View Full Version : Weddings
Esoterra
04-29-2006, 12:46 AM
Didnt see a post on this topic. I am getting ready for an upcoming wedding and was able to practice on one of my friends and photographed this shot. I know that the form could be better, but I am very happy with the lighting and clarity. Feedback is welcome.
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9906/sb538cn.jpg
Didnt see a post on this topic. I am getting ready for an upcoming wedding and was able to practice on one of my friends and photographed this shot. I know that the form could be better, but I am very happy with the lighting and clarity. Feedback is welcome.
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9906/sb538cn.jpg
I agree about the exposure, lighting, etc. I think a LOT more bokeh would make it less busy and focus more on the background beauty of the flowers and lend a appearence of even more clarity to the subject.
They both have really nice hands and skin, great subject. But zeroing in on less, then having so much background, seems to defeat the purpose of the simplicity. So I'm wondering if less, or even a white, background wouldn't be better. I'm sure the wedding photographers here will offer a better opinion on this, but that's my .02
"Dey's only room for 1 main subject in story". Donno if that's really true in photography, but simpler is often better.
The holding hands photo from my wedding didn't look any where close to that good. My hand are always cut up and the cat got my wife hours before our wedding. I wanted to play with you photo just a bit in Photoshop and this is what I came up with.
http://penz-world.com/weddinghands.jpg
There is always a way to make people focus on what you were trying to focus on when you snapped the shot.
Esoterra
04-29-2006, 09:45 AM
Part of my problem is that the hands are way too clost to the flowers to create the bokeh I think. Also, I was using my SB600 on my D70s and when shooting in Aperture mode I am limted to how wide I can go on my Fstop without my D70s warning that the pic will be over exposed. I will have to try the same picture without flash and more distance between the hands and the background. Here is another attempt.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7458/sb520hr.jpg
Dylema
04-30-2006, 01:30 AM
Great thread ... Here is a shot I took of my daughter and her new husbands rings ... Tell me what you think .... I have been asked to take similar shots at her friends wedding this year... Thea.
Part of my problem is that the hands are way too clost to the flowers to create the bokeh I think. Also, I was using my SB600 on my D70s and when shooting in Aperture mode I am limted to how wide I can go on my Fstop without my D70s warning that the pic will be over exposed. I will have to try the same picture without flash and more distance between the hands and the background. Here is another attempt.
http://img216.imageshack.us/img216/7458/sb520hr.jpg
IMHO, I actually liked the first one better. I suppose its better to have the hands be part of the arrangement where this one has so much blurry yellow its just a distraction. I just polled my 4 year old and she agreed (she liked the first better).
I'm no expert on this stuff and was hoping for some more expert opinion. They both seem a little busy, but I would certianly not object to having the first in my album.
Dylema
04-30-2006, 01:55 PM
Well I am no expert ...but it is MHO that the hands look very un-natural in that postion ...and so that could be why you are not liking the look of your shot. If you just want her ring and not his at the moment then try having her place her hand on top of his open hand "Palm up" ..as if he is offering her his hand and you shoot at the point just before the hands would naturally clasp .... Again no expert but willing to tell you what I think from a ladies stand point :) ... Thea.
Well I am no expert ...but it is MHO that the hands look very un-natural in that postion ...and so that could be why you are not liking the look of your shot. If you just want her ring and not his at the moment then try having her place her hand on top of his open hand "Palm up" ..as if he is offering her his hand and you shoot at the point just before the hands would naturally clasp .... Again no expert but willing to tell you what I think from a ladies stand point :) ... Thea.
Object and close-up shots are a nice break from the usual. I've noticed that some weddings seem to be shot at the same focal length, similar compositions, etc. A shot of the ring, both rings, even a macro holding the ring, hair pieces, mom tightening the dress laces, all with loads of bokeh are a nice break from the norm.
One from my small collection:
http://FLASHME.smugmug.com/photos/47518973-S.jpg
I'm sure however you shoot them they'll work, but natural and less busy seem like safe bets.
DonSchap
04-30-2006, 09:28 PM
A double exposure type of idea, perhaps...
11811
God, I hate weddings... uncomfortable way to make a buck. :rolleyes:
Dylema
04-30-2006, 11:24 PM
Nice idea Don, I also used the Brides flowers, it shows the colours that they had decided upon for their Wedding.... Loved the hair Vich , a very romantic looking shot.:)
Nice idea Don, I also used the Brides flowers, it shows the colours that they had decided upon for their Wedding.... Loved the hair Vich , a very romantic looking shot.:)Hey now! That's my 4 year old we're talking about!! :)
A double exposure type of idea, perhaps...
11811
God, I hate weddings... uncomfortable way to make a buck. :rolleyes:
Please, no offense Don, but I think obviously doctored shots say ... shall we say don't say "classy". Those hands look so VERY unnatural floating over the church, not to mention confusing since it's obviously the hands of the people down below. Such shots could work if done in fun, but as a serious statement, I think they should be done very expertly or not at all. My vote would be to keep it simple.
