My 2nd book- feedback

[nsivaku@hotmail.com]

Hi All:

This is my second book with Mypublisher. I am an amateur photographer, and this is a book that I put together for my friends who volunteered their time and let me take pictures. I just placed the order and cannot wait to get the book.

Your Share ID # is: S1360753
Your Share password is: 2186975

Welcome any feedback and suggestions.
I would have liked to add a text at the end (somewhere on the backcover) to say something like "Photos by ...". I did not see an option to do that.

Thanks,
SN

[nsivaku@hotmail.com]

And one more question:
One of my long term goals is improve my photo skills to level where I can get paid for such projects. (right now, I use my friends and give them a copy of the book as a thank-you gift at the end). I think I have a long way to go and need to invest in a few classes before I get there. However, I am interested in what people think of the quality of my book: Do you think people will be willing to pay for a similar album based on my current skill/quality level?

Thanks,
Siva

[dibbkd]

Since you asked for feedback, overall, book looked very nice. Note that I am an amature, so take my advice with a large grain of salt.

I liked the variety of poses with the parents and kids, that was nice.

What I don't like, and maybe it's just me, are pages where there are some B&W and some color, or even when opposite pages are B&W and color. It just makes it look a little off to me.

Like on pages 16-17, the page with the father/baby and other page with mom/baby, I would have done both in B&W or both in color.

I do like full page pictures, but I would limit those to maybe a few less.

Again, excellent pictures, the B&W/color thing might be just me.

And I do think you could market yourself just fine to make some extra bucks doing this, nice poses and stuff.

[nsivaku@hotmail.com]

Thanks for your feedback. I will keep these in mind for my next project.

After seeing the book, I agree with your color & b/w comment. I do wish that I had both the pictures by the lake as b/w. It does look a bit off to me as well.

thanks,
SN

[jellooe]

Hello, I am a retoucher for professional photographers.....I think you have some great shots, though what throws me off is the inconsistency of color and levels of the photos. I do have to say, I absolutely love the first page- unique shots and vibrant colors!

Also, not sure how familiar you are with photoshop, but a few tricks can do wonders for your photos, to really make them "pop." Try dodging/burning the eyes to define them, and the healing brush quickly takes away flaws such as the little girl's mark on her cheek. Nik filters offer great professional grade enhancements. Still, I can see you very much take the natural and candid approach to your photography, so retouched or enhanced photos may not be your style.

I agree with the excessive large photos, in comparison to the collage pages. The black and white vs color pages don't throw me off too much, although you can balance them out, for example by using a large photo on one side (b&w or color) then on the other side, offer a collage of images in both b&w and color. I'd do the same w/similar images (unless they are all on one page only). Also, remember, for the most part, you should have your subjects facing inwards towards each other or not towards the edge of the page/frame) You don't have to limit yourself to the mp configurations, feel free to make up your own templates in ps!

About the last page, where you would like to copyright the book, make up a basic template in photoshop that will fill the final page in your book.

And lastly, though I love tight shots, the naked baby pic may be a bit too tight. Try to never cut off hands or feet. When cropping tight, try to stay about mid way to wrist/elbow elbow/shoulder, or foot/knee, knee/hip.

These are suggestions that I prefer, and that have been required from photographers I work with. I think you are on the right track, just keep experimenting with poses and final adjustments. But really, what it comes down to is, photography is an art- created by the artist, do what you prefer! Hope this helps!

[nsivaku@hotmail.com]

Thanks a lot for taking time to share these wonderful suggestions. You have tons of great tips in here for me and I am sure I will come back to this post several times in the future.

I dont have photoshop, but do use Adobe Elements. I still have a lot to learn in Elements - never used the dodge/burn before, but will soon try your suggestion.

thanks again for your feedback. i greatly appreciate it.

[hswink]

the last page text is a cinch....when you choose your page type of (how many photos you want per page), instead pick "text only" page, and you can type until your hearts content! It's just like the title page.