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[JadedWriter]

Yeah, your photos in general tend to look a bit saturated to me, but that's purely a subjective standpoint. But those two stuck out haha!

For your wide angle shot, I think they work better if there's something to grab some attention in the foreground, ie; her hand that's closer to the lens. Maybe have her hold something?

For the one in the leaves, I think "in the tree" sort of shots are a really good excuse to have a bit of foreground action. A few leaves creeping into the frame closer to the lens (not enough to significantly obscure the subject, just enough to be noticed) would give it a more "natural" look, IMO.

I'm still trying to figure out how close I should have the flash to get the desired effect without turning the person into an alien with flash gels. Some look fine, others, well the worst ones I didn't include period. I will admit to contrasting stuff a bit, sometimes maybe even too much. I guess I need to find a better balance between popping colors and over saturation.

 

[Dinjooh]

Hope I can find some help in here.

So a couple of years back I was introduced to this photographer who takes photos of these really beautiful setups. I remember one where there's a woman on a bed looking frustrated, and you can see the whole room and the mess that's around it. A breakup of some kind. And another where it's a woman sitting in a lovely field of flowers but she's looking incredibly sad.

My problem? Can't for the life of my remember what the photographer is called, and I can't seem to find any of the persons work by googling around.

Halp.

 

[RayStorm]

Can I get feedback on my photos? What looks good, and what could be tweaked?

I can try but I'm afraid it might be rather brief and more to get the ball rolling!

a) I have no idea why you would add an watermark that is not your own. And I'm not necessarily a fan of those either.

b) Pictures:
1) It's nice for what it is, a flower in bloom, fairly well placed, maybe with less bokeh so that the bottom petals are not quite as blurry? I think the focus is slightly off.
2) I like it, nice contrast between the two halves with the different backgrounds.
3) Again, it is what it is, looks all right, but as with the others right now I'm not overly emotional about either of it. But they are rather well done.
4) Hm... A building, a meadow, dark clouds and a tiny person walking dogs. I'm afraid but that's not doing that much for me either. The different polarisation effects in the glass are interesting, the looming dark cloud is too. The person if not quite as small would be as well. The building too, is it a stadium? But again, I fear as it is, it's kind of 'just' a picture for me.
5) I have no idea what I'm looking at. Are those glass shards on some stones? They do look nice, but I fear as with the others, I can't say much more than that.

Summary: I think your pictures are more of a technical than an emotional nature. That makes it sort of hard to comment much on them, especially as they are for the most part technically and also in composition fairly sound. So to answer your question: aside from the sort of off-focus in the first picture everything looks competent, and without changing what you are trying to do, I don't know if there is much to be tweaked.

 

[vern]

Can I get feedback on my photos? What looks good, and what could be tweaked?

I kind of gotta echo what Ray said. They are all technically competent but they don't really convey any sort of meaning. Why should I look at these photos? Flowers aren't really my thing so it's hard to comment, they look fine though. But I guess you'd be aiming for better than fine right?

The water drops... Anyone can take a photo of some water drops. There is no context that makes me interested in looking at it, but again it's technically fine. To me it looks like a stock screensaver or background on a phone, which yeah that's good but... There's gotta be something more.

The stadium and the sky, it's just there. Maybe could be framed better, as it is it feels a bit off balance.

The last one won't load for me so no comment on it.

I think if your goal is to make soothing and wholly inoffensive images to put on some poster that sits on the ceiling at the dentist office with some "inspirational" words then you are succeeding, if you want to show something with meaning and feeling then you gotta step back and think about what you are doing.


And Jaded, that first one cracked me up dude, as well as the trump filter comment from brer. The other ones are better i think and I'll make some comments when I get a chance.

 

[JadedWriter]

It's a bit of a challenge figuring out what gel colors work. I had used green earlier and it made her look like a fucking Martian so I trashed them. I probably should've rolled back in the orange slider with that one from the beginning. I guess since it's just not something I usually do I just didn't. I'm slightly routine in my post these days. At least you said they were better.

 

[Pachimari]

Oh, I didn't aim for some emotional impact. It's pure technical, if they were fine as is. I'm really proud of the water drops, because I always wanted to take a photo like that but never managed, so I finally figured it out and it's super easy. But it's my first water drop photo. I'm still a beginner walking around practicing every day.

 

[vern]

Oh, I didn't aim for some emotional impact. It's pure technical, if they were fine as is. I'm really proud of the water drops, because I always wanted to take a photo like that but never managed, so I finally figured it out and it's super easy. But it's my first water drop photo. I'm still a beginner walking around practicing every day.

Yeah keep practicing man. Weren't you the guy shooting girls in miss Philippines or something? Did we ever get pics from that?

 

[Pachimari]

Yeah keep practicing man. Weren't you the guy shooting girls in miss Philippines or something? Did we ever get pics from that?

Oh yes, I were that guy. Unfortunately something came up earlier that day were I were supposed to go, so I were unable to attend unfortunately. Really sad about it but nothing I could do. I were also supposed to party with Miss-something Kylie Versoza but that gotta wait till my next trip as well.

 

[vern]

Oh yes, I were that guy. Unfortunately something came up earlier that day were I were supposed to go, so I were unable to attend unfortunately. Really sad about it but nothing I could do. I were also supposed to party with Miss-something Kylie Versoza but that gotta wait till my next trip as well.

That sucks...and you like the word were haha.

Btw I wasn't saying every photo needs to have some big dramatic meaning behind it, but it should feel a little more alive in my opinion. The photos were just kind of stale. Again technically fine, not excellent, but lacking something more.

 

[Pachimari]

That sucks...and you like the word were haha.

Btw I wasn't saying every photo needs to have some big dramatic meaning behind it, but it should feel a little more alive in my opinion. The photos were just kind of stale. Again technically fine, not excellent, but lacking something more.

Yes I can see what you mean with the staleness. I'll try get some more life into my photographies but it will probably take a long time. I also see I used the word were a lot lol.

 

[Leeroy3101]

Some more photos from another vacation I just took. It's my last roadtrip of the summer. Soon enough I'll return back to Alaska.

Bigger
Currently my desktop background! A similar ride runs up at Cedar Point, but this one in Santa Claus, Indiana blows it away.

Bigger
Hey, I like wide angle starbursts!

Bigger
This comes from Kings Island. The ride pictured in this photo ended up as my first actual job ten years ago. X-Flight, now known as Firehawk at Kings Island, used to run at Geauga Lake in Aurora, Ohio. Many good memories came from that summer working this ride.

Bigger
Learning to use distortion to my advantage turns into a great learning experience. The features of a wide angle lens push my creativity to new levels.

