I had to read what people were saying. Some of the advice I think was good, but others of it I think conflicted with your style. I know that people keep saying ‘do landscapes or cityscapes’ but that kind of stuff has been done over and over and over again. I know using people isn’t a new concept, but the way you use your models to convey concepts, meaning, or feeling is shown in a creative and original new light. I just can’t see you, taking landscapes, leaving the same impression as what you do already. Being one of your models I know that ‘yelling at the models advise’ is bogus. It wouldn’t work for everyone and being that most of your models are your friends in real life that would just not work. (if you people out there literally YELL at your model, please stop unless they are taking a sh*t on your camera. Who’s going to want to work for a SOB if your actually trying your best as a model..? ) I think that when you showed me references and poses of what you wanted me to portray was a huge improvement. Maybe some people are a little stiff but a model should know how to basically become the picture and capture what they are portraying. It’s not your job, but maybe just reminding them to envision themselves as whatever you want them to portray. Get them in the mood, motivate them by telling them “oo yeah more of where that came from!” or “hmm let’s try a different pose” Just act bubbly and excited to shoot them. If you’re excited about shooting them, then they will be excited to work for the shot you’re looking for. Besides that, invest in getting more efficient equipment that would make your job a lot easier. Different ethnic groups would be interesting and I would love to do a shoot that had 2 people. I think something you would really enjoy would be a group shoot were people are interacting in different ways, like a Dolce & Gabbana shot. Do small shoots weekly that don’t require as much time & money. Just so you stay motivated & get more practice & experience without as much hassle. Practice coaching mediocre models to see if you can get more out of them for these small shoots. Don’t be too hard on yourself; look at how many people think you don’t even need to improve! Lol your just that awesome! You’re going to keep pushing yourself to excellence regardless of this.
I really really like your photography as is. But heres an idea. You like to do set photography with models. Maybe try to do some random photography without poses and models and costumes. Like maybe just hang out with some friends and take some random photos, and see what you can do without setting everything up. Its fun to see peoples faces in photos when their not set up for them. You get the realism of it. It looks like you have some non pose pics in your gallery but I'd like to see more.
The area of photos you display here are quite amazing, you should consider going to art school (in case you aren't doing that already) to get a final polishing, because that is nothing that can be written just by looking at your pictures here. Most likely you can improve in time.
If you want to improve on your general photographing skill get yourself a fixed length objective and go for a tour and seek out for pictures that you do not usually take.
If both does not apply to you (because you already do / did that), consider traveling to areas where the understanding of art is different to where you live. As an US Citizen, I would suggest CentralEurope (Vienna, Praque, Budapest, Berlin, Swiss, Paris, London. In that order.) and after that, to increase the culture shock, Skandinavia (Oslo, Helsiki, Kopenhagen), Japan, China. If traveling sounds dangerous to you (I really met people that are afraid of it) write me a PN and I will tell you the basic concepts that will keep you save.
If creating fashion photographs is you primer, go to art school.
I already commented on the single photo I thought you could change and agreed with you that it's most important that you are pleased with the presented image.
In all I think your work is awesome and each project seems to advance your style.
I have learned more from you than I think I could possibly teach you.
Can't wait to see what you can do on the calendar project!
You're more "art director" or "director of photography" than a "photographer."
I'm going to join the ranks of those suggesting you maybe step out of your style now and again. The well-planned shoots you have down rather well, and have a team of family and friends to be called into play to help create the set, the scene, the production.
See what you can learn from going out-of-character and being spontaneous or improvisational. Downtown SJ is a great place to wander, explore the light, enjoy the atmosphere, and discover how the various building shapes and styles compliment or contrast, how they fit against the palm-tree lined boulevard and avenues. Make a photostudy of what the heart of "heart of Silicon Valley" feels like. Check out my gallery's "San Jose" collection - [link] - I'd be interested in seeing how you "see" this BIG city.
http://www.facebook.com/michellemoniquephoto
Sta.sh
Devious Comments
I had to read what people were saying. Some of the advice I think was good, but others of it I think conflicted with your style. I know that people keep saying ‘do landscapes or cityscapes’ but that kind of stuff has been done over and over and over again. I know using people isn’t a new concept, but the way you use your models to convey concepts, meaning, or feeling is shown in a creative and original new light. I just can’t see you, taking landscapes, leaving the same impression as what you do already. Being one of your models I know that ‘yelling at the models advise’ is bogus. It wouldn’t work for everyone and being that most of your models are your friends in real life that would just not work. (if you people out there literally YELL at your model, please stop unless they are taking a sh*t on your camera. Who’s going to want to work for a SOB if your actually trying your best as a model..? ) I think that when you showed me references and poses of what you wanted me to portray was a huge improvement. Maybe some people are a little stiff but a model should know how to basically become the picture and capture what they are portraying. It’s not your job, but maybe just reminding them to envision themselves as whatever you want them to portray. Get them in the mood, motivate them by telling them “oo yeah more of where that came from!” or “hmm let’s try a different pose” Just act bubbly and excited to shoot them. If you’re excited about shooting them, then they will be excited to work for the shot you’re looking for. Besides that, invest in getting more efficient equipment that would make your job a lot easier. Different ethnic groups would be interesting and I would love to do a shoot that had 2 people. I think something you would really enjoy would be a group shoot were people are interacting in different ways, like a Dolce & Gabbana shot. Do small shoots weekly that don’t require as much time & money. Just so you stay motivated & get more practice & experience without as much hassle. Practice coaching mediocre models to see if you can get more out of them for these small shoots. Don’t be too hard on yourself; look at how many people think you don’t even need to improve! Lol
~Love yo bff<3
;]
If you want to improve on your general photographing skill get yourself a fixed length objective and go for a tour and seek out for pictures that you do not usually take.
If both does not apply to you (because you already do / did that), consider traveling to areas where the understanding of art is different to where you live. As an US Citizen, I would suggest CentralEurope (Vienna, Praque, Budapest, Berlin, Swiss, Paris, London. In that order.) and after that, to increase the culture shock, Skandinavia (Oslo, Helsiki, Kopenhagen), Japan, China.
If traveling sounds dangerous to you (I really met people that are afraid of it) write me a PN and I will tell you the basic concepts that will keep you save.
If creating fashion photographs is you primer, go to art school.
DSS
In all I think your work is awesome and each project seems to advance your style.
I have learned more from you than I think I could possibly teach you.
Can't wait to see what you can do on the calendar project!
I'm going to join the ranks of those suggesting you maybe step out of your style now and again. The well-planned shoots you have down rather well, and have a team of family and friends to be called into play to help create the set, the scene, the production.
See what you can learn from going out-of-character and being spontaneous or improvisational. Downtown SJ is a great place to wander, explore the light, enjoy the atmosphere, and discover how the various building shapes and styles compliment or contrast, how they fit against the palm-tree lined boulevard and avenues. Make a photostudy of what the heart of "heart of Silicon Valley" feels like. Check out my gallery's "San Jose" collection - [link] - I'd be interested in seeing how you "see" this BIG city.
Shoot babies, candids or something totally different