Put your photos for learning/critique here.
Jun 27, 2017 08:14:39 #
Here it is folks. Couldn't think of a better title, but at least it gets the point across.
Let's use this particular thread when we want to get constructive criticism on our favorite images, or even show off our "stinkers" for all to learn from .
To add a photo, hit reply, scroll to the bottom and follow the instructions to browse and upload your photo. Give a little history, and any settings you think are relevant.
Let's use this particular thread when we want to get constructive criticism on our favorite images, or even show off our "stinkers" for all to learn from .
To add a photo, hit reply, scroll to the bottom and follow the instructions to browse and upload your photo. Give a little history, and any settings you think are relevant.
Jun 27, 2017 13:33:21 #
Great idea!
The title is cool with me but you can also try to find a "slick" name like "Candid Clinic" or "Candid Comments" or "Keepers and Bloopers" or something like that. Of course, "Candids" is an old term for wedding pictures that are kinda informal but "candid" is also a word meaning kinda off the cuff or casual like "whet ever is on one's mind- not too edited or censored. I see this section as being completely informal in that there are no hard ad fast rules and there will be free and broad discussions.
This is also a good place to practice offering of critiques. Y'all should not be shy to give your take on any image. You don't need to be an expert or some kind of a super-master to have an opinion. It's good exercise to sharpen up you photographic brain and your eyeballs to pay attention to detail and artistic elements. Even at professional print competitions where there are judging panels of experienced and credentialed photographers, there are differences of opinions and challenges- that's where the fun and the best learning opportunities begin to happen.
So..I am not suggesting that we should have all kinds of "rules" but I would like to offer some critiquing tips for those who would like to participate and glean a few guidelines or pointers. A good constructive critique should be objective, friendly and honest. Harsh or belligerent critiques are useless and destructive in that they usually result in personal attacks and infighting- nothing is taught or learned. At the other end of the spectrum, a totally "feel-good" kinda Pollyanna critique may not, as well, be beneficial to the maker if there are some perceived faults or corrections that should be pointed out and serve as a basis for good discussions.
Some "judging" criteria: Visual impact, that is, your first gut feeling as to how the images impresses you. Then... get into the "nitty-gritty": Composition, lighting or use of light, tonality, contrast, color harmony, color (white) balance, artistic interpretation, story telling value, technical elements like exposure, dynamic range, selective focus, depth of field, lens choice, softness/hardness, technical quality, craftsmanship and presentation. For portraits and formals; look at posing, lighting forms, lighting ratios, key, background usage, "bokeh", group arrangement, how gowns, trains, veils ,bouquets/boutonnieres/corsages and other clothing and floral issues were handled and finally, expressions and mood.
For "candids" and photojournalism analyze: peak of action/expression, shutter speed and action stopping issues, sequences, points of view, low-light issues, noise/grain and anticipation of events and action.
Also check out- editing, retouching, special effects and any post-production issues.
When faults are suggested or pointed out, a remedy or corrective technique should be offered.
Personally, I try not to criticize STYLE but rather stick to substance and content.
I am looking forward to everyone's participation!
Fingers-crossed, Ed
The title is cool with me but you can also try to find a "slick" name like "Candid Clinic" or "Candid Comments" or "Keepers and Bloopers" or something like that. Of course, "Candids" is an old term for wedding pictures that are kinda informal but "candid" is also a word meaning kinda off the cuff or casual like "whet ever is on one's mind- not too edited or censored. I see this section as being completely informal in that there are no hard ad fast rules and there will be free and broad discussions.
This is also a good place to practice offering of critiques. Y'all should not be shy to give your take on any image. You don't need to be an expert or some kind of a super-master to have an opinion. It's good exercise to sharpen up you photographic brain and your eyeballs to pay attention to detail and artistic elements. Even at professional print competitions where there are judging panels of experienced and credentialed photographers, there are differences of opinions and challenges- that's where the fun and the best learning opportunities begin to happen.
So..I am not suggesting that we should have all kinds of "rules" but I would like to offer some critiquing tips for those who would like to participate and glean a few guidelines or pointers. A good constructive critique should be objective, friendly and honest. Harsh or belligerent critiques are useless and destructive in that they usually result in personal attacks and infighting- nothing is taught or learned. At the other end of the spectrum, a totally "feel-good" kinda Pollyanna critique may not, as well, be beneficial to the maker if there are some perceived faults or corrections that should be pointed out and serve as a basis for good discussions.
