Wedding Portrait

[Bremer]

Hi everyone, this is my first time posting on the DPS forums even tho i've been reading pretty much every article in the site. I really want to develope my photography skills. I've had my Canon Rebel Tx for 2 months now and i was invited to this wedding. I took a few shots and this is the one i liked the most.


I had to put my ISO all the way up because there was little light. I think it looks grainy or noisy but anyway, id like to see what you all think. How can i improve this? Composition? Any suggestions?

Thanks a lotCamera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT
Exposure: 0.077 sec (1/13)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
Exposure: 0.00
ISO Speed: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: On, Red-eye reduction

Alex

[LostMahbles]

I like the shot. The only suggestion I have might be to blur out the background a bit. The light fixtures and the people in background distract a little bit from the dance. Blurring them out might make it feel like a more private moment for the newlyweds as well.

Just my $0.02.

[Trader]

I would also suggest that your crop off some of the top of the image. That would bring more attention to your subject. The top one third of the image does not contribute much to the image.

[Bremer]

Thanks for your comments guys, much appreciated. I will in fact take some time in learning post production as i am a total newbie on that.
I think im gonna try to get a faster lens, because i've noticed that most of the time I find myself in low light conditions. I know most people say its more about the photographer, not about the equipment, but with my kit lens, and not being the hired photographer for the wedding i couldn't get close to these moments. Maybe a higher aperture to blur out the people in the background?

Well thanks for your comments, cheers
Alex

[withlime]

I differ a little on the suggestions above... I guess it depends on the story you want to tell.

I love seeing the guests watching the couple - although you may want to just darked the light skirts on the chairs a little to help her dress pop. I even like the fact that their is one couple not watching!

I love the balance and ambiance the ceiling provides. It shapes are beautiful, they soften the photo and mirror the flow in her dress. Not sure how to describe it, but as your eye travels up the couple the swoop on the ceiling bounces you back into the photo directly at the couple.

I also like the main light as well. It is almost as if they are dancing under a moon. I would see what it is like without the light right by their head or that other thing hanging from the ceiling. Without seeing it, it may - however - be more interesting with the visual triangle of lights above their heads... not sure.

Bottom line, great shot no matter what you do with it...

[candleman]

i wouldnt crop it.. it tells more of a story like this.

what i WOULD do,
is darken the background a bit, and lighten the shadow side of the bride.
that will make thwem pop off the page, and you done loose the adoring guests.

you can do this via dodging and burning, or simply adding a screening & mulitply llayers selectivley masked.
i think the face and right side is too bright.. i'd tweak that too.

thats a slightly more photojournalistic approach, i think its important to tell a story rather than handing over a bunch of mugshots.
nice image..

[Bremer]

Wow thanks again for the comments. I'm glad i posted in the forum, you're all so helpful. I would've never thought of all the adjustments that can be made to this image. I'm gonna try your tips, i'm picturing this in my mind and all this darkening the background and softening the light from camera's right really works for the photo. I have basic knowledge on Photoshop masks and adjustment layers, so i'll just search for some tutorials online and try to enhance the pic.

Alex

[Bremer]

Is this any better? Or does it look too retouched?

[kencaleno]

contrast adjustment

[irishmuth]

Originally Posted by Bremer

Is this any better? Or does it look too retouched?

I think it looks great. I see where Ken was going with his edit, but per others' feedback, I think the background clutter is best left darkened. I took a stab at the edit and pretty much came up with something similar to your results - I think yours looks better though. Mine came out a tad soft and less natural than yours.