Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Was there to shoot video only but the mother of the bride asked me to snap off a few specialty photos. I asked the B&G if that was cool with them, no problem. I asked the photog for permission she said sure, no problem. After she saw the results she contacted me and was very pissed off ....... obviously my photos were far superior to hers. Photog was using two cropped sensor cameras, kit lenses and the built -in flashes.

First photo ...
70mm, 1/180, f/8, ISO-160
(2) off-camera speed lights set to manual 1/4 power for rim light, no modifiers
On-camera flash set to ETTL +1 with a super scoop modifier

Second photo ...
24mm, 1/180, f/16, ISO-160
(1) off-camera speed light set to fill power no modifier
On-camera set to ETTL +1 with a super scoop modifier

(Download)


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jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Now, HOW could that be?

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Nicely done! Love the lighting on the first shot . . . but personally would have used the super scoop on the 2nd flash as well in the 2nd shot.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

I did have the super scoop on the off-camera on the second one and even up close I couldn't get enough light on the B&G so I went with no modifier ;)

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I love the second shot and love it exactly as it is.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Jerry,
In my humble opinion, this is a Fantastic way to educate couples on why (if they value having beautiful photos of their wedding) that they shouldn't skimp and go with the Craigslist photographers.

I often like to use true "stories" when meeting with clients. I've had a Bride and Groom that were in a horrific car accident on their way to their honeymoon, and he ended up paralyzed. I still keep in contact with them, and even after all these years, they prize the photos of them dancing. If there's a way to work that in, not blurt it out, but if they happen to be discussing reception photos, and it comes up... Emotion, and the ability to tell the important stories in someone's life, is what we specialize in. If we can't set ourselves apart, we should just suggest that they go the "disposable camera, or cell phone camera route"

As always, elegant and beautiful shots, Jerry.

bk

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Thanks Bob ... yes it's the money shots that really separate us from the wolves. I'm surprised how many good photogs don't use off-camera flash. To me it is such a part of my best photography I can't imagine not having off-camera flash. No my lenses are not $2000 bucks each and the very best but I've found my nitch for money shots and it's off-camera flash for posed shots of the B&G and the dramatic reception photos with nice shadows and high lights.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

All hail the Church of Ziser. I agree, I do think that if everyone could do OCF, then we'd really be in a world of hurt as far as setting ourselves apart. It's shaping the light as much as posing, that sets us apart from "Uncle Bob's" (GAWD, I hate that term)
Bob

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

HA HA HA HA ......... thanks for the laugh :)