1st Wedding Shots - C&C much appreciated!

[th3r0m]

Shot my first wedding last month, after being informed that I would. Yeah, I said informed. My mom's friend asked my Ma if I would shoot her daughter's rapidly planned and upcoming wedding, my Ma said I would do it. Thanks, Ma! Talked briefly to Bride & her parents, made sure they knew I had never shot a wedding before (told them I would do my best but could not guarantee anything)

Anyways, found this board when I went searching for information on shooting weddings (something I wanted to do, but had planned for much further in the future). Gleaned as much as I could from the board (which was a lot), hiked up my pants, grabbed my 300d, 17-55 f/4.5 kit lense, 50mm 1.8 and 420ex flash and shot the thing. All in all it went pretty well. Here are some of my favorites.

C&C welcomed and much appreciated.

1. My DoF throughout the wedding was basically set to infinity, so I was looking for a more fun blur than the general guassian that I do.
http://members.cox.net/benramos/CRW_7027-bw.jpg
2. Bride and groom are new parents, this is Grandma with the little one.
http://members.cox.net/benramos/CRW_7103bw.jpg
3. Inspired a bit by star wars, my attempt at a composite.
http://members.cox.net/benramos/CRW_7115-copy.jpg
4. Removed
5. Too much junk in background of original, played a bit in CS2 with it.
http://members.cox.net/benramos/CRW_7397-copy.jpg
6. My favorite from the ceremony.
http://members.cox.net/benramos/CRW_7154dark.jpg

As a side note, I was asked several time "How much I charge for a wedding." Having no previous experience, I never really answered ( Probably would have done it for free, except the brides father made this comment "I have a friend who is a photographer, can you just give me the unprocessed photos and I will have him process them and print them." Changed my thoughts from free, to at the very least cost, kind of made me feel like they were "using" me.) Anyways my salesman uncle gave me some advice regarding pricing. He said to show them the photos, record and show them the time I worked and simply asked them "What is it worth to you?" Kinda scary as they could have fleeced me, but to my suprise I received much, much more than I would have ever asked for. Not probably the best way to run an established business, but for those just starting out it could work.

[Grace]

I'll be the first to chime in and say welcome!!!! I think you did a great job, by seeing what's posted here... I like your composite. Actually, that one is probably my favorite!

Good job, and congrats on getting lots of money!! Thats always a good thing!
kp

[th3r0m]

Thanks, Kathy.

[JimAskew]

Hi,

These are all well done. I agree with you #6 is the best. I love that shot and so will the B&G.

[tim]

Good to help out a friend. My comments. #1 too much post proc, it's distracting. Soften it a bit. #2 central compisitation is boring. #3 intersting. #4 never take photos of people eating, they hate it, and the photos are bad. #5 the post proc is too obvious and too symetrical, it's a nice photo you shouldn't mess with it. #6 is good, keep you PP to a minumum.

[th3r0m]

JimAskew, Thanks.

Tim, when you say keep PP to a minimum, did you mean it for #6 especially or on the whole. On the whole I definitely agree that there is too much PP, especially after looking at some of the spectacular shots that you and others have posted. Thanks.

[MagicallyDelicious]

wow! great shots for a first wedding :)

[samword]

Hi Th3r0m,

Thanks for your post.

I am still waiting for my first wedding call here in Mumbai (India).

It was encouraging to see your post because unlike so many of the rest in this forum, your gear is 'simple'?

[samword]

I have the 350d, kit lens, 430ex, and am desperately hunting for the 85/1.8 for the last 5 weeks.

All the best

-Sam

[song4themoon]

I like your Star Wars attempt :) The blurr int he first makes it look like they are standing in the rain, which is nice .. and odd at the same time since her hair isnt affected by it as it should of it was raining :) I think that would be fun if they held an unbrella up.. but then again.. if it wasnt raining that shot wouldnt make sense for them ...

[EOS mE]

As a side note, I was asked several time "How much I charge for a wedding." Having no previous experience, I never really answered ( Probably would have done it for free, except the brides father made this comment "I have a friend who is a photographer, can you just give me the unprocessed photos and I will have him process them and print them." Changed my thoughts from free, to at the very least cost, kind of made me feel like they were "using" me.) Anyways my salesman uncle gave me some advice regarding pricing. He said to show them the photos, record and show them the time I worked and simply asked them "What is it worth to you?" Kinda scary as they could have fleeced me, but to my suprise I received much, much more than I would have ever asked for. Not probably the best way to run an established business, but for those just starting out it could work.

man i'm glad you had a fun time shooting the wedding. good job by the way. but the bride father's part really annoyed me. but glad to hear you got paid for it.