just had email
Posted 21/11/2011 - 11:49 - Helpful Comment
Link
Certainly good to review and question your direction, but it depends on your self belief and honesty at what stage you think your 'learning' is I suppose. Perhaps just like getting a single image judged in a competition it is good to get your body of work (and website!) critiqued.
You come across 'togs that have whole separate site addresses for their work e.g. one for landscape prints another for weddings. If the commercial route is what your want and believe you ready for then of course as in any area of business a clear strategy would be preferable.
If you want just want a platform, some personal prestige and a 'Contact' page, have your own site and/or join lots of sites. Mark Littlejohn, is another example - while you get the feeling he would quit his job in a heart beat and photo fulltime, he still believes he is learning and has in the meantime seemingly joined every photo sharing site there is and is entering competitions, though of course it certainly helps he takes very popular vibrant and atmospheric images.
I bet when he gets his own website set up he'll get some weirdo sending him an email saying, 'Like your stuff, but really think you need to expand your work, how many long exposures of a tree and some stones in a lake at 4.30am in the morning can one man take?'
As I say, there's all sorts once you put yourself out there, even guys who are really bored at work posting on forums like they know what their talking about.....
You come across 'togs that have whole separate site addresses for their work e.g. one for landscape prints another for weddings. If the commercial route is what your want and believe you ready for then of course as in any area of business a clear strategy would be preferable.
If you want just want a platform, some personal prestige and a 'Contact' page, have your own site and/or join lots of sites. Mark Littlejohn, is another example - while you get the feeling he would quit his job in a heart beat and photo fulltime, he still believes he is learning and has in the meantime seemingly joined every photo sharing site there is and is entering competitions, though of course it certainly helps he takes very popular vibrant and atmospheric images.
I bet when he gets his own website set up he'll get some weirdo sending him an email saying, 'Like your stuff, but really think you need to expand your work, how many long exposures of a tree and some stones in a lake at 4.30am in the morning can one man take?'
As I say, there's all sorts once you put yourself out there, even guys who are really bored at work posting on forums like they know what their talking about.....
Pentax pour des images riches en détails!
Posted 21/11/2011 - 12:13 - Helpful Comment
Link
Shaun
There is an old saying that goes soemthing like "opinions are like **** *****, everybody has one"
Just to prove I am no exception to the rule () - IMHO there is only one question to ask yourself - are you happy with what you are doing? if the answer is 'Yes' - no action required.
Otherwise seek opinion from those you trust and act accordingly and don't lose sight of the fact that you produce some stunning images that all of us on the forum have the pleasure of viewing.
IF and when I ever find the time to set up my own web site - it will undoubtedly contain an eclectic mix of images. Like you - there are many things I enjoy photographing and so long as I have done a reasonable job of them - they will be on there.
Having said that - if I ever wanted to sell images of male mallard ducks - I would be setting up a website called "male-mallard-duck-images-R-US.com"
Do what you like with your web-site Shaun - just keep sharing the good stuff with us.
Carl
There is an old saying that goes soemthing like "opinions are like **** *****, everybody has one"
Just to prove I am no exception to the rule () - IMHO there is only one question to ask yourself - are you happy with what you are doing? if the answer is 'Yes' - no action required.
Otherwise seek opinion from those you trust and act accordingly and don't lose sight of the fact that you produce some stunning images that all of us on the forum have the pleasure of viewing.
IF and when I ever find the time to set up my own web site - it will undoubtedly contain an eclectic mix of images. Like you - there are many things I enjoy photographing and so long as I have done a reasonable job of them - they will be on there.
Having said that - if I ever wanted to sell images of male mallard ducks - I would be setting up a website called "male-mallard-duck-images-R-US.com"
Do what you like with your web-site Shaun - just keep sharing the good stuff with us.
Carl
No matter how many lenses I have owned - I have always needed just one more
Posted 21/11/2011 - 19:23
Link
Well all I can say is thank you all for the support,
I love taking photos of every thing I cant just walk by see some thing and ignore it! If its beautiful or good enough , I will take the shot good or bad.
I also love to see every ones else’s photos as that give me the motivation and ideas to make new photography or try anyway,
Photography has got to be fun! If it stops being fun then I will stop doing photography.