Some "judging" criteria: Visual impact, that is, your first gut feeling as to how the images impresses you. Then... get into the "nitty-gritty": Composition, lighting or use of light, tonality, contrast, color harmony, color (white) balance, artistic interpretation, story telling value, technical elements like exposure, dynamic range, selective focus, depth of field, lens choice, softness/hardness, technical quality, craftsmanship and presentation. For portraits and formals; look at posing, lighting forms, lighting ratios, key, background usage, "bokeh", group arrangement, how gowns, trains, veils ,bouquets/boutonnieres/corsages and other clothing and floral issues were handled and finally, expressions and mood.
For "candids" and photojournalism analyze: peak of action/expression, shutter speed and action stopping issues, sequences, points of view, low-light issues, noise/grain and anticipation of events and action.
Also check out- editing, retouching, special effects and any post-production issues.
When faults are suggested or pointed out, a remedy or corrective technique should be offered.
Personally, I try not to criticize STYLE but rather stick to substance and content.
I am looking forward to everyone's participation!
Fingers-crossed, Ed
Jun 28, 2017 11:21:57 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
Great idea! br br The title is cool with me but y... (show quote)
I especially like Ed's idea of corrective actions being offered, not just pointing out what's wrong with an image.
I vote that we make that a part of any CC we do here. If someone asks for CC, we need to remember the first C (constructive) is the most important.
bk
Jun 28, 2017 15:15:47 #
Guys, I don't think the direction this is going will go anywhere. It is a mindset thing. So much emphasis on critique and constructive criticism, judging criteria and so forth. I would be surprised if anyone offers up their photos for critique. My image is one of, well OK here is my cute name "ride sharing". We are wedding photographers sharing the same ride looking for fresh ideas and different angles (no pun intended), new ways of doing things and refining the old. We want our work to stand out and continually get better. A supportive forum can work without critique. My suggestion is not a place to put pics for learning by critique rather a thread for different aspects of wedding photography supported by examples and preferred methods. Think it can work or would it see as much action as this idea?
Jun 29, 2017 09:40:26 #
jaysnave wrote:
Guys, I don't think the direction this is going w... (show quote)
Hey Jay. I see your point, and it is difficult to put up images asking for people to find fault in it. We all have self esteem to think of. I'm hoping that in the spirit of our section of UHH, that all critiques will be a combination of what's good, and what we would do differently. Not really "criticisms," but actually critiques.
I am putting together some to start uploading as I go through some that I'm currently editing. They are ones that are not necessarily my favorites, and I really would appreciate some insight on what different people here would have done differently. We can always post our favorites as individual posts. My biggest issue is that if we post things on other threads, the critiques which could help everyone, get buried, and may not be seen by everyone.
If it doesn't go, or even if I'm the only one who wants the help and suggestions, I'm still fine with that. We can always "unsticky" the topic and let it get buried towards the bottom of nobody really wants it.
In short, feel free to give me suggestions when I submit mine. Don't feel any pressure at all to upload any in this thread. I don't judge either way.
Jun 29, 2017 12:37:10 #
Problem is, to begin with, here in he wedding section, comparatively speaking, we don't get very much traffic or participation- there is a small core group that converse and interact with each other. Another issue is that somehow, "critique" has become a kind of a dirty word among certain circles in photography. Oftentimes, improperly presented or harsh critiques tend to ignite alterations and unpleasant exchanges, to say the least. Frankly and plainly speaking, many photographers simply don't like criticism of their work- good, bad or indifferent, they just don't want to hear it! It's not especially constructive when ego supersedes learning but it is what it is- an old story!
Having written all of this, it would seem that it is easy enough to forget about a specific critiquing section and just exchange ideas, write tutorials and compliment each other- sort of a mutual admiration society. Obviously, a critiquing element will not attract more folks to our section and might even scare some folks away - so what do we need it for? Will it encourage more participation? Well- that remains to be seen. Personally, I am in favor of it so let me give you my take on the situation.
