jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Maybe crazy idea, but what about using a light tent for wedding ring shots. Maybe even a DIY made from a white plastic container for outside situations. Like I said, just an idea, no further thought than that.
https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-a-light-tent-for-small-product-photography/

BermBuster Loc: Hi Desert S.Cal

Thats a good idea. A Plastic container would work good inside and out. At least it would be light weight.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I just can't get past the size of that ROCK! Holy cow! I hope they had a big budget for the photography.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

It is a good idea. My issue (just ask Tim) I about need a semi trailer to haul everything I bring to a wedding as it is now. I bring studio lights, backdrop and DNP DS-80 printer for the event booth. a full set of lights, sands and modifiers for general wedding shots/ formals/ and OCF flash for reception. My Drone, extension cords, reflectors, and seating for formals and/or event booth. Every wedding, I think "this is the one where I'm going to pare down a bit" and then I end up completely filling up the back my UAS (Urban Assault Vehicle...SUV) , just to be prepared. If I added even a pop up light tent, there may be no room for ME in the UAS.

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

😁👍

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Wow, I tend to get carried away too but not to that extent. Maybe get another UAS for Tim to drive. I think I saw a video somewhere where someone built one out of a container. I am thinking a light tent contraption may reduce the amount of time needed to experiment with lighting, but maybe more trouble than it is worth. Here is an interesting option for a portable version. You could just hook it on your belt.
http://www.phottix.com/index.php/en/light-tents-and-product-photography-accessories/photo-light-tent-cube-soft-box-40x40x40cm.html

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Gee ... nothing since July?

No more brave souls?

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Here you go Jerry. Just got back from the out of town family wedding. Here is the lighthouse pic which I am still tweaking. I can make a long list of what I would do differently and the problems I encountered, but I'll let you guys go at it. Actually, I have a few days of editing ahead of me and I'll put a pic here and there. It is all about making mistakes and learning from them.

(Download)

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Problem is...there are still a good number of members posting wedding photography related questions and requests for opinions elsewhere on the forum- usually in the main section. Rather than answering those posts or offering critiques, I encourage them to post their questions and request here.. So far, nobody has accepted the invitation.

Of course, there is no shortage of "the "I have a wedding to shoot this weekend so what f/stop should I use" kinda thing. What can I say? If I read them the "riot act" a attempt to forewarn them as to the pitfalls- I come off as a bad guy. It's frustrating! So...I tell them to set set camera on PROGRAM, stick a speedlight on the hot shoe, take lots of shots and hope for the best! Then of course. I get flack from all the "experts" that say that on camera flash in not professional and it yields flat pictures. You bet- better flat pictures than no pictures!

Fact is, most folks don't want criticism of their work and some react poorly or even angrily to critiques, even if they are offered in a polite and constructive manner.

A while ago, I wrote a post, in the main section, entitled "I'm a Critique Freak". I recounted my own experiences as a rookie shooter and how I entered print competitions just to receive critiques from experienced pros and how I consider critiquing an important and effective teaching and learning tool. There were many replies to the effect that art can not be judged by rules or such criteria. Many feel that professionals photographers are not particularly creative and have a fixed set of rules and "tricks". There seems to be a core of folks here that resent part- and full-time pros.

It seems that the best way of starting a "war" on this site is to offer unsolicited advice or critiques. I like the idea of a critique section or sub-section in that folks who post here, at least are asking for opinions or advice. As you can see, the demand for critiques in this section is virtually non-existent.

As I alluded to, I try to encourage participation here whenever the opportunity arises and I do check in frequently enough to look after anything that does come in. BK has been busy lately and is still cleaning up after that flood but he is still active here too! So far requests for CRITIQUES? - NADA!

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Jay ....

This is a tough one .... part of me likes it just the way it is with maybe a few minor adjustments. I like the contrast of the groom against the white lighthouse but the brides dress can get lost in it. Of course the picture is leaning a bit and the brides dress is cut off a bit. Personally I would of brought them forward a tad, closer to your camera. This would allow a bit more in the frame and brought them in the foreground making the picture a bit more personal. In hindsight maybe a reversal of where they where standing so you could of used the window in the lighthouse for a bit of contrast on her upper dress. She appears to be looking away from his eyes but that could be just me ... of course it is hard to know this until you get in in PP or if you checked on location. With them closer you could of tossed an OCF behind them, slightly underexpose the background and a bit OCF in the front to 'pop' them from the lighthouse background. A bit of rim, a slightly underexposed background and the frontal 'pop' really makes the subject isolate. Of course this is all in hindsight. As far as the picture the way you shot it just straighten up the picture ;)

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

OK, I'll be a lab rat :)

The ring shot from last Saturday's wedding.

Yes I see the speck of something on the guy's ring ;)

Part of me likes the creamy look of the roses and part of me would of preferred a bit more detail in which case I would of not shot the picture so hot.

100mm Canon Macro at 1/200, f/29, ISO-320, OCF 6 inches away to the right set to manual 1/128, camera is 12 inches away

(Download)

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Jay! Thanks for the post!

My main comment is about the pose. I woulds have liked to see more body- even when the bride and groom are facing each other, if their bodies are turned at approximately 45 degrees toward the camera and then their heads are gently turned toward the profile views there is more base and balanced to their stances. I would have also liked to see more of the brides profile- her head is turned slightly too much away. Even in close up or 3/4 compositions, if the bodies are balanced with more weight on the far hips and the forward legs pointed toward the camera you will achieve better shoulder lines and more dynamic compositions. This is especially important in full length poses where the entire bodies show. This also gives better line and shape to the bride's gown and also works well with heavy-set folks.

I know it is oftentimes difficult to totally control natural light what with weather conditions/time of day etc. Perhaps a change of position would have provided more of a back lighting or profile lighting. That kind of lighting is more "romantic" and also tends to be a bit slimming. Sometimes, some kind of overhang from a tree, archway, or porch provides subtractive lighting. Check out Jerry's last shots in that kinda tunnel.

The lighthouse is an important part of the venue but I find it a bit too dominant in this composition. I would have also shot something with it further in the background- more of a scenic element. Of course, I was not there and can't comment on the layout of the landscape, access etc. and the exact lighting conditions or potential.

I hope this helps. Thanks again for contributing!

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Lighthouses lean over time

All good hindsight thoughts. I had pre-scouted this location and planned to use a long lens for compression of the lighthouse and move the couple forward until the composition was ideal ... but you see that fence to the right? I had not planned on the fence behind me. I was laying on the ground backed up against it with the camera practically on the ground to get it all in. Add to that they were getting tired and time was running out to make it to the reception on time. Sometimes doing weddings you just have to fend off obstacles and time restrictions and make the best of it.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

I get it ;)

I always tell a B&G I'll shoot as many romantic shots as they want but I'm sensitive to the day. I always tell them the most important thing is time spent with family and friends and I'll often tell the B&G enough of the pictures, go have fun. You can tell when they've had enough. As photogs we love lab rats for us to experiment with but we must be sensitive and not over do it.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Jerry- I like the flowers!

I shoot lots of jewelry and coins in my commercial work. Sometimes- in natural light or soft-box lighting a small white or silver reflector or card gives gold and diamonds a LIGHT FIELD reflection so the gold looks more gold and less black or gray and the stones pick up more sparkle. I keep a Small combination white/silver collapsible disk reflector in my kit. I use it for theses kinda detail shots and for popping in some catch-lights in the eyes for available light portraits. The disk is only about 6 inches in diameter- I just hand hold it or get my assistant to grab it- it only takes a few seconds and you see the effect right away.

Thanks for being the lab rat and allowing me to be the lab cat!