I know from a professional point of view my site probably to much going on in it, but I have had customers from it, so maybe its working for me, I would like to think so.
i do so hope its upto it
I love taking photos of every thing I cant just walk by see some thing and ignore it! If its beautiful or good enough , I will take the shot good or bad.
I also love to see every ones else’s photos as that give me the motivation and ideas to make new photography or try anyway,
Photography has got to be fun! If it stops being fun then I will stop doing photography.
I know from a professional point of view my site probably to much going on in it, but I have had customers from it, so maybe its working for me, I would like to think so.
Quote:
I agree with him - I think you need to restrict your photography to one subject, birds, and it's best to just concentrate on one species, Ducks, in fact I believe you would be better concerning yourself with only one particular duck, The Mallard, and to become really really good I'd suggest confining yourself to only adult drakes.
I agree with him - I think you need to restrict your photography to one subject, birds, and it's best to just concentrate on one species, Ducks, in fact I believe you would be better concerning yourself with only one particular duck, The Mallard, and to become really really good I'd suggest confining yourself to only adult drakes.
Quote:
+1 what frogfish says.
A long term in-depth study of a single duck will convince your audience you are a serious photographer and it will give you the mental headroom to improve further.
Obviously having several subjects will inhibit the genius to be nurtured to true fulfillment. K-7, Nokton 58, Tam 17-50, Sig 10-20 F4; Viv 55mm, Z-1, EF-500 DG Sup, Durst M370. CF-630, K-5 (for sale Sigma 105mm and K-7)
Q squeptical
you two are so right iam so sorry i miss the point got it now so hows this for starters ????? +1 what frogfish says.
A long term in-depth study of a single duck will convince your audience you are a serious photographer and it will give you the mental headroom to improve further.
Obviously having several subjects will inhibit the genius to be nurtured to true fulfillment. K-7, Nokton 58, Tam 17-50, Sig 10-20 F4; Viv 55mm, Z-1, EF-500 DG Sup, Durst M370. CF-630, K-5 (for sale Sigma 105mm and K-7)
Q squeptical
i do so hope its upto it
PPG link
Posted 21/11/2011 - 19:47
Link
nice cropping, blurred background, vivid colours, good sharpness, glint in his beady eye, a cliche challenging composition, beautifully processed, it tells a story but leaves us asking questions, shows his cheeky character brilliantly, well seen, great capture, awesome duck.
You obviously have ducks licked.
You obviously have ducks licked.
Lurking is shirking.!
Posted 21/11/2011 - 20:05
Link
There you go ..... pure genius
http://frogfish.smugmug.com/ Pentax. Pentax DA*300/4, Cosina 55/1.2, Lens Baby Composer Pro & Edge 80, AFA x1.7, Metz 50 af1.
Nikon. D800. D600. Sigma 500/4.5, Nikon 300/2.8 VRII, Sigma 120-300/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 21/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 35/2.0, Sigma 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.8, Nikon TC20EIII, Nikon TC14EII, Kenko x1.4, Sigma 2.0
Nikon. D800. D600. Sigma 500/4.5, Nikon 300/2.8 VRII, Sigma 120-300/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 21/2.8, Zeiss Distagon ZF2 35/2.0, Sigma 50/1.4, Nikkor 85/1.8, Nikon TC20EIII, Nikon TC14EII, Kenko x1.4, Sigma 2.0
Posted 21/11/2011 - 21:19 - Helpful Comment
Link
I'm sure he's right that you'll improve in a single field if you stick to that alone. However you get pretty close to 'mastering' multiple fields without making photography boring by limiting the forms you play with.
It may be that reducing the range of photography shown on your site might increase the amount of work it generates.
If I was after a product photographer, I don't think the quick look I gave your site would have inspired me to pick you, as I'd be after a specialist in the field who knows all the tricks etc. It may be that you're well up on most of the tricks, but memories of photo shoots my Dad had done tells me how meticulous the field is...
The general high quality of the images could well have got me to shortlist you as a wedding photographer if I needed one (Not a role I fancy) - fortunately I should have at least 10 years before it gets to that. I suspect having the eye for a shot counts for quite a bit in wedding photography & your creativity is bound to be an advantage there, as it is in portraiture.
