fotodon Loc: Oberlin, OH

IMHO...Really not that terrible, given the circumstances. Could be a lot worse from someone with little experience. Of course, we have a lot of experience with SuDMOP syndrome. (Sunny Day Musthave Outside Pictures) syndrome is the nemesis of wedding photographers but, fortunately, I guess, brides don't seem to see how bad they look in these. I think, maybe the B&G focus on the emotional impact of the image more than the aesthetic correctness. Of course, there is the DDDAC factor also. (Dumbed Down Digital Age Consumer). Not until quality wedding photography reigns supreme again will DDDAC disappear. But that is a discussion for another thread.

I don't know what your setup was for this shoot and I absolutely am not critiqueing your shots. But, I would like to share some thoughts. I find that proper use of fill flash and exposure can save the day when it comes to SuDMOP. The old "expose for the background and fill flash for the subject" works. Blowout backgrounds can be subdued and harsh shadows can be lightened. Raccoon eyes go away and sometimes you even get a nice catch light. I am not putting down available light only fans but I adhere to the philosophy that photography is PWL "painting with light" and I like to use all the paints available to me. Of course, weddings require KISS, (Keep It SSimple) so I don't pull out sophisticated lighting arrangements. A good flash w/ modifier mounted on a bracket works well.

OK. This concludes todays acronym lesson. Maybe there is a little photography insight in it. :lol: :lol:

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I would try B&W on that 3rd photo. Those highlights on the foreheads look blown. Lowering the exposure could make them look worse. I'm not sure about the blinkies. I have Nikons but don't like the blinkies. I do check the histogram.

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

That is awesome. Too bad the SUV and truck trailer is in the background.

:thumbup:

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Hummmmmmm ......

Wedding photography 101 .....
Advise for this situation taken from things I've learned from David Ziser, my photo guru ....

1. When it's real bright and harsh look for shade
2. have the B&G face away from the sun.
3. Stop down to eliminate the blowouts and use the light for rim lighting, use a flash to properly expose the faces.
4. Look for a clean canvas for the background.
5. Direct the leading line to compose a picture so the background doesn't have items in it that distract.
6. Don't have things growing out their heads.
7. Use the guy to camouflage the brides worst features. (heart picture), in this case her heavy arms. By sliding the guy's forearm up along the heavy area of the brides' arm it will camouflage the heavy part of her arm but still give the heart look.

I mention this stuff because I've learned it over the last year. If I look at pictures I snapped a year ago I did many things wrong. Not that I know everything I don't and I continue to learn everyday but I've devoured everything on video that David Ziser has on-line, I've probably watched many of his videos 6 times, each time I glean something. I find David to be one of the very best teachers of wedding photography, I can't say enough good things about this guy.

I'm not being critical of the photos as I've had my share of bloppers as well, just sharing what I've learned so all can glean and learn.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Funny you should say that. Not that it is an excuse, but with the short time (remember B&G showed up an hour and 15 minutes late) I was actually inside taking detail shots, when my wife told me that my business partner was struggling, so I ran out (without my light stand/light) He was having difficulty walking in the uneven grass (he has MD), and It was just a "get what you can with what you have" moment. I would have definitely been shooting in High Speed Sync (Nikon guy, so it would be Auto FP) with the shutter speed way up there to compensate for the bright light. As a matter of fact, I usually like shooting in HSS/auto FP for outdoor shots. I prefer the background to always be at least 1/2 stop underexposed, so the subjects "pop" I'm not through everything, but I believe that one I took later reflects what I would "normally" have done. I actually took it after the reception was over, and most people had gone home. (except the bride and groom)

Hopefully, I will post it (new thread) in a few days.

Thanks for the comments.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Hey, no problems with CC, that's what I asked for. I did have a few "excuses" for some. (explained above) As for camouflaging her arm, well, I was really working hard to camouflage the rest of her, and should have done more to reduce the look of her arm. Very good point. If you would have seen the "whole package" you would understand that I actually feel pretty good about how she came out in most photos. No offense meant to her, but I did have to be very careful of poses, so she didn't completely take over the photo. I remember seeing her dress, and the first thing I said to my wife was "Oh no, sleeveless, this is going to be fun."

The cars and such will be removed for the final product, as well as electrical lines, I doubt I can effectively remove the power pole. I will try and see, but I don't want to spend hours and hours for a quicky job. (3 hour job, reception only, $600....divided between me and my partner)

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Nice thing about our little group here is no one knows about it, hence clients will never read what we share, a good safe place to share and learn together :)

fotodon Loc: Oberlin, OH

Me too!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: