Wedding shots...

[owen]

Here are a couple of wedding shots from the one I went to today. Once again thanks for the help that I got on these forums, and to killa for the generous offer.

This is one of my favourite images from today... it's not even the bride!








This was my first time... there was no pressure on me or anything but I still found myself in a bit of a daze trying to work out what to shoot.

The rest of the album can be found here:
http://www.ausphotos.com/gallery/v/Glenda_and_Steve/

Cheers,
Owen.

[stubbsy]

Owen

Excuse me for being blunt - but I've seen much better from you. I expect this was a pretty intimidating experience and I think it held you back. #3 in particular is way below par both compositionally and timing wise.

#1 OTOH is pretty good, but I'd be inclined to dodge some of the shadow out of the eyes to give them a little sparkle.

#4 I'd be inclined to make a little less bright and perhaps add some soft focus to diffuse the light.

Please understand I don't think these are terrible, just not as good as I know you can do. I expect your NEXT wedding will be way better once you've got used to the self imposed pressure.

Edit: Just looked at your gallery. This is great

[Geoff]

Some fast work and PPing by you Owen, to your credit these initial images are not bad...but the subjects don't seem 100% relaxed, whicn can certainly be out of your control. The last wedding I photographed I took a bottle of champagne and some beer and the bridal party thought it was fantastic - that really encouraged them (not the actual effect of alcohol, but the thought/action) to enjoy themselves etc. It's hard to think ahead though in the 'heat' of the moment.

#1 - nice bokeh and use of DOF. If u had the time again u'd probably move her so there was no orange construction 'fence' in the shot. A natural pose none-the less.

#2 - The lady in the front seat looks like she's about to clobber if u if u don't let her get out of the car...hehe. I often remind (gently of course) the bridal party and photo participants that the B&G are going to cherish these photos for years to come, smile big and enjoy the moment!! I am amazed how this instruction helps people 'relax' and get into it Maybe the woman in the front seat was marvelling at your lightsphere?

#3 - This is my least favourite, it doesn't really encaptulate a feeling of happiness/warmth or a 'moment'. One of the women looking towards you may have enhanced this but it's a huge learning experience for anyone, and you've done well though!!

#4 - The pic of the bunch here, a quiet moment between B&G, a little levels/curves and/or slight increase in saturation may enhance this just a little bit more and make it 'pop'. I also think this could be converted to B&W very nicely.

It's a massive responsibility shooting a wedding, and we are lucky to see the fine work of some of the regular wedding photogs here (i.e Padey and Vince (shutterbug) ) to show us how with years of ongoing experience and practice how we can all improve in our shots.

I think you've done well, with room (as all of us have) for improvement.

Keep it up

When's the next wedding?

[owen]

Thanks for the comments guys. Before I went out I had a look at a lot of the wedding shots on here and there are a lot of good ones on here. I really like the ones that focus on the details, like Vince's flowers and shoe shots.

I appreciate your comments are to the point, showing me where to improve. Ideally I would have liked to be able to give people more direction when taking the photos, but because they didn't ask me to be there and didn't seem fussed about having photos taken, I didn't want to seem pushy and make them do anything that they didn't want to - being their wedding day and all.

It's something I would love to do more, maybe tag along with a pro for some experience... but I don't think I'm ready to give up my saturdays

[stubbsy]

Owen - I think the fact that you weren't in control of things is why your images lack something - many of the captures have them looking elsewhere (presumably at the other photog) and I think it's that which lets you down.

[Geoff]

Was there another photog?

[owen]

Nope, they were all set to rely on people with their p&s to get some shots, that's why I volunteered to do it for them for free, at least they might get something slightly better quality that they'll be able to look back on.

After the ceremony no one really knew what they were doing, I guess that shows through in the photos.

The whole thing was over in half an hour and then everybody was set on going back to the house for a bbq.

[Geoff]

The whole thing was over in half an hour and then everybody was set on going back to the house for a bbq.

And a 'piss up' no doubt?

[owen]

You got it in one Geoff I got the feeling that the groom and his best man were looking forward to that moreso than the wedding.

[Geoff]

You got it in one Geoff I got the feeling that the groom and his best man were looking forward to that moreso than the wedding.

Sad isn't it - I have shot a wedding similar to that - the best man offered me a beer from the beginning of the CEREMONY til the end of the reception. Did I mention he had to put his beer down for the ceremony?

[padey]

Weddings are a collaborative work. ie if your client isn't going to work it for you, then half the battle is lost. And the best way to make people work for you is charge them lots and lots and lots of money. (That reminds me I need to charge more )

I'm not going to be so hard on you like the other guys. I remember my first wedding, one camera, 10 rolls of film and three poor lenses. All done as a favour to a friend. I can tell you it turned me off weddings for a while.

[shutterbug]

From what you have told us, I think the couple should be happy with the images you have captured