Would like to get unbiased opinion

[mbower05]

Hello all,

I could really use some help here. For the last few months I have been working with a local wedding photographer as a second shooter. We work really well togetherand have several weddings already booked for next year, but we are having a disagreement that I need a unbiased opinion. I shot a wedding with her last month and just finished toning all of the images. I will say upfront that I am not required to do any editing and could just give her raw images. However I am trying to improve my abilities.

I submitted the images to her which I had previously shown to several people and even got a request to be a solo shooter at a wedding next year. When she reviewed the images she said that she had to go redo all of my images because they were really dark and the brides dress always looked grey. I know toning/editing is subjective and depends on what the individuals artistic preferences are.

Now..I did just get a brand new laptop which I used to edit the images. She suggested I calibrate the screen which I don't disagree should probably be done but I have viewed my images on several computers and I just don't see what she does.

I was hoping that some of you might be willing to take a minute and look at the flickr slideshow and give me your opinions. I completely understand that this is her business and don't mind at all if she needs to to alter my images to fit her ideal for the client. I just want to get an idea if the images are really that bad?

Lauren and Jesse

Thanks!

[Ray Dockrey]

They look a little dark to me. Everything else looks good and they are really good but they just look a little dark.

[mbower05]

Thanks for your input! I am thinking the big issue is my new laptop. It has a 17" LED screen that is really bright. When I view the shots my partner took they look washed out on my screen. Again...thanks for taking the time to take a look!

[ARKreations]

I'd have to agree - a touch dark and there are a some shots that have "gray" whites.
You really have to be careful using a laptop for final editing - especially without calibration.
At the very least, calibrate it or consider using a good external monitor.

Congrats on the general progression and solo opportunities - it looks like you're quite capable of the task.

LCD screens are screwy...if you look at it them from different angles, some images look lighter or darker. This is typical of most laptops. The exception is the higher end models with the non-TN style screens, like a PVA or IPS. Apple laptops come standard with IPS monitors, which is part of their high cost.

With PVA and IPS monitors, the colors and brightness don't change much with viewing angle. I'd recommend getting one if you do a lot of photo editing. New ones can be expensive, but my four-year-old 21" Gateway LCD (PVA) is only $100 or so on e-bay.

Your best bet is to look at the histogram, and adjust your exposure based on that.

[OsmosisStudios]

While they are a bit dark (I'd say about 1/3-2/3 of a stop), I do like the mood and feel.

[mbower05]

Thank you all for your replies. I bought the laptop for portability but based on what I am hearing I think I will invest in a good external monitor for editing. I know camera's pretty well but when it comes to computers I am a bit behind the times. Are you better off with and LCD flat panel or should I get a CRT. I don't even know if you can buy CRT's anymore? I don't know what criteria I should look for in a good monitor...I am sure the $99 monitors at Walmart won't cut but I don't know what a reasonable price is if I get say a 20 or 22" high quality monitor?

[candleman]

sure they are a TAD dark...doesnt bother me hugely..
i agree with Osmosis.. it does set a mood.

but i prefer "lighter" images, should be easy with no noise on a D300

my biggest problem is your framing, its very obvious that in many of your images you have simply used the centre focus point.. so your subjects face is dead center, tons of space above them, and you've cut their hands off. (particularly the groomsmen)

focus and recompose, or use your focus points more.

other than that.. there are some beautiful images there/

[WheelerImages]

In my experience, when borderline-too-dark photos are printed, they are DEFINITELY too dark.

And my laptop is also considerably brighter that the monitor I use for editing.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by WheelerImages

In my experience, when borderline-too-dark photos are printed, they are DEFINITELY too dark.

And my laptop is also considerably brighter that the monitor I use for editing.

This depends on the monitor. I find that "dark" images on my monitor print out perfectly at my printer and are, in fact, sometimes a bit bright.