Kim's Bridal in Round Top

[lscottpht]

This was the first of two trips to the Brenham/Round Top area last week.

[rusty_tripod]

Interesting, but I am not fond of the actions.

[lscottpht]

Thanks for looking and the critique. I didn't figure most people on here would like the processing. I process a certain way depending on the feel of the location. This location, imo, lent itself to this type of processing. I have others that are not processed this way. Anyway, I understand and appreciate it.

[johnr78735]

Leslie,
GREAT STUFF! I bet the bride will love these.
Is Round Top easily accessible to photograph around? Any tips would be appreciated.
John
Austin, TX

[rusty_tripod]

I can see how the site influenced the connection to considering the actions. I especially like no. 8 with the urn and wonder how some of the shots would seem in a "clean" format or with different actions. In many of the images the background controls and overwhelms the bridal image. Finally, I am looking for the image to tell a story rather than just be a shot of a bride in an interesting location. I have to ask myself (as the shooter) what is the focus? Am I there to take beautiful pictures of a bridal or to take pictures of a background? In and of itself, the background is rather compelling in its attention grabbing.

I find the images and the intent impressive and having potential. Some other actions might clarify the intent and the desired emphasis or focus. Ask yourself what action might make an image just as striking when viewed 25 or 50 years down the road.

[dlanter]

Love all the shots at the old building Leslie. I've been through & around Round Top many times but don't remember seeing that location before.

[lscottpht]

Thanks, John! Well, we didn't venture out past our location, but it looked like a really neat little town, especially the town square. Kind of a quiet town, only 77 people, except during the big antique thing that happens there. The place we shot at, Festival Hill, was really cool, but from what I hear, very expensive. We weren't allowed to shoot in the concert hall area, unfortunately, and the church was locked. So, we just shot around the outside of the church. Anyway, it's def. worth checking out.

[lscottpht]

Thanks, Alton! Totally understand what you are saying. I guess I was just so in awe of the background on this shoot. It's funny, I was just telling my couple the other day that it's not about the background at all (of course, it was an e sesh, but still).

Thanks, Dan! This is down a side street off the main road. There are several different houses and "ruins" that I think are all a part of it.

[lscottpht]

Here is their website: Round Top Festival Institute | Center for Performance and Learning. Hmm, it doesn't really look that expensive for a portrait session. I guess the bride meant for a wedding. She said it was too expensive to have their reception there, in addition to the ceremony.

[j1mmyj4m]

Gonna remove my thoughts on it since I just noticed you didn't ask for any critique.

[lscottpht]

Brock, even though I don't specifically ask for critiques, I don't mind at all. I am thick skinned. I may not agree with all the thoughts, but I certainly do listen to them. I read what you had said, although it was yesterday, so I hope I remember it correctly. I do agree they seem to be more about the background. I guess I just loved the background at this place. But, the ultimate goal is whether or not the client is happy. I just put them online for her yesterday, and even though she gets a dvd of the images (high res), so far the family has ordered $280 worth of prints (they were only $15/print). But, I will remember all of these critiques for the next time and try not to make it so much about the background. Thanks!

[j1mmyj4m]

Originally Posted by lscottpht

But, the ultimate goal is whether or not the client is happy. I just put them online for her yesterday, and even though she gets a dvd of the images (high res), so far the family has ordered $280 worth of prints (they were only $15/print)

That is ultimately what's important. We could critique all day long, but if your clients are happy, then all is well. Congrats. :)

[lscottpht]

Thanks! Yeah, that is the ultimate goal, but as an artist, I do learn and improve via critiques. So please keep them coming.

[lscottpht]

Ok, so I hadn't heard from my bride about her images, and you guys had me really nervous because of the comments. I thought she hated them (I get like that if I haven't heard from people right away lol). Anyway, this is why I process the way I do sometimes. Here is the email she just sent me:

Hey girl!
LOVE the photos!!! They are amazing! You made me look good!! haha! I've already sent the website to all the relatives and they are going crazy! I'm trying to narrow down which one I would like for the 16x20 portrait.
Thanks!
Kim

[rusty_tripod]

In the long run it is the client who matters. However, our observations could come in handy when shooting the next client at the same location. Glad that she was pleased.