Bigger
The initial design process for this ride involved coat hangers; I kid you not.

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Probably my favorite photo taken of a roller coaster. Just look at the emotion on every single face!

 

[Astral/H3X]

It's Bayonetta, so slightly hard to determine where the line between NSFW is, but here's a few. Some of the better photos I don't have here for that concern, if interested here's all of them: https://www.flickr.com/photos/h3xantistyle/shares/3x28GV

The Witch Hunts are Over by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
The Witch Hunts are Over by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
Love is Blue by Hunter Mauro, on Flickr
(This last one was especially hard -- I was outside, at night, by my pool with the underwater light on to simulate a moon. The most difficult part was trying to diffuse my flash when forced to point it at the figure. &_& I'd also really appreciate any other comments or anything else anyone notices, particularly in regards to this photo)
Now excuse me while I go hum Moon River.

 

[vern]

I had another session with the last model and actually fucking tried this time...
:[/URL]

I guess they look better now...
r

The color has already been addressed so ignoring that, the first one in the first set and the first one one in the second set are pretty similar. I prefer the second since it's pulled back a bit further, but I like her expression in the first one more. Overall these two pictures are fine for me, but if you could combine the face from first and light and composition from second I'd like it better.

Second photo cut her limbs off again. Pose is a bit strange for me too, she relaxing? Hugging the stone? The shot could work I think, just needs some tweaks.

Third, I like the perspective, mostly, would like you a bit more to her left so she's closer to 45 degrees than 80 or whatever this would be. Also I think I'd prefer her looking off in the direction of her hand instead of at the camera.

Fourth is the best of the bunch I think. Her expression is nice, the color is nice, exposure is good.

Fifth again it's a little bit too much, I wish you were to her right more in this one. Her legs look huge because of perspective, and her head position is bad. Tilt her head upright, and have her look off towards the right again? Something to consider anyway.

Last on first set... her nose jumps out at me. Could be interesting use of light and shadows but I think you missed it here. Have anymore from this location?

And second one on second set, it's ok. Hand is a little strange coming from the side but doesn't kill it for me. I don't like the color much. I know you experimenting with flashes and color gels and all that so it takes some learning, but for I'd rather this be lit more like the fourth one on the first set. I think she'd look really pretty and her eyes would pop more.

It's Bayonetta, so slightly hard to determine where the line between NSFW is, but here's a few. Some of the better photos I don't have here for that concern, if interested here's all of them: [.

I'll give it a go at critiquing them, but yeah this ain't my thing.

First one I'd love to see the full gun, not cut at the barrel. I like the colors though, maybe a bit less bokeh on this one so we can see more of the figure. Dat cameltoe

Second one eh does nothing for me. Viewing at this resolution I'm not even sure what's in focus... the top of her head? It looks like her eye is close to being the focus point but not quite. I could be wrong.

Third I like the best, the moon effect is cool and I don't mind the bokeh on this one (as opposed to the first) because of the depth created by the moon and I think the blue colors make for a good contrast against Bayonetta's colors, something that the first one doesn't have. For some reason the chopped off gun doesn't bother me at all on this one, I think it all comes together well.

Some more photos from another vacation I just took. It's my last roadtrip of the summer. Soon enough I'll return back to Alaska.

First and fourth are my favorites. Not sure what to say on them though. I like the perspective and timing of them both.



Edit: Just uploaded some photos from Beijing the other day. Feedback is appreciated.

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

 

[Astral/H3X]

I'll give it a go at critiquing them, but yeah this ain't my thing.

First one I'd love to see the full gun, not cut at the barrel. I like the colors though, maybe a bit less bokeh on this one so we can see more of the figure. Dat cameltoe

Second one eh does nothing for me. Viewing at this resolution I'm not even sure what's in focus... the top of her head? It looks like her eye is close to being the focus point but not quite. I could be wrong.

Third I like the best, the moon effect is cool and I don't mind the bokeh on this one (as opposed to the first) because of the depth created by the moon and I think the blue colors make for a good contrast against Bayonetta's colors, something that the first one doesn't have. For some reason the chopped off gun doesn't bother me at all on this one, I think it all comes together well.

I've always been of the school of thought where having your subject lead out of the frame has been a good idea, so I can't say I agree about the barrel needing to be in frame, but I suppose I see where you're coming from. As for the bokeh, yeah I can definitely see what you mean for this photo. I was a little constrained on light and was trying to keep my noise as low as possible, but I'll try to stop down a bit for some photos. Thinking about it, I had actually stopped down for this one, so maybe the 50mm would've been a better pick for less bokeh.

Second one, I was pretty iffy on this one too. It's her eye that's in focus, and the top of her head just happens to line up with that. Also, there is clear plastic in her glasses, so that might be affecting the clarity of her eye. I think I probably should have pulled back a bit more with it, and gotten her shoulders in.

I'm glad you like the third one, it's actually the one I was least satisfied with, mainly because I couldn't get the light as soft as I wanted, but I'm glad the set up paid off. But taking these photos was incredibly difficult, so it would've been hard to keep up with that set up. I was originally planning on using some dry ice to give some fog effects, but was unable to source any. &_&

As for yours...

The first one, of the bike headlight, I think could really use a wider aperture. So much of it is in focus that it's a little hard to tell where my eye is supposed to be pulled towards. But, I do love the composition, and the contrast of mechanical bike light and natural plants.

The one with the foot, I'm not sure what I think. I suppose the photo is taken well, but I feel like I'm not sure if it should have been taken? I see the worn ass foot that's there, but I feel like a photo that showed how worn and battered both feet were would've stuck out more.

The one immediately after that, with the guy holding the ornaments, I feel you could bring your whites down a bit and add some contrast. It just looks too bright to me IMO.

The rest look excellent. I particularly like the black and white one. I think the one with the calligraphy *might* have turned out a smidge better in landscape orientation, but maybe his wall was more interesting than the table, I'm not sure. Great photos overall.

 

[JadedWriter]

The color has already been addressed so ignoring that, the first one in the first set and the first one one in the second set are pretty similar. I prefer the second since it's pulled back a bit further, but I like her expression in the first one more. Overall these two pictures are fine for me, but if you could combine the face from first and light and composition from second I'd like it better.

Second photo cut her limbs off again. Pose is a bit strange for me too, she relaxing? Hugging the stone? The shot could work I think, just needs some tweaks.

Third, I like the perspective, mostly, would like you a bit more to her left so she's closer to 45 degrees than 80 or whatever this would be. Also I think I'd prefer her looking off in the direction of her hand instead of at the camera.

