Engagement Shots

[schwanz583]

Hey guys, this is my first time doing this. So I really need some CC from you guys. Hope you like them, and please let me know what I can do better. These were shot with my 7D, with a 430EX II flash. Thanks

[MicWayWal]

Kyle,

Why did you only show us two engagement images? It is really hard to help people if they are only going to show two images. It leaves too many questions unanswered. Do these represent the others? Or did you get lucky on two shots? I am hesitant to help with my opinions because I don't see a body of work. I would be shooting in the dark.

Besides we could rip these apart and you would think you did a poor job. Then we are not helping you at all.

If you would put up say 10 images that represent all the others, then we could actually do a lot to help you.

[schwanz583]

You got it Michael, thanks for the tip..

[schwanz583]

Anyone have any input?? Thanks for looking, this was my first time to shoot portraits..

[bthompson]

The good:

The couple looks like they're having a great time and they look in love. Always very important when it comes to engagement sessions!

The less good:

Honestly, I think they look really snapshotty. I don't feel like there is much definite composition and the lighting is harsh.

Here is some detailed feedback that will hopefully help you know what to look for next time.

1 - The way she is holding her head makes her neck look odd, it's not very flattering. Bad wrist crop on the back arm. I can see some shadow from your flash (though that's certainly not the worst flash shadow I've ever seen. A shallower DOF wouldn't hurt either.

2 - First off, speaking as a shallow, body concious female, I don't think this is flattering. She looks like she has a nice figure but it is certainly NOT shown off in this photo. I love their smiles, but the pose is just no good. Plus it's centered, the DOF is too deep, her feet are cut off at the ankle.. I don't care for the processing, you have hot spots.. Etc.

3 - The light is really harsh here.. It's causing their eyes to be dark sockets. Also, I am all about a close up, but try and fill the frame more when you go for a closet up. It's just very centered. If the light wasn't so bad, I think you could do some creative cropping to help this out.. but.. the light is just too hard.

4 - I think this one is probably the best, composition wise. I like the mode here.. but again, hard light really takes away from it.

5 - Not bad, composition is alright, they fill the frame a lot better.. and it's a cute moment, but I do think your B&W looks flat..

6 - Same complaints about the hard light.. it ruins it.. And composition is very centered.

7 - They just look like they're looking out over a sea of white nothingness lol. Since it's all blown out.

I personally think you should try and learn to see good light, versus trying to compensate with your flash. Once you can see the difference in light, then use your flash to control that light. But, I don't think you can really be successful with fill flash until you can properly identify what is and is not good photo light. Also, I think you should work with a shallower DOF. There really is no reason to shoot two people at f/5.6.

Hope this is helpful.

[bryanlindsey]

Originally Posted by bthompson

Honestly, I think they look really snapshotty. I don't feel like there is much definite composition and the lighting is harsh.

+1

To be professional portraits you need to take more control over the posing, comp, and the lighting. Hope this helps...

[sirsean52]

Where were those taken at? I like the waterfall..Good job

[schwanz583]

Originally Posted by sirsean52

Where were those taken at? I like the waterfall..Good job

The waterfall shot was taken at White Rock Lake. Thanks everyone for the impute. I know the lighting wasn't the best. It was the only time of day they could shoot pics at.

[jonney]

Hey, I'm glad you posted these for critique. It's hard to get better without knowing what you could have done differently. Whenever possible, try to place your subjects in nice non-dappled open shade. That will get rid of ugly over head light and replace it with more directional, dimensional light. Play with it, I think it will help you out.

jf