I only say so since we're trying to offer up ideas for someone going into a wedding shoot and I'd hate to see them going out on such a limb.
DonSchap
05-01-2006, 10:08 AM
It's a pair of hands... and in the hands of a "good" digital artist, with Photoshop at his/her command... this is very "doable" shot.
If you are "Joe or Jill Hack"... armed with just a pocket digital... it might be a bit of challenge. I do believe in creativity... stepping outside the box... but perhaps you are correct... it isn't simple enough to be... uh, "classy", as you say.
"less is more"? :eek:
A familiar slogan, eh?
Personally, I say leave the hands where they are... grab the rings, an invitation and just shoot something like this...
11820
It is far more predictable and, by your definition, rings of "classy." ;)
Travis9000
05-01-2006, 01:10 PM
Object and close-up shots are a nice break from the usual. I've noticed that some weddings seem to be shot at the same focal length, similar compositions, etc. A shot of the ring, both rings, even a macro holding the ring, hair pieces, mom tightening the dress laces, all with loads of bokeh are a nice break from the norm.
One from my small collection:
http://FLASHME.smugmug.com/photos/47518973-S.jpg
I'm sure however you shoot them they'll work, but natural and less busy seem like safe bets.
I really like this shot, nice work Vich.
Just a snapshot with my trusty SD500 (in pocket at all times). The "Pro" didn't get this shot, so mine graces the album cover!
http://JTL.smugmug.com/photos/67292770-L.jpg
I really like this shot, nice work Vich.
Thanks! Appreciate the complement.
It was 135mm shot INDOORS (1.6 crop camera), F4.5 (at least I didn't attempt f2.0). MAN that was a good lens. Traded in to help buy the 24-105L. I had 3 lenses with me but found indoor 135mm shooting produced some very unique and wonderful shots - I never would have attempted if it weren't the prime I had mounted at the moment.
It's a pair of hands... and in the hands of a "good" digital artist, with Photoshop at his/her command... this is very "doable" shot.
If you are "Joe or Jill Hack"... armed with just a pocket digital... it might be a bit of challenge. I do believe in creativity... stepping outside the box... but perhaps you are correct... it isn't simple enough to be... uh, "classy", as you say.
"less is more"? :eek:
A familiar slogan, eh?
Personally, I say leave the hands where they are... grab the rings, an invitation and just shoot something like this...
11820
It is far more predictable and, by your definition, rings of "classy." ;)
Don -
Very classy! The earlier one just didn't quite make it for me. :rolleyes:
Dylema
05-01-2006, 08:46 PM
Vich, By "romantic" I did mean soft looking and a very nice addition for the brides album ... I had no idea it was a four year olds hair:) ... IMO Flower girls make the day ...but then I am a biased Nana:D
Vich, By "romantic" I did mean soft looking and a very nice addition for the brides album ... I had no idea it was a four year olds hair:) ... IMO Flower girls make the day ...but then I am a biased Nana:DI agree. Yeah, her hair comes out that way with a wash and a brush - she was 3 at the time. She did great as a flower girl for the wedding, but also tapped the TV with her wand as USC was down by about 20 points and they won!
http://FLASHME.smugmug.com/photos/47521480-S.jpg
http://FLASHME.smugmug.com/photos/47521481-S.jpg
Never did get around to sending the shots to the team so they'de appreciate the support properly.
Esoterra
05-02-2006, 08:58 PM
Here is a shot I took of one of my weddings. It was a difficult location to photograph as it was an old rundown church with candles poking out everwhere, kids hand paintings on the walls just below the shoulder length windows half covered by those cheap thin aluminum blinds. There was also a scoutt flag dominating the room right next to the 5 music stands, 1 drum set, and 2 huge guitar amps. This was a low low budget marriage. When I got to post processing I was horrified at what I saw so I had to do a LOT of post processing to hide all of back ground. Obviously I have a lot yet to learn but I was pretty happy with these results after every thing was said and done. Take a look.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3200/dsc0146copy0hm.jpg
Esoterra
05-02-2006, 08:59 PM
And another
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4065/dsc35641yl.jpg
Esoterra
05-02-2006, 08:59 PM
and 1 more...
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6112/wedding022copy2si.jpg
Great job covering the tacky stuff and making it look very classy! Just ask CDI about cheap wedding horror.
That birthday cake with a $9 toy on it could be a $900 masterpiece. That napkin over her head ... OK, they didn't go that far but you've really given them some rememberences they can proudly display for years.
I love the arch their hairstyles make (together) with the gentle shadow falling down the center on the kissing shot above! You've got some real talent! They should be forever grateful at their decision to hire a pro.
jamison55
05-03-2006, 04:36 AM
Your shots came out very nice. You're off to a great start Chris!
