I was accepted as a Click Pro and I'm over the moon! As I paid extra for personalised feedback (in case I didn't make it!), I thought I'd share it here to help others who might be thinking of applying. It's helped me with how to keep improving and I've had the OK from Courtney Larson to share it here :)
I've included the images mentioned. You can see my full set here: www.bexphoto.com/ClickProSet
"PERSONAL NOTES FROM THE PANEL Exposure-
Beautiful use of exposure triangle in nearly every photo! There were only a few that appeared to have highlights that are too bright and detract from the image. Some examples are, Girl in rainbow outfit jumping on gray sofa with boy on couch I think the whites are too bright and vertical image of couple with toddler in rose colored sweater walking on leaves; leaves are really distracting and backlight overpowering. Toddlers in diapers, with toes only showing on a table with pictures around them (black and white). Overall you handle challenging light very, very well and your exposure choices add to the frame.
Use of Light-
Your use of light is outstanding! It's obvious that you have studied how to use light in ways that flatter your subjects to add depth and dimension. I loved how you were able to incorporate lens flare, ambient lighting, ordinary lighting yet each image is properly lit and it feels just right for that moment. It's difficult to list images as they are untitled, but there's one with feet pressing end of tub with beautiful light, a little one in a sliver of light that looks like she may have just gotten out of the tub, a family dancing in their living room, mom twirling and little girl twirling/jumping, dad holding girl. All of these are examples of beautiful light contributing to your story.
Color + White Balance-
The majority of your portfolio contains really lovely and deliberate choices in how you set your white balance. There is a nice rich warmth to most every image. There was a few outliers for me that didn't quite fit within your set as a whole. Breastfeeding twin mom - straight on perspective. Woman looking in hand mirror. Baby in red octagonal tunnel.
Composition-
You've done a nice job of incorporating line, shape and form to create strong compositions. I like your use of movement and your shared perspectives by shooting from above and straight on creating a stronger sense of connection for your viewers. It's obvious that you consciously make a choice on what to include in the frame. There were a few times where your compositions and "chops" hurt your image:
Processing + Cohesion-
Overall color and tonality as mentioned before is strong. There were a few images that were outliers in terms of color and white balance but do not detract from the overall body of work (girl spinning on outdoor equipment, a few outdoor photos of woman in yellow dress have a heavier matte feel). Your black and white imagery has gorgeous tonal range with the exception of the one mentioned in exposure section with toddlers on table that is just too bright.
Technical-
Your selective focus and DOF appears to be a big part of your story telling and truly enhances the story you want to tell. I like the way you use intentional blur, defocus and shallow depth of field to really lead your viewers eye.
Creativity + Intention-
Your body of work shows beautiful and emotive imagery. You have a strong vision and your images feel effortless. I enjoyed your lifestyle approach combined with light, movement and creativity.
Applicants strongest images or skill-
I had many favorite images that were very well done. Your strongest skill set are those dark, moody, slice of light indoor imagery. They are fantastic!
Applicants weakest images or skill-
Your weakest images are just those few that I mentioned previously that have a slightly different feeling in the processing (heavy matte) or the color is a bit green.
Follow-up Feedback-
Overall your portfolio is cohesive and your voice is very strong. My only recommendation is to continue to shoot just like you do but incorporate a few more detail work and possibly work with a few more varying focal lengths or lenses. Excellent work!
We look forward to having you join us and getting to know you!"
I found it so interesting to look back at my set after reading this, I completely agree about the three brighter ones and will be re-editing them for myself. It's funny how you don't always notice something until someone points it out.
I am delighted with my score for use of light and the feedback I got there. I was surprised by the mention of trying to get more details going forward as that's something I love and often include but looking back at my set, I haven't included as many detail images as I thought. I do know I favour my 35mm lens but I'm using my new 20 more and more and my new Lensbaby is inspiring me to get more creative and do more macro stuff again with the filters I added to it.
I can't wait to see where I go next. This was such a big goal for me but I don't want to stop now, I am excited to see what else I can achieve. :)