The most hard-core chick I know... [lingerie, pics attached]

[McMadCow]

It's been a while since I've posted a shot for a critique but I wanted to throw these two out there. They are from a shoot I was on last weekend and the model is pretty happy with them both. I like shooting models the most, but this is the first time I really feel like I've brought an actual "personal touch" to the shots so I'm pretty happy. Shot on Delta 400. Questions and critiques are appreciated.

[Peter_AUS]

Three things, underexposed, needs sharpening and has no profile attached to them, like sRGB for web display. You might find that helps in regards to better presentation of the model.

[CLKunst]

Dig it! I love the edgie feel of these pictures! They also feel crowded though, I would like to be able to keep an eye on the barrel of that gun. My other nit is the tips of the batwings on her chest piece are a tad clipped. Overall, these are strong images. I'm not surprised she's happy with them.
Cheers!

[Seb]

It's been a while since I've posted a shot for a critique but I wanted to throw these two out there. They are from a shoot I was on last weekend and the model is pretty happy with them both. I like shooting models the most, but this is the first time I really feel like I've brought an actual "personal touch" to the shots so I'm pretty happy. Shot on Delta 400. Questions and critiques are appreciated.

Hello McMadCow,

Compostionally wise, these are both good. You do have an interesting model with attitude and I believe that you succeded to capture this. However, these don't have the instant impact they could have because of the technical issues that were pointed out. Some unsharp mask and a level or curve adjustment would go a long way here.

Here is a quick example of what I have in mind, feel free to comment and or bash my edit lol (I am not used to model photography my edits might not be dead on)

regards

Seb

[GB1]

I like Seb's adjusted shot better, better contrast, etc. To me, the background doesnt work for this model. She has a contempuary hair style and lipstick, and the background is for a more rough-around-the-edges type .... Maybe a woman in a police uniform, etc. Looks a little overcast outside too (typical SF weather maybe). Btw - Once I saw the photos, I figured this was from California (ha ha).
-GB

[McMadCow]

Hey everyone, thanks for the replies so far! Unfortunately the two big concerns everyone has been expressing came as a result of post-production choices I had to make. My original prints are fairly well-exposed and contrasty, but that's not when the image looks like after my ^#$#%@ piece of %$%! $10 second-hand scanner has had its way with them. The image I've got to start editing in PS ends up being way more flat than the original and I feel like I lose too much original detail and tones by brightening up the exposure and adding an unsharp mask. I'll definitely keep in mind that it's not necessarily working out for other wiewers though. Man, I am counting the days until I get a good film scanner...!
Thanks again for the input!

[gahspidy]

I like the model and the comp, but I'm not feeling this in b&w. I understand you lost alot of punch with your scanner, but I'm still just feeling like color would have worked especially with the bg. Still very good, of course, but just giving you my thoughts. You'll be pleased once you get that good scanner. I'm using the Nikon Coolscan V and it's excellent. Also, unless your developing your own b&w prints, there would be no need to shoot in b&w any longer. Shoot everything in color and convert those you feel benefit from b&w. The options are there.

[McMadCow]

Interesting thought on converting color to monochrome, Gary. It's an interesting thought and I'll probably give it a try although I do feel that there really isn't a substitute for Delta using that method. I have been developing and printing my own B&W but I wouldn't mind shooting in color in order to get more variety of options. As I said though, I'm a little skeptical. I've seen some digital conversions to what is supposed to pass for a "black and white photograph"... shudder.
I've been looking at a Minolta Dimage Dual Scan IV when I do take the plunge into a film scanner. It's not too expensive and it seems to have decent performance. It will certainly be leaps and bounds above my current POS print scanner.

Also, CLKunst: DOH!!!! Good eye! I didn't even notice that the muzzle of the gun was out of frame and now I do and now I'm kicking myself. Oh well... live and learn, right? Thanks for commenting!

[gahspidy]

Good choice of scanner. Big bang for the buck. As for b&w conversions, it all depends on what look your going for, but I can tell you that you can not only simulate, but surpass and further achieve any effect you may be going for. Some people merely desaturate a photo and call it b&w. But there are many different methods that can be used to do just about anything from simulating the effects of having red or yellow filters shooting b&w to adding grain and noise for a timeless old looking piece. I think your gonna like it alot once you get into it.

[McMadCow]

Oops, I forgot this thread was up. Anyway, thanks for the tips. I'll probably try and re-scan these shots once I've got my new hardware. The prints from the lab and the enlargements I did in my darkroom all look better than what I was able to muster up in Photoshop. The model loves her prints and I'll pass on the comments she received here. Thanks!