Atherton & District Amateur Photographic Society

My latest blog post about Atherton singer Laura (Martha) and The X Factor.

Link - http://www.pauljones.org/?p=694

Great stuff Paul, very well done!

Thank-you John for being the only person brave enough to comment.

Actually, three people at the Open Night asked me why don't more members comment on the forum anymore? I'm stumped if I know... Anyone??

Probably so many platforms. Facebook tends to be quite busy.

I actually think that people are generally afraid to post comments for several reasons:

- they don't feel their comments are valid because they lack experience
- they don't feel worthy to comment because they think the other photographers are better than they are
- they don't like the photo/s but don't want to cause any upset by saying so
- they do like the photo/s but don't just want to say "nice photo"
- they don't know how to articulate their thoughts on the photo/s in the way that a 'judge' would

Of course, this then results in the same four or five people commenting all the time and the forum stagnates.

It's especially frustrating as I usually comment on other peoples' photos, yet others rarely comment even though they post images for feedback themselves.

Throw off your fears and get commenting people! This forum could be a great resource for critique and feedback if people would use it properly.

Paul
Great pics I especially like the top left & bottom
right maybe because she seems to look a little happier
and more comfortable?

Regards

As usual - you are quite right Paul. Guilty on all counts My problem is that you are such a good photographer (and this is not insincere flattery as you are supremely good) I cannot find anything to say other than excellent images - and if that is all one can say, then one should still say it!

So excellent images.

Janice.

You're right Paul, we should be braver and not feel self conscious about commenting. If people have taken the time to post their images, then we should take the time to say something about them, afterall, it's usually why they have posted them in the first place.

I remember when you first posted some of these images of Laura, it was just after she appeared on the X Factor, but they still have impact. I particularly like the first one where she is laughing, it looks natural and not forced and looks like you caught her exactly at the right moment, it shows her personality coming though and you get a feeling that she likes to have a laugh and doesn't take herself too seriously. Many portraits are static and you don't see beyond the pretty face because the model is closed off somehow, with these images of Laura, especially the laughing one, her personality really does show through. It can only be an exceptional photographer that can bring that out in a model and bring it out well like you have.

Tracey

It's in the rapport with the model, and then the ability to pose the model and then compose the image. Without all of those skills it doesn't gel as effortlessly as it does here. Very often photographers fail to interact with the model and she ends up not really knowing what's wanted. These shots have crisp direction. Excellent.

Thanks for all your comments.

I really didn't post looking for flattery or praise. It was more to get the forum moving again as I thought it was getting a bit stale. This forum could be buzzing with images and comments if everyone would join in (including all our newer members).

And Janice, I'm no better or worse photographer than many other ADAPS members (including yourself). I just post more...

Tracey McGovern wrote: I particularly like the first one where she is laughing, it looks natural and not forced and looks like you caught her exactly at the right moment...

Thanks Tracey. I like the way you critique images. Very good. Have you thought of being a judge?

Of course, the shot of Laura smiling was a complete setup, but with the intention of making it look natural. I think I told her to picture a memory in her head that made her happy and then waited for the shot.

PS - these were shot inside and outside the ADAPS clubroom.

Paul, for me it's too busy I'm afraid, I read, but tend to comment less.

Paul, I love the lighting on the outdoor shot. My favourite shot is the bottom left, wearing an off-the-shoulder jumper, and in a pensive mood. She looks completely relaxed and comfortable.

Great photography.

Mel

melbarnes wrote: My favourite shot is the bottom left, wearing an off-the-shoulder jumper, and in a pensive mood. She looks completely relaxed and comfortable.

Great photography.

Thanks for your kind comments Mel.

With the off the shoulder jumper I was aiming for a 'Flashdance' look but didn't quite pull it off. I still liked it though.


(PS - have a think about posting one of your Sunday night shots for comments)