Hey guys!!! We need some images for the first live critique coming up this Saturday Night!! If you are or know a photographer that would like to submit an image, please send a high resolution image to [email protected] Here is the criteria they will be critiqued by… first Best of Show is going to win a free access to a one on one mentoring session with me😊. 📸 Portrait Academy – Image Critique Night What We’re Looking For This is about growth, not ego. We’re critiquing the image—not the photographer. Images will be reviewed on: Impact & Story Does it grab attention? Clear subject? Emotion or connection? Lighting Quality, direction, and control. Is it intentional and flattering? Composition Framing, subject placement, background control, distractions. Technicals Focus, sharpness, exposure, white balance, file cleanliness. Posing & Expression (if applicable) Natural posing, hands, posture, eyes, genuine expression. Editing & Color Consistent tones, accurate skin color, clean retouching, not overdone. Intent & Style Is there a purpose? Does it fit your brand or goal? Market Readiness Would a client buy it? Portfolio-worthy? Professional standard? How critiques work: Honest, respectful, practical feedback. Strengths first, growth second. No ego, no gatekeeping. Goal: better images next time—not perfection tonight.

This is a session that created my very first international award called “Dirt Angel” that can now be viewed in a portrait album in the Smithsonian Museum!!😊

When you think of a pose? is it easy to think of? can you think right away how to pose them? Truth is Posing is person specific always! there's poses that will work with women that wont work with men and there's some that work for smaller people that won't work with bigger people and so forth and so on! coming soon, you will have access to a full course on how to pose based on scenery and personality until then take a look at this! notice the scenery notice the outfit it all goes together and a standing pose really shows off the contrast

If you want your sports portraits to hit different, lighting is the secret sauce. Cameras don’t make magic — light does. Here’s the playbook: ⚡ Directional Light = Drama Side lighting adds muscle, texture, and intensity. Flat light is for ID photos… not athletes. ⚡ Hard vs Soft Light Hard light = gritty, ESPN vibes. Soft light = polished, magazine-ready. Pick your weapon wisely. ⚡ Background Matters Dark backgrounds = power and focus. Grungy textures = attitude. Don’t let clutter steal the spotlight. ⚡ One Light Setup = GOAT You don’t need 5 strobes. Master ONE light first. Placement > gear. ⚡ Pose With Purpose Athletic stance. Chest up. Chin down. Confidence sells the shot. Remember: You’re not just taking a photo… You’re building a hero poster. Drop your sports portraits below 👇 Let’s level them up together 💪📸 #SportsPortraits #StudioLighting #PhotographyTips #BehindTheScenes #PortraitAcademy #Lighting101