I think the lighting problem comes from the fact that I'm using global illumination to light the models, I will try a simple 3-point lighting and check the difference.
Using free studio HDRIs of poly haven may help you as a quick solution: https://polyhaven.com/hdris If you want to setup your own studio environment there is the basics of 3 point lighting: https://careereducation.rochester.edu/blog/2022/08/15/how-to-master-the-three-point-lighting-setup-and-lighting-techniques/ Changing…
For setting up your portfolio, I think Artstation is still the way to go. Even with all of the stuff around AI it's still a convenient way to find people and is simply designed with art at the forefront. When myself and others get job applicants, we often go straight to Artstation and type in a person's name. Your models…
One issue I'm seeing across almost all your models is something that was pointed out to me: Break up the generated edge wear. For example on your revolver, every single edge of the metal has a uniform lighter grey wear on it. Same for most of your other metal. In a few places it's broken up but overall the same. Then…
I had a question about the bullets - are they really flat on both ends? I've shot pistols and rifles before (only a few times) but it struck me as odd that it was a flat cylinder on both ends of the chamber. Also, RE: lighting and shading, I agree with above comments and also wonder if you could get more ambient occlusion…