I am one of those guys who like to contribute instructive posts and tutorials. I have written a few and seemingly, I get some "reads" according to the numbers but very little real feedback or interaction. Please understand, I am not looking for praise or popularity but it becomes problematic for me because without feedback, requests, complaints or specific questions, it is difficult for me to know what to write about, what to elaborate on or what to avoid. Hopefully, a critiquing section would encourage a variation of opinions, some give and take and back and forth.
Another conundrum- all over this site, folks write about technical and aesthetic issues that they are experiencing and ask for remedies. They post elaborate written descriptions of theses issues but, oftentimes, do not post a photograph where the problem exists. The most important element of a critique is the photograph. Images submitted for critiques would bring up many technical and artistic subjects for discussion and answer allot of questions of general interest.This would even benefit the folks who just prefer to read on without commenting or questioning.
Here's yet another popular misconception about critiques and critiquing: Many folks think that a critique has to be negative- kind of a postmortem exercise to discover what killed a photograph- or at least why it did not "hang" in a print show! Just like movies, TV programs and books, why can't a photograph receive "critical acclaim"? It is just as educational and important to point out what is good or excellent about an image than what are perceived as faults. We don't only have to learn for the mistakes of ourselves and others- what about the successes- the winners- the great shots?! So many photographer post an image and ask that it be "pulled-apart"- what's wrong with "putting it together instead?
Then there are the semantics! I am not a believer in euphemisms- I prefer straight talk. If, however, y'all think that the word "critique" is too scary it can be replaced with "photo-analysis", like another section of the Hog. They use the word "scrutinize"- that's pretty scary too! I suggested the title."Candid Clinic" where folks could submit their images for "analysis" "diagnosis" or just bring them in for a "check-up".
Even if there is already a "Photo Analysis" section elsewhere on this site, I am still in favor of having our own, here in the wedding department. Our work is highly specialized in that is a crossbreed of photojournalism, portraiture, and even a touch of commercial, fashion and a bit of architectural photography. It can be criticized or analysed on many levels which makes the
potential for learning and conversation even more interesting. I haven't even mentioned all the aspects of editing, retouching and presentation.
In my previous post, I especially mentioned that I have no interest in setting rules, standards or anything of the kind. In the interest of comradely and participation, I would like to encourage participation and a variety of opinions. That's why I suggested a number of guidelines for folks who would like to try their hand at offering critiques, comments or remedies.Theses tips were not intended as rules or standards!
On the other side of the "argument" what's all that terrible about, at least, ENCOURAGING some kind of professional standards- at least, individually, for ourselves?. After all, when we go out and undertake wedding assignments for fair remuneration (pay) are we not representing ourselves as professionals? Some clients will accept just about anything but we should know better. Outstanding, highly competitive and marketable and innovative photography and ongoing product improvement starts with the initiative of each individual photographer and the efforts of their peer groups.
Here's something to consider: Some years ago, the Professional Photographer of America, offered a audio-taped copy of critiques, available to entrants in the national print competition, that is, a recording of the critiques given to the individual entrant's submitted photographs by the judging panel. This entailed an additional cost to the regular entry fee. It was very popular and many photographers were willing to pay the extra bucks to ascertain this information. Personally, I was willing to travel and pay the accommodations to sit in on open judging sessions, whenever I could find the time, just to see how my prints were doing and being able to listen, first hand, to the comment and challenges on all the prints, oftentimes in the many hundreds. This was an education in itself. Sometimes the experience was humbling but never sad, angry or disappointing on my part, and other times the experience was encouraging, uplifting and ego-reinforcing. My challenge was always finding a good balance. My attitude is "no pain- no gain" and "keep on"truckin"- not very sophisticated or philosophical but it keeps me going.
So...whatever turns out to be the result here, for the time being, I am willing to do may part, write my stuff and offer critiques (or whatever you wanna call 'em) when or if there is a demand. The entire concept of critique is a time-honored and important and effective learning tool. Of course and obviously, this is not a school with a required curriculum or any kind of mandatory or hold any sort of compulsory connotations. We can all participate in other ways as we see fit. I don't consider myself the any kinda guru or superstar- just a hard working stiff who has been around for a while who can do up a decent article and/or critique and likes to help! Y'all- well- your participation would be appreciated!
