<p>This most likely will NOT end up being my portfolio. I still have a couple of months before I need to have a portfolio completely ready. But I'd really love some constructive critiques. I can take the heat. Just be as harsh as you need to be as long as you give me some advice on how to improve. I know most schools require five drawings or possibly less and they'll be there. But as for now I'm just giving you my photography. I've never taken a photography course as I decided quite recently that I wanted to go to school for photography rather than graphic design. I've taken five art courses and a graphic arts course which was more just screen printing and press work. </p>
<pre><code> I do love photography though and I really want to further my knowledge so I can make a career out of it. However as of right now I don't exactly see myself being accepted to any of my top schools which are the following...
</code></pre>
<p>Rhode Island School of Design (Number one)
Watkins College of Art, Design, and Film
Maryland Institute College of Art
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Pratt
Parsons
Possibly Delaware College of Art and Design</p>
<p>As of now I've been shooting with my phone, a samsung galaxy s, it sounds bad but the quality is surprisingly decent, as well as a 10 megapixel fujifilm 2100HD p&S. I know generally a lot of people going into college for photography own SLR's. I may have one by December but I will definitely have one before I start a semester if I do happen to get accepted. Although I was also wondering if that matters that my photos are .jpg not RAW and are taken by a P&S. If anybody could answer that, it would help immensely. If I do happen to get one by December than I would have a couple weeks to shoot as much as possible before the deadline for the application and portfolio which most times is in January and sometimes later. </p>
<p>Untitled</a> | Flickr - Photo Sharing!</p>
<p>The only two photos I really like are the last one and the one of the bear. There needs to be more contrast and I don’t think using the color splash effect is helping you in anyway, I personally think it’s a bit tacky. I’m no professional photographer, but that’s just my opinion. If you want to major in photography, you should really invest in a camera for your portfolio photos.</p>
<p>None of your pictures are amazing, ie one shot pics, like a shark jumping out of the ocean catching a fish or a dog jumping to catch a frisbee.</p>
<p>While I’m not an expert on art school admissions, I do go to a high school where many of my classmates do go to art school. RISD may be a good reach for you (depending on your drawing skills and etc), but I think you could have a good shot at Watkins and possibly the others. I wouldnt quite give up on RISD though. Have you looked at VCU?</p>
<p>As far as your photogaphy, point and shoot can only go so far. If you don’t have the money to invest in a good camera, I’d look around some thrift stores and find a nice film SLR. You’ll want one to start practicing on as soon as you can, so you can take your photos to portfolio day and such. If you need some suggestions on what kind of camera you should get or how to use the manual setting, I’m your girl (:</p>
<p>As far as your pictures themselves, I find the most visually interesting to be the first one of the bridge. It’s the strongest of the set and it really makes good use out of the black and white and it has very nice contrast. I really do like it. The other pictures are a little cliche, and don’t really draw much emotion or interest. Like the above poster said, the color splash isn’t really what the jurors are going to be looking for. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and try different subjects. Practice makes perfect!</p>
<p>For your drawing portfolio (i’m not sure how your drawing skills are so I won’t go too in depth), make sure you do a lot of figure drawing. Don’t stick with just a pencil, use different kinds of mediums including indian ink, markers, watercolor and etc. Especially pens.</p>
<p>It should be fine, by the way, that your photos are in JPEG. I haven’t gotten around to using RAW yet, but my pictures come out fine in jpeg. I’m sure it would be great if you tried it out, but I think either is fine, in my opinion.</p>
<p>Hope that helped! Feel free to get in contact with me about any questions!</p>
<p>Actually color splash was a whole different question I intended to include in this thread and totally forgot. Thanks! I was thinking it was tacky myself, I just didn’t know because I’ve seen portfolios with it. And thanks for the criticism. I’ll check around the local thrift store for an slr.</p>
<p>Oh and Lauren, he does look quite like a bear but that’s actually a dog.
And for the whole contrast thing, I have noticed most of images look a little flat. I’m just so scared that I’ll over contrast them.</p>