Many if the sections in your Gallery I wouldn't expect to generate commissions, instead being more like a better quality version of my Flickr collection - a (hopefully) interesting collection that have been fun to create. However these are the sections of the gallery that interest me most, acting as inspiration to try something similar, and are I suspect more likely to attract students for your courses & generate business in that way.
If your happy with the business your site generates, there's no point in changing it! Increasing your income at the expense of making photography just work (ie no longer enjoyable) is I think a backwards step.
For me though photography is definitely a hobby & I don't seriously expect to ever get a month where it earns me more than it costs me in that month.
It may be that reducing the range of photography shown on your site might increase the amount of work it generates.
If I was after a product photographer, I don't think the quick look I gave your site would have inspired me to pick you, as I'd be after a specialist in the field who knows all the tricks etc. It may be that you're well up on most of the tricks, but memories of photo shoots my Dad had done tells me how meticulous the field is...
The general high quality of the images could well have got me to shortlist you as a wedding photographer if I needed one (Not a role I fancy) - fortunately I should have at least 10 years before it gets to that. I suspect having the eye for a shot counts for quite a bit in wedding photography & your creativity is bound to be an advantage there, as it is in portraiture.
Many if the sections in your Gallery I wouldn't expect to generate commissions, instead being more like a better quality version of my Flickr collection - a (hopefully) interesting collection that have been fun to create. However these are the sections of the gallery that interest me most, acting as inspiration to try something similar, and are I suspect more likely to attract students for your courses & generate business in that way.
If your happy with the business your site generates, there's no point in changing it! Increasing your income at the expense of making photography just work (ie no longer enjoyable) is I think a backwards step.
For me though photography is definitely a hobby & I don't seriously expect to ever get a month where it earns me more than it costs me in that month.
Mike
.
Pentax:K5ii, K7, K100D, DA18-55, DA10-17, DA55-300, DA50-200, F100-300, F50, DA35 AL, 4* M50, 2* M135, Helicoid extension, Tak 300 f4 (& 6 film bodies)
3rd Party: Bigmos (Sigma 150-500mm OS HSM),2* 28mm, 100mm macro, 28-200 zoom, 35-80 zoom, 80-200 zoom, 80-210 zoom, 300mm M42, 600 mirror, 1000-4000 scope, 50mm M42, enlarger lenses, Sony & micro 4/3 cameras with various PK mounts, Zenit E...
Far to many tele-converters, adapters, project parts & extension tubes etc.
.[size=11:].Flickr• WPF• Panoramio
.
Pentax:K5ii, K7, K100D, DA18-55, DA10-17, DA55-300, DA50-200, F100-300, F50, DA35 AL, 4* M50, 2* M135, Helicoid extension, Tak 300 f4 (& 6 film bodies)
3rd Party: Bigmos (Sigma 150-500mm OS HSM),2* 28mm, 100mm macro, 28-200 zoom, 35-80 zoom, 80-200 zoom, 80-210 zoom, 300mm M42, 600 mirror, 1000-4000 scope, 50mm M42, enlarger lenses, Sony & micro 4/3 cameras with various PK mounts, Zenit E...
Far to many tele-converters, adapters, project parts & extension tubes etc.
.[size=11:].Flickr• WPF• Panoramio
Posted 21/11/2011 - 21:31
Link
Perhaps you should have zoomed in on the left nostril Or better still serve the duck roasted with a bottle of JB Adam, Gewurztraminer Reserve, Alsace, (France), 2003 or Tablas Creek Vineyard, Roussanne, Paso Robles, (California), 2003. A little off topic but delicious all the same
Posted 21/11/2011 - 22:36
Link
I suppose you must be thinking whether it is a wind up? I think there is a grain of truth in what he is saying, not from your photography but from your reaction.
He probably needs some feedback on his feedback- being told to "calm down" by a stranger is always likely to cause the opposite reaction- cheeky bugger.
The other quote I would question is
What a tool.
He probably needs some feedback on his feedback- being told to "calm down" by a stranger is always likely to cause the opposite reaction- cheeky bugger.
The other quote I would question is
puma wrote:
I hope you don’t mind me saying but I felt I had too!
