Gary Woodard Photography

Hello Gary,

I thought I'd come to your portfolio take a peak at your work and thank you for visiting mine and providing that very inspiring comment you left on my bay bridge @ night photo. BUT after my visit all I could say is WOW, WOW, WOW, I love all of your work and it is indead very, very inspiriring. Your extreme manipualtion photos are just awe inspiring such beautifull colors and compositions. My other favorite is all of your B & W work. Anyway, thank you for seeing beyond the tree and not faulting me for not following the rule of thirds and living for the momment through my photography. You've truly made my day!!!!!

I would go ahead and dito on Castro's comments, the manips are awesome, but i have to say the portfolio as a whole is equally inspiring and full emotions... well done!

L.Berto

your entire portfolio is amazing, Almost makes me feel as if I have known you forever. I have so many questions... It makes me want to know so much more... Who are these people? Who is the little girl with the blond hair? How old is she now? Where are these people now? How old are some of these photos? They look as if they have been taken today... You have a wonderful gift, and yes...your right...it is better then cutting the grass... ~Melody

Gary, firstly i wish to thank you for taking the time to write such lengthy and helpful comments on some of my photos. I very much appreciate it. But now to get down to the real deal, your portfolio. As i mentioned before it is really mind blowing. You are obviously a very experienced photographer with a great eye and style. You have captured some terrific moments. Your B&W photos are really something to be proud of, especially the portraits. Aside from being technically great they make me feel something when I look at them, something which doesn't always happen despite how technically good a photo is. You really have a unique approach to taking photos.

Thanks, Marcos Economides.

Inspiring work. Excellent synergy of aesthetics and technique. Love your passion to continue the search.

Thanks for viewing my photo of the Darter and your kind comments. Your portfolio is stunning and filled with emotion. You are truly an inspiring photographer who takes images from his surroundings and portrays them in a very artistic, yet real manner. The manipulation sections depict another side, truly great stuff - thanks for sharing.

( ... ) these 3 dots say all I want you. but I'll visit and save all your photos and images. this portfolio is much valiuable and worth to Understanding not to see or looking. I must spend time. and more important for me is that someone like you write comment under my images. I invate you to visit my personal webpage to see some of my caricatures (not cartoon!) http://www.souziana.com/html/caricature.htm

I disagree with your comments to my recent addition. There has been tremendous complaints about "someone" who is simply giving new images 3/3 simply to bring ratings down, oftentimes on beautiful images deserving of much higher praise. I take offense to your comment that *I* would "revenge-rate" for, if you knew me, you would know that I have more class than to insult others' very beautiful, obviously hard-worked-for art. I believe that anyone who puts others' work down for no other reason than to be spiteful is simply being hurtful, and cruel. There are a lot of new people on this site, who can feel very insulted and inadequate when every photo they create gets a 3/3, even when they are, for lack of a better word, spectacular. I simply chose to take a stand today on behalf of those who simply want "real" constructive criticism on their craft, without the insult of a person who takes pleasure in insulting other people's efforts. I, myself, have the integrity, respect, and class, to rate people honestly, and fairly, without hiding behind anonymity. But, if you knew me, you'd know that. Thanks for sharing. (By the way, you have some very lovely images.) Tina

Sadly, I agree with your comment that there will always exist a "3/3 Bandit Type". I meant no "unladylike" behaviour. Perhaps I was merely venting. Alas, I am not "old and cantankerous" as you claim to be (although I would not presume to judge), but am probably closer identified as the "newbie" still seeking firmer footing with my photography. The frustration of coming to a place where it was thought that fair, and honest, constructive criticism would be given, (rather than unfeeling judgement), seems to have gotten the best of me. I, like many others, am simply trying to get better at this wonderful craft, and while I still have far to go, the road is much more difficult in the face of unfair, malicious criticism. Perhaps I, too, will one day find the peaceful serenity of a "cantankerous" edge that will thicken my skin enough to persuade me to continue my quest. May we call a truce? I bear no ill will. I hope that, if time permits, you have a chance to view my much more "ladylike" photography. Respectfully, Tina

Thank's for the critique Gary, Love your work post more...

