Engagement Photo Session - September 23rd, 2006

[sblais]

Hi,

I took these engagement photos a while back (a few months ago...) and I was pretty busy at the time so I didn't post them for C/C. I'd like to hear what you have to say on these shots.

It was my last engagement session for 2006 which was my first year as a (wedding) photographer. I'm starting my 2007 season soon so I'll make sure that I post regularly so I can improve my technique, creativity and other skills.

The couple were quite fun to photograph and we had a good time together!


#1. Dark cloudy day.
http://www.sebastienphoto.com/Temp/EM_0025.jpg

#2. Staring contest
http://www.sebastienphoto.com/Temp/EM_0042.jpg


#3. Wet kiss (insert laughing emoticon here!)
http://www.sebastienphoto.com/Temp/EM_0047.jpg

#4. Love
http://www.sebastienphoto.com/Temp/EM_0048.jpg

#5. Framed!
http://www.sebastienphoto.com/Temp/EM_0052.jpg

#6. Fun means of transportation
http://www.sebastienphoto.com/Temp/EM_0063.jpg


Thanks in advance!

[song4themoon]

I rwally like 1, 4 and 5

[newbie_photog]

Its a nice set here's a couple things that might make them a little better. Keeping in mind that I'm pretty new myself and am struggling with the same kinds of things.

1. Feels too centered, perhaps a tighter crop and the rule of thirds, and a lower angle.
2. Feels detached if they were closer to each other there would be more of an emotional bond
3. I find the background distracting, and too much head room, a tighter crop and smaller aperture may help
4. Fantasique perhaps a little less head room however if this was to be printed to 8x10 it would be perfect.
5. Nice I'm not sure about the tilt but that is personal preferance
6. Nice looks fun
Overall I didn't see any catchlights at all perhaps a reflector or some fill flash would give them a little more life.

Hope this helps
Jared

[sblais]

Its a nice set here's a couple things that might make them a little better. Keeping in mind that I'm pretty new myself and am struggling with the same kinds of things.

1. Feels too centered, perhaps a tighter crop and the rule of thirds, and a lower angle.
2. Feels detached if they were closer to each other there would be more of an emotional bond
3. I find the background distracting, and too much head room, a tighter crop and smaller aperture may help
4. Fantasique perhaps a little less head room however if this was to be printed to 8x10 it would be perfect.
5. Nice I'm not sure about the tilt but that is personal preferance
6. Nice looks fun
Overall I didn't see any catchlights at all perhaps a reflector or some fill flash would give them a little more life.

Hope this helps
Jared

Thanks for your input. I wasn't doing much fill-flash then. Learned so much since!

[motogeno]

These are nice images. I think though that they could really use some warmth to them, as well as some sharpening though. I really like #1 but I wish that they were not in the center of the image, especially since they are looking away from the camera. Your eyes should fall in the composition in the direction that their gazes project.

[picturecrazy]

My fav is #4. It's got some edge to it and makes a statement. Great work!!
And as mentioned, fill flash (especially off-camera) can add TONS of drama to a shot. But some great, solid work there! :)

[rwong2k]

I realy like #4 how did you do that effect? Some type of sepia tone? just curious
Raymond

[sblais]

Thanks Lloyd and Chris for your comments! I certainly do use fill-in flash now... and love the difference it makes :D I've invested a significant amount of time in reading and experimenting with lighting (off-camera, on-camera, etc) in the past months, so hopefully my upcoming weddings will be better in that regards! ;)

I realy like #4 how did you do that effect? Some type of sepia tone? just curious
Raymond

Just boost the contrast, reduce the saturation and give it a hue of the color you want. I sometimes also play a bit with the levels as well. Not much more than that! If you want more details, let me know.