Comments on: Be My Editor – The Results Are In

By: 中古コピー機

中古コピー機 — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:55:21 +0000

中古コピー機を選ぶ際のポイントや、中古コピー機についての情報を中古コピー機をお探しの方にお届けします！！

By: Duncan

Duncan — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:28:44 +0000

Interesting...

I think I'd probably have edited the portfolio like an amateur-

but, having thought about what photos clients have said really convinced them to choose me as a photographer: it's always been ones that I put in the portfolio against my better judgment: images that I thought weren't as strong.

Here's a try that I put together this week that potentially works more on the lines of this philosophy; images that aren't perfect, but that are processed in a way that's a bit more instinctive. Compare to my current portfolio.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 22:07:57 +0000

I think part of the reason you might have a higher number of votes for the simple, graphic images is the way you asked the question, not only the audience of your blog. You asked for each person’s _favorite_ and least favorite. These are going to be 1. the direct images that have immediate, obvious impact, and 2. the images that immediately strike the viewer with “what was he thinking?” I think a lot of the disparity between the votes and feeback from ADs might be here. Do I like #3? Certainly–I can see perhaps the deeper point behind it. However, it is not very visually striking at first, and so it certainly isn’t my “favorite.” Favorites tend to be simple, with a single, clearly defined “message.” A standard sports action photo, for example: single plane of focus, ball, eyes, and as few cropped limbs as possible. The more interesting photos, although less striking, tend to be those with multiple planes of interest, with greater thought on composition, like the work of HCB instead of the cover of SI.

By: Simon Proudfoot

Simon Proudfoot — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:34:24 +0000

Great collection although one of my faves is missing, number 3 from your Stevens Pass project, I love it!!!

By: Danie Nel

Danie Nel — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:48:22 +0000

I am in the same situation you are, only thing is I’m sorting a couple of thousand images (mind you, probably about 100 000 sittting in my archive) to get my new portfolio and website out.
I shoot lots of editorial, and are appreciated by my clients that I naturally shoot for layout. I leave space for copy, taglines, mastheads etc in my composition, but this often don’t make for a strong stand-alone image. This makes portfolio selection difficult. Also, I’ve realized that what I really CAN do, and DO, is not well represented in my portfolio. In fact, my portfolio currently does not even inspire me, whilst there are images that still rock my world, that I haven’t included. Why? Because I tried to please everyone and appeal to everyone. Good point Chase.

By: Chase Jarvis

Chase Jarvis — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:40:01 +0000

Dan, Rick and Tim are others are pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down. Shoot for yourself first. While it’s fine/nice to have broad appeal with art buyers, AD’s, CD’s, and PE’s , you only need to jive with a double handful of great creatives each year to succeed – so let that free you to explore your art. And if your work has huge appeal – more power to you, but just make sure you’re staying fresh at least in your own head – otherwise…

Be inventive and soulful. Again, try to please everyone and you’ll please no one.

By: Tim Knight

Tim Knight — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:29:29 +0000

Maybe the art director thought 3, 13, 14, and 28 “stunning” and “subtle”, but will she be working after the next gig? Maybe that doesn't matter since you will get paid for this gig and be gone :>).

Here's the thing: we shoot the style we like, we feel comfortable with, the style which made us want to do this in the first place. Then you find someone who will pay for your style. Doesn't matter what we think about any of your images, what does matter is if these images reflect your view of the world, and if you can find a buyer who agrees with that view. So far you have done well with that without any of us (although it has been fun).

Keep it up!

By: rusty

rusty — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:02:51 +0000

chase, great blog… thanks for sharing. i like number 3 as well… but i agree it’s the kind of image where your gut says yes and others may say no… thanks for the encouragement and the insight!
-rusty

rustyralston.com

By: Rick

Rick — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 11:13:27 +0000

Chase,

As an "oldie," I appreciate all you do for the community. Not only your teaching and philanthropy, but your willingness to share. Many photog'ers are passionate, but what distinguishes you from the many is all the extra effort, of which there are many examples thruout your blog.

Also having close friends at the ad agencies, I love engaging their sense of art and the public. The best are equally humbled by the fact they occasionally miss the mark. I am always aware that the unusual catches AD's attention, and how hit or miss that might be with the broader public (or even one's family).

Back to your blog. I surmise the average reader here would self-describe as more passionate about photog and design than the average Joe or Jane. It seems profound that one set of designers would find an image stunning when the many here describe the image as less effective. My own "least effective" was also one of the readers' most favorite. Interesting for me as well.

I hope your reason for sharing is for us to arrive at our own conclusions. What did I learn? One: "simple, graphic, emotive images" are powerful. Two: always be cognizant of your client, but always shoot for yourself. Because you can never precisely predict how the public will respond to an image.

By: Johnathan

Johnathan — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 09:52:51 +0000

ok so i am a little lost here in the photos that the company liked 3,13,14 and 28. you did exactly what we are told not to do and the company liked it… not sure where that comes in here. if you get a moment please explain what your beleif is as to why they liked those images