Hello, hit me where it hurts..

[Matt Winningham]

Hello to all. I am looking for very good constructive criticism, (the kind that makes you cry)

I have just begun a sporty photography business.

my website is http://www.motophotosports.com

Thanks for any feedback, or direction as to which forum topics to post further questions in.

 

[nicolas claris]

Hi Matt
welcome to OPF!

I've paid a visit to your website, the're some nice watersport shots…
Some of the bikers shots have imho some lack of movement… have you tried the panning technique to have the background motion blurred?

If you want to have some specific C&C it is best to post pictures (instead of having a link to your website (which can stay within your signature).

They are many fora, you just have to post in the one you feel to be the more appropriate, don't worry, if a moderator thinks you've chosen the wrong forum, he will move it to a better one!

Again, welcome on board!

 

[Ken Tanaka]

Welcome, Matt.

I am not a sports photographer, or even very interested in that particular genre of photography. So I can't offer you topical guidance.

I did, however, visit your Web site and have two criticisms for what they may be worth.

1. Why are you forcing visitors, who may know nothing of your work, to first decide "Full-Screen" or "Same Window"? You're presenting a distracting choice to visitors --even visitors who may frequent your site-- before they see anything. That's an awful (techie-driven) barrier. Don't do that. Just leave your stuff in the "same window". Sites that capture the whole screen are incredibly arrogant and leave terrible first impressions.

2. Cut the music. Background music on Web sites is in terrible taste, even if the music is good. Yes, I know wedding photographers do it all the time but their sites are necessarily dripping with estrogen. Drop the music.

You've started a business. Good for you! That's a bold step. But now you have to measure everything you do not according whether or not you've got an "awesome capture" but according to your market. Every move you make must be measured against two standards; what are you selling and to whom are you selling?

Good luck, Matt.

p.s. While there are some sports-oriented photographers here, I'm sure you know that the Internet's mecca for thrill snappers is Sportsshooter.

 

[Duke Beattie]

Nice shots,.. Drop the music or at least supply an obvious button to turn it off. It's ok music, but not office friendly for stealthy viewing. There are some things in the lower right corner. One seems to be an email link, because of the envelope. I can't read the other stuff that pops up.. Either lose it or make it visible. The dark gray on black isn't working. I agree with the comment about the Full/Window choice. Just go with the window and maybe later give the choice for full screen. Actually more contrast on the menu would be good. It may be just my screen (laptop), but I have trouble seeing the choices.

 

[nicolas claris]

Hi again Matt
I revisited your website and agree with ken and Duke advices...

BTW on the entry page "- enter blog -" just doesn't work. If your blog isn't ready yet, wait before proposing the link…

 

[Matt Winningham]

Everyone,

Thank you all very much. I am going to see if the site that i've bought (rent) from http://portfoliositez.com will let me take off the same window or full size options as well as removing the blog option. I have already disabled the music to auto play when it opens.

Great feedback everyone, thanks alot, keep dishin out as much as you can. Also, on the panning technique, is that where i move more with the moving subject?

Will take a look at the gray with the black and the email icon in the lower screen

Thanks again.
Matt

 

[John Angulat]

Hi Matt,

Welcome aboard! There's some very good images on your site, well done!
Ken was first to point out - lose the music and the window size choices. I agree totally. The music certainly will detract from the professional aspect. The window "choice" sizes were designed to offer a viewer choices before "tabbed" browsing was invented.
I'm glad you've made the changes already. Good luck and try to stay a regular participant here.
If it's comments and critique you seek...this is the place. Sometimes it's tough love, and I've gotten my butt kicked around a few times...but the forum and participants are all 1st class!

 

[nicolas claris]

Also, on the panning technique, is that where i move more with the moving subject?

Yep! you follow the suject and shoot at as lower speed as possible… much easier to say, but worth the results… Also you have then to choose carefully the place wher you stand, i.e. inner a bend is easier to follow the biker than at a end of straight line;-)

Some of the Canon teles (don't know for other brands) with stabilization have a special feature to allow this technique, keeping the stab but allowing horizontal move.

 

[Matt Winningham]

Yep! you follow the suject and shoot at as lower speed as possible… much easier to say, but worth the results… Also you have then to choose carefully the place wher you stand, i.e. inner a bend is easier to follow the biker than at a end of straight line;-)

Some of the Canon teles (don't know for other brands) with stabilization have a special feature to allow this technique, keeping the stab but allowing horizontal move.

Thanks, I will certainly try that. I have already upgraded from a Sigma lens, which i used there, to a Nikkor lens with stabilization. For those familiar with Nikon or Nikkor... any issue with where the specific lens is made? USA, China, etc??