I think it's a lie frankly. What would he have done if he didnt email you, it would have beenpositively unbearable! I hope you don’t mind me saying but I felt I had too!
What a tool.
Posted 22/11/2011 - 01:38 - Helpful Comment
Link
Hope you do't mind I have just had a look at your website & myself I found there to be way to many images. Take your wedding folio nearly 50 images or your sports folio 80 images or the 100s of animal images, many of them are from the same shoot. I would seriously consider a harsh culling. Say your best image from each shoot. This would make your site look a lot more professional, with a look that says first time right approach. You do have lots of very good photography, just way to much for a professional photographers site.
I would also consider refining your folio of each subject so you have a bank of portrait orientated images then landscape so the viewer can just click rather than have to move the mouse between each image.
As I said some very very good work, spoilt by its presentation...
I would also not call myself a semi pro on a website built to promote my business, either you are or you are not. If you get paid work you are a pro simple, this will make you more saleable for your teaching classes, who wants to be taught by a semi pro??? Just call yourself a pro full stop. You have qualifications & you get paid, simples!!!
I would also consider refining your folio of each subject so you have a bank of portrait orientated images then landscape so the viewer can just click rather than have to move the mouse between each image.
As I said some very very good work, spoilt by its presentation...
I would also not call myself a semi pro on a website built to promote my business, either you are or you are not. If you get paid work you are a pro simple, this will make you more saleable for your teaching classes, who wants to be taught by a semi pro??? Just call yourself a pro full stop. You have qualifications & you get paid, simples!!!
PPG Wedding photography Flickr
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Posted 22/11/2011 - 10:00
Link
My conclusion from the comments on this topic is that a website cannot be all things to all men.
A professional photographer will not have the same expectations of a site as an amateur. Sometimes I think the professionals make their sites too unapproachable : if you are going to encourage beginners, remember how daunted you were to begin with - the site needs to be fun and say "Look what I can show you" .....
I agree with cabstar about not saying semi pro in that you are either pro or you are not. Never undersell yourself ! Your website is where you must convince others of your skills and professionalism.
I also think that cabstar has a point about the size of each folio : you could make them smaller but then have a link to your Flickr site for those who want to see more.
Wedding photos are different : People today want to see something other than the formal, posed bog-standard shot. The young lady having her garter fiddled with will tickle the fancy of some, for example
How many times have you heard people say that some of the best shots have been taken by the guests ? The huge variety in Shaun's wedding photo section is to me what people want to see !
As I've already said, it's a great site, Shaun. I am an enthusiastic beginner so my views and expectations of a website will be very different from a professional or experienced photographer.
Perhaps it's a question of deciding what you want out of your website : business ? doing courses ? providing a site where people can simply view and enjoy your work ?
It's not always easy to know exactly how to present a website, which is why feedback is so important. You will see differing opinions and ideas which will hopefully help.
Sorry .......... I've rather rambled on
A professional photographer will not have the same expectations of a site as an amateur. Sometimes I think the professionals make their sites too unapproachable : if you are going to encourage beginners, remember how daunted you were to begin with - the site needs to be fun and say "Look what I can show you" .....
I agree with cabstar about not saying semi pro in that you are either pro or you are not. Never undersell yourself ! Your website is where you must convince others of your skills and professionalism.
I also think that cabstar has a point about the size of each folio : you could make them smaller but then have a link to your Flickr site for those who want to see more.
Wedding photos are different : People today want to see something other than the formal, posed bog-standard shot. The young lady having her garter fiddled with will tickle the fancy of some, for example
How many times have you heard people say that some of the best shots have been taken by the guests ? The huge variety in Shaun's wedding photo section is to me what people want to see !
As I've already said, it's a great site, Shaun. I am an enthusiastic beginner so my views and expectations of a website will be very different from a professional or experienced photographer.
Perhaps it's a question of deciding what you want out of your website : business ? doing courses ? providing a site where people can simply view and enjoy your work ?
It's not always easy to know exactly how to present a website, which is why feedback is so important. You will see differing opinions and ideas which will hopefully help.
Sorry .......... I've rather rambled on
Posted 22/11/2011 - 10:47
Link
Must admit that it is unusual to get an email like that but I do think he has a point even if it wasn't completely accurate or put across very well!
