My thoughts, exactly.

Yeah, you're right LiamD, arguing isn't very productive. I do appreciate the time people took to respond though, thanks for the url tip.

You're right, ChrisA- big deal, indeed. Your tone and characterization of my work, I don't really care for. Maybe that skirts the line between criticism and an insult, but that is my own understanding. But like I already said, I asked for an opinion and I got one. But contrary to what you stated about stating your opinion to my face, I guarantee you, it wouldn't come out the way you wrote it here. I already said that the feedback was interesting and I value it, maybe even if I don't like it. So I can make the distinction between something I dislike and a learning process. Clearly, you stated what kind of "intention" "most portraits" should have. That word, most, I overlooked. But I will endlessly be annoyed by people who try to nail down an intention from an artist and state what should and shouldn't be included in a visual art form. I never try to solidify an idea within an intention- and yet sometimes I do. I won't have the tyranny of "intentions" and "what should be" lead my work. But I enjoy the discussion, this is definitely interesting.

I agree kcmadr, thanks Galoot.

Rough bunch, indeed. I always like seeing how individuals insult people they can't see, you wouldn't do the same if I was in the same room with you- or at least, it wouldn't last very long. But posting on a forum and openly asking for opinions makes things fair game and rightly so.

My intentions are to pick a place I like and take pictures, they don't have to pass your love test, I go there because I like it there. But, you're right, a few more close-up shots would be welcome.

I don't explicitly state an intent based on exposure, tonal range, depth of field- but just a few ideas I have. It's hard for me to contextualize an idea through technical photography terms over the internet- so I can't help you there. I wouldn't have posted it if I didn't like it, it's got some merit to me dammit!

But you tread upon dangerous ground when it comes to "intentions" and "what portraits should be" I've always thought that was bull. I never put words in someone's mouth, nor ideas in their head. Nobody is capable of that. I dislike people who try to act as gatekeepers to meaning, it's a joke. No art term or form is ever static to a standard meaning.

I have a consistent feel to my pictures and it's being true to what I want.
I like the distortion, backgrounds, lighting and composition. But I also value your input, there are some good points being made. Thanks.

Hi, I was wondering if I could get some critiques. I took these with my Pentax K10D with the kit lens and a 55 mm manual lens. I have more pics up on my site: www.kemal.ca

Which one should I get? One swivels and one doesn't but are there other distinctions to be made?

Do you thinkt he K10D kit lens can offer sharper images?

Here is a shoot I did a little while ago. I used my Pentax K10D with the kit lens and a 55 mm manual lens. Tell me what you think. I have more of this up on http://www.kemal.ca