Thanks for the comments and the Help on my photos > you have a wonderful porfolio. keep up the good wrok. Wade Rose :D

hi gary;) when i came here, i already expected to find sthg interesting. but yr work on B&W is much more than that... IMPRESSING!!! nice pictures gary...

GARY Thank you for taking your time comment on my photo.This is the first time i seen your work, you have an amazing Portfolio .Ive enjoyed looking at all your photos but "Out of the Past" really caught my eye,Great shot!!

At first:I really like your folder "Strangers in BW". Fascinating! Now the answer to your question. All the time i was trying to show myself in a beautiful and likable way. This selfportrait stands for another, independent side of me, with is learning to be fond of itself without any acknowledgement from the outside. Its a new experience, but it feels real good :) Thanks again for your interest!

CAN'T SAY MUCH ABOUT YOUR WORK, SOMETIMES WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE FEELINGS VERY WELL. BUT I WANT TO THANK YOU AS A NEW PHOTOGRAPHER IF I CAN CALL MY SELF A PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR COMENT AND ADVISE.

Thank you for your time and critique ...your work is amazing!

Thank you very much for your consructive comments on my image "Concentration"! The really made me think. If you want, take a look at that again, there`s some of my thoughts about your opinions. I also reloaded that shot as a sharp version with edges and a new name. I`d like to hear what you think about that, if you have time to check my portfolio again! Your portfolio is very good, I`ll be back to see more.

Best wishes, Johanna

Well, I finally figured out how to do this. Thank you so much for the suggestions. I am on the third chapter of a Photoshop book. Not knowing what I am doing has certainly put limits on me. To show you how much of an amateur I am, today I will learn how to crop. The first two chapters were on organizing, and I am sick of that.

Thanks again.

Tana

Thank you for leaving comments on my photo.

Gary, you have an diversed and excellent porfolio. I especially like your portraits and floral photos. Your abstract photos are very nice too.

I agree with you that, we have to look beyond an image whenever possible. And we have to think beyond the image when we take photos. And I can see that you really did it when taking photos.

I am a beginner in photography.

Please keep track on my porfolio and give me advices.

Regards. John

Gary,

I love your photography! It'll take me a week to get through all your shots. I hope all is well and thank you for the help.

Congrats! Justin Uriah

Thanks Gary, I truely appreciate your comments. I did not want to touch it digitally, and thats why it is an absolute virgin picture. But the cropping idea is no doubt a great one. It really helps to give the focus on the old man.

Very nice collection of photos. I like the my you think in regards to the way a photo should look . Photograghy is very much subjective. Some will like and some will not. As long as the photographer like his or her work that is all that matters. Thank you for you response to my fathers Christmas gift. However, like I figured, it did not generate high numbers according to photo.net critiquing. Oh well! I like it and I am sure my father will too! Thanks again for looking at my photography. If you didn't already take a look at the rest of them as well. I think you might find something you will like in there.

Troy

I love your b&w work especially. Great composition. I'll be coming back for more study and inspiration.

I am just stating if a person rates it below average I would like to know what they saw to come to that and if there was something I could have done to change the outcome. Also there are several photographs I have seen that have high ratings from membership members... and have below average ratings from anonymous, I have to wonder do they rate honestly or are they rating for space on the site? I have no problem with people's opinion, I encourage it.

photo.net Rating System

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You can use our system to rate photos along two dimensions: Aesthetics and Originality.

Aesthetics 1 = Ugly; 7 = Beautiful. Reasons for a rating closer to 7:

looks good attracts/holds attention interesting composition great use of color (if photojournalism) drama, humor, impact (if sports) peak moment, struggle of athlete Originality 1 = Hackneyed/Boring; 7 = Amazingly Unusual. It is original if you haven't seen anything like it before or if you wouldn't have thought of this approach to the subject.

