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09/23/2008 11:57:05 PM · #1
Hi...I know it's been awhile, but I was wondering if I could get a little critique on one of my recent wedding portraits.

Too artistic? Too sad? Too brooding?

09/23/2008 11:58:44 PM · #2
she doesn't look happy at all to me ... bummed to be getting married, maybe?
09/23/2008 11:59:37 PM · #3
a little too dark, literally

emotionally...or w/e also dark hehe I like it, but shes getting married and she should look... happy, or at least fake happy... this just says flat out, "what the hell was I thinking" I like the edit though, a lil too dark
09/24/2008 12:15:33 AM · #4
This is not your best work. Almost think your joking with this post.
09/24/2008 12:19:29 AM · #5
Facing directly towards the camera presents the "broadest side" of her body ... making her look the largest she can possibly look in a picture. The solution is to turn her body away from the camera. Putting one leg forward in front of the other would further reduce her size and giver her a little more of an hour glass shape.

Angling the light across her body would better define her features.

A reflector would put light on her face.

Putting something into her hands (her bouquet?) would give her a nicer pose. Lacking a bouquet, you should at least keep both arms at different levels. Keep in mind the rule, if it bends, bend it. (elbows should be slightly bent)


09/24/2008 12:20:02 AM · #6
Originally posted by ShutterHack:

This is not your best work. Almost think your joking with this post.


That was my thought as well. I thought I'd play along and provide feedback. :)
09/24/2008 12:34:00 AM · #7
Originally posted by pamelasue:

she doesn't look happy at all to me ... bummed to be getting married, maybe?


Usually its the man that has that bummed to be getting ready look. I have to agree, either its a joke, this is really not your best work.

Matt
09/24/2008 01:38:49 AM · #8
Originally posted by ShutterHack:

This is not your best work. Almost think your joking with this post.


You would know if I was joking...

Why is it so taboo to take a wedding picture that shows true feeling, instead of all the fake smiles that only happen when the flash fires? The bride may be utterly overjoyed that she's getting married (and many of the pictures from the wedding day show this), but that doesn't mean she should forget about the future and the trials it will bring.

I like to swim against the crowd so-to-speak, my images are often different(I don't mean better) than most others and my clients hire me based solely on this fact. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm not afraid to show feelings aside from happiness.

Sugarpie and dwterry - thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

How about this one?



Message edited by author 2008-09-24 01:44:06.
09/24/2008 04:14:04 AM · #9
Welcome back, Caleb. Forgive me if I am about to sound a bit harsh...

Originally posted by stare_at_the_sun:

Why is it so taboo to take a wedding picture that shows true feeling, instead of all the fake smiles that only happen when the flash fires? The bride may be utterly overjoyed that she's getting married (and many of the pictures from the wedding day show this), but that doesn't mean she should forget about the future and the trials it will bring.

You're kidding, right? Oh, that's right - you're not. This last one is even worse than the first. It could be an ad for a Divorce Lawyer. I find it hard to believe these are their "true feelings", so what it seems you are doing is staging misery. Who would want to look back on their wedding day in this way?? Best of luck on your career. ;-)

I have heard of Funeral Photographers shooting grief-stricken family members - that might be a better direction for you.
09/24/2008 04:52:30 AM · #10
Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Welcome back, Caleb. Forgive me if I am about to sound a bit harsh...

Originally posted by stare_at_the_sun:

Why is it so taboo to take a wedding picture that shows true feeling, instead of all the fake smiles that only happen when the flash fires? The bride may be utterly overjoyed that she's getting married (and many of the pictures from the wedding day show this), but that doesn't mean she should forget about the future and the trials it will bring.

You're kidding, right? Oh, that's right - you're not. This last one is even worse than the first. It could be an ad for a Divorce Lawyer. I find it hard to believe these are their "true feelings", so what it seems you are doing is staging misery. Who would want to look back on their wedding day in this way?? Best of luck on your career. ;-)

I have heard of Funeral Photographers shooting grief-stricken family members - that might be a better direction for you.


No need for forgiveness, I did ask for a critique right? ;)

I don't disagree with you or the others, but the thing is...people do like this sort of wedding photography. My clients are thrilled with the results and have only good things to say about the pictures.

In reality, I think it's just a matter of taste. Some people want more "artistic" wedding photos, others want journalistic and still others want plain old normal pictures. The crowd I shoot is young, and therefore more inclined towards something different in my eyes.

Either way, these aren't the only type of photos I shot at the wedding... I made sure to take a lot of "happy" pictures too. I may be young, but I'm not stupid.

Caleb

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 04:53:06.
09/24/2008 05:59:54 AM · #11
Originally posted by stare_at_the_sun:


Why is it so taboo to take a wedding picture that shows true feeling, instead of all the fake smiles that only happen when the flash fires? The bride may be utterly overjoyed that she's getting married (and many of the pictures from the wedding day show this), but that doesn't mean she should forget about the future and the trials it will bring.

I like to swim against the crowd so-to-speak, my images are often different(I don't mean better) than most others and my clients hire me based solely on this fact. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm not afraid to show feelings aside from happiness.



hey caleb, that was exactly my thought when i read the first "critiques" about your photo. i'm getting sick seeing all the "oh happy day" wedding shots here on dpc, so these are a great new experience to look at and actually think about what's probably going on in every bride's/groom's mind that day...
the second one actually does look a little to posed but still thoughtful, and the first one is just perfect! if i could i'd fav that one instantly.
may i ask what camera and if so, what film you used for these (the tones look quite film-like, thatswhy i'm asking)
keep up the great work!

eta: just saw the exif and that you shot this with your 10d. would you mind sharing your processing?

Message edited by author 2008-09-24 08:06:36.
09/24/2008 06:22:07 AM · #12
I agree with the general consensus, I would not be happy with these shots at all - especially the second one - it leaves me cold and is pretty flat and dull.

I do agree that not all posed wedding shots have to be smiles, but its how they do them, the one below for example - whilst they are not smiling, the shot feels strong but still conveys emotion.. I like to think it almost has a regal feel to it - proud & strong.. but maybe thats just my sales talk.. you decide.

09/24/2008 06:26:42 AM · #13
Been looking again and I can see what you was trying to achieve with the first one, but the way I would of gone about it is to shoot froma lower angle, stand right back and use the long end of a 200mm lens, ideally wide open at f2.8, it may of gone somewhat further to achieving what you set out to do, would of `felt` better..
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