Recently completed project

[Lauffray]

Hello everyone

Here's a small documentary(ish) project I completed not too long ago and I'd like some feedback about it. I haven't done that much project work before, I consider myself a beginner in that regard so I'd appreciate any critique I can get.

I don't like to have to link elsewhere, but I only got the people's permission to post on my own website, so please check it here: http://bit.ly/GHBb5h

Here's a preview though
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6866831140_b102012e4e_b.jpg

thanks :)

[mdarnton]

It's a small thing, but I notice on your Flickr page that you call it an essay on violin making. It's really about violin repair and restoration--I don't see a bit of making in the photos. Either side might take it as a discredit for it to be called violin making, since that's quite a different thing--like visiting a car repair shop and calling it automotive manufacture. The guys wearing the suits and ties at the front of the shop will say it doesn't matter, but the people at the bench know that it does to them. Not because one is better, but because they are proud of what they do.

[kevin_v]

These are very nice. There's really a feeling of presence. I especially like 14. (Also a beginner – haven't quite found a project myself, though)

[delubo_hu]

very nice photos

[Lauffray]

mdarnton: you are correct, it is mostly about repair and restoration, although they told me that they do occasionally make them from scratch too, though rarely

[Teuthida]

Good work. Some free advice: ignore other people's advice.

[zauhar]

Good work. Some free advice: ignore other people's advice.

I think your work looks great! I didn't look at your flickr page yet, but you have posted some examples already that I remember.

Teuthida gives some good advice - I don't know about you, but I kick myself over a large percentage of my photos. I usually know what I've f-cked up.

That said, there are a number of fine folks on RFF (Lynnb, JohnCarter and Paulfish are just three who come to mind) who are willing to give technical advice, for which I am grateful.

You need hear advice like "try a tighter crop", not potentially derogatory remarks about the artistic value of your efforts. Unfortunately you open yourself up to the latter when you ask "What do you think of this?" in a public forum.

Randy

[Lauffray]

teuthida, zauhar: thanks for the feedback, this is exactly the kind of advice I'm looking for. I don't typically do much documentary work, so like you said, I can tell when I've messed up, but this is new territory to me :)

[shadowfox]

A cohesive set of good B&W.
Nice work.

[nighstar]

i don't have any really meaningful feedback to give, but i really enjoyed looking through your photos. they made me miss playing the violin. :)

[stratcat]

Very nice documentary sets! I liked the 'Spanish Christmas' very much (as well as the violin repair). Congratulations!