Shutterstock Photographer Forum :: View topic

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

Hi all,
a few photos to critic when you get the chance...

The Asparagus with Ribbon has had some editing done to it to remove the rough, scratched background (my coffee table! Gotta get me some black velvet soon!!!) So I included both the original and the edited version in the uploads... should I totally erase the highlights (along the ribbons' edges)?

I have yet to submit my first attempt at 10... too nervous and want to learn much more before taking the big plunge.
All suggestions are appreciated!

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

Also, do you think the fact that the asparagus tips in the back are oof matters much?

Next... Easter Tulips... thoughts???

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

A fallen Maple Leaf... The leaf itself is quite torn... acceptable??

What about the nuts on black... too dark? If so (and i think it may be....) can it be fixed?

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

Here is the 100% of the nuts.... too oof?

Teacup with Teapot... any CV to it?

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

Milk weed pod... thoughts and comments welcome!

Thanks in advance for all your help!

rinder99 · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:20 pm

Hello and welcome. Well the way you have the shots composed I think you need much more in focus. Your just doing "Objects" which is fine but arranging them this way makes the images have a snapshot feel. Yes, If your gonna do a Black Background ...It must be BLACK not sorta black. The leaf wont do, The nuts are over processed I do like the effect of the tea pot and the coloring [with a better looking cup perhaps]The milkweed is Just OK. looks like on camera flash which is a No, No. Loosen Up, Slow down and do a search for the objects your doing to see the competition. [very Important]

I know you've been Lurking around so you must Know what I always say....Merely getting accepted is really quite simple if thats all you want. having Images that sell is very difficult.

Question and be honest, Do you have a working understanding of DOF and how it applies to distance to subject?? This is going to be critical for you as it is everyone. General Photography is for everyone, "Stock" Photography is a completely different animal. Your selling to Buyers to use your work to help there client sell his idea. Think like that and you will do Fine. In My view None of these will work. Lets see what else ya got. Good Luck and again welcome.Slow down, think about each shot. Try some isolations because sooner or later your gonna have to do them.And Learn Manual everything. Thats a must.

jeffbanke · Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:52 pm

I have to agree with Laurin,
you need to ask yourself this question right before you press the shutter; "How can an art director use this image to help sell a product, a service or a concept?"
Next write down 5 different ways that one could use the image you are about to take, this way possibly someone else will see 2-3 of them.
What this will do is slow you down, make you think about the composition more.
When you are satisfied that you have the 5 uses, and that the composition is at least as good if not better than anything else in SS's library, you will then have a winning image.

We always say try to make the first 10 have great variety, people, objects, isolations of objects, landscape, etc., the idea ids to demonstrate a thorogh understanding of lighting and your camera.

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

I am educating myself on the DOF subject with many many many books and taking tons of pictures... I am looking into taking a class as well. I pour over the photos already on SS to get some ideas of what will work and so I know what the competition is and I know I've got a long way to go. Just starting out, however I already feel as though I have come a long way!

As far as 'just getting in', of course that is not my only goal and so I am waiting, studying and taking tons of pictures to increase my knowledge, ability and understanding of stock photography. I will definitely 'slow down' and take into consideration the buyer's aspect. I am new to the tech aspect of isolations but I love a challenge and feel that I learn quickly.

Thanks for the honest criticism and I look forward to showing you both that I can do better!

rinder99 · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 4:33 pm

Good Attitude.

jeffbanke · Posted: Sun Nov 08, 2009 1:21 am

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

I just notices that there seems to be a lot of noise in the 100% of the flagpole and flag itself but... there is none in my viewer at 100%??? Why why why?

here's another photo... I know the composition puts the creature dead center, which is a no-no but I wanted you impression more on my growing knowledge of DOF.

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

This is my attempt at urban photography tee hee!

I quite like the composition but am not sure if the pots on the middle, right balcony distract from it or add to it. The color seems a little flat...what else can I improve on for next time?

dlovely · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 448

Just wondering if this subject would be good for trying isolation?

digigandalf · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Posts: 4320 Location: Twinsburg, OH

Unfortunately, they're all still soft in focus, except for the last one. The birdhouse is not an isolation, it's a birdhouse on a wrinkled (and pink) bed sheet. It can be made plain white in PS, but you should work on your lighting setup more.