“Truck shots”
Feb 8, 2018 22:34:47 #
I look at other photographer’s websites and often times I see cool shots that I never seem to have time to do during a wedding.
For instance bride kicks and groom jumps back like she kicked him, the bridal party in the distance shot though one of the rings. Or beautiful shots of the bride and groom where the venue is beautiful and the light is just right and the pose is perfect. You know, cute stuff you see on Pinterest.
Who has time for this stuff? Are many of those shots carefully staged after the wedding? Are these models? Or am I just a sucky photographer and just need more experience?
I have noticed that photographers always show these shots on their websites but when I have retouched their weddings for them they look as boring as mine. You know shots of people talking or hugging.
Often the venues I get are not conducive to great shots. Or again am I just incapable of turning bad venues and bad light into good light? Sometimes the bride gives me 20 minutes to shoot the whole bridal party and the bride and groom together.
I just feel like my weddings are boring. I get some useable shots for my site but not as good as some photographers I see online.
I think experienced, well seasoned photographers don’t shoot trick shots. They just set up for great lighting and shoot the couple naturally. Not silly trick shots. I also suspect that some of the best shots are set up after the wedding.
I hope I’m clear enough about what I’m asking. Has anyone else ever had these feelings or is it just me?
For instance bride kicks and groom jumps back like she kicked him, the bridal party in the distance shot though one of the rings. Or beautiful shots of the bride and groom where the venue is beautiful and the light is just right and the pose is perfect. You know, cute stuff you see on Pinterest.
Who has time for this stuff? Are many of those shots carefully staged after the wedding? Are these models? Or am I just a sucky photographer and just need more experience?
I have noticed that photographers always show these shots on their websites but when I have retouched their weddings for them they look as boring as mine. You know shots of people talking or hugging.
Often the venues I get are not conducive to great shots. Or again am I just incapable of turning bad venues and bad light into good light? Sometimes the bride gives me 20 minutes to shoot the whole bridal party and the bride and groom together.
I just feel like my weddings are boring. I get some useable shots for my site but not as good as some photographers I see online.
I think experienced, well seasoned photographers don’t shoot trick shots. They just set up for great lighting and shoot the couple naturally. Not silly trick shots. I also suspect that some of the best shots are set up after the wedding.
I hope I’m clear enough about what I’m asking. Has anyone else ever had these feelings or is it just me?
Feb 9, 2018 08:53:28 #
I can tell you from shooting weddings for over 20 years that I always planned for at least two unique shots for the higher end wedding. When brides look at the portfolio they loved them and it definitely helped in closing the higher end wedding. I only offered the Special shots in the top two Collections which included an assistant to help me have time to set up the shots and handle equipment. They may shoot some shots such as reception but very little during the ceremony, that was my responsibility. Time is precious at most weddings but letting the couple know ahead of time that you need x amount of time for formals etc, made a big difference and less stress. It's about planning.
Feb 9, 2018 18:01:09 #
My weddings always started with the "meat & potatoes" necessaries and then during the reception asked the b&g if they wanted some of the portraits that made them choose me. The answer was usually yes & they willingly gave me the time I needed. I was very fast & when they said stop I did. More than 600 weddings photographed internationally.
Feb 9, 2018 23:40:01 #
I have been in he wedding business since 1959 and I can attest to the fact that so-called “trick photography”, gag shots and silly stuff has been around for a very long time. Funny thing- I never got into it that is, the truly tacky stuff. The bride and groom whacking each other and jumping out of the way- Forgetaboutit!
When potential wedding customer came in to see me and asked about my “special effects” I do not turn up my nose at them or turn them off. I would simply tell them that my special effects are romantic imagery, “lighting like in the movies”, texture screens, impact closeups, elegant portraits, lots of real live candid shots, soft focus, elegant portraiture and very cool leather bound albums and more. If there were any humorous going on, crazy party games, crazy drunken Aunt Tilly standing up on a table and kinda doing a strip tease or what ever, I will be please to shoot it but I would never “stage” any of that stuff. Nor would I advise putting anything in bad taste into a leather bound album- anything you may not want to show your kids or your grandchildren.
As far as time is concerned, I always tell my potential customers that great formals and special effects won't materialize magically all by themselves and I will need their cooperation and participation and a period of time, put aside during the wedding day, to do formals, groups etc. and those very special shots Usually between the ceremony and reception a bit of time is agreed upon and the the event goes forward. At reception, most of my shots are strictly candid and I don't interrupt any of the festivities. It's all in the planning!
If you feel that you wedding coverages are boring, only YOU can remedy the situation and inject some enthusiasm into the mix. I have never employed models for my sample albums or portfolios. I like to show what I can do to create flattering and glamorous images of regular folks. Some of my wedding are in majestic cathedrals and posh receptions venues. Others are in modest churches, JP offices with receptions in the local legion halls. My job is to bring out the best in theses surroundings. Surprising what can be done with wide angle lenses and a few colored gels on a flash unit.
My experience- folks will pay more for cool stuff!
