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06/06/2010 02:54:35 AM · #1
Ok a couple of things to keep in mind (if you werent part of the other thread)

1.) I was asked to do this at the very last moment so there was no planning
2.) I did not have all the proper equipment (flashes etc) but her photographer bailed
3.) Not all of these images have been adjusted/edited

So please take a look and please!! suggest any editting details (I have RAW images and JPEGS)
I need any help I can get here... weddings are NOT my thing. But I dont think I did to bad...

This is just a small portion... there are 300+ images... but I figure with these Ill get a better grip on it and well these are my favorites... There is no cake cutting etc... because those things did not happen (long story)

Here is the album

Thanks
Carrie
06/06/2010 08:52:42 AM · #2
I just looked at the thumbs (because daughter is calling to play Candy Land right now) but for your first time, I think you nailed it.

ETA: Didn't have time to write more before.

Now that you have some shots that the bride and groom will be happy with. Solicit some of the expert opinions from people on this site. There are many people who do it for a living and can offer some great constructive feedback. One person in particular I have gotten advice from, and approved upon, is dwterry

Message edited by author 2010-06-06 09:42:50.
06/06/2010 09:09:13 AM · #3
Some great captures here. You really brought out the joy and fun of the event.

Some suggestions for editing:
1) Looks like there is a fair amount of noise, but that may be the heavy JPEG compression. Make sure the shots are as noise free as possible
2) Some of the horizons are not level, so make sure to level those (unless the shot is purposefully quirky).
3) Sharpening is your friend, especially when using RAW. I have found that I have to sharpen pretty much every RAW file, no matter how exact the focus is.
4) Convert some photos to pure B&W. Some of my favorite photos from my wedding are B&W.
5) If you used flash at all later in the night, ensure that all red-eye is removed.

Overall, nice job, I'm sure your friend will be pleased.
06/06/2010 09:19:56 AM · #4
Not bad for your first try. The bright sun is always a challenge to work with. Here are some thoughts:

1. Working with a bride and groom of color, can be challenging. I shot a bride and groom last year that were both black but she was very light and he was very dark. That, along with the white dress and black suit proved to be a challenging shoot and editing took a while.

2. If possible next time, do your set-up shots in the shade or out of direct sunlight. You could use a fill flash as well to help even out the shadows.

3. I like to do a lot of macros shots at a wedding, so if you have some images that you can crop down to the "details", those might be nice to add to these. I like: shoes, flowers, the cake, the rings, etc.

4. I love converting wedding images to a version of all black and whites. If you use Photoshop and can get the Nik Silver Efex plug-in, you will think you have found GOD. Honestly, it creates some amazing black and whites and really makes them pop.

5. You might take a look at some other wedding portfolios on here to get some more ideas for "next time". Pedro and grigrigirl (it's Julia Bailey if I didn't spell her quirky screenname correctly) and there are many more!!

Message edited by author 2010-06-06 09:21:43.
06/06/2010 12:02:08 PM · #5
Wow Carrie,

Good for you. You have just captured/saved that bride's wedding forever. Looks like you got all the essential images didn't suffer and technical challenges had fun too. Hopefully your nerves didn't have you stressed the reward is having worthy results from multiple setups. I'm not going critique anything as I've learned to keep my mouth shut when surrounded by experts but if I may I will make one suggestion. Instead of giving the couple a bunch of digital stills or prints stuffed in the plastic sleeves of a puffy wedding album I suggest you make a photobook. It's way more creative and 21st century, the couple can order as many copies as they like to give as gifts etc. You can keep one for yourself as a sample of your work and depending on the amount of photos it should only cost something like $30-$50 dollars. You can even add a markup at Blurb So that you get a cut of each book the wedding party buys. Check these out. I'll can't wait to make a photobook for my wedding. It's actually peaked my interest in getting wedding photos taken. (My early years were spent producing high quality wedding videos so I naturally favoured video more but now takes to these photobooks I'm actually more interested in the pictures now.

Another book option
Apple iPhoto
06/06/2010 12:46:49 PM · #6
I made some comments on the photos. Not sure if it is the compression to display on the web but all of them seem a soft. Playing with the highlights and shadows should really help all the photos to show a bit more detail. If they are in RAW then it will really help, not sure how much help it will be with a JPG image.

