Constructive Criticism

JohnP

Member
Hello,

I'm a new DP just about out of film school. I have some of my work available here:

http://www.jpcine.com/portfolio/portfolio.html

I know there are some very experienced and knowledgeable DP's that frequent this site. I'd really appreciate any opinions/comments regarding my work. I'm very happy to hear criticism but please keep it constructive. :)

Thanks,

JP
 
First of all the concept of 'Rewind' while a bit over used was very well executed. The reveals in reverse was very cool. Your shot selection and placement did a fantastic job of revealing the story bit by bit. As a viewer you are left with the feeling of "oh, that's why that happene...... Oh wait!!", very cool.

As for the lighting setup, I personally like more contrast, there wasn't anything in particular "wrong" just stylistically if you are going to play against the weakness of DV your lighting should probably be a bit more stark. I noticed a very prevelant lack of eyelights in the "across the river" peice. They show up more promenently at the end of the peice but there is a great ammount of footage missing prominent eyelights. Also the back lighting was a bit weak. Not the technique but the ammount of back light was a bit low. Again nothing that is technically "wrong" just a bit muted in emotional impact.

I loved the key placements however, very well placed for adding dimension. Perhaps a bounced fill would make the image a bit more defined. Man I am realizing that I am giving you criticizim based on MY stylistic prefrences. Perhaps I shouldn't. However since you really aren't apparently doing anything incorrectly I only have my stylistic prefrences to compare against.
 
Thanks, I really appreciate your comments. I do realize that they are mostly subjective; but thats ok. It's still good to hear what another DP might do diferently.
 
I thought the dominoe shots in IF were great.... I also thought If had some more inovative camera work for someone just out of school... As far as the DV shorts. I know how dificult the DV format is to work with. I think you did a great job with what I am sure were very limited resources....

Keep up the good work..... I agree with the comments from Naanan on the flat lighting. But it is far better then the stuff I shot when I first started.... So great job...
 
i thought your films were pretty good throughout, in terms of shot selection, they may have been a bit cliche, but then again everyone needs to start somewhere. Overall i think it was pretty good.
 
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