1.very bad 2.bad 3.below average 4.average/fair 5.good 6.very good 7.excellent

Hi Gary,

Many thanks for commenting on my egg and whisk photo. Your critique was well appreciated.

I like your portfolio. Some of the more drastic alterations aren't particularly to my taste but I like your portraits and B&W. Nice work.

Gary: I have been playing with that for awhile, not yet with people or any sort of manipulation or filters. Its straight from the camera. I like it...alot of people just rate me down on it. So be it. Its mine and it speaks to me! I will bookmark your site and watch your progress. Thank you for sharing your work, its excellent! John Math

Hi Gary. Excellent portfolio with different styles. I like all but specially the More Movement Manipulations - discreet nudity ones... and if you visite my portfolio will understand. Congratulations ;-)

like your work. Thanks for your comments about my photos, just started posting stuff and just got into digital photography been doing film in the past, havent posted anything yet from my new camera...thanks again

Your portfolio is just jam-packed with beautiful art. There's a lot of diversity here and you've seemed to master each type.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Gary, first, thanks for your in-depth reading of my own self-portrait. Check out my response back on its page. Your portfolio is a thrill for me to look at, because it accomplishes a lot of what I'm trying to do, although I would say it very differently than you do in your bio--but that's another conversation. Especially your friends and relatives section, for me, captures real people doing real things and elevates the photos to something I'd want to place on my mantle even though they are not my own friends and relatives. You have managed to universalize these people so that anyone might feel they know them and that's a major accomplishment.

very cool trip going through your pics - love the time travel, the signs etc. I especially like to read your critiques and "ideas" on photography in general. cheers, Nic.

Gary, I can't thank you enough for your very indepth comment and help you gave me. I will have it with me when I go out looking for more barns, houses, churches and schools. I agree with everything you said as to how to compose the shot.

I have one problem, I am disabled and do not drive much. I have to depend on others to take me out to take photos, or have my camera with me at all times when I am outside of the house (which I always do). ;) I try to take a shot whenever possible. If I run across something I like, I will attempt to take the shot regardless of the time of day or year. :) I never know if I will be able to get back there to take another shot. But I have also been very lucky to get pretty good at post processing..lol I do editing in Photo Shop and if the shot is halfway decent I try my hardest to get it to look worth while posting.

I use Photo.net to hold my portfolio and my presentations primarily for the organization of a portfolio. I am not very active on this site, but I like how I can organize my photos as well as my family and friends and others can also get on the site to see my portfolio. I use this as "my" website. Lol

I also am starting to create presentations on here also. I created one awhile ago of the local lake. I live in the Fingerlakes of upstate New York which are 5-7 different lakes in the area. I have a goal to get shots of each lake here. I have Seneca and Keuka so far as they are the closest ones to me. Therefore I started doing a presentation on these lakes. I also created a presentation today of the old barns and houses (in case you wish to view it).

Again, thank you so much for all your help. I am going to print your comment and suggestions out and keep them with me in my Photography Log so I have them next time.

HAGD, Cheri

its great portfolio! wonderful...very interesting!

Gary, Your portfolio is a true works of art and I agree your statement..."It exists in its own right as an object of art"...WOW Great statement. Thank you for sharing your talent on this site, please keep adding. John

Your portfolio is amazing...I especially enjoyed your bw people photos, really thoughtfull and pleasing. You have shown such a variety I just kept scrolling thinking...WOW. Thanks for posting for us to enjoy.

Carla

Just read your comment on my photo and came to see your portfolio. I like your works, spacialy with the people. Some funny moments you've cought. And photos in the album - Fun in the park, look like there is no fun at all :))) Regards, Nataliya

Portfolio us clean us a wisel. Regards - S.G.

your b&w's are amazing

i truly admire your work!