Over all you did a really good job.

Ronnie
06/06/2010 12:48:52 PM · #7
Nice job, Carrie - especially for a last minute shoot. I got conned into doing 2 weddings a while back, and it was quite the experience. I'm in agreement with most of the above. Take your time editing, get the contrast and horizons level, etc. I learned a lot and would do some things differently now.

I supplied the B&G with a disc of all the shots with basic edits. I then took the best images and did extended edits in B/W, partial desaturation, etc. for a photo book through Adorama. The couples were really happy with their photo-book and as hawkeyefilms said of Blurb, you can markup the price, so you earn more $ when the family orders books or prints.

You will want a flash for the next wedding you do. They may be a considered a mood killer for indoor shots, but are really necessary for outdoor fill.
06/06/2010 01:38:16 PM · #8
I think you did darn good for no warning and no experience. The couple ought to be very happy. There are some things that can be done in PP to help bring out the best in them. I left comments on several of them.

Check your PM's Carrie.

Message edited by author 2010-06-06 13:41:44.
06/06/2010 01:40:01 PM · #9
Originally posted by PGerst:

One person in particular I have gotten advice from, and approved upon, is dwterry

I am constantly blown away by his awesome wedding photography. He really knows what he is doing.
06/06/2010 01:54:36 PM · #10
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by PGerst:

One person in particular I have gotten advice from, and approved upon, is dwterry

I am constantly blown away by his awesome wedding photography. He really knows what he is doing.


I second this to the highest degree. David is amazing at what he does, and does it with the best attitude. Really take time and look and see what he does. it will blow you away
06/06/2010 02:46:18 PM · #11
Originally posted by Kobba:

I made some comments on the photos. Not sure if it is the compression to display on the web but all of them seem a soft. Playing with the highlights and shadows should really help all the photos to show a bit more detail. If they are in RAW then it will really help, not sure how much help it will be with a JPG image.

Over all you did a really good job.

Ronnie


These were just quick resizes for web... did no readjustment to sharpness from the huge files to the itty bitty ones lol hopefully thats the softness your seeing. I saw your comments. very helpful thank you.
06/06/2010 02:47:44 PM · #12
Originally posted by fldave:

Nice job, Carrie - especially for a last minute shoot. I got conned into doing 2 weddings a while back, and it was quite the experience. I'm in agreement with most of the above. Take your time editing, get the contrast and horizons level, etc. I learned a lot and would do some things differently now.

I supplied the B&G with a disc of all the shots with basic edits. I then took the best images and did extended edits in B/W, partial desaturation, etc. for a photo book through Adorama. The couples were really happy with their photo-book and as hawkeyefilms said of Blurb, you can markup the price, so you earn more $ when the family orders books or prints.

You will want a flash for the next wedding you do. They may be a considered a mood killer for indoor shots, but are really necessary for outdoor fill.


I agree that a flash would of been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO beneficial!! Im saving for one now!
06/06/2010 02:47:55 PM · #13
That was a steep learning curve job, and you pulled it off very nicely! When shooting outside using fill flash, shutter speed is limited by flash sync speed of the shutter. I noticed a couple of shots that look like there was camera motion, possibly from the lower shutter speed. Over all, good job! They will be very happy to have the photos, esp since the original photographer was not there. You get a "Hero' button!
What lenses did you use for those? I see a good bit of flare in a couple that were shot into the light. That can be helped next time with a good lens shade if you don't already use one.
06/06/2010 03:05:10 PM · #14
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

That was a steep learning curve job, and you pulled it off very nicely! When shooting outside using fill flash, shutter speed is limited by flash sync speed of the shutter. I noticed a couple of shots that look like there was camera motion, possibly from the lower shutter speed. Over all, good job! They will be very happy to have the photos, esp since the original photographer was not there. You get a "Hero' button!
What lenses did you use for those? I see a good bit of flare in a couple that were shot into the light. That can be helped next time with a good lens shade if you don't already use one.


I dont have a lens shade (is that what I call hood?) I dont realy know the purpose for them yet... LOL So much learning my brains gonna bust!
06/06/2010 03:46:31 PM · #15
on a different note (and this is me so I dont care if I get flamed)..