Ed
Having written all of this, it would seem that it is easy enough to forget about a specific critiquing section and just exchange ideas, write tutorials and compliment each other- sort of a mutual admiration society. Obviously, a critiquing element will not attract more folks to our section and might even scare some folks away - so what do we need it for? Will it encourage more participation? Well- that remains to be seen. Personally, I am in favor of it so let me give you my take on the situation.
I am one of those guys who like to contribute instructive posts and tutorials. I have written a few and seemingly, I get some "reads" according to the numbers but very little real feedback or interaction. Please understand, I am not looking for praise or popularity but it becomes problematic for me because without feedback, requests, complaints or specific questions, it is difficult for me to know what to write about, what to elaborate on or what to avoid. Hopefully, a critiquing section would encourage a variation of opinions, some give and take and back and forth.
Another conundrum- all over this site, folks write about technical and aesthetic issues that they are experiencing and ask for remedies. They post elaborate written descriptions of theses issues but, oftentimes, do not post a photograph where the problem exists. The most important element of a critique is the photograph. Images submitted for critiques would bring up many technical and artistic subjects for discussion and answer allot of questions of general interest.This would even benefit the folks who just prefer to read on without commenting or questioning.
Here's yet another popular misconception about critiques and critiquing: Many folks think that a critique has to be negative- kind of a postmortem exercise to discover what killed a photograph- or at least why it did not "hang" in a print show! Just like movies, TV programs and books, why can't a photograph receive "critical acclaim"? It is just as educational and important to point out what is good or excellent about an image than what are perceived as faults. We don't only have to learn for the mistakes of ourselves and others- what about the successes- the winners- the great shots?! So many photographer post an image and ask that it be "pulled-apart"- what's wrong with "putting it together instead?
Then there are the semantics! I am not a believer in euphemisms- I prefer straight talk. If, however, y'all think that the word "critique" is too scary it can be replaced with "photo-analysis", like another section of the Hog. They use the word "scrutinize"- that's pretty scary too! I suggested the title."Candid Clinic" where folks could submit their images for "analysis" "diagnosis" or just bring them in for a "check-up".
Even if there is already a "Photo Analysis" section elsewhere on this site, I am still in favor of having our own, here in the wedding department. Our work is highly specialized in that is a crossbreed of photojournalism, portraiture, and even a touch of commercial, fashion and a bit of architectural photography. It can be criticized or analysed on many levels which makes the
potential for learning and conversation even more interesting. I haven't even mentioned all the aspects of editing, retouching and presentation.
In my previous post, I especially mentioned that I have no interest in setting rules, standards or anything of the kind. In the interest of comradely and participation, I would like to encourage participation and a variety of opinions. That's why I suggested a number of guidelines for folks who would like to try their hand at offering critiques, comments or remedies.Theses tips were not intended as rules or standards!
On the other side of the "argument" what's all that terrible about, at least, ENCOURAGING some kind of professional standards- at least, individually, for ourselves?. After all, when we go out and undertake wedding assignments for fair remuneration (pay) are we not representing ourselves as professionals? Some clients will accept just about anything but we should know better. Outstanding, highly competitive and marketable and innovative photography and ongoing product improvement starts with the initiative of each individual photographer and the efforts of their peer groups.
Here's something to consider: Some years ago, the Professional Photographer of America, offered a audio-taped copy of critiques, available to entrants in the national print competition, that is, a recording of the critiques given to the individual entrant's submitted photographs by the judging panel. This entailed an additional cost to the regular entry fee. It was very popular and many photographers were willing to pay the extra bucks to ascertain this information. Personally, I was willing to travel and pay the accommodations to sit in on open judging sessions, whenever I could find the time, just to see how my prints were doing and being able to listen, first hand, to the comment and challenges on all the prints, oftentimes in the many hundreds. This was an education in itself. Sometimes the experience was humbling but never sad, angry or disappointing on my part, and other times the experience was encouraging, uplifting and ego-reinforcing. My challenge was always finding a good balance. My attitude is "no pain- no gain" and "keep on"truckin"- not very sophisticated or philosophical but it keeps me going.
So...whatever turns out to be the result here, for the time being, I am willing to do may part, write my stuff and offer critiques (or whatever you wanna call 'em) when or if there is a demand. The entire concept of critique is a time-honored and important and effective learning tool. Of course and obviously, this is not a school with a required curriculum or any kind of mandatory or hold any sort of compulsory connotations. We can all participate in other ways as we see fit. I don't consider myself the any kinda guru or superstar- just a hard working stiff who has been around for a while who can do up a decent article and/or critique and likes to help! Y'all- well- your participation would be appreciated!
