Thought I would give you some more input - I love the picture of the long-necked deer-like animal. Usually you do not want people or animals looking out of the picture, but this one still works because you are also showing the peaking out of the other animal's head, to me that is what makes it more than a snapshot. The picture of the two kids playing with the nemo fish is really nice, but needs to be cropped and recentered so the "half a kid" is out of the picture. I kind of like the short depth of field in the fireworks picture -- that is an example of how having part of the picture out of focus is good, just not sure the back of the girl's head is enough to have in focus. The big sphere in Orlando -- I have one just like that and probably most who have been do too -- to make yours special enough for a portfolio, it needs something more interesting. Pay attention to shadows, focus, colors, cutting off of feet, ear (yorkie), and tops of the head. You can take a partial head shot, just make it a good crop, not just that the head missed the top of the shot or the foot was chopped off. I am thinking some of the graininess is from zooming in. Better to use a good telephoto lens with a DSLR or SLR. If you have to zoom, make sure all other aspects are optimal (i.e. light vs dark, still vs action). The gorilla shot could have been killer, but the lack of lighting and the graininess sort of steal the shot from you. I hope I am not being too critical, but that is what people who will pay for your work will be too.
I would also consider taking a photography class or two. That can really help with some of the things I mentioned, basics. Even the artist has to learn the equipment -- what it can do as well as its limitations. Then the artist will take it a step past the equipment. I really envy those that see the art in everything around them --the ones that find the interesting angles, the best vantage point, the music in the color and crop. When you find yourself doing that naturally, then you will know you are ready.
I took a photography class at the local college. When they started critiquing our first assignment, I could not believe it how many aspects there were to a good photo! All of mine had something that could have been improved upon. I remember the first photo the instructor really loved....I had almost deleted it! It was a stump with interesting fungus growing on it and I had done a closeup. Took a while before I got that kind of approval from him on a people shot. Still, I can critique better than I can photograph. But knowing what is wrong, is half the battle anyway.
Keep on shooting! Looks like you could refine with just a little "schooling." There are some great books and even online help available. Try the Canon site -- they have actual courses online to help you take great pictures! Good luck! |