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Question: Should I keep my day job!?
Hey all!. I'm new to photography and I really enjoy it!. I've been thinking about taking some photography classes in the fall!. I need some opinions on my photos!. Do I have any talent!?

Criticism, tips, and pointers welcome!.

http://picasaweb!.google!.com/SJSpildener/!.!.!.Www@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Ok I realize that "your neighborhood artist" is in their 5th year of school but their "concentration" is in Graphic Design which while it does involve pictures it doesn't make them a photographer either!.

Sorry just my opinion!.

With that my opinion is just that an opinion with one caveat!.!.!.!. My opinion comes as a "photography student" And I feel that if you are enjoying it the continue to enjoy it!. I will always recommend someone take classes in something if they are enjoying it as it will only help them and make them better!.

You asked "do I have talent!?" Yes i think you have talent as a hobbyist that with classes and training you could do better and have more fun!. If you are asking if you have talent to work your way into a career then I would say pursue classes and build a portfolio and see how much your still enjoying it or not and then decide!.

Either way do what you enjoy and if it looks good to you and you just want it as a hobby then keep shooting and enjoy it!.

If you are considering a career then keep shooting and have fun while your at it but be prepared to work at it!. Find a niche' you enjoy and plan to succeed and work to achieve what you want!.

I liked your pictures but can also see that your not a professional yet!. But with the right training and determination anyone can become a professional!

Good Luck and keep shooting!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Your photos aren't half bad, to tell you the truth!. There are a few that look like your average run-of-the-mill snapshots, but, hey, who hasn't taken several of those in their lifetime!? That said, I think you could definitely benefit from some photography classes!. Don't get me wrong: You've got plenty of talent as is!. By taking a course or two, you'll not only add some oomph to your work but also hone and fine-tune the skills you already have!.

Now, as far as a critique is concerned, there are a few things I'd like to address!. First off, you've got some pretty nice compositions!. I see you've applied the rule of thirds in a few of the shots, and that's great!. also, I applaud you for taking pictures of people!. Almost anyone can take a decent photo of an object, but humans and their emotions are especially difficult to capture; fortunately, you were able to do just that in a couple of your pics, so kudos to you!. To expand on this particular skill, I encourage you to really keep your eyes open!. Stay on the lookout for a good candid shot, and try to avoid taking too many posed ones, if any at all!.

In addition to that, there's another thing I'd like to discuss: your cropping!. The Warped Tour, upside down, and puppy kiss photos would have been so much more powerful if you hadn't cut off body parts!. Take a step back or zoom out a little, and make sure you get your subjects' fingers, toes, knees, elbows, etc!. Headshots or waist-up shots are fine, but if you want to capture someone's body, make sure you get the whole thing, including the parts you think aren't important!.

Okay, so there're my two cents!. (I hope I didn't sound too harsh, and, if I did, I apologize!.) You've got a FANTASTIC start!. Keep practicing and working hard, and you'll be going places in no time!. Best of luck! :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

You seem to have a natural eye for composition!. I'm a painter and graphic designer and don't know too much about photography, so beyond that I can't really comment!. I wouldn't leave your day job just yet, but I would definitely look into classes at your local college or community college!.

I would also suggest going to photography openings and shows and try to expose yourself to as much photography and as many photographers as you can!. Call the local paper and get in contact with their photojournalists!. A lot of them take more than just pictures for the newspaper!.

Go with what you love!. I've been considering taking some more art classes, too :)Www@QuestionHome@Com

It really just looks like you are taking photos!. It doesnt look like you really think about your photos!. You should take a class then after the class ask if you have talent!. If you dont know what you are doing then its hard to determine if you have talent!.

Theres a LOT you need to learn!. Like basic rules of composition and such!. Id be more than happy to talk to you about it if youd rather just learn some things before you start your class!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It looks like you have an eye for it!. Definitely, take some classes!. Just being around other artist's will spark your creativity, and help you along your path!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I loved your photos and I think that with a class or so you will really learn what to do with the lens!. I would prefer to see more black and white!. You definately have what it takes! Go Girl!!Www@QuestionHome@Com