Josh and Jessica - engagement

[Grace]

Tonights session:

1189585

2189562

[Grace]

3189563

4189564

[Grace]

not super artsy...but that would not have fit this couple at all. very sweet and conservative...and thats exactly how they wanted their shots...I'm actually pretty happy with them. I'd still love to hear what you think. just a little tweaking in Lightroom..

[SHULTSIE!!!]

I like 3... I accidentally did something like this on my first wedding, with the bride and the bouqet. Total mistake, but they don't know that. I need to follow a wedding photog around....

[SHULTSIE!!!]

I like 'em all by the way... Just like 3 the most!

[bcap]

Hey Kathy!

If anyone else posted these same photos, I'd say they were really good, but you're on a different page than most others, so, I'll comment accordingly.

To be honest, I can tell you're a little down.

Don't get me wrong, I think they're good shots. So here's some individual critiques:

1. Nice, but they're WAY too dark. In lightroom, bring the luminance of the Orange and Red channels up a bit and I'd play with curves a little more to make them pop. If you turn on Image Editing, or give me permission, I'll post an example as well as the Lightroom settings.

2. Nice. Pretty standard, but they look happy and that's what matters. I'd increase the saturation a tiny bit though.

3. Nice. I'd like to see this in B&W. Again, if you give permission, I'd happily post an example.

4. Cute! B&W this and print it out! This one is the winner!

Again Kathy, please don't take offence. I just know you can do better!

[bcap]

heh, I just noticed most of my critiques involved B&Wing the photo. Interesting ... that's how I feel though, no taking it back :)

[jamiewexler]

I think I like #1 the best, but I'd like to see a little more fill on them... #4 would be kick ass if you'd had him nuzzle with her as her head is down, rather than looking at the camera.

We'll get you using some fill flash yet!

[Grace]

um yeah...I typically do use fill flash....mine died on spot tonight.....(iknowkickmeididn'thaveabackupthere). and they all look dark?? I just calibrated my monitor and they look fine..but seriously, if they are dark I'm gonna have to readjust.

and I'm loving the honesty... doesn't bug me...I just cant wait for you to post something next bryan! ;) lol!!

and...they weren't nuzzley at all ;) but thats ok, they were comfy enough..can't all be public affectionates! :)

Thanks, really!!

[jamiewexler]

I'll bet if you flashed them they would have smiled big :)

Seriously, though, I sound like a broken record, but Doug Gordon's Flow Posing DVD will change your life!

[Grace]

actually I've never heard you mention that...Does Adorama carry that? Thank you!!!

[Kathy H]

Uh oh Here we go again:)

[bcap]

I'll bet if you flashed them they would have smiled big :)

Seriously, though, I sound like a broken record, but Doug Gordon's Flow Posing DVD will change your life!

*Cups his ear*

[jamiewexler]

actually I've never heard you mention that...Does Adorama carry that? Thank you!!!

Nope, you got to buy it directly from the source: http://douggordonworkshops.com/extras/

The one you want is: How to Photograph the Bride and Groom Flow Posing

[Grace]

Nope, you got to buy it directly from the source: http://douggordonworkshops.com/extras/

The one you want is: How to Photograph the Bride and Groom Flow Posing


Holy crap- jamie, why don't you just buy it for me?

[picturecrazy]

They are very cute pictures. 1 looks dark to me too. I like how happy they look in 2.

[Grace]

Ok, I've adjusted 1, but thats the only one...does it look better?

[bcap]

Ok, I've adjusted 1, but thats the only one...does it look better?

Much :)

[Grace]

Much :)

If anyone else posted that it wouldn't mean much, but since your on such a different level I'll accept it as an improvement.




:lol:

[Toogy]

Yes #1 is better now. I like all of them, very solid work. I had much the same type of couple today for my engagement session... sometimes you just know that certain poses or suggestions just won't work with certain people.

[jamiewexler]

Ok, I've adjusted 1, but thats the only one...does it look better?

Definitely!

[bcap]

If anyone else posted that it wouldn't mean much, but since your on such a different level I'll accept it as an improvement.




:lol:

LOL! Smart ass :p

[jessiper]

actually I've never heard you mention that...Does Adorama carry that? Thank you!!!

I've never heard you mention that before, either, Jamie.

I really like #1, and the lighting in the one where he's behind her, hugging her (w/the gazebo in the back) is really beautiful. Did you use the 70-200mm for that one? I think you still added a little of yourself, even though they wanted traditional shots. :)

[Grace]

Thanks Jess, I did the whole shoot with the 70-200 ;)

[bcap]

I think you still added a little of yourself

I'd like for you to expand on this one ...