Ed
Jun 29, 2017 15:00:09 #
Well, I will get this started.
This is another wedding that I tried the same "feel" as the one I posted in the thread "a swing and a miss."
For reference sake, I had to download this, then upload it, and UHH compression has made it look fairly blurry (small file size) the original is much sharper.
I like this one better, and like that I got the wedding party behind them, but I'm still not "in love" with it. The concept in my mind is still a bit different than the outcome. I don't have access to the most recent version of this from the last wedding, but it's worse. I tried to make it more a silhouette, but it came out a "purple mess" This one included blue (one of their wedding colors) and I do like that you can make them out.
The set up this time. Umbrella on the floor pointed up and towards the B&G, I have to try to remember, but I believe it was set on 1/64 power. I had fill on a stand beside and above me at about 1/4 (I think, that's where it "usually is") power. Took several shots before the first dance with Tim Stapp, and my assistant Cyan dancing in front of the light to get the balance where I wanted it.
Anyway, it's still very conceptual. I do like it, but don't love it. Maybe someone can see what I was going for, and tell me what they would have done differently to get something just a little more pleasing out of it. They like it too, but didn't go as "nuts" over it as I would have hoped when I first started to try to make something that was "different" than what you see all the time.
The venue is my daughter's reception hall. "Ruby's Little Red Barn" in Woodburn Indiana.
Please, share your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. I'm all ears. (and bald head, and belly)
bk
This is another wedding that I tried the same "feel" as the one I posted in the thread "a swing and a miss."
For reference sake, I had to download this, then upload it, and UHH compression has made it look fairly blurry (small file size) the original is much sharper.
I like this one better, and like that I got the wedding party behind them, but I'm still not "in love" with it. The concept in my mind is still a bit different than the outcome. I don't have access to the most recent version of this from the last wedding, but it's worse. I tried to make it more a silhouette, but it came out a "purple mess" This one included blue (one of their wedding colors) and I do like that you can make them out.
The set up this time. Umbrella on the floor pointed up and towards the B&G, I have to try to remember, but I believe it was set on 1/64 power. I had fill on a stand beside and above me at about 1/4 (I think, that's where it "usually is") power. Took several shots before the first dance with Tim Stapp, and my assistant Cyan dancing in front of the light to get the balance where I wanted it.
Anyway, it's still very conceptual. I do like it, but don't love it. Maybe someone can see what I was going for, and tell me what they would have done differently to get something just a little more pleasing out of it. They like it too, but didn't go as "nuts" over it as I would have hoped when I first started to try to make something that was "different" than what you see all the time.
The venue is my daughter's reception hall. "Ruby's Little Red Barn" in Woodburn Indiana.
Please, share your thoughts, suggestions, and opinions. I'm all ears. (and bald head, and belly)
bk
Jun 29, 2017 15:36:46 #
This is the purple mess from the most recent wedding. Not enough detail.
Jun 29, 2017 18:16:11 #
bkyser wrote:
Well, I will get this started. br This is another ... (show quote)
TSOs (thoughts, suggestions, and opinions) in no particular order ...
First I am exited for you. Your daughter having her own reception hall gives you a great place to get familiar with, practice a lot, and get all the shots nailed. I occasionally keep my eye on property for sale with that purpose in mind. Just a dream though. 
The expressions are all very good. No one is staring off or looking at their phone and the little girl clutching the guy with the cane is priceless. B&G have nice expressions and that adds a little uniqueness with the groom on his toes. Shirt out ... a lot of people would have a problem with, but I have a feeling that is their brand. I once had to take some pics after the ceremony where all the groomsmen took their shirts off and only wore their vests. They were fitness freaks. 
