ReadyLightMedia vs. JohnGressMedia Photo Critique: Fashion & portrait photography tips
![](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/12/E23A3477-Edit_SM_R2_1400-720x589.jpg)
So I sat down with professional photographer and lighting expert Jeff Carpenter (of Ready Light Media fame), to go over 5 images from multiple genres (submitted by their makers) to give suggestions on how the photos could be improved.
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.](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/05/youtube1200-720x405.jpg)
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
![](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/03/lowres_RG29854retouched2smoothc.jpg)
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](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/01/Chicago_Fashion_Photographer_21-720x1080.jpg)
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](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/01/RG21559retouchedfblurlayersb-720x1071.jpg)
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.