578 posts since the 22nd of May!!! Thats a incredible workrate!
06/06/2010 03:49:57 PM · #16
Most are very nice, especially for a first-timer.. :)

However, do yourself the favor and don't show them this one.. Unless you were intending on the whole super shadow thing...



If you really, really must save this shot, try using shadow/highlight (or tonemapping) and then some dodge and burn.. Wow though, that would be a ton of work!..
06/06/2010 04:26:43 PM · #17
Originally posted by coryboehne:

Most are very nice, especially for a first-timer.. :)

However, do yourself the favor and don't show them this one.. Unless you were intending on the whole super shadow thing...



If you really, really must save this shot, try using shadow/highlight (or tonemapping) and then some dodge and burn.. Wow though, that would be a ton of work!..

I would try to clone out the leaf shadow. The pattern of his hair would probably clone easily. Still a lot of work, however.

Or, you could get creative and color it like a Canadian flag...

Message edited by author 2010-06-06 16:27:38.
06/06/2010 04:33:21 PM · #18
Originally posted by Yo_Spiff:

Originally posted by coryboehne:

Most are very nice, especially for a first-timer.. :)

However, do yourself the favor and don't show them this one.. Unless you were intending on the whole super shadow thing...



If you really, really must save this shot, try using shadow/highlight (or tonemapping) and then some dodge and burn.. Wow though, that would be a ton of work!..

I would try to clone out the leaf shadow. The pattern of his hair would probably clone easily. Still a lot of work, however.

Or, you could get creative and color it like a Canadian flag...


I think it looks like a cross on his head LOL but yeah... because the sun was above them... and they were under this leafy thing... fighting shadows was hard.
06/06/2010 04:34:49 PM · #19
Originally posted by Simms:

on a different note (and this is me so I dont care if I get flamed)..

578 posts since the 22nd of May!!! Thats a incredible workrate!


yeah i dont wade in... i dive... head first..
06/06/2010 04:43:26 PM · #20
...and that doesn't count for the PMs!
06/06/2010 04:46:49 PM · #21
Not too shabby for short notice and not being "your thing".
Weddings are tough enough as it is, let alone the time of day shooting. Mid-day is terrible, but it can be done with as you already know, and are saving for, flash power. Some experimenting is in order when you get it, suggest a diffuser, and try to shoot in manual mode, underexposing 1/2 stop or so metering on the background, then put the flash in manual power mode and experiment some there to fill it just right. A 430EXII is fine if you are on a budget.
One thing to watch out for in any setting is the bright sky washing out the upper portions of your shots. Sometimes it can't be helped I know, but if possible, try not to have the darker/lighter background division line right at someone's head level.
Feel free to look through some of mine, as I often add in the shooting notes/exposure data:
06/06/2010 04:59:20 PM · #22
Originally posted by PGerst:

...and that doesn't count for the PMs!


LOL Yeah and I have a zillion of those!! I dont know what I would do without my PM's
I must drive you and Spiff and Brennon crazy!!!
06/06/2010 04:59:37 PM · #23
Originally posted by Brad:

Not too shabby for short notice and not being "your thing".
Weddings are tough enough as it is, let alone the time of day shooting. Mid-day is terrible, but it can be done with as you already know, and are saving for, flash power. Some experimenting is in order when you get it, suggest a diffuser, and try to shoot in manual mode, underexposing 1/2 stop or so metering on the background, then put the flash in manual power mode and experiment some there to fill it just right. A 430EXII is fine if you are on a budget.
One thing to watch out for in any setting is the bright sky washing out the upper portions of your shots. Sometimes it can't be helped I know, but if possible, try not to have the darker/lighter background division line right at someone's head level.
Feel free to look through some of mine, as I often add in the shooting notes/exposure data:


Thank you!! I will take a look!
06/08/2010 01:24:31 PM · #24
Originally posted by fldave:

....took the best images and did extended edits in B/W, partial desaturation, etc. for a photo book through Adorama. The couples were really happy with their photo-book ......


Delighted to hear it!

BTW, if you ever need any advice or after-sales support with an order from AdoramaPix (or Adorama Camera), I'm only an email away!

Helen Oster
Adorama Camera Customer Service Ambassador

helen.oster@adoramacamera.com


Message edited by author 2010-06-08 13:35:24.
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