It seems you are really seeking advice on the lighting aspect. My first impression is that the B&G do not have enough fill. I (personal opinion) feel that they could have been highlighted as the main focus point of the image with a brighter fill. I have seen wedding photos all over the brightness scale so that is a style thing. I also wish the background folks were a little more exposed. Not as much as the B&G but just a tad more so the viewer could easily identify the individuals. As for the blue backlighting, I think it works. Pointed down it sort of looks like a spotlight on a stage. Another idea would be to light the back wall in blue, but it looks brown & that would not work. I am going through the same thought process as I have a request to mix some pink light in a gender reveal photo. I have experimented with my wife and pointing the light at her from behind does not do much. Pointing the light at a white wall behind her makes for a more impressive pink background. Yet another albeit expensive option is for you and or your daughter to add some stage lights to the venue. I got some great results at a local venue recently using stage lights. So not to get to far off track for this thread I will PM them to you. 
Hey regarding the purple mess, I am intrigued by it and think it has potential. It needs more purple highlights and maybe more purple glow. Call me weird, but I kind of like it. Sorry about the smiley face bullet points, but I always have to be doing something different.
Jun 29, 2017 23:08:07 #
Image #1 First dance with onlookers in the background.
Nice candid shot with good expressions and dramatic lighting. Great action! Good exposure, color balance and contrast.
In the attached lighting diagram I am suggesting 2 alternative light methods. An on camera bare bulb provides the fill light. In main light position "A" a kicker light is held at 135 degrees to the camera/subject axis. This will result on a rim or profile lighting on one of the subjects- I try to highlight the bride's profile. In main light position "B" (this comes close to what you did) the main light is held behind the couple, aimed inward toward the camera and is hidden by the skirt of the gown. This too gives you a dramatic effect but you run the risk of so called "monster lighting" where the light washes UP the face and throws upward shadows.This method can also over-light the floor which calls attention to the light source itself.
Theses subjects are both heavy-set folks. In a grab candid shot there is little you can do to de-emphasize their body types. In a posed or semi-posed (directed) shot you can have them turn their bodies at about 45 or so degrees rather than a totally side-on angle. Back/kicker/rim lighting has a slightly slimming effect. The reduced output of a bare bulb, as opposed to a direct light, increases the ratio- this also helps minimize the appearance of heavy body mass.
Clothing issues? Again- it a strictly candid shot there is little that we can do, we can't stop the festivities and re-dress folks. What I often do is coach the couple in advance of some of the key events like the first dance and cutting of the wedding cake. I advise them to tuck in shirts and put jackets back on for a few minutes. Once the party begins to really rock- it's a come as you are scene. It's just that the bride is still in her gown- all dressed up so it be nice if the groom did likewise for a few of the semi-formal events.
I did a quick and dirty edit on this shot. I extended the floor space in front of the couple and blended in the carpet where there was a hot-spot form the speed-light. I don't like the see the couple dancing, standing or walking on the bottom edge of the screen, or the edge of an album page.
I don't want to artificially make a big couple into a skinny one but sometimes a trim them slightly when certain poses or camera angles make them seem heavier.
Nice candid shot with good expressions and dramatic lighting. Great action! Good exposure, color balance and contrast.
In the attached lighting diagram I am suggesting 2 alternative light methods. An on camera bare bulb provides the fill light. In main light position "A" a kicker light is held at 135 degrees to the camera/subject axis. This will result on a rim or profile lighting on one of the subjects- I try to highlight the bride's profile. In main light position "B" (this comes close to what you did) the main light is held behind the couple, aimed inward toward the camera and is hidden by the skirt of the gown. This too gives you a dramatic effect but you run the risk of so called "monster lighting" where the light washes UP the face and throws upward shadows.This method can also over-light the floor which calls attention to the light source itself.
Theses subjects are both heavy-set folks. In a grab candid shot there is little you can do to de-emphasize their body types. In a posed or semi-posed (directed) shot you can have them turn their bodies at about 45 or so degrees rather than a totally side-on angle. Back/kicker/rim lighting has a slightly slimming effect. The reduced output of a bare bulb, as opposed to a direct light, increases the ratio- this also helps minimize the appearance of heavy body mass.
Clothing issues? Again- it a strictly candid shot there is little that we can do, we can't stop the festivities and re-dress folks. What I often do is coach the couple in advance of some of the key events like the first dance and cutting of the wedding cake. I advise them to tuck in shirts and put jackets back on for a few minutes. Once the party begins to really rock- it's a come as you are scene. It's just that the bride is still in her gown- all dressed up so it be nice if the groom did likewise for a few of the semi-formal events.
I did a quick and dirty edit on this shot. I extended the floor space in front of the couple and blended in the carpet where there was a hot-spot form the speed-light. I don't like the see the couple dancing, standing or walking on the bottom edge of the screen, or the edge of an album page.
I don't want to artificially make a big couple into a skinny one but sometimes a trim them slightly when certain poses or camera angles make them seem heavier.
Jun 29, 2017 23:20:31 #
Image #2 Purple.
The best remedy for this shot happens in editing. This is another quick and dirty effort, done on my Android (phone). There is more information in that file that you realized. I simply boosted the shadow detail and did a bit of dodging. The lighting was effective but the exposure and fill was insufficient. The lighting that I outlined in the other post would work well in this type of situation.
The best remedy for this shot happens in editing. This is another quick and dirty effort, done on my Android (phone). There is more information in that file that you realized. I simply boosted the shadow detail and did a bit of dodging. The lighting was effective but the exposure and fill was insufficient. The lighting that I outlined in the other post would work well in this type of situation.
Jun 29, 2017 23:31:39 #
Oh, SORRY for the poor resolution. These edits a quickly done for the purpose of instruction only.
Jun 30, 2017 08:08:25 #
Thanks Ed and Jay. I will print off the suggestions and digest them.
As for the poor resolution, I had to download the images from Google + to my phone, emailed them to my work computer, then upload them to UHH. All I can think is that each step is somehow degrading the original image....it is what it is.
Jay, agreed on the shirt being out, but all the guys had them out for the whole day. It was their "style". (not fitness buffs)
Ed, it's funny that you said you wanted more at the bottom. Original had more, I thought it was too much negative space, I may go back and open it up.
As for my daughter's venue, I've turned her down a few times as far as being "the" photographer for her. Maybe when I retire from my day job, I might consider it, but her clients (so far) tend to be bargain hunters, and I've had to turn away several of her clients. I'm thankful for the referrals, and although she also works for me from time to time, I want to keep the businesses separate.
I hope to upload another photo that I really enjoy, as it was extremely candid, and makes me smile. I will also try to find a few more posed shots that will be a little more suitable for CC. I've been working on a fantasy "fairytale" image that is almost 100% hand drawn, with the little girl composited in. It's been a long time, and I'm pretty rusty, so it's taking up a lot of my time.
bk
As for the poor resolution, I had to download the images from Google + to my phone, emailed them to my work computer, then upload them to UHH. All I can think is that each step is somehow degrading the original image....it is what it is.
Jay, agreed on the shirt being out, but all the guys had them out for the whole day. It was their "style". (not fitness buffs)
Ed, it's funny that you said you wanted more at the bottom. Original had more, I thought it was too much negative space, I may go back and open it up.
As for my daughter's venue, I've turned her down a few times as far as being "the" photographer for her. Maybe when I retire from my day job, I might consider it, but her clients (so far) tend to be bargain hunters, and I've had to turn away several of her clients. I'm thankful for the referrals, and although she also works for me from time to time, I want to keep the businesses separate.
I hope to upload another photo that I really enjoy, as it was extremely candid, and makes me smile. I will also try to find a few more posed shots that will be a little more suitable for CC. I've been working on a fantasy "fairytale" image that is almost 100% hand drawn, with the little girl composited in. It's been a long time, and I'm pretty rusty, so it's taking up a lot of my time.
bk
Jul 3, 2017 11:39:49 #
BK, looking forward to more shots from both weddings. I hope that someday I can be good enough to be considered as an apprentice to the fine photographers here.
In my neck of the woods, a $500 package is considered extravagant. Drive an hour in any direction and they start at $5,000. I may have to move.
In my neck of the woods, a $500 package is considered extravagant. Drive an hour in any direction and they start at $5,000. I may have to move.
Jul 3, 2017 18:57:35 #
Hey Tim!