Fourth is the best of the bunch I think. Her expression is nice, the color is nice, exposure is good.

Fifth again it's a little bit too much, I wish you were to her right more in this one. Her legs look huge because of perspective, and her head position is bad. Tilt her head upright, and have her look off towards the right again? Something to consider anyway.

Last on first set... her nose jumps out at me. Could be interesting use of light and shadows but I think you missed it here. Have anymore from this location?

And second one on second set, it's ok. Hand is a little strange coming from the side but doesn't kill it for me. I don't like the color much. I know you experimenting with flashes and color gels and all that so it takes some learning, but for I'd rather this be lit more like the fourth one on the first set. I think she'd look really pretty and her eyes would pop more.

Here's more...
DSC_3097 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3070 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3068 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3037 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3133 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr

How far away do I have o stand back from somebody so that perspective distortion shit doesn't kick in? Though I guess that's a wide focal length problem.

 

[brerwolfe]

As for the bokeh, yeah I can definitely see what you mean for this photo. I was a little constrained on light and was trying to keep my noise as low as possible, but I'll try to stop down a bit for some photos.

You aren't shooting moving subjects. Stop down and use a 5-second shutter.

At Jaded, watch for hair shadows. The second photo looks like she's some kind of Halloween demon, the third looks like she had a single tear ruin her mascara. And I can tell you now that Vern will ask who's arm that is in the third shot hahah

 

[JadedWriter]

You aren't shooting moving subjects. Stop down and use a 5-second shutter.

At Jaded, watch for hair shadows. The second photo looks like she's some kind of Halloween demon, the third looks like she had a single tear ruin her mascara. And I can tell you now that Vern will ask who's arm that is in the third shot hahah

My god I cannot fucking win. No wonder why I normally don't do shit with a flash on these things.

 

[Astral/H3X]

You aren't shooting moving subjects. Stop down and use a 5-second shutter.

At Jaded, watch for hair shadows. The second photo looks like she's some kind of Halloweeni demon, the third looks like she had a single tear ruin her mascara. And I can tell you now that Vern will ask who's arm that is in the third shot hahah

I *am* however using a flash, which produces much better looking lighting than using my stationary lights, and unfortunately the flash can only get so bright.

 

[vern]

I've always been of the school of thought where having your subject lead out of the frame has been a good idea, so I can't say I agree about the barrel needing to be in frame, but I suppose I see where you're coming from. As for the bokeh, yeah I can definitely see what you mean for this photo. I was a little constrained on light and was trying to keep my noise as low as possible, but I'll try to stop down a bit for some photos. Thinking about it, I had actually stopped down for this one, so maybe the 50mm would've been a better pick for less bokeh.

Second one, I was pretty iffy on this one too. It's her eye that's in focus, and the top of her head just happens to line up with that. Also, there is clear plastic in her glasses, so that might be affecting the clarity of her eye. I think I probably should have pulled back a bit more with it, and gotten her shoulders in.

I'm glad you like the third one, it's actually the one I was least satisfied with, mainly because I couldn't get the light as soft as I wanted, but I'm glad the set up paid off. But taking these photos was incredibly difficult, so it would've been hard to keep up with that set up. I was originally planning on using some dry ice to give some fog effects, but was unable to source any. &_&

As for yours...

The first one, of the bike headlight, I think could really use a wider aperture. So much of it is in focus that it's a little hard to tell where my eye is supposed to be pulled towards. But, I do love the composition, and the contrast of mechanical bike light and natural plants.

The one with the foot, I'm not sure what I think. I suppose the photo is taken well, but I feel like I'm not sure if it should have been taken? I see the worn ass foot that's there, but I feel like a photo that showed how worn and battered both feet were would've stuck out more.

The one immediately after that, with the guy holding the ornaments, I feel you could bring your whites down a bit and add some contrast. It just looks too bright to me IMO.

The rest look excellent. I particularly like the black and white one. I think the one with the calligraphy *might* have turned out a smidge better in landscape orientation, but maybe his wall was more interesting than the table, I'm not sure. Great photos overall.

With regards to your first one I think I want to see the barrel because the only parts that are in focus are her face, arm and gun. With less bokeh maybe I'd not really care as much because I can see more of the figure. As it is I can't really see the figure you know? With the third one because she's more parallel to you I can see more of her and get a sense of everything, plus the contrast against the blue and the moon is better. You are using a tripod right? I guess noise shouldn't be too much of an issue then.


Thanks for the feedback on mine. Here is a landscape orientation of that guy as you requested. I prefer his expression and the action of the scene better in the first one I shared, to me it tells the story of the situation better, with the shot glass in his hand and him talking to someone out of camera. Which do you prefer now? I wish I had wider angle at that time and could have pulled back a bit more but you make due with what you got.

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

With regards to the foot picture, I wish I could have shot both of his feet, but when you are in the street you gotta make do with the situations that present themselves. Talked to this dude for a long time, he was an angry man. Here is how he was sitting:

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

I like taking photos of hands and feet or arms or butts (lol)... hard to do it all inconspicuously. Don't take photos to be a creeper, just I like shooting portraits of people that aren't their face, but a specific interesting part of their body or situation. I'm not sure what you mean by if the photo "should have been taken." Can you elaborate? Are there some photos that are off limits? Of course upskirts and creeper shots are, but in general are there other things you think shouldn't be shown? I got into a fight on Instagram yesterday because I posted a photo of a butcher and dog meat...should controversial topics be off limits to photograph too?

Here's that photo, not sure if I ever shared it here before or not.

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr


With regards to bike headlight and flowers one, I agree with you, maybe some blur would be nice there. While I was actually doing that Crossing China trip I wanted a consistent feel to all my photos and shot most of it wide open, now that I'm done (kind of) with that I can stop my lens down again so I've been having fun being able to shoot smaller apertures again.

The "ornament" one the guy is making candy, I guess you are right it's too bright since you can't really tell what he's doing. Adding some contrast could make it pop too. It's pretty much straight out of the camera like that. I'll re-edit it and share it later.

Here are two more from that day because, why not.

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

Crossing China - Beijing by Eric, on Flickr

My god I cannot fucking win. No wonder why I normally don't do shit with a flash on these things.

Flash is hard to master. Just keep practicing. You are better than me at it I'm sure. There is a reason why I don't shoot models very often. It's hard!

With regards to the new set you posted. I like the last one a lot. First again could be a lot better without the orange, have you tried converting it to black and white?

I think every photo of her that you've posted she's looking at the camera. Try having her look some other places. Also the second one you showed here I think her mouth is pretty good, slightly open non-smiling mouth (pursed lips it's called?) is nice for portraits sometimes. Maybe get her to relax her mouth in some of those other photos instead of her lips stuck together.

The arm in the third one that brerwolf mentioned... the arm bothers me less than the amputated hand. She's got a stump lol.

It's hard to remember all this shit when you are out taking photos of an actual person, trying to set up the shot in the right location with the right light and the right framing. H3X is smart he just takes photos of toys he can do exactly what he wants with them. Keep on shooting Jaded... I wanna find a model or two soon now that I'm kind of settled down in one place (for two weeks :/ ) , maybe can earn some money if I can learn to shoot women properly at some point.

 

[JadedWriter]

Flash is hard to master. Just keep practicing. You are better than me at it I'm sure. There is a reason why I don't shoot models very often. It's hard!

With regards to the new set you posted. I like the last one a lot. First again could be a lot better without the orange, have you tried converting it to black and white?

I think every photo of her that you've posted she's looking at the camera. Try having her look some other places. Also the second one you showed here I think her mouth is pretty good, slightly open non-smiling mouth (pursed lips it's called?) is nice for portraits sometimes. Maybe get her to relax her mouth in some of those other photos instead of her lips stuck together.

The arm in the third one that brerwolf mentioned... the arm bothers me less than the amputated hand. She's got a stump lol.

It's hard to remember all this shit when you are out taking photos of an actual person, trying to set up the shot in the right location with the right light and the right framing. H3X is smart he just takes photos of toys he can do exactly what he wants with them. Keep on shooting Jaded... I wanna find a model or two soon now that I'm kind of settled down in one place (for two weeks :/ ) , maybe can earn some money if I can learn to shoot women properly at some point.

Wait? So I'm not shit? I like the orange, I guess just cause it's something different and it kind of looks like one of those super doctored the fuck up cliche looking pics that you always see on 500px.
I actually do have some pics where she wasn't looking at the camera, but opted not to post them cause I though some one would bitch that she wasn't looking at the camera...
DSC_3059 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3103 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3058 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr

 

[vern]

.

I didn't say you aren't shit I don't think anyone bitches at you lol.. just helpful critiques.

I like the second one. Natural smile.

 

[JadedWriter]

I didn't say you aren't shit I don't think anyone bitches at you lol.. just helpful critiques.

I like the second one. Natural smile.

You know what I mean. I'm actually pretty hard on myself which is why I go through the occasional "I'm a shit photographer" phase.

 

[Astral/H3X]

All I'm hearing is that I need to get some more constant lighting so that I can use these tighter apertures/longer exposures.

I'm always using a flash as my primary light, since it creates the best lighting of what I have (I can usually get sufficiently soft, yet dramatic lighting with it), and then using a daylight white lightbulb as a fill light. I suppose I should try and see if I can find some other constant lights that will help me have more control over my aperture instead of being capped by the strength of my flash.

 

[JadedWriter]

All I'm hearing is that I need to get some more constant lighting so that I can use these tighter apertures/longer exposures.

I'm always using a flash as my primary light, since it creates the best lighting of what I have (I can usually get sufficiently soft, yet dramatic lighting with it), and then using a daylight white lightbulb as a fill light. I suppose I should try and see if I can find some other constant lights that will help me have more control over my aperture instead of being capped by the strength of my flash.

You might need to get a strobe since it's like a stronger flash if I'm not mistaken. You can probably find a decently cheap LED light though or a second flash.

 

[JORMBO]

Here's more...
DSC_3070 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr

In most of your photos the flash is too far to your models side. It creates weird hair shadows, and puts half her face in shadow (not in a good way). With flash outdoors typically less is better. Often just a little fill from the front is enough to do the trick. I think you would see better results by moving the light around more towards the front of your model.

 

[DeadlyVirus]

In most of your photos the flash is too far to your models side. It creates weird hair shadows, and puts half her face in shadow (not in a good way). With flash outdoors typically less is better. Often just a little fill from the front is enough to do the trick. I think you would see better results by moving the light around more towards the front of your model.

I agree. You can see the daylight behind her, so the shadow on the left side of her face is a bit out of place

 

[JadedWriter]

In most of your photos the flash is too far to your models side. It creates weird hair shadows, and puts half her face in shadow (not in a good way). With flash outdoors typically less is better. Often just a little fill from the front is enough to do the trick. I think you would see better results by moving the light around more towards the front of your model.

Every time I had it too close to her I blew her out, I guess I just had it on too powerful of a setting. Flash is tricky as fuck. Was pretty much my third time actually experimenting with it. I've gotten better with it actually, but I'm far from perfect.

 

[DeadlyVirus]

Every time I had it too close to her I blew her out, I guess I just had it on too powerful of a setting. Flash is tricky as fuck. Was pretty much my third time actually experimenting with it. I've gotten better with it actually, but I'm far from perfect.

Have you tried reflectors?

 

[JadedWriter]

Have you tried reflectors?

I have a reflector and diffuser umbrella but I really just don't like using that stuff for on location work cause they either blow over or something else happens. I also didn't bring them cause I shot that after work and didn't want to bring a third bag in. I had a diffuser cap on the flash, but I guess it's not the right tool for the job.

 

[snaffles]

Went to the County Fair on the weekend, watching this bassett hound compete in the agility trials was the highlight for me. Never seen one get off the ground before.

 

[vern]

I'm not sure if I shared these photos here or not before, but I just wanted to talk with you Jaded about head positioning, facial expression, and that sort of thing. Ignoring my post-processing or overall composition for the time being. This wasn't really a proper photoshoot (her clothes/armband things lol) and the circumstances and setting are obviously different from what you were dealing with, but notice how I'm never shooting straight up her nose or under her chin? She's also not looking directly into the camera in every shot, and even when she is looking at the camera her head is still at some sort of angle to hopefully make her face look more feminine and less square/big?

Also you've been getting better at not having your subject always center of frame, I forgot to mention that before.

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

And I'm not posting this as some sort of I'm better than you or anything like that, so don't take it the wrong way, just want to show some examples of ways to make the girls face look better (imo obviously) and add some variety to the shots even when it's just a girl by herself. If anyone else has any thoughts please chime in... I might not be right

 

[JadedWriter]

I'm not sure if I shared these photos here or not before, but I just wanted to talk with you Jaded about head positioning, facial expression, and that sort of thing. Ignoring my post-processing or overall composition for the time being. This wasn't really a proper photoshoot (her clothes/armband things lol) and the circumstances and setting are obviously different from what you were dealing with, but notice how I'm never shooting straight up her nose or under her chin? She's also not looking directly into the camera in every shot, and even when she is looking at the camera her head is still at some sort of angle to hopefully make her face look more feminine and less square/big?

