Can anyone help with my portfolio?

Rhian

Rhian

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9
Name
Rhian
Edit My Images
Yes
YOU have to get it right - opinions from anyone else are not going to help you.
 
I'd look to read a little about composition - The image itself is not particularly good but I can appreciate when starting out it's hard.

Not trying to put you down but if the portfolio is important look to give it your best shot.
 
Each to their own. I think the image has a lot going for it in terms of composition.

The subject is intriguing, the red and green work well, as does the curved branch at the top. Maybe the heron's head could be more clearly seen and there's not much going on bottom left (maybe try a bit of a crop). Not perfectly executed but well seen. :)

I prefer the least processed one. ;)
 
Ed
I'll explain why it's a poor image.

1. It's not a particularly interesting subject. If the bird was real maybe....
2. The angle is wrong - Maybe better if it was taken from the lower deck
3. There is far too much going on in the image - Your eye doesn'y concentrate on the one thing.
4. Pretty much everything is in focus - although I appreciate compact cameras struggle to get shallow dof
5. You cut off the tail
6. Branches cut right through your subject taking the eye away.

Look at images you like and compare - Read about composition. Your subject is on the third (see rule of thirds) but that does not do enough.

As you say each to their own but the rules concerning what makes a good image are pretty much universal - once you "see" what makes a good image your photography will improve.

The processing is irrelevant because the image is not one I'd look to use in a portfolio. Sorry if it sound harsh just trying to honestly help.

Regards
Jim
 
Ed Sutton said:
Gee thanks. I love being patronised, Jim. :D
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Sorry you think I'm being patronising. However I just realised I did make a genuine mistake - I thought you were the OP and I responded as such! So sorry about that.
 
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No probs, Jim.

I was trying to highlight what I thought were the positives in the image. It's always easier to find fault, although your points are valid. However, I feel it has some interesting aspects.

And composition is a very subjective thing, not just about rules - IMO. :)
 
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Pretty much agree with JD, But :thinking:

EOS_JD said:
4. Pretty much everything is in focus - although I appreciate compact cameras struggle to get shallow dof

Regards
Jim
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This capture is rubbish, looks like you were trying to achieve nothing?

What was the point of this shot, what were you trying to portray?
 
Ed Sutton said:
No probs, Jim.

I was trying to highlight what I thought were the positives in the image. It's always easier to find fault, although your points are valid. However, I feel it has some interesting aspects.

And composition is a very subjective thing, not just about rules - IMO. :)
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Totally agree Ed and I do apologise again for the error.

Yes I wasn't trying to be hard - I know exactly what it's like starting out but when starting rules are the things that will help us understand good from bad.

Once one has more experience they can choose when to break and know why they are doing so.

Cheers
JD
 
I am pretty new to photography, I'm only young and this is my first camera so I've got a lot to learn, but I get what you are all saying, thanks for the advice it's helped a lot!
 
Rhian said:
I am pretty new to photography, I'm only young and this is my first camera so I've got a lot to learn, but I get what you are all saying, thanks for the advice it's helped a lot!
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Rhian
No bother mate. Take things easy and on forums when you post images you'll get a lot of killer comments making you rethink what you do.

Please don't take it to heart and keep trying. Posting images for critique will help you understand what to do and what works/doesn't work.

By using the info provided your photography will get better.
 
EOS_JD said:
Yes I wasn't trying to be hard - I know exactly what it's like starting out but when starting rules are the things that will help us understand good from bad.

Once one has more experience they can choose when to break and know why they are doing so.
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Very true. When one becomes aged one can forget that - among many other things!

It was good advice to suggest looking at as many images as possible. Most artists (whatever their medium) start out by aping others as they learn, only geniuses don't need to!
 
I wanted the criticism to be honest, then I can see where I'm going wrong
And that's exactly what happened, so the advice is appreciated:)
 
Glad to have helpd then. :thumbs:
 
Rhian, how long have you got to put together a portfolio? I would suggest you take a couple of shots in each of the various areas of photography with maybe one more in the areas in which you have particular interest.

Look on here and find images you like and read the critiques, it will help you. when you have decided what types of images you want in your portfolio post samples up here for critique and that will help you improve.

Read books on composition as strong composition can hold your images together.
 
I have around a month,
but I'll definitely look at them and find images I like, thankyou!
Yeah I need to read up on composition for sure:)
 
Don't limit yourself to looking at images from the forum. Get googling and find some 'famous' photographers works to inspire you.

There's some good crits of portfolios (and some good portfolios) on the Guardian website that might help you understand why some photos work and others don't.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/photography

:)
 
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