First Wedding Pictures - Comments needed.

[Vic]

Hey guys,

So did my first (and probably last) wedding last month. It was my little cousins, they didnt have any money for a tog and it was quite small hence the reason I agreed to do it, otherwise I would never have attempted a wedding!

So here are a few edited pics. The bride seemed chuffed to bits with the originals but I wanted to edit them before giving them over. She is happy with them but she isnt really looking at the things that may need improved so I would appreciate any comments, improvements or things I could have done differently.

I had the ISO up quite high and have only recently aquired NeatImage so think I am going to run a few of them through that.

Thanks very much guys
Vicky.

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[Vic]

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[Dave450]

Good on you for stepping in and helping out in the economic climate which is effecting everyone!

I like the photos, I dont think they are technically perfect. However the bride likes them, and that is all that matters!

Good job!

[keirik]

a lot of people on here could criticise all day (constructively or otherwise) but for a first wedding they look really good.

You do seem to have some WB issues though that you should look at, and the one down the aisle looks a bit off horizontal

Main point to improve in my view is to not leave so much space above their heads

well done though

[Vic]

Thanks Dave for your comments

I know they are not the best technically, to be honest I think my nerves got to me on the day. Could you tell me some technical things I could have done better? I promise my feelings wont get hurt!

[Vic]

Originally Posted by keirik

a lot of people on here could criticise all day (constructively or otherwise) but for a first wedding they look really good.

You do seem to have some WB issues though that you should look at, and the one down the aisle looks a bit off horizontal

Main point to improve in my view is to not leave so much space above their heads

well done though

Thanks very much, noted now about the space above their heads, I always seem to leave too much or too less

I've had a few comments about the WB in my pics, do you think the pics are a little on the warm side?

[Dave450]

Originally Posted by Vic

Thanks Dave for your comments

I know they are not the best technically, to be honest I think my nerves got to me on the day. Could you tell me some technical things I could have done better? I promise my feelings wont get hurt!

As someone else mentioned, slight WB issues, but if you shot with RAW thats easily corrected. The aisle one is slightly (very slighty) wonky but still a great image. No 2 is the one for me!! Cracking image!!

I am not a wedding tog (got my first one next year, like you helping out) so its only my thoughts not professional opinions. But I will too be asking for advice like you so I figured the more responses the better???

[AliB]

Yep, I'd agree with most of that Vic.

Shows a lot of promise.

WB issues and please don't do mental tilts I get a sore neck You have also chopped the bottom of the dress off in one. Pretty good for a first attempt though and shows promise so well done

I will disagree vehemently with Dave though. "So long as the Bride likes them" is never going to make me a happy bunny. We should all be aiming for techical AND aesthetic competance if not excellence.

[Dave450]

Originally Posted by AliB

I will disagree vehemently with Dave though. "So long as the Bride likes them" is never going to make me a happy bunny. We should all be aiming for techical AND aesthetic competance if not excellence.

I would agree with that. But the images could get a lot of stick here (i dont think they will but they "could") - but the photos arent for us. If the end client is happy with them, then surely thats the main result??

Anyway not to divert the thread away, a job well done!

[keirik]

Originally Posted by Dave450

I would agree with that. But the images could get a lot of stick here (i dont think they will but they "could") - but the photos arent for us. If the end client is happy with them, then surely thats the main result??

I'll agree with Dave here, after todays unhelpful threads I think we should congratulate where due and here it is due IMHO.

Not perfect, but then I don't think mine are either, that's why we try to improve, and Vic has asked for criticism

BTW Vicky, if you don't have RAW then the photowiz plug-in is great for correcting WB issues

[Vic]

Originally Posted by Dave450

As someone else mentioned, slight WB issues, but if you shot with RAW thats easily corrected. The aisle one is slightly (very slighty) wonky but still a great image. No 2 is the one for me!! Cracking image!!

I am not a wedding tog (got my first one next year, like you helping out) so its only my thoughts not professional opinions. But I will too be asking for advice like you so I figured the more responses the better???

Brilliant thanks Dave!

Good luck for yours, at least you have plenty time to practice and hopefully it isnt a winter wedding like mine!

Yep, I'd agree with most of that Vic.

Shows a lot of promise.

WB issues and please don't do mental tilts I get a sore neck You have also chopped the bottom of the dress off in one. Pretty good for a first attempt though and shows promise so well done

I will disagree vehemently with Dave though. "So long as the Bride likes them" is never going to make me a happy bunny. We should all be aiming for techical AND aesthetic competance if not excellence.

Thanks Ali, thats the mental tilt after straightening!

Yes I'm pleased the bride likes them but I would always want to improve and I know I can with the right amount of practice do a whole lot better than these!

[Dave450]

lol its in april so should be fine!! Always looking at threads like these for tips and inspiration!!

[AliB]

Originally Posted by Dave450

I would agree with that. But the images could get a lot of stick here (i dont think they will but they "could") - but the photos arent for us. If the end client is happy with them, then surely thats the main result??

Anyway not to divert the thread away, a job well done!

yep, I'm cool with that too, I'm all for the school of gentle improvement. I'm still in infants myself

[Vic]

Originally Posted by keirik

I'll agree with Dave here, after todays unhelpful threads I think we should congratulate where due and here it is due IMHO.

