What’s Your Preference?

LightChaser · #1 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 01:27 AM

I know the image below includes some images that don't exactly fall under the category of photographing people, but I've been told that this would still be the best place to start this thread (a thread on wedding photography tips is stuck here, after all), so here goes.

I've got 16 wedding images below that I think are pretty good. What I'd like to know though, are your opinions on the best (or worst) images from the set below. Which of these images are great (or even just good)? Which of them should I delete and never show again?

Yes, I know the images are rather small (I don't want to go too wide), so I've included links to all 16 images below. If you'd like, I can simply post the 16 images directly below, but I'll only do that if you request it.

Thanks in advance!

kencaleno · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightChaser

I know the image below includes some images that don't exactly fall under the category of photographing people, but I've been told that this would still be the best place to start this thread (a thread on wedding photography tips is stuck here, after all), so here goes.

I've got 16 wedding images below that I think are pretty good. What I'd like to know though, are your opinions on the best (or worst) images from the set below. Which of these images are great (or even just good)? Which of them should I delete and never show again?

Yes, I know the images are rather small (I don't want to go too wide), so I've included links to all 16 images below. If you'd like, I can simply post the 16 images directly below, but I'll only do that if you request it.

Thanks in advance!

Similar name:Thanks,

Gary W. Stanley

gary@light-chasers.com

400 Humphrey St
Swampscott, MA 01907
781-599-0819

wulf · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 08:47 AM

I think a lot depends on the people you are shooting for. I think the range of pictures would probably be too diverse if you offered them all for one wedding but something along these lines would be a useful portfolio for discussing approaches with the happy couple to be.

As photographs, I particularly like #11 - wonderful lighting for a set piece. Maybe it does lack a bit in the human element though. One thing you don't demonstrate in these pictures is a shot with wedding guests in (large enough to be identifiable but small enough to include a bunch of them). Thinking back to my wedding (well before I started to develop a photographer's eye), I particularly liked that kind of image as it reminded me of all the people who came along to support, many of whom I didn't get much chance to chat with on the day because of the duties of being in one of the starring roles.

Wulf

framed · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-2008, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kencaleno

Similar name:Thanks,

Gary W. Stanley

gary@light-chasers.com

400 Humphrey St
Swampscott, MA 01907
781-599-0819

I am only beginning in the world of photography, but you asked for opinions so here goes. I definitely know what I DON'T like. If I were the bride, I would not want my picture taken at the angle you have used in #13. That angle makes things look larger than they are, plus it looks as though she is getting ready to throw her flowers at someone. Aside from that, you did capture the scenery beautifully. Also, #3 seems kinda odd. Is he proposing all over again? I think I would like this better if the bride was posed alone - the lighting is beautiful.

LightChaser · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2008, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wulf

I think a lot depends on the people you are shooting for. I think the range of pictures would probably be too diverse if you offered them all for one wedding but something along these lines would be a useful portfolio for discussing approaches with the happy couple to be.

As photographs, I particularly like #11 - wonderful lighting for a set piece. Maybe it does lack a bit in the human element though. One thing you don't demonstrate in these pictures is a shot with wedding guests in (large enough to be identifiable but small enough to include a bunch of them). Thinking back to my wedding (well before I started to develop a photographer's eye), I particularly liked that kind of image as it reminded me of all the people who came along to support, many of whom I didn't get much chance to chat with on the day because of the duties of being in one of the starring roles.

Wulf

Thanks, Wulf!

These are photos I've picked out from some weddings I've covered recently. Some are already in my folio - some I'm still undecided on. I was hoping to see which images other people would like (or not).

As for #11, I get both sides of your critique on it. Couples usually spend a lot on their clothes (and other things) though, so I try to make sure I get at least a few images in that highlight those little details.

Thanks for the advice on highlighting guests. In my first cut, I had quite a few images of guests at weddings - they eventually got cut out though because I didn't want to shift too much focus away from the couple. I'll definitely take another look at my archives though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by framed

I am only beginning in the world of photography, but you asked for opinions so here goes. I definitely know what I DON'T like. If I were the bride, I would not want my picture taken at the angle you have used in #13. That angle makes things look larger than they are, plus it looks as though she is getting ready to throw her flowers at someone. Aside from that, you did capture the scenery beautifully. Also, #3 seems kinda odd. Is he proposing all over again? I think I would like this better if the bride was posed alone - the lighting is beautiful.

I hadn't considered the point about the angle of #13, but I will definitely keep that in mind for the future. As for the getting-ready-to-throw-the-flowers pose, I'm washing my hands - the bride suddenly struck that pose and that's what we ended up with.

