portfolio help

[livin4lax09]

Hello everyone, I would like your help with some portfolio shots. I am looking for 6 shots to submit to SS for my application. I have put together a compilation of my favorite or best images. If you could please check them out and let me know which ones you like the best, or just give me critique, that would be great. Thanks everyone!

the actual link - http://img295.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=fixed7pb.jpg

just a fun flipbook

[ekstasis16]

Good stuff. I'll number them 1-17 going across the rows.

5) I love the shape of the water and the composition. My favorite. Might crop it a bit tighter.

10) Sharp, sharp, sharp. Might have helped to see some of the dirt he's about to land in, but since I have a strong preference for shooting really tight, I like it.

13) Fantastic! I wish I could get this shot. Is it just me, or does anyone else have a hard time getting portfolio-quality shots in landscape orientation?

15) Crisp, clear, and background nicely out of focus. Wish I could see their faces better, but sometimes its darn near impossible.

17) Awesome. If he's not hurting right at that moment, it looks like he's about to be...

[livin4lax09]

landscapes are hard because humans are vertical. It only lends itself well to a few sports. Hockey is one of those, and football sometimes works too.

[JSPhoto]

numbering the same way as prior poster

#1: but needs some work
#5: Appears over sharpened though, not sure if full size it would be ok or not - don't crop it though
#3: would be an ok shot, just wish the player had control of the puck or it was closer to him
#8: is ok but opposing player is distracting
#10: Nice job here...good DOF. Cropped too tight though, you should have the pit in the shot too

The rest just don't do anything for me as they are shot too tight or cropped too tight which turns me off. There are hands and legs missing or just parts of bodies. I know you have alot more to choose from with whole bodies.

Just my thoughts...
JS

[masdog]

Brent,

I know you have a lot of images and a particular group that you consider your best. Why don't you pick the six you were thinking about submitting and have us critique that? It might work better that way since we get an idea of what you think your strengths and weaknesses are.

Sean

[livin4lax09]

im just interested to know which 6 your favorites are, to see if they match up with what I'm thinking. Don't worry, I'll let everyone know which ones I like the most.

[masdog]

I'd have to say that I'm a big fan of #2, 3, 5, 9, 15, and 16.

[livin4lax09]

well, i decided after considerationt that I am not going to apply for a little while. I'm going to get my 1d, and with Al Servo hopefully get some shots worth keeping.

[JSPhoto]

well, i decided after considerationt that I am not going to apply for a little while. I'm going to get my 1d, and with Al Servo hopefully get some shots worth keeping.

Liven,

you have some very good shots here, no reason you shouldn't apply for a job. I think you have some excellent shots that you have posted but didn't include here as well, and I think you should consider some of those as possibilities.

I have found that many of my photos that I like, others don;t think they are my best work. Ultimately though it is your choice that matters most.

JS

[livin4lax09]

thanks for the words of encouragement JS. I guess looking at some of the ratings on the photos has gotten me a little down recently. When 3 people rate your image as a 2 out of 10, you can't help but think you're doing something wrong. On top of that, I really had no good shots from yesterday. I was just too flustered to take good shots. There's always the next day though. I still think I'm going to hold out on SS application.

[masdog]

Livin,

Don't hold out. You do have some good images. There is no reason that you shouldn't apply. If you don't make it, you'll get some great feedback that will make you an even better photographer.

Don't wait until you get a better camera to take more images. Remember, the camera doesn't make the photographer. Like any tool, it will expand what you can do, but in the end, it comes down to your experience and talent, not the camera.

You have nothing to lose and a whole lot to gain. Just make sure you read up on the application guidelines before you apply and that you have a photographer who is willing to sponsor you (which I am sure you have done).

Also, go back through your images and give them all a second look. Upon review, you might find one or two pictures that you don't have in this thread that you think are worthy of consideration. You never know when you'll find a diamond in the rough.