Esoterra
05-03-2006, 09:57 AM
Thanks Vich and Jamison
Thanks Vich and Jamison
You're welcome. Curious, did you ever do a "hands" shot?
Esoterra
05-03-2006, 10:14 AM
Yeah I did but they didnt turn out as good as I would have liked.
Yeah I did but they didnt turn out as good as I would have liked.
I found a link that has a lot of wedding shots of hands.
http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/who/people_specific_attributes/gender/1055239_wedding_holding_hands.php?id=1055239
Esoterra
05-04-2006, 09:10 PM
This website has some pretty neat photography.
http://trentblackphoto.com/
DonSchap
05-04-2006, 10:26 PM
seeing someone else's hands in your wedding shots that is ... disturbing :eek:
I tend to believe that "ring shots" devoid of their respective hands, are the best and the least obtrusive type. With a digital, you could do several layouts and pick something from them... also, in that way, you do not have to factor skin tones, apparel, or just the time it takes from the wedding couple's time... positioning and posing.
Also... you can do it well after the main event... at another time and at yours and the couple's leisure.
Just some thoughts... :)
Esoterra
05-05-2006, 03:14 PM
Don you bring up a great point. I didnt even think about that. Part of the reason why I didnt think my ring shots turned out great is because the bride and grooms hands. There is only so much that PS can hide lol. I will try this technique at the next wedding I do. Thanks for the input!
Don you bring up a great point. I didnt even think about that. Part of the reason why I didnt think my ring shots turned out great is because the bride and grooms hands. There is only so much that PS can hide lol. I will try this technique at the next wedding I do. Thanks for the input!
Yeah, agreed. I tried shooting the mom tightening up the daughter's dress. I saw a shot of this and it was very classy. I don't know if it was just the lighting, or my lens was too sharp, but her hands looked like leather.
Note: Esoterra, I noticed on your initial shot that they had great hands. So its maybe a matter of picking and choosing.
Esoterra
09-20-2006, 08:46 AM
I have updated my wedding portfolio from some shoots I have done over the last 3 weeks. Here are some pictures
http://chrisross.smugmug.com/gallery/1911620
toriaj
09-20-2006, 07:36 PM
My favorites are the 3rd to last and 2nd to last on the first page. Too bad they had a microphone there. I wonder if you could tone down the brightness of the vertical microphone stand(?) in the 3rd to last shot. I like the "misty" look, and the expressions you captured. I like your album in general, except when I click for the large version of the picture, I am racing for the up/down scrollbar before it disappears ... Great shots!
Esoterra
10-18-2006, 01:56 PM
Did another wedding last week and had a lot of fun. I think I am finally starting to get the hang of things...but I will let you be the judge :eek: !!!
http://chrisross.smugmug.com/gallery/2020640
George Riehm
10-19-2006, 03:19 PM
Did another wedding last week and had a lot of fun. I think I am finally starting to get the hang of things...but I will let you be the judge :eek: !!!
http://chrisross.smugmug.com/gallery/2020640
Lookin good Chris. I'm sure that the couple(s) were very happy with your work.
Esoterra
10-19-2006, 04:10 PM
Thanks George for your compliments... on all the threads lol!
gary_hendricks
10-20-2006, 06:56 AM
I have always enjoyed taking photographs of special times in people’s lives. This is why I like to take wedding pictures and I have actually been paid to photograph a couple of my friends’ weddings. You are lucky to have this opportunity and you are very wise to be practicing ahead of time. I think that you will need to keep practicing so that you are sure to be well prepared for that special day. One thing that I would suggest on this photo is that you back away some. I honestly think that you took this photo a bit too close. It may just be me but I’d rather see the picture taken a little further away. I think that this looks a little too busy. If you backed off some I think that the picture would be perfect. I wish you all of the best as you get ready to take these photos!
Esoterra
10-20-2006, 11:20 PM
I have always enjoyed taking photographs of special times in people’s lives. This is why I like to take wedding pictures and I have actually been paid to photograph a couple of my friends’ weddings. You are lucky to have this opportunity and you are very wise to be practicing ahead of time. I think that you will need to keep practicing so that you are sure to be well prepared for that special day. One thing that I would suggest on this photo is that you back away some. I honestly think that you took this photo a bit too close. It may just be me but I’d rather see the picture taken a little further away. I think that this looks a little too busy. If you backed off some I think that the picture would be perfect. I wish you all of the best as you get ready to take these photos!
Gary thanks for the feedback. Are you refferring to the below picture?
http://ChrisRoss.smugmug.com/photos/103528841-L.jpg
I can see where you mean back up. I wasnt sure if there is a rule about cutting off peoples feet? When I took the picture I was thinking to myself the very same question and I should have thought it through more. If I were to do it over again, I would have stepped back... or taken the picture in Portrait.
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