pictures of my own kiddos. I realize it will take time and am trying to save as much as I can to pay as I can afford to do so with cash. And my “wishlist” is only lenses and a camera body upgrade (mine’s over 3 years old and not a full frame). I have so far only been working with natural light. Though I need to expand my horizons when I can master that.
ParticipantI was kind of wondering if some of her costs were exaggerated. Obviously people aren’t buying a new camera body every single year, but some of those up front costs are daunting, if they are accurate.
@stef, I’m sorry if that looks like spam but it was a blog post I came across today. I’m not affiliated in anyway with her, I was just curious about what others thought of her “estimates” and actual quoted costs and if they were in line with others experiences.ParticipantWhile I agree on principle I think there is a bit of a difference here in that while of course a farmer shouldn’t fear a small gardener, I highly doubt a small gardener would start up a facebook page advertising himself a pro while trying to break into farming with only 6 months experience, no a clue how to run a combine, the importance of fertilizers or a clue about soil quality.
I think that is what is so offensive to pro photogs. They actually took the time to learn the craft before setting up shop. And while I hope that no one is annoyed at me for being a passionate amateur, I am not actively seeking clients while calling myself a pro. I am well aware that I have a long way to go before that. I don’t really recall anyone on here attacking amateurs wanting to learn when they label themselves an amateur.
The difference is that amateur gardeners and the like admit they are amateurs and don’t start buying up cornfields because so-and-so told them they were especially talented at growing tomatoes. Even though they are not growing any award winning veggies.
However, I do see the point in that folks who genuinely appreciate the best quality photographs will seek out real pros in the end anyway.
ParticipantSorry, I have to say her business name alone is a huge indication of her professionalism, or lack thereof.
Participant@browneyedgirl89 Yep same one. For some reason she just drives me crazy. I cannot believe she has paying clients. It is so frustrating to think that this is the quality of work that people expect. Good Lord!! My kids can even see the difference between good/bad work. They’re only 13 and 15.
Do you think that they keep getting clients because it’s what people are accepting it as norm nowadays because no one wants to offend them and say, “your pictures are crap!”? I just don’t get it. Even $20 for some of the bad pictures is a waste of $20.
ParticipantThose who brag about not using photoshop and then boast pictures of themselves as “the face behind the camera” kind of scares me. She actually took pictures of my friends. I have been studying for almost 3 years (self-teaching/workshops) and I still feel I have a few more years before I could venture into a business and these kind of people make me wonder if there is anyone left who even knows what a good picture is.
ParticipantThe about page of a local boasts “I am a new and upcomming photographer in the ____ County Area. I do not use photoshop, what you see is real and raw photos. I do edit photos, but as little as possible.”
And yet all her pictures have very strange colors and selective coloring. The worst offense is her “the face behind the camera” picture that shows her with an obvious mustache. Yikes!Participant@Stef – Hilarious. I really never noticed that about the fireman, but after a second look, I don’t know how I missed it. But in all honesty, thank you and Intuition for the feedback. I have now calibrated my monitor, (bought an inexpensive Spyder until I can afford a better quality one) and I will set my highlight indicator on and that should help.
Seriously, I thought I was going to get chewed up and spit out on this site. I try not to really compare myself to others, just what I don’t personally like. I am however, my own worst critic. I believe I have a lot left to learn and am enjoying the process.
Thanks again!
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