Jenny & TJ

[tomdrink]

Here are a few samples from my second attempt at engagement photos. This was at the Japanese Water Gardens yesterday. I am a little disapointed in my results, however, and would appreciate any, and all c&c. The sun was brutal (no clouds) and harsh, and the temps were awful! I only used natural light in these.
I have assisted several great photographers, but just don't even come close in results. Any ideas of improving? I have thick skin, and want to get better, so, fire away!
And Warren, I tried to mimic some of your poses, but pale in comparison!
Thanks for looking.
TomD

[photojournalist]

I think you've improved a lot since your first session.

[DoublyDan]

These look pretty good.

On the first one I see that it is centered. They kind of blend in to the background. I noticed how the tones would make them stand out from the environment so I have made a rendition that includes a crop. I think that it keeps the atmosphere intact, YMMV

..................................

If you do not have a whole lot of experience...
should be proud of these.

[ivy weddings]

We're new to the forum so haven't seen your other work. You have a great looking couple for these! Texas weather is rarely as we'd like so my husband and I try to schedule early morning or late evening shoots in really hot months (if at all possible). Also reflectors make a world of difference. Just some ideas we use :)

-Ivy

[tomdrink]

Thanks, Khampha - I've tried to learn as much as possible from working with you! I kind of consider you my "mentor" after spending so many hours with you.

Daniel, I kinda like your off-centerd B/W treatment. I'll play around with some, and see how they turn out. I "centered" them, to keep the symmetry of the arch, but I appreciate your take on it.

Ivy - I actually did use a reflector on #3. Most shots, I did not, however.

Thanks guys (and gal)!!
TomD

[bthompson]

It's hard to tagalong with someone on a posed session like this and get anything good IMO. It's just weird when the couple is obviously posing for someone else. That takes away from the photo more than the technical issues. I admire the fact you are gaining experience that way, but I think it's unfair to critique on it.

Technicality wise, #1 is underexposed (and yes, centered), and they all have WB issues, but otherwise, they are okay. :) See if you can gather up some people of your own and just make sure their expectations are set properly!

[tomdrink]

Originally Posted by bthompson

It's hard to tagalong with someone on a posed session like this and get anything good IMO. It's just weird when the couple is obviously posing for someone else. That takes away from the photo more than the technical issues. I admire the fact you are gaining experience that way, but I think it's unfair to critique on it.

Technicality wise, #1 is underexposed (and yes, centered), and they all have WB issues, but otherwise, they are okay. :) See if you can gather up some people of your own and just make sure their expectations are set properly!

This was not a tagalong. It was just me. I'ts my son, and his fiance, so their expectations were not set very high! Just me getting them some pictures, and me getting a little experience.
What makes it look as though they are posing for someone else? I want to know so I can avoid it in the future.
Thanks for your feedback.

[ivy weddings]

Great! You use reflectors...they can help. I kind of got the same impression that they were looking off for another camera (image #2 & 3 have them staring off like for another lens?). I think you're doing good though....and it's great that you can shoot family!! :) Next shoot, just let the couple interact naturally ... don't pose them or have them look off at all. We try to let the personality of the couple come out during the shoot. (My husband does take a few posed shots for parents/grandparents, but in those cases they are looking directly at the camera, like your last shot).

When they're natural and not posed, the images are purely lifestyle and reflect the emotions of the couple.

Can't wait to see more! :)

[e.bphoto]

I'm also a newbie to photography, only I bought a camera almost 3 yrs ago and didn't learn anything about it other than P&S at something. (BIG MISTAKE)
I have gotten better but have the same issues with my photos too. The WB is almost always off and I'm learning about exposure. I need a lot of work!

I really love these shots, beautiful couple...but yes needs some work. They are not sharp, and that is something I'm working on as well...I can't wait to see more of your work in the future...keep up the good work! :D

[tomdrink]

I am adding a few more. I am trying from a different computer, and trying to see if the WB is any better on these, as opposed to the ones I opened in PS. These are just instant jpegs, some cropping, no color adjustments. Any better?
And I really do appreciate all the comments! Good and bad!
TomD

[DoublyDan]

Fun idea with the bathroom icon poses! Your son has shaded eyes, makes him look like a raccoon. Otherwise these are fun and memorable for the couple.

[FireHeart Photography]

Comments one the first set:
1. I they are dead center - it needs to be recropped - they are dark - if you spot meter in your camera on their face this will help get them in right exposure - but your going to blow out your background... you either need to fix it in post production or add off camera lighting.
2. first her hand over his shoulder is not pleasing... cropping her at the elbow is not really a great idea either - looks like you have color balance issues with this one - they look greenish to me.
3. He doesn't look happy to me... and her arms would be better placed on his or his over hers and the color balance looks off in this one too as well as underexposed.
4. it's really cute but he is OOF and her wrist cocked and hand cut off is not so good.

Second set...
1&2 color balance is off and they are under exposed -
2. if you have the guy grab the girl by the waist then she can softly place her hands on him - he's over powering her from a posing postion
3. Cute - just underexposed
4. cut the hands off again - try to remember not to cut people at their joints - color balance seems warm just a tad - exposure is better...

Hope this was helpful... very nice job overall - hard to remember when your on location all the things you need to do...

[tomdrink]

Thanks, Francie, I appreciate the constructive criticism! It's all about learning - how to improve.
TomD

[toverman]

Tom, I'm guessing Brandi's comments are based on the first few where they both seem to be looking at someone else. As a side effect, they do not look engaged with you (or viewers of the images). Definitely not having them look at you for every shot mixes things up a little. That effect is cured in the fourth one from your first batch, but her fingers are cut off of her right hand.

[tomdrink]

Originally Posted by toverman

Tom, I'm guessing Brandi's comments are based on the first few where they both seem to be looking at someone else. As a side effect, they do not look engaged with you (or viewers of the images). Definitely not having them look at you for every shot mixes things up a little. That effect is cured in the fourth one from your first batch, but her fingers are cut off of her right hand.

Thanks! Here is a different shot, cropped differently, but I don't have photoshop at work, and I can't "fix" the bright spot on the window behind TJ. Is this crop better? I do appreciate the comments.
TomD