Photo critique with James Quantz Jr.

There are two ways photographers can grow and improve -- practice and critique. But the feedback we get online is often all positive and unqualified or destructive and also unqualified. So in today's video, James Quantz Jr. and I will go over 6 images, submitted by their makers, and give suggestions on how the photos could be improved.

There are two ways photographers can grow and improve — practice and critique. But the feedback we get online is often all positive and unqualified or destructive and also unqualified. So in today’s video, James Quantz Jr. and I will go over 6 images, submitted by their makers, and give suggestions on how the photos could be improved.

Headshots: Warren & Kiara

I read on another photo blog a few months ago that you could cut random lines into a piece of cardboard and use it to cast unplanned shadows on a wall by shining light through it. I unwittingly put my own spin on it when I decided to try cutting narrow slits into a piece of cinefoil (black foil) with a box cutter.

Fashion Photography: Unique L

A nude african american model poses in Chicago

I love it when I do headshot shoots and members of the crew have great ideas that they want to try out. Make-up artist Mitch C came up with this make-up concept look and stylist Siena R chose to use this fashionable vest for the look, which she was raving about before the shoot.

Chicago B&W Fashion Photography: Royce & Unique

Chicago B&W Fashion Photography by Photographer John Gress

I recently purchases a metallic lined Profoto Magnum Reflector which creates harsh shadows and brilliant highlights. For its debut shoot I decided to go with monochromatic styling against a white wall to create contrast in addition to the contrast created by the reflector.