A newbie's first photo shoot!

[bear]

Hi there,
I just did some engagement pics for a friend and would love to hear any thoughts or suggestions (I know my focus is off - took me about two weeks to figure out what setting I had messed up!!).

Thanks!

[Marko]

I think these are very good for a first photo shoot!

I really like shot 1 and the bride's expression.

Shot 2 is decent though as you mentioned the focus on the bride's eyes could be sharper.

Shot 3 - is really cutesy and casual the way she is resting her chin on the groom's shoulder. Normally we try to minimize the height differences, but I see the playfulness here so I'm okay with it. You cut off the hands though, and especially in this shot where there is so much room on the top, that's a no-no. That said - the bride and groom will still probably love it. A smaller aperture here would have also helped get the groom's eyes in focus.
Hope that helps
Marko

P.S. - It's usually best to post only 1 or 2 photos at a time for critiques...you'll get fuller critiques that way.

[tomorrowstreasures]

really sweet captures! AND, her dress is really pretty - a girl thing, you know.

[kiley9806]

really nice captures - especially for a newbie!

on #1 i'd crop a bit off the right hand side.

the couple, im sure, will be happy with these...

[bear]

Not sure what happened with cropping the hands but yeah - pretty big mistake!

Kiley: on #1 i'd crop a bit off the right hand side.

Do you mean specifically the tree that's more in focus? Or just generally?

Thanks !

[Marko]

Not sure what happened with cropping the hands but yeah - pretty big mistake!

Kiley: on #1 i'd crop a bit off the right hand side.

Do you mean specifically the tree that's more in focus? Or just generally?

Thanks !

I could be wrong but I think Kiley means just a general crop off the right side. I agree but for me it would be a small crop maybe 5-10%

Marko

[bear]

So the couple are just too centred for your taste?
(just trying to understand the reasoning so I know for the future)

thanks!

[kiley9806]

yes, i think if you took out that darker tree thats closer, on the righthand side, should be enough to make it a better 'rule of thirds', or more pleasing to my eye.

[bear]

Got it. Thanks!

[tegan]

Weddings are usually shot with flash, both inside and outside. Outside fill flash is used to eliminate raccoon eyes and shadows, highlight the eyes, improve depth of field in the closest area and darken the background.

It is also a good idea to look at wedding photos to get ideas for poses and to look at some of the basic guidelines for portraiture.

Tegan