Hi Ronald, thanks for your message, I've had a quick look at your online portfolio.

Whilst we don't want the forum to become a one-to-one 'free-advice for photographers' service, we do want to open up dialog about the creative process, so this might be an opportunity to start a discussion across the forum.

It's difficult to tell you any single thing about improving your work. Obviously it can be improved as it lacks any originality or a personal signature. Much of it looks like stock library photography.

I see a lot of work by photographers who begin by trying to make their work look credible in emulating the proffessional photography they see around them. When they begin they can't light and take a decent photo to save their lives. When their work reaches the commercially acceptable level that is big step, but actually most of the well lit, correctly exposed imagery we see around us is just bland wallpaper. If you want to be at the cutting edge, then you need the courage to ignore everything around you and decide yourself what is a great photograph.

On the other hand, you seem technically able and clearly you can take a good photo. You're not going to make into photographic history books, but then maybe that's not your aim and in a highly competative industry you can be considered to be successful if you can earn a living from it.

What do you feel is lacking in your work? Where do you want to go with it? Who's work inspires you that you wish you were like?

I've stated my case, does anyone else out there have an experience, or opinion about Ronalds work?

Paul has a good point, enough for me to feel I should at least add something.

You've been shooting digital for two years now, so I'm assuming you're comfortable with it. You can shoot just about anything you want, experiment as much as you want, and you don't really have to worry about overhead costs.

If I had a professional level digital SLR, I'd be putting creatives together every weekend. The only hump to overcome would be to put together a good team [not so hard if you look around] and most importantly, have a good concept. That's where Paul's questions come in.

My starting point is always, what do I like? And not just other people's photography. Find a starting formula and start shooting more. You have the technical knowledge, don't be afraid to go outside of what you're doing.

Be your own worst critic. But don't overdo it.

Hope it helps,

Konrad

Quoting Paul Hetherington

"...If you want to be at the cutting edge, then you need the courage to ignore everything around you and decide yourself what is a great photograph..."

This is an inspiring comment. Thankyou.

You must see your own work: autocriticism. You have to be able to discard what is not good enough. It will always depend on your own demand. You will be as good as you are. Outside praise or criticism won't make you better.