When to cut your losses...
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- harv0
A link to my - work www.brennanharveyphoto.com
- interesting... and a niche may be there for you.... callitropsis is right, but remain unique...vaxorcist
- callitropsis0
your work is good, but it's not professional enough. too many shots that just look like you snapped them while hanging out with your friends.
i would want to see more studio shots demonstrating that you are capable of lighting a model against a seamless. and that you know how too use strobes. i would also like to see some more table top work, preferable glass and food as they are hard too shoot.
- callitropsis0
ever heard of this guy?
he's from Toronto and is an old friend of mine. check out his work. you need to be at least at this level too me make it in a city like T.O. where there are literally 100s of photographers.
- the website doesn't do his pictures any favour (too bad)Anders
- lambsy0
i was thinking the exact same thing ^ before i read your comment.
too many friend shots. nobody sees value in friend shots. go look though some magazines and see what people are paying for.
- harv0
Thats exactly what I think of my portfolio at this point. Ive been working on moving away from that look but its good to hear it from you guys.
calli- I have heard of Todd. Hes got some very nice work for sure. I had just looked at his explode product work not to long ago
- callitropsis0
rent some strobes, hire or find some models and move outside of your comfort zone. this is the only way to grow as a photographer
- yes..... you'll gain an intuitive competence, rather than a thinking competence...vaxorcist
- Miguex0
are you are asking if you should continue the learning path in order to get better?
- harv0
Calli- I already own almost everything already.
As for getting better because of school. Im not sure thats how it works. What Im wondering is that with more schooling perhaps in different yet related areas would I have a better ability to understand and get jobs like Editor and Director?
- Hombre_Lobo0
Im a very amateur photographer and don't know the trade very well, so take my limited advice with a pinch of salt -
i looked through your portfolio, and thought exactly what calli said.
You have some very nice shots, but some do look like snap shots with friends. And then the occasional studio-esque shot would appear and that would look very good and interesting, but there isn't much of that type of thing.
Get some studio work set up, get some good lighting and you'll have some great pics as your portrait skills already look decent, but with room to improve.
Also in terms of the 'snap shots with friends' thing i said above, you could do with maybe cutting down the amount of pics? removing the snap shot style ones that look less considered in terms of composition framing etc than others.
if it were me i would. I always go with less is more for portfolio work. Show less work, but high quality, than lots of work with high and average quality. The average work will bring it down.
I thought this pic was great and if it were my portfolio, id put it on as the first image visible. -
just my opinion though dude.
- zarkonite0
I've got a BFA in photography, it's quite useful if you want to develop your style and conceptual thinking. You'll have access to tons of equipment and time to experiment...
As far as your folio goes, yeah it should look more professional but I would push whatever aspect of photography you want. I wouldn't necessarily try to prove you can use strobes, etc. cuz that's just a small part of photography really... I'm pretty sure neither Richardson or Helmut Newton have/had need for those skills, besides, that's what assistants are for in the professional world.
- PIZZA0
21 is way too early to be thinking about going back to school
- goldieboy0
Looking at your portfolio I think you have stacks of potential. Sure, not all shots are amazing but there are some amazing shots. Keep with it man
- e-pill0
if you need a photography portfolio just use xcarlx's and get some interviews!!!
- Dodecahedron0
You need to refine and edit your portfolio selection. You're 21 then you should be in university or something, lots of time to take the photos you want and explore career opportunities.
- callitropsis0
"As for getting better because of school. Im not sure thats how it works."
Art/Photography will teach you lots, but in my opinion I would recommend assisting for photographers instead. You will learn lots, it won't take years to complete and you won't be left with a huge debt at the end. Plus it's all real life experience.
- I went to MFA school, and learned more assisting than I did in school...vaxorcist
- monkeyshine0
I second assisting for other photographers. Try to find someone who's work knocks you out and work for them. Your work is not bad but it's a little self-conscious. You need to find your voice; these photos strike me as trying on someone else's style. Find your own...that takes time, tireless commitment, and suffering under the rule of a brilliant, seasoned photographer. :)
- vaxorcist0
think about your customers, not your competitors....