First Wedding

[PhotosByFerrell]

Hi all, its been a really long time since i was on here. I recently photographed my first wedding. I really enjoyed it and want to get in on some more. I am typically a landscape photographer. This photograph is one of my favorites but has no justice for the rest of the pictures. If you get a chance look at the few i have posted on my website and let me know what you think of them. Thank you all in advance for all the helpful information you provide.



Here is the link to my other wedding photos
Photos by ferrell, photography,wedding photographer

[BigFuzzy]

First off you should check out the critique section forum rules HERE and post some exif info to help us better help you. Thanks



Since you asked to look at lots of photos I'll give some general impressions. I know I'm going to come off a bit harsh, but since you say you want to keep doing this, I want to help where I can so you do the best possible.

The main thing I noticed in all your images is the need to learn lighting, both flash and natural. Many of your images are underexposed causing the couple to be dark when they should be the best lit aspect of your image. Quite honestly I'd be upset if I got married and the photo of our first kiss/first dance (as in your port) was so dark. This makes me assume you're shooting in some sort of auto mode seeing as this is easy to correct while shooting? You need to be able to check your display and see that it (and various others like the one with them holding the champaigne glasses) was woefully underexposed.

These underexposure issues would be fixed with some knowledge of proper flash usage.

Every single photo you put up has dead-center composition which, to me, is very boring. Think Rule of Thirds. Get creative, move around more. Try different angles.

Again, sorry if it's harsh, but I think you needed to hear it if you want to keep shooting such important events as weddings. Though not horrible, those images (to me) don't really cut it if you're getting paid to do a job. I hope this motivates you to really tackle the lighting issue as I saw this as the major thing that needed work on.
Good luck!

[candidrachel]

One thing that really strikes me is the bright background and underexposed subjects in quite a few of your shots. What would have helped would be to use some fill flash to illuminate your subject in the foreground rather than an underexposed sillouette like the photo you posted here.

Totally agree with what Big Fuzzy said too.

[PhotosByFerrell]

All great information, thank you! What is a good way to photograph on a bright day with subjects covered? I don't ever snap in any auto mode. My camera is set on an AV setting.

[SusanH1970]

Originally Posted by PhotosByFerrell

All great information, thank you! What is a good way to photograph on a bright day with subjects covered? I don't ever snap in any auto mode. My camera is set on an AV setting.

Spot metering, if your camera has it. Fill flash helps as well, so you don't blow out the background.

[sk66]

How to improve.
Learn lighting, composition, focus, and post production.
I'd also suggest learning more about the industry as a business.

And just to make a point. The moment you provide professional services for financial compensation you are "a professional".

[John Hendry]

Originally Posted by sk66

How to improve.
Learn lighting, composition, focus, and post production.
I'd also suggest learning more about the industry as a business.

And just to make a point. The moment you provide professional services for financial compensation you are "a professional".

You need to shoot a lot practice practise not sure your ready but the more you do the better you will get.

[PhotosByFerrell]

Thank you all. this photo was original and no post production. i wanted to see how to improve the origional shot without a lot of post production work. Again, thank you all for the helpful information

[3bayjunkie]

i didn't read all the replies on here, I would have exposed for the shadows on her face and then recomposed. that way you would get more detail in the skin.