Help to improve

I think you have some nice work: why not change your avatar to one of your photographs and see if you get more traffic

I never understand why photographers have themselves as their avatar. View it as your shop window and ask would a client know what my work represents from this avatar

I think the bottom part of your port is weaker and could be hidden. Don’t be afraid to remove old work as you improve

I really like your stuff. Crisp, clean & an appealing commercial vibe.

Your processing is fine, too. Not over done, not under done. You could start learning some skin retouching and maybe a bit about colour grading. And you could start learning more about lighting.

Whatever you do don't make my mistake and get bogged down in that stuff at the expense of the narrative element. 

Tabitha Boydell Thanks Tabitha. Will certainly have a ‘weed out’ over the weekend. On the Avatar thing - hmmm - will have a think about that. One or two models have said that they like the fact that the avatar is me, but understand your point.

JonC I think models do like to see your face before a shoot but I would put these in an album and call it Me or something so they can still see it

A good eye catching avatar that represents your work really does encourage click throughs

Simon Carter thanks Simon. Been on a steep learning curve with the retouching, and getting better - but must re-edit the earlier stuff. Have a programme of in-line learning and experimentation on-going!

JonC said

So, I would really appreciate constructive criticism, and in particular suggestions for how I can improve my portfolio, both in the quality and range of work, and on the accompanying notes.

Jon

Good afternoon

When you say an experienced photographer, can you elaborate? Did you run your own business? I can see you've shot a bit of stock but be handy if you went into more detail.

Hmm, I would change your cover image, for me, the model has an awkward expression and it doesn't really grab your attention nor do I see this 'edge' which you talk about. 

This however it 10 times better.

"It has become clear to me that my work is nowhere near an acceptable standard, and as a consequence I am cancelling all shoots where I have not already booked a studio. I will be back, and rebook shoots when I have worked on my technique and shoot styling/planning. Sorry." - Your work is fine, most photographers on here can barely get in image in focus, engage the model, or get an image with multiple background distractions.

"An experienced sports, food, landscape and events photographer, with work exhibited in open and solo exhibitions, broadening portfolio into more commercial and portrait photography." - Each to their own but for this comes across as pretentious in my head. Experienced photographer whose been exhibited? Exhibited where? Galleries? Collections? Can you be more specific? It's like when someone says I'm internationally published and then just ends there. I've been published on Vogue Italia, I wouldn't say I've been internationally published as for me that's silly. 

"My photography tends toward a narrative style, looking for images that tell a story, or pose questions in the viewers mind." - Does it though? I'd probably disagree with this statement. You have a lot of nice portraits but none of them make me think about what is going on or what is the story behind this photo, or is it a metaphor for something etc. I would work on your notes again, again I wouldn't think there is a photographer focusing on creativity. 

Model in skirt and bra in a lake? For me the twigs behind the model are pretty distracting and steal my attention from the center of the frame so I would clone this out in post. 

Model in a bright red dress that doesn't really match the location or lighting, the off-camera flash is too bright for the scene. 

Even the image title "... and relax' for me doesn't make sense, I can't imagine that pose is very relaxing for the model, it definitely doesn't look comfortable as a viewer. 

Do you use mood boards? I would maybe think about poses a bit more. Like even this, for me, the model looks somewhat bored. I think the pose could be way more interesting, did you direct the model in this image, it seems like they were free posing. Also, I'm guessing you don't really do retouching? The radiator for me is a big distraction as is the text on the cushion which I would remove in post. 

Do you crop for Instagram and upload those on Purpleport too? Just trying to get my head about the square crops in some of your images but not all.

This is nice, again I think a bit more post to dodge/burn to emphasize the blacks would add more polish to the image.

I would make your IG a clickable click as you have premium - @JonClempner

"Fellow of RSA, Member of RPS." - Do you find you get significantly more bookings because of this?

I think your portfolio would have far more impact if you limited it to your very best images, I'll agree with Tabitha, the images at the bottom of your portfolio are definitely not as strong as the more recent images but I guess if you want to show growth in your photography journey it's okay.

For me, these images stand out from your portfolio, I think less is more and if you wanted to go for quality the standard of these is better than others. 

Albums

Never been a fan of the trophy cabinet approach, it would make more sense to have albums organised by genre so if a model wanted to see headshots they could quickly look at your headshot album but if you prefer to have albums dedicated to each model you've shot fair play to you.

This is cool, you should add it to your main portfolio.

"I don’t do lingerie, glamour or nude unless there is a specific narrative reason." - Curious what was the narrative for this?

And this?

The photos of BOou are definitely my favourite, the natural light was great. I would say try doing more simple portraits like this and practice on posing models

For example, this is a great portrait

But then this is awkward, the pose, the facial expression, its quite dark, the skin tones look very orange and my eye is drawn to the circle thing by her right foot.

All the best. 

Edited by @vishpateluk

@vishpateluk wow, thank you for the comprehensive feedback. A lot to take in.

I wouldn't mind some tips on my port? (please)

SussieSoiree1406 said

I wouldn't mind some tips on my port? (please)

If you start a new thread in this group, I'm sure someone will offer their opinions.

Richard Winn said

SussieSoiree1406 said

I wouldn't mind some tips on my port? (please)

If you start a new thread in this group, I'm sure someone will offer their opinions.

oh sorry that's how this works, thank you

You have some good images in your port, but I think, as you have recognised, some development in retouching and processing would benefit you. I come from a different angle than Vish, in the respect, that I think too much direction of the model can lead to awkward-looking images. I would agree that there needs to be some direction, but it is more about communicating your idea to the model, rather then saying "I want you to pose like this". They are more familiar with their body than you are and experienced models have a much better idea than the photographer (in most cases) on how to pose to make the image work. For me, it isn't about what the photographer is directing, but more of a collaborative response to an idea. I would suggest leaving the intricacies of posing to them and allowing yourself to see how the light falls on the model to either move them or pose in a slightly different way to allow the light to fall where you want it to fall. Again, many of the most experienced models are very aware of the light and will offer a second pair of eyes, knowing when it isn't right. However, also be aware, that most models have a set range of poses or their favourite poses and you may need to pull them out of that, they may also be set on certain lighting conditions, so don't be afraid to encourage them to try different things.

In terms of processing (and lighting), remember that shadows are an important part of most images and faces aren't flat. Just like make-up is often applied to accentuate parts of the face to give the appearance of certain shapes, processing should follow the same principles and that is why dodging and burning is so important. Also, retouching is important, to clean up skin and shine. I follow the principle of removing anything that probably won't be there in a couple of weeks,. so any spots get removed. I don't however remove things like freckles, unless they fall in an odd position and make it look like something they aren't. When developing your processing though, often less is more, so be careful about taking things too far, models are human after all and leather skin or completely smooth skin should only be for specific looks that you may have been going for and even then, they don't often look good (in my opinion of course). Many of you images lack shadows around the eyes or under the cheeks and the images lack depth as a result. Some judicious burning in those areas would improve those images dramatically, but remember, dodging and burning can alter the appearance, so you do need to be careful.