Sunday at the botanical gardens in dallas

[eRoc]

Here are some pics i took of a newly engaged couple. Naturally I think I could do alot better, but I think I did an ok job for my second time using my strobes and umbrellas outdoors. Stupid Canon and their infrared crap. Sometimes I couldn't set off my slave flashes from 2 ft away. Definately time for some pocket wizards.

Any suggestions on how i could have done better? Comments, critisism for the newb? Keep in mind that the sun kept coming in and out of the clouds, and I'm not mentally fast enough to change my settings on the fly....I'm still new so it takes me a minute. Most of the pics are straight outta the cam, verly little photoshopping except for the pics on the grassy hill. It was crowded so I had to photoshop like 7 people out.

(lighting info- 1 580exII used on cam as master only, no flash; 1 580 exII in shoot through umbrella; 1 580ex shot straight at em (when i could get it to go off))

[eRoc]

oh and i shot with my 40d with a 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens....my new favorite setup.

[frenchefusa]

nice pictures anyway. I just bought a 40d but i dont like the lens they provide with it 28 135. An expensive lens but poorwide angle. I am looking for sigma 10 20 to make similar pictures as u

[mchong75]

You have some really great shots. I think you did a great job.

So, no one at the Botanical garden complained about you having an umbrella setup?

[eRoc]

Originally Posted by mchong75

You have some really great shots. I think you did a great job.

So, no one at the Botanical garden complained about you having an umbrella setup?

are you not supposed to have umbrellas? No one said anything to me, and I walked around with it on the light stand.

[*~Karena~*]

Nice pics!!!

Is it before or after the snows??? I just wonder if the flowers are still striving strong after the snows last week?

[eRoc]

These pics were from this last sunday. 3/9

[toverman]

I think these look really good.

[AeroClassics]

I hope the flowers are still going strong! Plan on being there early next week!

Oh! Techncally the "botanical garden" is known as the Dallas Arboretum.
Doug

[eRoc]

thanks for the correction. I knew it was called something like that. First time I've been there. Really nice place. LOTS of good spots.

[AeroClassics]

You are welcome. Wasn't trying to be snippy, just thoought you might want to know. It is a wonderful place to visit. I am fond of the DeGolyer estate that makes up a large portion of the Arboretum. My older daughter is in from school and we are planning on attending this weekend.

Doug

[digitalpixels]

The flowers are still going strong. I visited a couple days after the "snow." They'll probably be at the best next week.

[AeroClassics]

Thanks!

[*~Karena~*]

Originally Posted by eRoc

thanks for the correction. I knew it was called something like that. First time I've been there. Really nice place. LOTS of good spots.

I agree! I can visit there 4-5 times to take different sets of pics, and they won't look like they are all from the same place!

[Teddington]

Eric, I think you did an awesome job for a 2nd shoot. Looking at the photos, my only comment is basic stuff we all forget - watch your background and horizon lines. Not everyone would agree but, in the first shot for example, I'd prefer the couple was centered in the waterfall. And in the 2 reflection pool shots, I think the 2nd one is stronger because your subjects are framed in the 2nd where in the 1st one they blend into the leafless tree on the right. Both of the reflection pool shots would have benefitted from shooting from a lower angle so the horizon does not cut through their heads. Hope this helps. None of the shots are bad, some just better than others. Practice makes perfect and you're off to a good start.