I love the word "apprentice"! That's exactly how I started my career in professional photography. It's very best education and experience you can get- if you can get it. I'ts too bad that there is not a formal apprenticeship program in photography- like they have in some of the European countries. When I started out in New York City, however, there was kind of a tradition or pecking order whereby the rookies would learn form the veterans. I was fortunate to have a formal academic education in photography. At one point in my life I though of photographic sciences as a career so after my military service was over, via the GI bill, I went to Rochester and earned degree in photographic technology- chemistry, optics and that kinda stuff. At that time the applied photography course was new but I managed to take in some of those classes as well. I still take in workshops and seminars whenever I get the chance. While I was apprenticing, my fist boss and mentor sent some of us to the Winona- the PP of A School in Indiana. Those courses were taught by working master photographers. All the schooling was great but I have to admit that my early on-the-job training is where I garnered must of my practical day to day knowledge- the stuff that you just can't get in classrooms or books. This especially apples to wedding photography and portraiture where people skills and just as important as technical savvy. If if you need to travel in order to work with an experienced shooter- believe me, it's a good investment.
In the wedding photography business, the money issues are funny! Firstly, let me tell you that back in the day, as a rookie, I got all the low-priced wedding jobs at the studio. I cut my teeth shooting wedding for folks that did not have allot of money to spend. Working for the so-called "poor folks" gave me some great perspective on life and work. I found that if people are resourceful and willing to put some food and drink to together and create their own decor and entertainment, they can pull off some festive and beautiful weddings. I learned that hard working folks appreciate other hard working folks. Most importantly, I learned that every bride and groom and their families, deserved my best efforts no matter how modest their weddings are.
So...my point it that I have nothing against folks how can't spend a whole lot of money on their wedding photography. Oftentimes, however, potential customers will balk at the price of photography and claim that the don't have the money to sped. Then we go to the wedding and realize that they are spending a fortune on food, booze and all the trimmings. If the son'r prioritize their photography, I can understand that but oftentimes this attitude is the local; photographer fault in that the don't promote their product and services and may some photographers simply under price their own services and create bad buying habits in their own service area. In other words, the money is there but the clients are spending it elsewhere!
Also, nowadays, what with social media, the Internet and advertising in wedding publications and online sites, you are not restricted to any particular neighborhood. Good word of mouth recommendation can bring you work in a significantly wider market.
Keep up the good work and keep on learning.
I love the word "apprentice"! That's exactly how I started my career in professional photography. It's very best education and experience you can get- if you can get it. I'ts too bad that there is not a formal apprenticeship program in photography- like they have in some of the European countries. When I started out in New York City, however, there was kind of a tradition or pecking order whereby the rookies would learn form the veterans. I was fortunate to have a formal academic education in photography. At one point in my life I though of photographic sciences as a career so after my military service was over, via the GI bill, I went to Rochester and earned degree in photographic technology- chemistry, optics and that kinda stuff. At that time the applied photography course was new but I managed to take in some of those classes as well. I still take in workshops and seminars whenever I get the chance. While I was apprenticing, my fist boss and mentor sent some of us to the Winona- the PP of A School in Indiana. Those courses were taught by working master photographers. All the schooling was great but I have to admit that my early on-the-job training is where I garnered must of my practical day to day knowledge- the stuff that you just can't get in classrooms or books. This especially apples to wedding photography and portraiture where people skills and just as important as technical savvy. If if you need to travel in order to work with an experienced shooter- believe me, it's a good investment.
In the wedding photography business, the money issues are funny! Firstly, let me tell you that back in the day, as a rookie, I got all the low-priced wedding jobs at the studio. I cut my teeth shooting wedding for folks that did not have allot of money to spend. Working for the so-called "poor folks" gave me some great perspective on life and work. I found that if people are resourceful and willing to put some food and drink to together and create their own decor and entertainment, they can pull off some festive and beautiful weddings. I learned that hard working folks appreciate other hard working folks. Most importantly, I learned that every bride and groom and their families, deserved my best efforts no matter how modest their weddings are.
So...my point it that I have nothing against folks how can't spend a whole lot of money on their wedding photography. Oftentimes, however, potential customers will balk at the price of photography and claim that the don't have the money to sped. Then we go to the wedding and realize that they are spending a fortune on food, booze and all the trimmings. If the son'r prioritize their photography, I can understand that but oftentimes this attitude is the local; photographer fault in that the don't promote their product and services and may some photographers simply under price their own services and create bad buying habits in their own service area. In other words, the money is there but the clients are spending it elsewhere!
Also, nowadays, what with social media, the Internet and advertising in wedding publications and online sites, you are not restricted to any particular neighborhood. Good word of mouth recommendation can bring you work in a significantly wider market.
Keep up the good work and keep on learning.
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