Just did my first wedding

[dod]

And these are a bit "stiff" compared with what I see on here but any critique would be appreciated. :)
http://www.hardmuircroft.plus.com/wedding/ML1W3551-01.jpg

http://www.hardmuircroft.plus.com/wedding/ML1W3577-01.jpg

http://premium1.uploadit.org/scottydod//IMG_0461-small.jpg

[MikeMcL]

well you cant be perfect the first time. they are great shots and im sure that the family will be happy with them. play around adding just a bit of saturation, and maybe a little contrast to help them pop.

i like them alot. no they dont have the pro feel of typical wedding shots from this forum, but many of the people that post here have TONS of practice... great start, IMO

on the second one i woulda had the group face the sun, or at least put it on an angle to the side of them somewhere

[tim]

Yeah a little stiff but for a first you did ok :) Here's my edits.

The sepia one is the duotone dream action, but I only ran half of it. Think I applied a vignette too. Other is just a vignette and a desaturate.

[tim]

This one I increased contrast, saturation, and applied a mild vignette using the lens correction filter.

[tim]

Ok, thoughts on how to improve:
- Shooting into the sun is good, but beware of flare. Fill flash is essential with FEC of perhaps FEC-1. Have people put the outside foot forward and put their weight on the back foot, moreso for guys than girls. Also make sure nothing is parallel with camera, especially shoulders hips and feet. Arms should be anywhere other than hanging limply by their sides.
- Make sure the camera is parallel with the wall. I don't like slanted backgrounds much.

The key thing is that you're not trying to impose your view of marriage or being a couple onto people. You have to make people comfortable, and encourage them to be themselves. You have to give people permission to be themselves. The bold bit is a direct quote from one of the top wedding photographers in the business.

[stjhie]

I like the kissing picture. looks so professional. haha. the first oen looks abit static though, maybe a tighter crop?

[dod]

Thanks guys, this was the friend of a friend sort of thing so I don't know that I want to do another any way ;)

Really like the processing on the first one Tim, thanks :)