Not perfect, but then I don't think mine are either, that's why we try to improve, and Vic has asked for criticism

BTW Vicky, if you don't have RAW then the photowiz plug-in is great for correcting WB issues

Thanks for the kudos Keirik

I have RAW so I'll have another go at these. Would you say the WB is worse in the 4th picture? What about the last one? I felt the skin tones were slightly better in this one?

[Dave450]

Originally Posted by AliB

yep, I'm cool with that too, I'm all for the school of gentle improvement. I'm still in infants myself

Group Hug!

[keirik]

Originally Posted by Vic

Thanks for the kudos Keirik

I have RAW so I'll have another go at these. Would you say the WB is worse in the 4th picture? What about the last one? I felt the skin tones were slightly better in this one?

look at the dress, what colour was it on the day - white?

It doesn't look white on the pics it's still yellow (sorry if this sounds harsh, but not sure how to express it otherwise), and that same tint affects the skin too

If the dress looks white then the skin will look better too

I'd have a go on it myself but I'm not near my editing pc's

[AliB]

I love that avatar

I'm 5'3" and my other half if 6'3" and he does that to my head in an utterly patronising way......till I kick him

Anyway I still think Vic made a decent first go at these. The mental tilt I got some good advice when I was taught "Tilt without a thought" or Twa**ing about Been hit round the head for doing it soon teaches you not to Fine if it's a compositional element but just watch the twa**ing

Don't want to hijack your feedback Vic but here is an example of a compositional tilt
[IMG][/IMG]

The handrail is planted in the corner and the one upstairs is parallel to the right hand frame so it uses one as a lead line and the other to take you out of the frame. At least that's the theory! lol

Keep your eye out for things you can use as compositional elements, stairs, handrails, balconies..... That's why we like great venues, that's where you find them. Not like our local golf course where you take you life in your hands.

Sorry for the thread hijack, hope that helps with tilting

[Vic]

Thanks Keirik, I am now determined to get this WB thing sorted this time

Is this any better? quick edit!

[Vic]

Thanks Ali, that pic certainly makes the point. Did you take that?

I'm usually quite good with compostions on photoshoots, etc. But I never realised how much pressure I would be under, so I think a bit of quick thinking would be helpful!

[willbaroo]

I will be honest - I think they are flipping brilliant considering it was your first.

Can I ask what lens you were using and if you were using off camera flash?

Your pictures seem well lit but i'm gussing thats not the on camera flash from your 400D?

[Vic]

Originally Posted by willbaroo

I will be honest - I think they are flipping brilliant considering it was your first.

Can I ask what lens you were using and if you were using off camera flash?

Your pictures seem well lit but i'm gussing thats not the on camera flash from your 400D?

Thank you very much Will, very much appreciated

I was sneaky and managed to borrow a 5D and a 24-70 L lens for the day. I had planned to use OCF but my trigger ran away So I used a speedlite with a Demb Diffuser.

[Betty]

No money for a tog??? Thats cos all the cash went on the dress and the church by the looks of it!!!!

Good effort, Id be pleased with them. Id bloody well want some sort of thank you present though

[Vic]

Originally Posted by Betty

No money for a tog??? Thats cos all the cash went on the dress and the church by the looks of it!!!!

Good effort, Id be pleased with them. Id bloody well want some sort of thank you present though

Good point! Was a bit of a quick wedding, believe it or not the bride just had a baby a few months before!

Thanks very much and they gave me a little something for it and their second born is getting named after moi

[AliB]

Originally Posted by Vic

Thanks Ali, that pic certainly makes the point. Did you take that?

I'm usually quite good with compostions on photoshoots, etc. But I never realised how much pressure I would be under, so I think a bit of quick thinking would be helpful!

MUCH better colour on the edit Vicky!

Yep that's one of mine from a shoot I did at my local town hall with the wonderful DiddyDave

I always aim to get to the venue nice and early (I do check it out beforehand) but a walk round with a little time and a clear head helps to spot locations. I'm looking at architectural features and backgrounds. I always ask myself one little question.......Why did the couple book this place? If there is an obvious feature I will always aim to include it. If it's because it was cheap, well I do the best I can! At the very least I make sure there are no bins or other clutter in the shots but sometimes it's a struggle at less glamorous venues. You know what I mean!

You have some fabulous Georgian architecture in Glasgow, get a mate in a dress and go out and play! Will help to sharpen those skills.

[Vic]

Originally Posted by AliB

MUCH better colour on the edit Vicky!

Yep that's one of mine from a shoot I did at my local town hall with the wonderful DiddyDave

I always aim to get to the venue nice and early (I do check it out beforehand) but a walk round with a little time and a clear head helps to spot locations. I'm looking at architectural features and backgrounds. I always ask myself one little question.......Why did the couple book this place? If there is an obvious feature I will always aim to include it. If it's because it was cheap, well I do the best I can! At the very least I make sure there are no bins or other clutter in the shots but sometimes it's a struggle at less glamorous venues. You know what I mean!

You have some fabulous Georgian architecture in Glasgow, get a mate in a dress and go out and play! Will help to sharpen those skills.

Thanks very much for the tips Ali!

Did some fashion shoots out and about Glasgow, some of which have got me in trouble If I ever do a wedding again Ill be sure to take this advice.