Also you've been getting better at not having your subject always center of frame, I forgot to mention that before.

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

Inner Mongolia - Crossing china by Eric, on Flickr

And I'm not posting this as some sort of I'm better than you or anything like that, so don't take it the wrong way, just want to show some examples of ways to make the girls face look better (imo obviously) and add some variety to the shots even when it's just a girl by herself. If anyone else has any thoughts please chime in... I might not be right

I like the majority of these, though I'm trying to figure out why everything is 1.4 in this set. I honestly should be shooting less up in the models face so to speak, but I usually don't cause I'm always worried about my AF system just straight up missing focus. It happens so damn often for some odd reason. I actually do like the use of scenery in these. How do you give direction? I do try occasionally...sometimes the model doesn't listen to me or at times I just have no clue what to say to actually get said desired look. I'm broke can't pay for classes in that.

 

[vern]

I like the majority of these, though I'm trying to figure out why everything is 1.4 in this set. I honestly should be shooting less up in the models face so to speak, but I usually don't cause I'm always worried about my AF system just straight up missing focus. It happens so damn often for some odd reason. I actually do like the use of scenery in these. How do you give direction? I do try occasionally...sometimes the model doesn't listen to me or at times I just have no clue what to say to actually get said desired look. I'm broke can't pay for classes in that.

I wanted the DOF with the grassland to be prominent. Also we shot for like 5 minutes so I didn't fuck around with settings. I had a goal to get some blurry grass and a cute girl and I succeeded, I hope, then we kept on our way looking for wild deer lol. We didn't find them.

Watch some youtube tutorials about directing models and just posing in general. I watched some a few years ago when I was more into trying to shoot pretty ladies, so now I don't have links for you unfortunately I can't recall what they were. I just typed something basic like "photographing models tutorial" or "posing models for portraiture" or something like that. I'm sure you can figure it out.

As far as direction with Jasmine here, we'd been traveling at this point together for a few weeks so she was pretty comfortable with what I want and used to me telling her what to do, she really didn't need much direction anymore by then. But with a new model I usually start by telling her to relax her body, shake it all out... then I say never have all your body parts in a straight line... works better if you show them really. Shoulders shouldn't be square, arms shouldn't be same length (for the most part), if standing knees shouldn't be locked, don't have shoulders or face square to camera... once they understand all that then it takes a lot less direction. They'll probably forget a time or two, but you just remind them to relax again and shake it out and they will start to look more relaxed and more beautiful naturally. If you aren't getting what you want just those directions then you need to be more specific, head this direction, mouth slightly open, hands this way or that... honestly hands are the hardest part for me. It's easiest just to hide them if possible. Hope that helps.

 

[JadedWriter]

I wanted the DOF with the grassland to be prominent. Also we shot for like 5 minutes so I didn't fuck around with settings. I had a goal to get some blurry grass and a cute girl and I succeeded, I hope, then we kept on our way looking for wild deer lol. We didn't find them.

Watch some youtube tutorials about directing models and just posing in general. I watched some a few years ago when I was more into trying to shoot pretty ladies, so now I don't have links for you unfortunately I can't recall what they were. I just typed something basic like "photographing models tutorial" or "posing models for portraiture" or something like that. I'm sure you can figure it out.

As far as direction with Jasmine here, we'd been traveling at this point together for a few weeks so she was pretty comfortable with what I want and used to me telling her what to do, she really didn't need much direction anymore by then. But with a new model I usually start by telling her to relax her body, shake it all out... then I say never have all your body parts in a straight line... works better if you show them really. Shoulders shouldn't be square, arms shouldn't be same length (for the most part), if standing knees shouldn't be locked, don't have shoulders or face square to camera... once they understand all that then it takes a lot less direction. They'll probably forget a time or two, but you just remind them to relax again and shake it out and they will start to look more relaxed and more beautiful naturally. If you aren't getting what you want just those directions then you need to be more specific, head this direction, mouth slightly open, hands this way or that... honestly hands are the hardest part for me. It's easiest just to hide them if possible. Hope that helps.

I think one of the last things I saw was just the same cliched stuff that everybody does for head shots...which I could do...they just look, well boring. I think I'm horrible with new models to be honest, half of it's just a lack of confidence on my part. I was more comfortable with this current one cause I've already dealt with her and sort of just showed her what I didn't like and what I did like and recreate this and stuff like that as we were shooting. I mean the results weren't all bad at least, just obviously took what also seems to be a lot of junk photos. I need to stop hacking off limbs. I could aways go wider I'm always just nervous with the AF cause I always wind up getting a lot of soft focussed shots which really just annoy the shit out of me.

 

[vern]

I think one of the last things I saw was just the same cliched stuff that everybody does for head shots...which I could do...they just look, well boring. I think I'm horrible with new models to be honest, half of it's just a lack of confidence on my part. I was more comfortable with this current one cause I've already dealt with her and sort of just showed her what I didn't like and what I did like and recreate this and stuff like that as we were shooting. I mean the results weren't all bad at least, just obviously took what also seems to be a lot of junk photos. I need to stop hacking off limbs. I could aways go wider I'm always just nervous with the AF cause I always wind up getting a lot of soft focussed shots which really just annoy the shit out of me.

Which kinds of shots do you mean with regards to "cliche?" Maybe they are cliche because they work? Even a cliche pose maybe you can put your own spin on?

Not sure what's up with the focus on your camera. If it's not working right go manual, or get your camera serviced if possible. I just got my camera cleaned at the Canon service shop when I was back in Shanghai last week...after my trip it was beat all to hell and dusty and practically falling apart. I was having some issues with focus as well, now it's back like new, and only cost me about 20 bucks out here I'm sure in New York it would cost 5 times that at least lol

 

[JadedWriter]

Which kinds of shots do you mean with regards to "cliche?" Maybe they are cliche because they work? Even a cliche pose maybe you can put your own spin on?

Not sure what's up with the focus on your camera. If it's not working right go manual, or get your camera serviced if possible. I just got my camera cleaned at the Canon service shop when I was back in Shanghai last week...after my trip it was beat all to hell and dusty and practically falling apart. I was having some issues with focus as well, now it's back like new, and only cost me about 20 bucks out here I'm sure in New York it would cost 5 times that at least lol

My camera is on almost a year and I haven't had the sensor cleaned or anything for it yet. When I was photographing yesterdays parade it probably didn't help that I was practically sweating into the camera, but I seem to have rather slow autofocus. I don't know if it's just camera age cause the body is about 3 years old, just refurbished or if it's a Sigma lens thing cause there are times where it just constantly hunts and doesn't lock onto anything. I don't shoot builds so I don't exactly think I have manual focus times. Portrait shoots maybe, event stuff, no.Regarding what I'm assuming cliched is, stuff like this:

Though I guess before you can innovate you should learn how to do the same thing everybody else does.

