Advertisment Critiques

[elisha_c.]

My husband and I recently got into wedding photography and did the jump in

with both feet and no experience deal. We were fortunate to start with friends

and not be the primary photographers. Thank goodness. Anyway, we wanted to get

some advice on our new postcard/internet advertisement. Please feel free to

critique both pictures and layout.

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<a href="http://photobucket.com/" target="_blank"><img

src="http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e372/Elishaphoto/craigslistpagecopy.jpg"

border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

[stephen dohring]

I will leave it to the others to comment on the rest but my main point would be I am not sure you understand true photjournalistic style.

[stephen dohring]

I will leave it to the others to comment on the rest but my main point would be I am not sure you understand true photojournalistic style.

[steve skibbie central ca]

Just a quick suggestion-- try to utilize the three basic photojournalism shots-- close-up, medium shot and wide shot. It makes an advertisement much more interesting and eye-catching.

 

Also, I think you should avoid the backs of brides' or other people's heads, unless your sure the shot REALLY has something to say. Depending on where it's printed/posted-- you'll want it to be noticeable and colorful. Black and white doesn't always mean something's artsy or photojournalistic.

 

The color shot of the guy making the funny face is catching, but needs some cropping, I think.

 

Finally, the text size is a little small and gray.

 

Keep on shooting (and advertising,

 

Steve

[elisha_c.]

Steve, are you referring to the pictures in the ad as not photojournalistic or the pictures on our website?

[stephen dohring]

Your site is just a black box didn't load I will try later but I tried with two browsers. Yeah I just don't see the PJ style like the ad says, we have the back of people's heads on three of the shots, the sky in the brides pic is all white, crossing the street... where is she going? The text is small and there is a lot of space, maybe make pics (different ones larger and smaller fill it in.) anyway I will try to check in later on the site. Check out Susan Flewellings ads on her blog she is awesome, scroll down a little she made two ads you should look at. It will be humbling so get ready.

 

http://susanflewelling.blogspot.com/

[elisha_c.]

Actually, I think our website will be less photojournalistic. We only just shot our first reception where we were the primary photographers. Other than that, we've taken pictures at friends' and families' weddings, but never as the only photographer. This is all new to us. So, with regard to photojournalistic style, what makes something placed under the category of photojournalism? I'll definately look at the website you suggested Steve. Any more suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks!

[stephen dohring]

True P.J. is captureing the story unfolding around you. No set up PJ fake shots, no posing. The photographer is the observer. Most wedding are a combination of poses and P.J. and a little instruction and then capturing something in between. For true 100% PJ see Jeff Ascough for true PJ, every image is a story and the creamiest BW stuff no PS action can duplicate. He uses Leica and scans - except now he sold it all and uses cannon, but most shots are all Lecia scans on the site.

http://www.jeffascough.net/

[jeffrey_blake_adams]

I would suggest before you advertise, to get any city or county biz lisc's and liability insurance. many venues won't let you shoot without both, many local govts will pick up an ad like that, and send a notice of violation to the business if not lisc'd. Get your tax ID and go over with your acct, how to file quarterly taxes etc.

 

THEN, if that is all done, and your marketing plan, tells you who you are marketing to, and your biz plan is all set so you know what you must charge to THRIVE, target that piece to the target client.

 

That piece doesn't appear to have a target client. The only eyes I see in it both are cast in shadows. One is mugging for the camera, the other's antics areexposing the hangover around his middle...

 

Its generally better to show ONE amazing photograph, than many mediocre ones. Pick one that really knocks em out and make it and your name and contact info BIG. Have totally impartial people critique your work.

 

I hope you took that as it was meant, honest, hopeful advice, love to see you make it, the biz can always use great new blood, Jeffrey

[jeffascough]

<b>For true 100% PJ see Jeff Ascough for true PJ, every image is a story and the creamiest BW stuff no PS action can duplicate. He uses Leica and scans - except now he sold it all and uses cannon, but most shots are all Lecia scans on the site. http://www.jeffascough.net/</b><br>

 

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80% of the stuff on my website is DIGITAL with PS actions to replicate the creamiest b/w.....:)) BTW I still have all my Leica stuff...I haven't sold a thing!!

[photographydreams]

LOL! Jeff, thanks for posting that - it made my day! I just had a look at your website, and I think your work is superb... I really loved your composition, and the unique moments you captured! I'll be studying your portfolio in more detail later!!!

[colleendonovan]

I would go with one nice big beautiful picture. More picture, less space (and words)!! Do you have any pictures that show some emotion? Emotion draws people in. The way it is now, the pictures are too small and I can't get a feeling for anything because I can't really see anyones eyes. Except for the last one of course, but she's mugging for the camera. I think it's a good start, but keep trying!! you'll get it. Advertising is the hardest part of the business for a lot of people. You have to be part psychologist!