Hi Gary,

First off I would like to thank you so much for your in depth critic of my assignment photograph.. It is so nice to get feedback like that, it?s the only way a low skilled photographer like myself can learn and was my reason for joining this site. Unfortunately, I am left all too often why my image has got 3s and feel frustrated. I wish more people were like you willing to devote the time to help people like me. I have just had a look through your portfolio and fine it very impressive. I am always amazed by photographers who are able to capture amazing photographs of places, people and things I would not even notice. Your Black and White work is particularly impressive. You are a skilled photographer with an amazing eye. I hope you find the time to critic more of my images so I can continue learning and understand where I go wrong with my images. Best Regards,

Ger.

Great portfolio. I was just wandering around and came upon yours. You have some really great images. My favorites are the wildlife in the zoo. Your people shots come a close second. Fantastic, I will be back often to see what is new.

Danielle

Thanks for taking the time to comment on my photograph. You have a beautiful portfolio. I'm very much taken by the portraits, you have capture their inner being and present them very well. Your movement series is abstract and beautifully colored. My hats off to you Gary, beautiful work!

I'm very surprised with some of your photos , your experiencie is great (sorry for my englsh) Congratulations!

Gary, most impressive biography and furthermore, subliminal photographs.

Kind regards, Andi.

...How about this I have attached another "Rustic" Photo for you to look at, is this more what you thought would be a better image, I shot this one from a different angle to avoid the blue building, cause I myself couldn't tell how I liked it best, Thank you so much for your honest critique... My hopes for adding images in this Critique Forum is to help me grow as an artist and a photographer, and by the way...I love your portfolio, I have always had an interest in people, old buildings, animal and floral shots, and you seem to have quite a bit of those subjects in your portfolio~Leticia

Gary, Thank you for your honest critique, I love it...you make me dig deeper~ Leticia

Gary, I'm thrilled to see that someone with your experience took his time to make such a detailed comment on one of my photos. It really means a lot to me. You can see one's experience transcending his pictures. My best regards to you.

Thank you very very much for all of your comments and suggestions, I will most definately keep working on them!

Gary,

I thought I'd take the time to reply, I lost track of my thread a while back requesting comments on my portfolio. I completely forgot I even made that post. In any case thanks for taking the time to browse my work. I have since replaced the images with newer ones, and hope you can stop by and take a peek some time.

Your photos are great I very much enjoyed viewing the portraits and especially the movement manipulations, I hope to one day achieve the same caliber of work you do. I'll look forward to more images from you!

Regards,

Bj

To discuss using one of your photos for a feature I am working on. Please email me at kate@emdashonline.com

Thank you

Kate

very good portfolio....I like it very much...congrats.regards.

Just a quick note to thank you most sincerely for your recent critique. As I have noted in my reply it was far more than a critique and extended to what I would consider an in depth phsychological profile of the image and its composition. The information you provided with such clarity and eloquence, has not only re-inforced some of my previous beliefs, but also added further facts, values and guidance in my armoury of knowledge that I will most definately refer to in the future. You have been most generous with your knowledge and your time. I wish there were more members like you.
I have looked through your portfolio, and the range and diversity of your images is quite staggering. The Nature section and People struck me the most. I am fairly new to photography and pretty much one dimensional in my photographic prowess, landscapes being my preferred genre, with a few experimental exceptions. I also read your profile and like your "no nonesense" approach to critiques. Your wealth of experience is substantiated by your confident dialogue and in depth knowledge. Therefore as a relative newcomer to photography, I don't feel I am able to offer you any practical advice in return. However should you ever require my opinion, I would more than pleased to accomodate, and provide you with my honest thoughts.
Kind Regards
Alf

You have an amazing collection of beautifully crafted images. Haven;t had the time to see them all, but you are on my Interesting Persons list.

Gary, thanks for your visit and comment on my self portrait, seeing your work I can put your question into context. I find your work has a strong artistic content, images are well thought through and presented very well, I like what you do, keep them coming.