 

[vern]

My camera is on almost a year and I haven't had the sensor cleaned or anything for it yet. When I was photographing yesterdays parade it probably didn't help that I was practically sweating into the camera, but I seem to have rather slow autofocus. I don't know if it's just camera age cause the body is about 3 years old, just refurbished or if it's a Sigma lens thing cause there are times where it just constantly hunts and doesn't lock onto anything. I don't shoot builds so I don't exactly think I have manual focus times. Portrait shoots maybe, event stuff, no.Regarding what I'm assuming cliched is, stuff like this:

Though I guess before you can innovate you should learn how to do the same thing everybody else does.

Yeah that's a boring shot, but it's just a corporate head shot. I'm not sure that's what the model wanted or what you wanted so... It's technically sound though, lighting is good and it's sharp. I think their autofocus was working

If your autofocus isn't working then I'd say you don't time to have to use it, not the other way around... If you shoot a model and focus on getting 10 great shots instead of 500 average shots then you definitely have time to use manual focus. Take your time, think about each shot more, and your shoots will continue to improve.

 

[JadedWriter]

Yeah that's a boring shot, but it's just a corporate head shot. I'm not sure that's what the model wanted or what you wanted so... It's technically sound though, lighting is good and it's sharp. I think their autofocus was working

If your autofocus isn't working then I'd say you don't time to have to use it, not the other way around... If you shoot a model and focus on getting 10 great shots instead of 500 average shots then you definitely have time to use manual focus. Take your time, think about each shot more, and your shoots will continue to improve.

I guess inconsistent would be the best operative word, or I just take photos while the damn thing is hunting around. But yeah I need to just learn how to take my time more and just relax into them. I honestly think they end a lot better than they begin cause I always feel like the first...20 are the weaker shots. I honestly just need to do more of them. I do think this set with her was way better than the first set because we had more time to do stuff and think about everything. I think my biggest problem is that they're always in between longish breaks of a month or several weeks.

 

[vern]

I guess inconsistent would be the best operative word, or I just take photos while the damn thing is hunting around. But yeah I need to just learn how to take my time more and just relax into them. I honestly think they end a lot better than they begin cause I always feel like the first...20 are the weaker shots. I honestly just need to do more of them. I do think this set with her was way better than the first set because we had more time to do stuff and think about everything. I think my biggest problem is that they're always in between longish breaks of a month or several weeks.

Yeah dude just keep at it. You are still improving for sure. I feel I've stalled out in a lot of ways, need to start experimenting with different styles of photography as well as different gear... settings, lenses, flashes...

 

[JadedWriter]

Yeah dude just keep at it. You are still improving for sure. I feel I've stalled out in a lot of ways, need to start experimenting with different styles of photography as well as different gear... settings, lenses, flashes...

At least I'm improving...
Dominican Day Parade shots...man parade stuff takes forever to sort through.
DSC_4126 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_4144 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_4044 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr


DSC_3893 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_3738 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
DSC_4009 by Marcus Beasley, on Flickr
More Here:

 

[vern]

At least I'm improving...
Dominican Day Parade shots...man parade stuff takes forever to sort through.
]

New York has shit tons of parades apparently.

I like the second best, good energy in all of them though.

 

[JadedWriter]

New York has shit tons of parades apparently.

I like the second best, good energy in all of them though.

Yeah I kind of knew there were a good amount, but you don't really get the true sense of them till you actually have to photograph them. My job sponsors a lot of them.

 

[snaffles]

Photo shoot with this woodpecker in the yard this morning, wasn't being very cooperative at all, refused to pose in the sun. I'll be speaking with her agent.
Woodpecker

 

[RayStorm]

It's Bayonetta

I'll give it a go at critiquing them, but yeah this ain't my thing.

a) Since I do enjoy reading second opinions to feedback I give, I'll try the same with similar caveat, albeit a bit late:

b) Pictures:
Picture 1: I like the background colours. I actually like that she kind of blurs into the background. But I too agree with the too shallow depth of field. I'm not sure about cutting the gun of either, I think if you do it just to lead out of the frame it would work just as well with the gun completely shown. Perhaps cropping the picture quite a bit more might be helpful, I think I'd have the bottom right corner of the frame be her crotch but leave the format in landscape and the top left corner as is. Be it due to bokeh or just the model, I think visually the gun and her head are the most interesting parts to look at.

Picture 2: I think that's a bit too close and again too much bokeh, especially around her eyes. I think the earring is visually interesting and could be featured bigger.

Picture 3: I think in terms of composition your 'moon' might be better placed a bit further away from her. In fact I probably would prefer the camera to be further away. But obviously you had certain constraints with you setup that might make this impossible.

c) In general, and this too might be hard to do differently from my few tries with macro photography: Less bokeh... way less in fact would probably help most pictures and also more focus on fewer interesting details. As is, for me it straddles a bit of an uncanny middle ground.

d) Considering leaving an empty line between your pictures like vern does, makes viewing them here easier.

Edit: Just uploaded some photos from Beijing the other day. Feedback is appreciated.

a) Don't worry about double posting, I almost missed your pictures due to you editing them in one hour after you first posted.

b) Pictures:

1) It's close to working for me, but I'd like to see more of the windshield. Or just the light and the suspension of the motorbike? I'd also like the foreground flowers to not be blurry. Maybe I'd also like to see more of the door in the backgroundall it's bokehness?
2) I probably agree with you that your caligrapher is more interesting in the portrait format than the second picture of him in landscape you posted later. But I don't think I care much about the wall, microwave of pot that surround him. As such in terms of composition I prefer the second one you showed. In fact overall I think the landscape one is the better picture of the two.
4) meh... seems like an old man smoking, not sure if that's all that exciting. I'm probably more interested about the glasses to his right.
5) a slightly different angle might have been better, or maybe stepping down to have the foreground be in some kind of focus as well... but that might be me just finding pictures with the focus in the background a bit problematic.
6) meh... I think the frontal picture of the man you posted later is way more interesting. The way he sits in a chair, I wonder what happens to his right where he looks, the perspective are all more interesting than his toenail and the print on his shorts.
8) I like it. It's interesting to see backyards/dead ends of side streets/walk ways. and how there's different things stored there.
https://flic.kr/p/Kenk9i) With a tighter crop (aka losing the left third of the picture and a bit to the right as well as about 2/5 at the top and 1/5 on the bottom) I'd really love it. Basically I like the leaning mirror, (some) of the numbers on the wall, seeing the gadgets on the table and a bit of the back of her head (perhaps even with the hands of the girl in white fumbling around in her hair).
Dog meat) I would probably crop it tighter to have the meet be bigger in the frame. I wouldn't want to lose the casual unhygienic nature of the cigarette however.