I also get the point about #3, but again, the groom suddenly dropped to his knees. Again, not my fault.

I'm glad you like the lighting though. Thanks!

In both cases, I guess having a playful couple could get you some wonderful shots that the couple (and the photographer), but maybe not everybody, would appreciate. I'll be more careful about those kinds of shots next time.

Again, thanks for the critiques.

wannabehorsephotographer · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 08:27 PM

8 (amazing viewpoint),16 (pretty bride shot), & 3 (envy this lighting) are my personal favs. I picked my wedding photographer because of all the pretty port. pics of the bride - my hubby just went along with what I said

- so you might try to include a larger amount of pics with just the bride or bride and groom looking "glamourous" instead of so many detail shots. I think you have a pretty awesome variety for a starting portfolio - I don't have the guts to shoot a wedding...

candleman · #7 (**permalink**) 10-29-2008, 09:06 PM

wow.. amazing job!
they are al brillaint., but as above they are too diverse. i think the same "feel" needs to be transferred through them all.
but man, they are really great.

how did you do the one of the "flowing" veil in #7
PM me if you like

thanks!

LightChaser · #8 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wannabehorsephotographer

8 (amazing viewpoint),16 (pretty bride shot), & 3 (envy this lighting) are my personal favs. I picked my wedding photographer because of all the pretty port. pics of the bride - my hubby just went along with what I said

- so you might try to include a larger amount of pics with just the bride or bride and groom looking "glamourous" instead of so many detail shots. I think you have a pretty awesome variety for a starting portfolio - I don't have the guts to shoot a wedding...

If you want to read the story behind #8, feel free to head over to my blog. The very short version of the story is that I got lucky with the lighting. As for the viewpoint, well, I'm glad you like it. I almost dropped my camera climbing up the stairs to get this shot.

I'm wondering what's so scary about weddings though. It's not that tough, that is, if you're not the lead photographer - the pressure mounts up if you are. Try shooting back-up though - you might like it. I know I did. Heck, right now, I'd love to just keep shooting back-up to other photographers - it means I can really play around with my shots.

Quote:

Originally Posted by candleman

wow.. amazing job!
they are al brillaint., but as above they are too diverse. i think the same "feel" needs to be transferred through them all.
but man, they are really great.

how did you do the one of the "flowing" veil in #7
PM me if you like

thanks!

Thanks! I get the point about too much variety, but at the same time, I'm scared of making all my photos too similar that they all begin to look the same. I guess that's a balance I'm going to have to work on.

Off the top of my head, PP for #7 was basically playing around with saturation (dropped it), clarity (practically bottomed it out to get the whites to glow), and few other things in LR. I can't quite remember everything I did, but I'm pretty sure those are the two most important settings to fiddle with. Try it out, and tell me if you need a better explanation - I'll go back to check my settings.

If, on the other hand, you were talking about actually setting up the shot, I just made sure the veil and train wasn't scrunched up or caught on anything, then all I really had to do after that was get into position near the entrance of the church and wait for the doors to open.

candleman · #9 (**permalink**) 10-30-2008, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LightChaser

Thanks! I get the point about too much variety, but at the same time, I'm scared of making all my photos too similar that they all begin to look the same. I guess that's a balance I'm going to have to work on.

Off the top of my head, PP for #7 was basically playing around with saturation (dropped it), clarity (practically bottomed it out to get the whites to glow), and few other things in LR. I can't quite remember everything I did, but I'm pretty sure those are the two most important settings to fiddle with. Try it out, and tell me if you need a better explanation - I'll go back to check my settings.

If, on the other hand, you were talking about actually setting up the shot, I just made sure the veil and train wasn't scrunched up or caught on anything, then all I really had to do after that was get into position near the entrance of the church and wait for the doors to open.

hmmm... ok,
i dont normally shoot raw, but i'll have to give this one a try..
thanks for the explaination. i thought there may have been bridesmaids shaking the train whilst you had a time exposure.. and just edited the hands out. nice job.

LightChaser · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2008, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by candleman

hmmm... ok,
i dont normally shoot raw, but i'll have to give this one a try..
thanks for the explaination. i thought there may have been bridesmaids shaking the train whilst you had a time exposure.. and just edited the hands out. nice job.

If you're just experimenting, don't worry about shooting in .jpg too much. I shot this back in the days before I discovered raw. That being said, I'm never going back to shooting in .jpg again.

As for the whole scene with the bridesmaids... I wish that were the case - I think a shot with the bridesmaids included would be pretty interesting.

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