When potential wedding customer came in to see me and asked about my “special effects” I do not turn up my nose at them or turn them off. I would simply tell them that my special effects are romantic imagery, “lighting like in the movies”, texture screens, impact closeups, elegant portraits, lots of real live candid shots, soft focus, elegant portraiture and very cool leather bound albums and more. If there were any humorous going on, crazy party games, crazy drunken Aunt Tilly standing up on a table and kinda doing a strip tease or what ever, I will be please to shoot it but I would never “stage” any of that stuff. Nor would I advise putting anything in bad taste into a leather bound album- anything you may not want to show your kids or your grandchildren.
As far as time is concerned, I always tell my potential customers that great formals and special effects won't materialize magically all by themselves and I will need their cooperation and participation and a period of time, put aside during the wedding day, to do formals, groups etc. and those very special shots Usually between the ceremony and reception a bit of time is agreed upon and the the event goes forward. At reception, most of my shots are strictly candid and I don't interrupt any of the festivities. It's all in the planning!
If you feel that you wedding coverages are boring, only YOU can remedy the situation and inject some enthusiasm into the mix. I have never employed models for my sample albums or portfolios. I like to show what I can do to create flattering and glamorous images of regular folks. Some of my wedding are in majestic cathedrals and posh receptions venues. Others are in modest churches, JP offices with receptions in the local legion halls. My job is to bring out the best in theses surroundings. Surprising what can be done with wide angle lenses and a few colored gels on a flash unit.
My experience- folks will pay more for cool stuff!
Feb 15, 2018 19:11:25 #
Feb 15, 2018 22:21:02 #
Feb 17, 2018 00:17:57 #
Feb 17, 2018 05:12:30 #
Feb 17, 2018 07:06:25 #
Beercat wrote:
Old trucks shot ....
Hard to believe there is still a group like that. Well done.
Feb 17, 2018 08:27:54 #
Beercat wrote:
Old trucks shot ....
Where did you find that set of old trucks Jerry? They must have made them with quality steel to still be holding up.
Feb 17, 2018 08:31:24 #
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
OK
Ed, is that an easy or complex photoshop effect you mastered here. Nice effect.
Feb 17, 2018 09:39:50 #
jaysnave wrote:
Where did you find that set of old trucks Jerry? They must have made them with quality steel to still be holding up.
Actually it is very viable from Hwy 41 west while driving from Atascadero to Morro Bay. They are owned by a window washing company and he has some fixed up for his crews to drive around to wash windows, sort of his trade mark.
Feb 17, 2018 13:08:57 #
Hey guys!
After some of the insanity that has been going on in SOME of the other sections- well, ya gotta have a sense of humor.I know the OP meant to write "TRICK" shot but made a typo so I posted a TRICK/TRUCK shot.
The shot was done for one of my commercial clients- the ary contractors who do garbage and recucling collection for the city and also service industrial and construction companies with containerized waste removal. They wanted a shot to advertise their FAST pick up service to construction and demolition sites- I mean how do you glamorize a GARBAGE TRUCK! So..I did the old long exposure and ZOOM trick and added a bit of high contrast in post. It only took 30 shots!
I love those old trucks! Problem is, when I was a kid, some of those old monsters from the 20s and 30s were still on the road- I'M OLD!!! Goes to show you that back in the day, those trucks were made of real steel- The stuff we drive around in today, won't be around in 70 years!
I guess J- wins the "biggest truck" award here- that is one hell of a big rig- NICE!
Me- I'm still driving my old Saturn SUV- had to PhotoShop the hell out of it to make it look impressive! It's a good ride and plenty of room for my wedding gear and nobody is gonna mistake my car for the bride's limo! Used to have A Ford Crown-Vic wagon with very dark tinted windows- everyone though it was a hearse- I could park it anywhere and not get a ticket and never had a break-in to steal equipment! Drove it fo 9 years! Maybe my next car will be one of them newfangled electric models- no more gas guzzlers! I was thinkin' of a HUM-V but they don't make the civilian model anymore!
After some of the insanity that has been going on in SOME of the other sections- well, ya gotta have a sense of humor.I know the OP meant to write "TRICK" shot but made a typo so I posted a TRICK/TRUCK shot.
The shot was done for one of my commercial clients- the ary contractors who do garbage and recucling collection for the city and also service industrial and construction companies with containerized waste removal. They wanted a shot to advertise their FAST pick up service to construction and demolition sites- I mean how do you glamorize a GARBAGE TRUCK! So..I did the old long exposure and ZOOM trick and added a bit of high contrast in post. It only took 30 shots!
I love those old trucks! Problem is, when I was a kid, some of those old monsters from the 20s and 30s were still on the road- I'M OLD!!! Goes to show you that back in the day, those trucks were made of real steel- The stuff we drive around in today, won't be around in 70 years!
I guess J- wins the "biggest truck" award here- that is one hell of a big rig- NICE!
Me- I'm still driving my old Saturn SUV- had to PhotoShop the hell out of it to make it look impressive! It's a good ride and plenty of room for my wedding gear and nobody is gonna mistake my car for the bride's limo! Used to have A Ford Crown-Vic wagon with very dark tinted windows- everyone though it was a hearse- I could park it anywhere and not get a ticket and never had a break-in to steal equipment! Drove it fo 9 years! Maybe my next car will be one of them newfangled electric models- no more gas guzzlers! I was thinkin' of a HUM-V but they don't make the civilian model anymore!
Feb 17, 2018 13:12:18 #
Feb 17, 2018 13:51:06 #
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