A few from a recent engagment session

[dmarty78]

Shot an engagment session at The Tribute in The Colony. The makeup artist didn't want to get up early as I had planned, so I didn't get to start until Noon, I prefer to shoot early morning and early evening. The middle of the day, is just not condusive to outdoor portrait work, no trees, shade etc. The clients wanted some dramatic shots. They like my automotive photography, and wanted the same thing done to their portraits.

Here are two of them. I'd love to hear comments and thoughts?

[dracula02]

I prefer the first one to the second one. I don't know if the editing is everyone's cup of tea, but I like where it's going. I like the posing in the second one better, than the first. I feel that the overall shot in the second one is too dark, and my biggest critique is that I can't see the bride's face in the second one (i.e. too much shadow). For dramatic, you're certainly in the right vicinity and I would love the second image better if it were a bit lighter overall, and you could take care of the shadows on her face. I'm sure others will jump in and give you some more nit-pick details, but I wanted to give you an overall feel from my perspective. Most important thing, though, is whether or not the clients loved them, and if they liked your automotive work, I'm sure they will/do love these.

[dmarty78]

Thanks for the critique, Tommy!!! I'll dig into the PSD and tweak some more. Yeah the couple did like them alot!

[danchez]

umm, wow... and not a good wow, but more of a "wow, are they in a tornado" or the aftermath of a tornado. 2nd image seems so dark and sad, like she is being consoled after their farmhouse was just ripped away in a very big tornado or some other disaster. It's not really a critique, but what I see when I look at the photo.

[sheribeari]

I like the idea a lot. Love the first one. would crop the second one if you wanted to leave dark to portrait .. too much just dark space in landscape.

[Phanee]

Nice images & very nice processing.
I love the feel created by processing. Wish their expressions were matching.

[photojournalist]

I like 'em. If dramatics was what you were going for, I think you did a pretty good job. There are a few things I might want to tweak to make it better. On the first one, he looks like he's struggling and uncomfortable in the pose. I love how she's arching her back a bit. On the second one, I really like how the wind blows her hair and dress but I would probably want to add a touch of fill light on her face.

[dmarty78]

Originally Posted by danchez

umm, wow... and not a good wow, but more of a "wow, are they in a tornado" or the aftermath of a tornado. 2nd image seems so dark and sad, like she is being consoled after their farmhouse was just ripped away in a very big tornado or some other disaster. It's not really a critique, but what I see when I look at the photo.

LOL, that's a pretty depressing story Dan!!! I fixed them up for ya!!

Looky a pretty heart shaped tornado:

That brighten it up a little?

Let's not forget the Aliens from "War of the Worlds", the Stay Puft Man, and Good ol Godzilla:


Pretty sad huh???

Thanks again. It is pretty dark. But the clients liked it. Go figure.

[dmarty78]

Originally Posted by sheribeari

I like the idea a lot. Love the first one. would crop the second one if you wanted to leave dark to portrait .. too much just dark space in landscape.

Thanks Sheri, I'm going to crop it to see how it looks.

Originally Posted by Phanee

Nice images & very nice processing.
I love the feel created by processing. Wish their expressions were matching.

Thanks PG

Originally Posted by photojournalist

I like 'em. If dramatics was what you were going for, I think you did a pretty good job. There are a few things I might want to tweak to make it better. On the first one, he looks like he's struggling and uncomfortable in the pose. I love how she's arching her back a bit. On the second one, I really like how the wind blows her hair and dress but I would probably want to add a touch of fill light on her face.

Thanks Kampha!!

[danchez]

now that's what I'm talking about Dale!!! HA HA!!!

[rab3rd]

I like the first one, it has sorta of a saturday evening post feel to it. Agree on the second one being a bit dark but its still a striking image.