 

[RayStorm]

I had another session with the last model and actually fucking tried this time...

3119) Aside from it being a bit orange (though I don't mind it as much as others) and her upper lip being a bit thin I like her holding the leaves in her hands, the way she looks into the camera, her head being crowned by the leaves.

3104) Shadow on her neck is too harsh, the orange lighting on her does not fit the rest of the image. Either crop tighter to her (and don't amputate just her feet!), or leave your flash-filters at home. But I like the pose, not a fan of the composition however. I don't care about the left third of the frame at all. Also seems like your horizon is not straight, you might want to rotate that picture a bit so that the right is lower than it is now.

3093) I'm a fan. Love the use of wide angle with her hands her. Like the line she creates with her arms. Background is interesting enough. Not sure if I wouldn't prefer her front hand to be more in focus though, even at the expense of blurring her face a bit. But then this might require a slightly different perspective to have the hand fill more of the frame.

3064) she looks a bit disinterested here. Also I would like her elbow to not be cut off and see a bit more of the background on the left of the frame.

3042) interesting. I'm not sure if I can read the image correctly, or rather her body, but it's certainly (and not in a bad way) interesting.

Here's more...

In terms of composition and the way your model looks this might be one of your strongest selections yet.
3097) her hair in front of her mouth/nose is distracting. I don't really mind the orange filter you used for your falsh that much her. I probably could do without it though.
3070) Shadows are way too strong. Not just those stripey shadows her hair creates but also the contrast between the two halves of her face. Maybe also show a bit more of her upper body
3068) see 3070. I think you could have taken two steps back to show more of her body. But I like the composition here.
3037) again, too much contrast in her face, but other than that I think it's really solid. I might have smoothed her skin on her chin/forehead a bit.
3133) the best lighting in all of the pictures, though the shadow on her left eye makes it look a bit odd.

Wait? So I'm not shit? [...] but opted not to post them cause I though some one would bitch that she wasn't looking at the camera...

You really need to stop with that. Every other post of yours seems to diminish yourself, no matter if said in jest or not. Every creative person questions their own ability constantly. As I said before: DON'T WORRY about what YOU THINK we might complain about, post the pictures YOU find best, regardless of how you think others might react.

3059) That being said... I think she should look a bit more towards the camera But seriously, I probably would have liked you to show her full body without amputating her feet. Perhaps a bit more of the scenery to her left to see what she is looking at. Hence it might have been beneficial if she looked roughly at the bottom right corner of the frame. But I like the way the light works here, her whole face is lit. Maybe however her head should have been tiled a bit more upwards, to see less of the underside of her chin. Or you sttod a bit higher. hm....

3103) As has been said, her smile is really nice. Looks very natural. What hasn't been mentioned: The way your flash creates a shadow just above her chin and on her neck. I don't like that. Also I think it's too much orange. But other than that, and perhaps moving her face more to the left third of the frame I think it's a really good capture.

3058) I think you should have been more at eye height with her. Again, shadows are a bit harsh on her face.

 

[JadedWriter]

3119) Aside from it being a bit orange (though I don't mind it as much as others) and her upper lip being a bit thin I like her holding the leaves in her hands, the way she looks into the camera, her head being crowned by the leaves.

3104) Shadow on her neck is too harsh, the orange lighting on her does not fit the rest of the image. Either crop tighter to her (and don't amputate just her feet!), or leave your flash-filters at home. But I like the pose, not a fan of the composition however. I don't care about the left third of the frame at all. Also seems like your horizon is not straight, you might want to rotate that picture a bit so that the right is lower than it is now.

3093) I'm a fan. Love the use of wide angle with her hands her. Like the line she creates with her arms. Background is interesting enough. Not sure if I wouldn't prefer her front hand to be more in focus though, even at the expense of blurring her face a bit. But then this might require a slightly different perspective to have the hand fill more of the frame.

3064) she looks a bit disinterested here. Also I would like her elbow to not be cut off and see a bit more of the background on the left of the frame.

3042) interesting. I'm not sure if I can read the image correctly, or rather her body, but it's certainly (and not in a bad way) interesting.



In terms of composition and the way your model looks this might be one of your strongest selections yet.
3097) her hair in front of her mouth/nose is distracting. I don't really mind the orange filter you used for your falsh that much her. I probably could do without it though.
3070) Shadows are way too strong. Not just those stripey shadows her hair creates but also the contrast between the two halves of her face. Maybe also show a bit more of her upper body
3068) see 3070. I think you could have taken two steps back to show more of her body. But I like the composition here.
3037) again, too much contrast in her face, but other than that I think it's really solid. I might have smoothed her skin on her chin/forehead a bit.
3133) the best lighting in all of the pictures, though the shadow on her left eye makes it look a bit odd.




You really need to stop with that. Every other post of yours seems to diminish yourself, no matter if said in jest or not. Every creative person questions their own ability constantly. As I said before: DON'T WORRY about what YOU THINK we might complain about, post the pictures YOU find best, regardless of how you think others might react.

3059) That being said... I think she should look a bit more towards the camera But seriously, I probably would have liked you to show her full body without amputating her feet. Perhaps a bit more of the scenery to her left to see what she is looking at. Hence it might have been beneficial if she looked roughly at the bottom right corner of the frame. But I like the way the light works here, her whole face is lit. Maybe however her head should have been tiled a bit more upwards, to see less of the underside of her chin. Or you sttod a bit higher. hm....

3103) As has been said, her smile is really nice. Looks very natural. What hasn't been mentioned: The way your flash creates a shadow just above her chin and on her neck. I don't like that. Also I think it's too much orange. But other than that, and perhaps moving her face more to the left third of the frame I think it's a really good capture.

3058) I think you should have been more at eye height with her. Again, shadows are a bit harsh on her face.

So is the flash pretty much at all times supposed to be in front of them or slightly above them and at an angle? I think I usually had it facing her, but also at times towards the back of them. I think I need to figure out what the best power setting is cause there's a good chance that slightly above half or whatever is too much. Also what colors actually work for portraits? I found out the hard way that greens don't work...at all, but they were probably also just too damn close.

