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I was asked by some friends to take some engagement pics for their relatives back in England.

We started at the OH and walked round through the gardens to McQuaries point. Light was harsh to begin with but the sunset was awesome.

Would appreciate some C&C on these.






The gallery is <a href="http://www.pbase.com/rokkstar/lisaduncan">here</a> if anyone would like to see more.

Cheers

I like the 3rd the most Matt, but I'd probably brighten up the bridge if it's at all possible as it seems a bit disjointed to me.

But good work nonetheless.

Hi Matt, I like these shots and I think your friends will be very happy with them. In #1 a bit more fill flash maybe would have helped with the harsh light. In #1, she shows she has a lovely smile. It's a pity she didn't show that smile in the sunset ones. In #2 and #3, they both look a bit worried. In #4, her eyes are lovely and it would have been a gorgeous shot if there was just a hint more of a smile. Maybe you could ask them not to look directly at the camera or tell them a joke or something. I also think the last one demonstrates the power of the partially side on portrait rather than the straight front on style.

Awesome sunset, and good use of it with foreground interest.

Cheers
John

Hi Matt, some nice work. My fav shots of the couple were id05 18, 21, 31 & 35. Cheers, Mick

Matt,

Nice work, but I'd like to have seen a diffuser on the flash head; the shaows look rather harsh.

In the second, please play with your cropping: there's nothing in the background on either side axcept the sunset, but as nice as it is, that extra sunset on the sides doesn't really add to the image (IMHO).

Just crop this to the couple, or perhaps square, and let's see how that looks.

Thanks guys.

Leigh, would you believe that the bridge in that shot is after some lightening! It was so dark, I couldn't make it out. I agree that it's still a bit too dark.

John, thank you for the comments. I did crack a few jokes and they did smile a bit here and there but most of the jokes weren't funny so they remained stone faced . I actually asked them to go for a sultry moody type of look there. Many thanks for the constructive feedback.

Gary, I actually took an umbrella and stand with me but forgot the mounting clip so couldnt put it up!! The shadows are harsh, the light needs to be a lot softer to my eye. In some it works, but most it distracts me.
As for the crop, I'll have a go. Thank you.

Cheers all.

rokkstar wrote:but forgot the mounting clip

And you forgot the gaffer tape too?

Shame on you.

10 demerit points, you have to listen to 5 Alexander Downer speeches, and no Guinness for a week!

Yeah, I know, only one of those is punishment.

As a whole, i like your collecting of shots. I can see purpose and form in your shots and i really like them.

Heaps, heaps, heaps better then a lot of the snapshotish style photos that are passed off as 'portrait photography'.

You had some interesting lighting challenges, but you've mentioned that.

I look forward to seeing your next portrait session.

Matt, I shoulda looked at the gallery before commenting on the lack of smiles. From the gallery I like 05, 06, 07, 21, 31. Particularly 31.
Cheers
John

matt, the sunset ones are very nice. love your use of lighting.

Matt

I can't add much to what's already been said - other than to say I really like THIS SHOT and THIS SHOT too

To me, you gotta crack that smile, she looks great with a smile and it really pulls up the photo, if you can't, have her fiancé do it, tell him to whisper in her ear...

My thoughts.

Cheers