The groom said "I paid for that".

[mncphotos]

This was my recent first attempt at photographing a wedding. The day went well with 38 photos for the album out of 2500. I had this staged after the ceremony. Details: Camera; Nikon D40, F-stop; f/3.5, Exp time; 1/2000, ISO; 200, Focal length; 18.mm, Max aperture; 3.6, No flash, 35mm f/length 27, EXIF version; 0221, Lens was Nikon ED 18-55mm 1:.5 - 5.6G II. I am sure there had to have been a way of getting more life into the photo, but I could not work out how. Suggestions welcome. All critique will be listened to.

[BigVinnie]

Just remember what they say about opinions

I would normally shoot this standing in front of the bride to get everyone in the shot. You said this was staged so I don't know if there was anyone to catch the flowers or not.

Next I would not have the groom standing there. My usual M.O. is to have the men along one side cheering the ladies on. If I can get them to. Sometimes it is not possible.

I would also greatly drop the shutter speed. Somewhere around 1/100th. Two reasons, one is to get the depth of field to get everyone in the shot. The other is to blur the flowers. In this shot it looks like they are suspended on a wire just hanging out in space.

And last but not least. They both look annoyed.

[mncphotos]

Originally Posted by BigVinnie

Just remember what they say about opinions

I would normally shoot this standing in front of the bride to get everyone in the shot. You said this was staged so I don't know if there was anyone to catch the flowers or not.

Next I would not have the groom standing there. My usual M.O. is to have the men along one side cheering the ladies on. If I can get them to. Sometimes it is not possible.

I would also greatly drop the shutter speed. Somewhere around 1/100th. Two reasons, one is to get the depth of field to get everyone in the shot. The other is to blur the flowers. In this shot it looks like they are suspended on a wire just hanging out in space.

And last but not least. They both look annoyed.

Thank you BigVinnie, I totally understand what you are saying, the pic was taken after the rest of the guests had left. I wish I had thought of the idea of having cheering onlookers. I like your method of increasing the depth of field and slightly blurring the bouquet in that manner, it is something I will have to experiment with. Once again thank you for taking the time to give such a helpful reply.