I NEED CRITICISM. Help?

I think you exhibit an ability to grasp technical know how and the willingness to think "outside the box". I don't know what competition you are up against, but I think your portfolio displays great potential and I don't know why they would not accept you based on this.

Technically, you are somewhat skilled. You make beginner's mistakes though.

#1 Does nothing for me. Over processed - the teeth aren't scary, there just kinda yucky. There is no separation between the subject and the background at all - too contrasty, too processed.

#2 - The best in the series, but the eyes are the windows to the soul and I can't see hers too well. Clean up the whites of her eyes, and put a light on them. Block off the top and the bottom with barndoors (or blackwrap or foil or tape) and just hit the eyes with a touch more light. Pop them out from under those brows and you have a winner.

#3 Make up is fabulous. Exposure is perfect. The problem is you cut off her eyelashes. Beginner's boo boo. Do it again. Fix that.

#4 Boring. Done way too many times already. Too much red/saturation in the lipstick for the face/hair/clothes. Makes the image pseudo color splash. Also, if you put make up on the face, you need to put it on the neck and hands - any skin that will show should match the face.

#5 Interesting concept - I don't think it works here. Overprocessed in the whites, but the skin needs cleaning. Choose one or the other, I actually liked the straight one better. The tongue is ugly and reminds me of a rolling stones cover.

#6 Doesn't fit the series at all. Pull it out.

I may sound judgmental to you, and I am being tough on you-that's because I do see some potential in your work. Your exposures (with the exception of the ballet shot-it looks pixelated to me so fix the resolution) are very good, and you have a good start on lighting (#2 being the best, imo). Your strong suit is your make up ability (trust me its a rare gift!) Use this and be daring with your lights.

Good luck. Ya got it in ya.

EDIT: Reading your latest comment, ok. Emotionally, these aren't scary or spooky, but they are very good pictures. #'s 2 and 3 are the strongest. You could do haute couture or celebrity portraiture. Yes, they are probably good enough to get you into NYU, but you should have at least10 shots, and they all should not be of the same subject matter. How many photos does NYU request? This fact would help.

the lighting in all your photos looks amazing. I don't know what NYU looks for, but you have a strong 'portfolio'

I think why some people are creeped out is because the pictures are different. when people answer these questions they expect to see those stupid close ups of pretty flowers, ect. these are so different and i love them. if i worked at nyu, i'd want you there because you have such and interesting view on things and your pictures don't look like anyone elses. good luck! :)

number 6 WOW!!! That one took my breath away. I would hang that in my house even though I'm not a ballerina fan. I felt that photo very much.

However, the tongue photo is interesting, The photo made me think of what the message or feeling was. However, the tongue just wasn't appealing enough. Maybe trying a different route such as twins. Just an idea. Or maybe a message on the tongues etc. But the models tongue you used wasn't attractive. The tongue that is.

I do like your work very much, but hands down the ballerina is filled with deep thought and emotion. Loved it.

I also like the first one of the swimmer. Great lighting and clear shot, but he didn't have any emotion which isn't you, it was him. Great lighting though, and I still liked it.

All these, are very serious but still very young. This is very good! Some of them you copied the same, idea or concept just in a different picture, so i would work on making them all unique, and taking risks, but they are very good. Your portfolio, shows you like reality abstract, which means taking real life items and turning them into different visuals. You are a very good photographer and your potential is shining!

I like these a lot. These seem like a lot of the professional shots I've seen, most of them have a dark quality about them that I love. I can't think of a lot of criticisms, other than you don't always have to edit the pictures quite as much. I'm sure the originals are just as beautiful.

They're pretty nice, I like the strong contrasts and the interesting light in that shiny face one (#2). I also really like the contours in the third one.

uhh i don't really get messages from photographs, just general feelings. but if i had to say a message, it'd be that you're a unique person

I don't know about everyone else, but I absolutely LOSE these. The lighting gives a much more powerful emphasis on the objects, and I love the mouth picture!

these are like, some of the best pics i've ever seen in my life. i don't think i've seen better in magazines. i'm in love with this one.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lizziestrupat/3789566... but they're all amazing!! i don't think there's anything you should change..just keep doing what ur doing(:

edit: ok i'll tell you how they make me feel. some of them, like the tounge thing, are kinda creepy. but it's a good kind of creepy. like lady gaga, ya know? and the rest of them, to me, give off a kind of retro vibe..i don't know how to explain it..but it's freakin awesome.

Personally, as an artist myself....They are decent. Nothing spectacular. Hopefully, your skills will mature by the time you have to apply for NYU. No offense, but based on your portfolio right now, you won't be able to get into NYU

Those are beautiful! I'm sure they'll be blown away by your talent. I love the ones of the guy named Jonathan, the one of the ballet dancer, the "she's made of sulfur", inside the cupboard, and the hands on one (her freckles really make the photo for me).