New Style C/C..Lots of Pics

[Jaggz]

I am trying out a bit of a more "aggressive" style processing on a few photos to check out how they turn out. I'd love some c/c on these and be honest - works or no works













Not So Aggressive One...




I know that for some these are still very "reserved" and can be pushed even more into the more "dramatic" fashion, but I am trying to define my own "style"...a balance that works for the photographer as well as the clients! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[JohnT]

I like it, Jake. I wish I could do something edgy with my senior clients, but the parents seem to always lean more toward traditional.

[Jaggz]

Originally Posted by JohnT

I like it, Jake. I wish I could do something edgy with my senior clients, but the parents seem to always lean more toward traditional.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about...I'm wanting to go "edgy", and push them a bit...but clients always purchase the traditional shots like you said. I'll show them a handful of the "edgy" ones, and I get stuff like, "Ohh...I like that"....or, "wow, look at that"...but they never buy them!

[HotHolly]

I can see your work changing/ growing via your posts over the past few months. Your PP is getting really cool. I personally like more edgy stuff, so Im all for it!

[Jaggz]

Originally Posted by HotHolly

I can see your work changing/ growing via your posts over the past few months. Your PP is getting really cool. I personally like more edgy stuff, so Im all for it!

Thanks Holly!!! I've learned (and still learning) from so many great contributers here on this forum and from the workshops! What a blessing to have such a great resource available! Thanks TPF'ers!!!

[Concisus Cognatus]

This new style of pp works really well for you. Keep up the good work.

[rph]

I like it, especially the 5th one!

[barP]

i think i see where you're going with these, but to be blunt, they're all a bit harsh to my eye. the highlights are pretty hot, and to my taste actually detract from some very nice images. having said that, remember my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it!

wp.

[PictureCow]

If you want them to buy edgy you have to show "only edgy" portraits. You will attract clients who like that look...With that said though... you may loose clients who do want a traditional look. If you're trying to develop a style though then I think it's best to pick a look you like and stick with it. Be sure to consider your market. My seniors buy that stuff. My families and weddings do not. So I only show seniors in that look.

I personally like "edgy" to some degree although lately though to me it looks dated and that everyone's doing/done it. I don't think a photographers style should come from expressly their processing though. Style is more than just about the way they "photoshop." I'm a traditionalist though so take that for what it's worth.

In regards to your portraits... I did not find most of them to be over processed. They're on the contrasty side for my taste. I think you found a balance on the edge of almost too much but for the most part it was nice processing. I don't like the "magenta" whites in the brides shirt (I'm assuming engagments). I'd have masked that hue out.

[Jaggz]

Originally Posted by barP

i think i see where you're going with these, but to be blunt, they're all a bit harsh to my eye. the highlights are pretty hot, and to my taste actually detract from some very nice images. having said that, remember my opinion is worth exactly what you paid for it!

wp.

Hey Will - Thanks for the feedback - that's what the forum is great about - you can hear many different points of view/opinions on things! I know what you're saying with the highlights - I had/have the same concern.

[Jaggz]

Originally Posted by PictureCow

If you want them to buy edgy you have to show "only edgy" portraits. You will attract clients who like that look...With that said though... you may loose clients who do want a traditional look. If you're trying to develop a style though then I think it's best to pick a look you like and stick with it. Be sure to consider your market. My seniors buy that stuff. My families and weddings do not. So I only show seniors in that look.

I personally like "edgy" to some degree although lately though to me it looks dated and that everyone's doing/done it. I don't think a photographers style should come from expressly their processing though. Style is more than just about the way they "photoshop." I'm a traditionalist though so take that for what it's worth.

In regards to your portraits... I did not find most of them to be over processed. They're on the contrasty side for my taste. I think you found a balance on the edge of almost too much but for the most part it was nice processing. I don't like the "magenta" whites in the brides shirt (I'm assuming engagments). I'd have masked that hue out.

Hey Laura - thanks for the reply and the feedback. I think you are right, and I didn't quite think of that - I don't want my processing to determine my style nor my capabilities. I guess there should be a balance between it all - showing what a photographer is capable of - gearing towards the "edgy" senior crowds as well as the traditional portraits. Since I am not targeting nor specializing in seniors, I must find that balance.

One last note - the bride's shirt is a slight magenta (not white), perhaps I should boost that it to make it a bit more apparent?!

[BigEasy]

Nice work Jake. I really like the blue wall. But all are super. They have a nice “rich” edgy look. Some of the skin tones seen a little off (or hot).. but that could be this laptop I'm on tonight. I also see a little magenta in her strips... more in #1 than 2.

[DJ.]

Well, edgy seems to work for these images. I like them and I don't think they look overboard at all.

Nicely done!

[Joe_Lorenzini]

It so works!

Nice stuff.

[Howard Barlow]

Actually, I love 'em. Obviously, these are not intended to be "normal", as far as processing goes. Therefore, I think contrast, saturation, etc are all fine. Those are the elements that make the difference.

Originally Posted by Jaggz

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about...I'm wanting to go "edgy", and push them a bit...but clients always purchase the traditional shots like you said. I'll show them a handful of the "edgy" ones, and I get stuff like, "Ohh...I like that"....or, "wow, look at that"...but they never buy them!

Keep in mind, "booking shots" are just as important as what sells. I have had several images of babies, seniors, brides, and others that really caught peoples' eye, precisely because they were "over the top" a little. Not in any major way, just different and eye catching.

People come in because, "I saw XYZ you did. I've never seen anything like that. I don't want that for me, but if figure if you can do that, you are the photographer for me."

I think Rocky Gunn was the first person I heard talk about doing those. So, even if you don't sell them, if they attract attention and bring people in, they are making money for you.

Don't stop.