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.
Chicago portrait photographer: Monochrome Models
![Chicago Portrait Photographer compcard](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/07/Capture-One-Catalog0970retouched.tif-720x1080.jpg)
Before the repatriation of my friend Vic Picolotto to his native Australia, to work for hairdressing giant Tracey Hughes Education, we decided to get in a few headshot shoots while we still could!
I decided to use a variety of hard light sources to sculpt the light for these portraits. However most of the hair is light from above and behind with a softbox.
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.