 

[snaffles]

So is the flash pretty much at all times supposed to be in front of them or slightly above them and at an angle? I think I usually had it facing her, but also at times towards the back of them. I think I need to figure out what the best power setting is cause there's a good chance that slightly above half or whatever is too much. Also what colors actually work for portraits? I found out the hard way that greens don't work...at all, but they were probably also just too damn close.

If you don't know where to position your flashes to get what effect you should practice using them on static subjects to see what impact it has and where, you will learn more from experimenting than from someone telling you to do x or y. The position and strength of the flashes will be determined by ambient light, the position of the sun in relation to the model etc. There is also youtube videos by the dozen explaining how to use flashes for different scenarios. You shouldn't really be using coloured gels at all unless you have a specific look or style you are trying to achieve. The purpose of gels is usually to match other ambient light sources while shooting to achieve the correct white balance. Though obviously people use them for artistic purposes as well.

 

[PanicFreak]

Another weekend, another hike. This time, it wasn't with six adults, three babies and three dogs so I got to stretch my legs a bit. My friend and I decided to head up to Thunder Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, which would normally be about a 13.4 mile hike, but we decided that we should try for Falcon Lake after we got there. We almost made it but the last incline made my friend literally quit on the spot. We turned around and logged a total of 17 miles that day.

Picutres:

You walk along the St. Vrain river and its numerous waterfalls. These were called the Cascades.
Thunder Lake Hike - 2016 by Ben Krupka, on Flickr

This one is called Ouzel Falls.
Thunder Lake Hike - 2016 by Ben Krupka, on Flickr

We just happened to see the moon laying in a cradle.
Thunder Lake Hike - 2016 by Ben Krupka, on Flickr

Panorama of the meadow at Thunder Lake
Untitled by Ben Krupka, on Flickr

Thunder Lake from above
Thunder Lake Hike - 2016 by Ben Krupka, on Flickr

The trail to Falcon Lake resembled a mountain goat path at times. Here is a picture of my friend contemplating his existence.
Thunder Lake Hike - 2016 by Ben Krupka, on Flickr

Overall, I would rate this hike highly. It was the longest I've ever done in a single day but it was well worth it for the beauty and the amazing views.

 

[JadedWriter]

If you don't know where to position your flashes to get what effect you should practice using them on static subjects to see what impact it has and where, you will learn more from experimenting than from someone telling you to do x or y. The position and strength of the flashes will be determined by ambient light, the position of the sun in relation to the model etc. There is also youtube videos by the dozen explaining how to use flashes for different scenarios. You shouldn't really be using coloured gels at all unless you have a specific look or style you are trying to achieve. The purpose of gels is usually to match other ambient light sources while shooting to achieve the correct white balance. Though obviously people use them for artistic purposes as well.

I do only have one flash. I would like to get a second to balance everything out better, but that's an extra thing to make sure I move around. I could get one of my roommates to be guinea pigs at some point, but they're always busy.

 

[vern]

a) Don't worry about double posting, I almost missed your pictures due to you editing them in one hour after you first posted.

b) Pictures:

1) It's close to working for me, but I'd like to see more of the windshield. Or just the light and the suspension of the motorbike? I'd also like the foreground flowers to not be blurry. Maybe I'd also like to see more of the door in the backgroundall it's bokehness?
2) I probably agree with you that your caligrapher is more interesting in the portrait format than the second picture of him in landscape you posted later. But I don't think I care much about the wall, microwave of pot that surround him. As such in terms of composition I prefer the second one you showed. In fact overall I think the landscape one is the better picture of the two.
4) meh... seems like an old man smoking, not sure if that's all that exciting. I'm probably more interested about the glasses to his right.
5) a slightly different angle might have been better, or maybe stepping down to have the foreground be in some kind of focus as well... but that might be me just finding pictures with the focus in the background a bit problematic.
6) meh... I think the frontal picture of the man you posted later is way more interesting. The way he sits in a chair, I wonder what happens to his right where he looks, the perspective are all more interesting than his toenail and the print on his shorts.
8) I like it. It's interesting to see backyards/dead ends of side streets/walk ways. and how there's different things stored there.
https://flic.kr/p/Kenk9i) With a tighter crop (aka losing the left third of the picture and a bit to the right as well as about 2/5 at the top and 1/5 on the bottom) I'd really love it. Basically I like the leaning mirror, (some) of the numbers on the wall, seeing the gadgets on the table and a bit of the back of her head (perhaps even with the hands of the girl in white fumbling around in her hair).
Dog meat) I would probably crop it tighter to have the meet be bigger in the frame. I wouldn't want to lose the casual unhygienic nature of the cigarette however.

Thanks for the feedback man, appreciate it a lot.

I tend to not really crop my photos unless I really feel it's necessary, but I think you are right about the wedding picture for sure. On the other hand I really like the setting with the calligraphy guy. It's a massage/Chinese medicine/salon type place, and these all kind of have this look and feel. I suppose without really knowing China it doesn't mean much, but I like the shit microwave next to the massage bed, along with the reflexology type shit on the wall. I think it helps set the scene more and gives it a sense of place that people familiar with China would understand. Cropping it kind of makes it into a living room of someone's home or some other generic place.

I know the smoking guy and the toenails and that sort of thing aren't for everyone. I like to shoot that stuff. The veins in his arms, the yellow toenail. I like it. I know most people don't. I also take pictures of garbage and piles of poop. To me it's part of the human experience, but most people tell me it's gross at worst, uninteresting at best. Toenail guy I agree with you the photo of him sitting is a better photograph, and probably most people would enjoy it better than the first photo I posted, I like to have some different kinds of photos that I share if possible. I take lots of portraits in the street, sometimes I think maybe it's too much, especially since the types of Chinese people willing to let me take their photo and talk to them tend to be old men with nothing better to do. It's hard to get women or younger people to stop for photos out here.

5) I pretty much had to shoot this wide open, it was in a little alcove (not just the guy in his shop, but me too). I like the depth personally, though probably would like the girl to the left of the frame a bit more, and ideally the guy on the right not sticking his glasses or his phone into the photo. Cropping might help it I think, though I'd lose the cool photos on the ceiling and the disco ball thing... which was the reason for the low angle that you don't like. Haha can't win them all.

Thanks again, things to consider next time I'm out shooting street stuff.

Any thoughts on the face of my portraits in the grass? I don't know your photography background... do you shoot portraits much? My advice on how to get the girl to pose better that I gave to Jaded earlier, any thoughts on that? I mean, it works for me I think to get the girl to be loose and natural, but I'm not much of a portrait photographer ( like you said, we all feel question our abilities lol). Cheers.