Wedding Test Shots. Please Critique

[swiftmed]

Hey Guys,

I have been asked to be the photographer for my little sisters wedding after she has been let down at the last minute. After looking around for a photog, we've had no luck, so hesitantly, I've agreed to do the photography for her.

I have been reading books, blogs, photography magazines etc etc to ensure I am fully prepared for the day. I am not stupid enough to believe the day will run perfectly, and my pictures will be immaculate, but my sister has agreed to that taken into account those facts.

With that In mind, I went out with her and her fiancé today just to take a couple of test pictures to see how they would come out. She is pretty happy with the results, I also like a lot of the pictures, but I want to present you guys with the three I like best, and want you to pick them to bits for me. Tell me what I've done right and wrong, and how I could improve the specific pictures on the day. These pictures were all taken in the location we'll be shooting at on the wedding day.



EDIT: Bit annoyed the admins have deleted two of my pictures from this thread. As I explained in my post, I wanted 'general criticism about my shots as a whole', I.E, lighting, composition, etc. Seems that Is not acceptable here.

If anybody would like to see the other two shots, please see my Flickr stream - I need general advice of my pictures as a whole, not individual critique. http://www.flickr.com/photos/swiftmed/


Thank you in advance for your time and any advice you may provide me with.

[veritasimagery]

Did you use a flash?

I think that on picture two a reflector or off camera flash on camera right and high, aimed down at your sister would have provided better lighting on her face.

And using that same reflector or flash at camera left on picture three would have helped to brightened the couple up. AS it is, they seem to be shadowed a bit.

That said, love the composition on all of them. Maybe less space above the couple on picture one.


Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

[swiftmed]

Hi Kevin,

Thanks for taking the time to critique my shots. I didn't use any flash on my pictures - to be honest with you, I don't have a flash gun, only the flash thats on my DSLR, and that's not too great. Im hoping to buy one before the wedding, but money is a little tight.

I have, however ordered two reflector's which should be here this week, so ill definitely use your advice and give the pictures another shot before the wedding using the reflectors.

[veritasimagery]

Tell you what I use, those inexpensive reflectors that go inside your car's windshield to keep the sun out. Bought mine for $4.00 US at a local auto-parts store. They work great. Just get yourself an assistant (my wife or daughters are great for that) to hold the reflector to catch the sun and aim it the way you want. Works great for little cash.

Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

[Ambrosia76]

You should include exif info with shots in Critique it helps us help you. I peek at the info on your flicker and noticed these photos were taken in the middle of the day. If the wedding will be midday you will be dealing with the same harsh light conditions and may want to find areas of shade indirect light to take pics. If the wedding is at a different time of day then your light source will be different than when you took your test shots,also be different if it is cloudy.

Also on the pics of their face your focus seems a little soft,try to focus on their eyes and make the face focus sharp.

[swiftmed]

Thanks for the feedback Kevin. I purchased some reflectors on eBay, paid around $20 for the two of them so I was happy with that.

Thanks also Ambrosia. The pictures were taken today at pretty much the same time they'd be taken on the wedding day. I specifically chose the time for these test photos so I know that the light is similar to the actual day.

I will also keep in mind about finding shaded areas to take the pictures. I still have a lot to learn, but Im getting there.

Bit annoyed the admins have deleted two of my pictures from this thread. As I explained in my post, I wanted 'general criticism about my shots as a whole', I.E, lighting, composition, etc. Seems that Is not acceptable here.

If anybody would like to see the other two shots, please see my Flickr stream - I need general advice as my pictures as a whole, not individual critique. http://www.flickr.com/photos/swiftmed/

[TraceyHill3]

I agree that the reflector is going to make a huge difference! I hope you have someone helping you because they can be a pain otherwise. My daughter is short so she works great when I need it.

[autofocus]

Andrew, a few tips:
1) use of a reflector can be a tricky thing. It's very easy to create harsh lighting, almost blinding at times if it's not done correctly. You usually need to adjust it, or feather it such that it's just enough to fill in the shadows somewhat. Often, the white or silver side is enough, and rarely will we use the gold side. (I just don't like what it does to the skin tones, but many will use the gold side) Obviously, you will need an assistant to help you with holding the reflector...you may want to set up some practice time with that person. White side will give you the least, most forgiving amount of fill, while the silver side will give you considerably more.
2) many of your shot examples were shot in pretty full sun...harsh, squinty light. If possible, try to avoid that in your shots. You also have dappled light on their faces..also need to avoid. Find open shade areas for your posed shots. (if an overcast day, no need to worry..you'll be golden)
3) all three shots were shot in landscape mode...get in the habit of mixing in some portrait (vertical) shots
4) be careful with your crops/compositions...you clipped off the feet in your first shot of them walking away

Hope this helps

[veritasimagery]

The reason the mods pulled two of the shots is outlined in the "guidelines" thread. The want to have only one picture for critique per day. Read through that thread, it gives great advice in order to get the best help.

And yes, giving all the shooting info is very helpful to those who want to give advice.


Kevin
Veritas Imagery NW

[swiftmed]

Thanks for the feedback folks.

Everybody's advice regarding the reflector is very much appreciated. I've never used one or tried using one in my (short) photography career, so it'll be fun learning that. In everybody's opinion, what would you recommend (if money weren't an object), Flash Gun or Reflector? And is there any drawbacks / advantages to using either of them?

Regarding the harsh sun light, that does worry me a little bit, as the park my sister wants to shoot in is very open, and doesn't have many shady areas. She wants pictures of them on the steps, walking on the grass, a tree-lined path etc, and all are very open without much shade. Any advice for me with regards to that??

I will also be sure to keep my eye on cutting legs off. You are not the first person to mention that to me regarding that specific shot. Had it had their full size in, it could've been a pretty good shot a think. But I am learning!!

Ref removing images... I know about the guidelines, but I thought they were more 'guidelines' than steadfast rules. I wasn't really looking for feedback regarding the camera side of things... aperture, focal length, iso etc, hence I left out the EXIF data.