Courtney Reese... eh.

This is from another Maryland area portrait photographer named Courtney Reese. Her website is fantastic, but her photography is... not special to say the least. It all looks like this; amateur. Way too centered, way too cliche, way too plain; and maybe that is the nature of couples photos but it just lacks a spark that i have seen in other wedding photography.

Sarah Michelle child photo

So, my wife's sister Sarah is a professional wedding/family/group photographer. So i figured i should look at her work and critique it. This is obviously one of her child photo shoots. I like it. The watermelon as big as the kids head is adorable, the bow is adorable, the composition is strong with the child eyes right on a third, and her eyes pop most which is important. However, if your going to show this on an online portfolio, it shouldn't be obviously photoshoped. There is a huge noticeable halo around the kids head and arms.  Photoshop is great, but you should be able to tell it is shopped. It just looks unprofessional.  

Tools on a table

So this is the last nameless photo i am posting but i wanted to post it because i find it extremely interesting, but i dont know if i like it. Like, the tools are very historic and old and used, and the are placed on a white cloth which is very modern and pure so the contrasting ideas give a very unique emotion. Then the photographer placed the tools in a way that they are somewhat messy, but somewhat organized. They are grouped but scattered. Very cool to break down.  I like it, i just feel like it needs more.

Unique ocean photo

This photo is very interesting. You would think the photographer would make the model the point of interest, but i am first drawn to the blues in the ocean by the horizon line. Then, my eyes are led down by the alga/seaweed ploom right to the model. Her position is a little unnerving though. Is she doing stretches or yoga or something? Strange. However this is a unique and interesting shot. Well done whoever you are that took this photo. Lets call him Jimmy McJohnnystien just so i get the points!  :)

Train Bridge

I love this shot. There is so much to see in it. Everything from the moving tree lines in the back, to the fact that the girl is seemingly swinging her legs. I actually like that she is smack in the middle because the girl still has some room to breath, but we also get a go glimps of the drop and the leading lines of the train track. I also like how everything is in focus because usually in photos like this they put the foreground and background out of focus, but it is nice to see everything very sharp and in focus here. I could not find any info on the photographer for this one.

David's super fun time

I just love the action shots. Thank jesus for GoPro! The movement and action that is captured in this one frame is unreal. the crashing wave, the water line in the foreground, the pose of the surfer, the gradient in the sky, it is incredible. I like the surfer in the middle, It puts the top of the wave and the bottom of the bubble on the thirds. Powerful and super cool! This one is by David Skinner.

Holly's Punch

This photo is very unique. It is so simple, but it is extremely interesting. I am just so drawn to the bowl right in the middle. After looking at it for several minutes, i think it is because the deep red of the bowl is so strong and contrasting the white around it. It is also the most angry and energetic color. the rest of the foods are very light and faded, but the red is so bold and powerful. Also, i actually like that it is directly in the middle of the shot. it makes the composition more confrontational. This is by Holly Andres who is know for her photos of tension and disturbing subtext.