It does depend on what you are looking for from your website. If you are looking to gain work from it, it should look professional, so in no particular order if that is the case, these would be my observations:-
- The correct percentage of weddings shots on a professional site should be either 0% or 100%. Have a dedicated website for weddings as it is more professional, some people may be put off by the 'scary' photos on the front page as an example.
- Get the .foliopic out of your website name it will look more professional
- Get rid of the Gmail email address and replace it with anything at swilsonphotography.com (presuming you have the domain)
- Get rid of the mobile number and replace it with a landline number, looks more professional, makes it look like you have premises. You can always divert to mobile and explain that you are out of the office on a shoot!
- Get rid of flash. More and more people view websites from mobile devices and Adobe have officially finished developing flash for mobiles.
- Simple is better but a lot harder to achieve! Less is more is always a good approach.
- Sort the 'branding' out! Get a logo made (think Gary got his done for a fiver, might be worth asking him), use it on the site, and watermark the images with it as well.
- it's 2011 not 2012 (yet)! Make sure any silly little mistakes are sorted inc. spelling etc. The devil is in the detail.
- Remove links to the blog that doesn't exist yet.
I'm not even going to comment on the images apart from saying that on the whole they are very good and should get you work. There is no harm having personal images on a website but if you are serious about making money I would put them on a completely seperate site and leave it as personal only. It may also be prudent in having several sites, one for weddings, one for portraits / christenings / social events, one for commercial and definately one for your landscape / photography courses. It keeps things simple for the viewer and if they want to see your other work you can always link to the other sites.
Hope you don't take this the wrong way is I'm genuinely trying to help but your image on your web presence speaks volumes about yourself. Things like the gmail address and mobile number don't give me the right impression for a professional and first impressions count. Hope that helps!
It does depend on what you are looking for from your website. If you are looking to gain work from it, it should look professional, so in no particular order if that is the case, these would be my observations:-
- The correct percentage of weddings shots on a professional site should be either 0% or 100%. Have a dedicated website for weddings as it is more professional, some people may be put off by the 'scary' photos on the front page as an example.
- Get the .foliopic out of your website name it will look more professional
- Get rid of the Gmail email address and replace it with anything at swilsonphotography.com (presuming you have the domain)
- Get rid of the mobile number and replace it with a landline number, looks more professional, makes it look like you have premises. You can always divert to mobile and explain that you are out of the office on a shoot!
- Get rid of flash. More and more people view websites from mobile devices and Adobe have officially finished developing flash for mobiles.
- Simple is better but a lot harder to achieve! Less is more is always a good approach.
- Sort the 'branding' out! Get a logo made (think Gary got his done for a fiver, might be worth asking him), use it on the site, and watermark the images with it as well.
- it's 2011 not 2012 (yet)! Make sure any silly little mistakes are sorted inc. spelling etc. The devil is in the detail.
- Remove links to the blog that doesn't exist yet.
I'm not even going to comment on the images apart from saying that on the whole they are very good and should get you work. There is no harm having personal images on a website but if you are serious about making money I would put them on a completely seperate site and leave it as personal only. It may also be prudent in having several sites, one for weddings, one for portraits / christenings / social events, one for commercial and definately one for your landscape / photography courses. It keeps things simple for the viewer and if they want to see your other work you can always link to the other sites.
Hope you don't take this the wrong way is I'm genuinely trying to help but your image on your web presence speaks volumes about yourself. Things like the gmail address and mobile number don't give me the right impression for a professional and first impressions count. Hope that helps!
Posted 22/11/2011 - 12:04
Link
I got my logo from fiverr. Com cost me 5 dollars and was delivered in 48 hours I will try and find a link to the guy who did it. There are lots if logo designers on fiverr some are dreadful so beware....
PPG Wedding photography Flickr
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Posted 22/11/2011 - 13:50
Link
PPG Wedding photography Flickr
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
Concert photography
Currently on a Pentax hiatus until an FF Pentax is released
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248 posts
15 years
Maine et Loire,
France
I must admit, I'm not sure how I'd feel if someone told me to stop taking photos of boring landscapes or insects
I don't see that it matters a jot what each of us like to take if we like it and the result pleases someone else.
I like the variety and there's plenty of inspiration on Shaun's website !