I would like some critiques on my photography?

[mitty]

If you don't mind taking the time to look...please let me know what you think of some of my work...

www.mistysphotography.photoreflect.com
I really appreciate everyone looking at my photos, but i am really into just portrait photography. Does anyone just do portrait photography anymore? Not every picture is going to be full of dramatic edits and stuff. But thank you for looking....

[Maya]

Hi Mitty, sorry about that very mean 1st answer you got - that was really uncalled for.

Yes, I too am sure you have the drive, however you have to take a big step and move outside your comfort zone. Therefore I recommend that you register at www.flickr.com and study the amazing pictures and interest groups on this website. There is something for every taste and level. Thanks to Flickr, I learned to take very good pictures in a short while and within 12 months I did my first magazine cover.

Specifically your main problems in the series of children's portraits are:

Colors - In general bad color combinations. The beige background drains the color from the subject's faces. Keep it soft white instead. No patterns on clothes, especially stripes and checkered. Keep it simple.

- Distracting confusion: too much going on in a picture, too many props or too many patterns on the clothes. Remember the main object is the person.

- Bad lighting. You need to create shadows and soft light. Lighting is an art in itself especially with portraits. Go to Flickr and get inspired. Folks there will teach you in a heart beat. Once you lighting gets right you will see how wonderful your subjects will look and no one will ever again say "ugly people".

Positive remarks: I saw a handful of shots that were great. Keep up the good work and never give up.

Hope to see you on Flickr.

[epic_laydown]

i think they're very good.