:p

Just kidding LOL

[Grace]

I'd like for you to expand on this one ...

:p

Just kidding LOL

until you clean out your PM box I suggest you play nice in public :lol:

[bcap]

until you clean out your PM box I suggest you play nice in public :lol:

Done ... Private away Kathy! LOL

[jessiper]

Thanks Jess, I did the whole shoot with the 70-200 ;)

Thought so...I recognized that beautiful bokeh! ;)

[bcap]

Thought so...I recognized that beautiful bokeh! ;)

I do have to agree here, I love the bokeh in these shots. And, of the 70-200 in general. I don't use it enough for portraits ...

[Toogy]

It's an awesome portrait lens! that and my 85mm!

[bcap]

It's an awesome portrait lens! that and my 85mm!

85 1.8 Jeff?

See the problem I have is I like to use off-cam flash a lot, and I can't get anywhere near 2.8 let alone 1.8 with the shutter restricted @ 1/250th.

[jamiewexler]

85 1.8 Jeff?

See the problem I have is I like to use off-cam flash a lot, and I can't get anywhere near 2.8 let alone 1.8 with the shutter restricted @ 1/250th.

A neutral density filter will get you there...

[bcap]

A neutral density filter will get you there...

Hm. I never even consdiered that to be honest. How many stops does a ND filter get rid of?

[Toogy]

yes the 1.8

I do nothing with off-camera flash, sorry can't help you there.... maybe this is retarded fro saying this, but can't you just put the flash on high-speed sync mode to get a shutter speed greater than 1/250th? But then I guess it's just acting as some fill flash at that point and not the main light source? I don't know... Maybe I should stop talking before I make myself look stupid!! perhaps it's too late.... lol

[jamiewexler]

Hm. I never even consdiered that to be honest. How many stops does a ND filter get rid of?

Depends on the ND filter. They make different strengths.

· .3 (2X) Reduces the light one f-stop.
· .6 (4X) Reduces the light two f-stops.
· .9 (8X) Reduces the light three f-stops.
· 1.8 (64X) Reduces the light six f-stops
· 3.0 (ten f-stops) & 4.0 (seventeen f-stops) are for astronomical and sun studies.

[bcap]

yes the 1.8

I do nothing with off-camera flash, sorry can't help you there.... maybe this is retarded fro saying this, but can't you just put the flash on high-speed sync mode to get a shutter speed greater than 1/250th? But then I guess it's just acting as some fill flash at that point and not the main light source? I don't know... Maybe I should stop talking before I make myself look stupid!! perhaps it's too late.... lol

HSS is a feature of E-TTL, which, PocketWizards (wireless transmitters) do not support, unfortunately. You need E-TTL becuase HSS, basically, just fires multiple flashes instead of just one, to make up for the time that the curtain isn't fully open.

Unfortunately, 1/250th is the best you can do with off-cam flash :( Neutral Density filter is a great idea.

*Grabs credit card*

Oh and Jeff, it's never too late to redeem yourself LOL

[bcap]

Depends on the ND filter. They make different strengths.

· .3 (2X) Reduces the light one f-stop.
· .6 (4X) Reduces the light two f-stops.
· .9 (8X) Reduces the light three f-stops.
· 1.8 (64X) Reduces the light six f-stops
· 3.0 (ten f-stops) & 4.0 (seventeen f-stops) are for astronomical and sun studies.

So ... typically I shoot around f/9.0 with my off-cam flash. Probably be a bit higher now that I have 2 ... so if I wanted to get down to 2.8, I'd probably want the .9 or the 1.8 then. Hm.

[picturecrazy]

ND8 (or .9 or 8X or 3-stop ND or whatevertheheckthey'recallingitlately) is known as the best all-purpose ND filter. 3 stops will usually do just about any job you need an ND, so it's a good choice.

Aaaaaaaaand.... to get back on topic... yes I like the new 1 much better.

[MarkAnthonyPhotography]

wow, we went waaaay of topic there for a minute..lol. I like 4. Something about "speaks" to me.

Oh wait, that could be the Mexican food I ate last nite......:lol:
awesome job!

[stevefossimages]

Got in on this one late in the game. Don't come here often. No. 4 is a clear winner for me. She's looking pensive and demure. He's looking protective. Nice mood very well captured.

[gheesom]

I like these.
I was thinking number 1 looked fine, and I thought everyone had lost the plot ;) then I realised you'd already changed it. doh

[Desertraptor]

Great Kathy. I like them all very much.
I'm sure Josh and Jess will too

[csm328]

Kathy, the guy in your pictures is about as emotional as I will be in mine and, from the perspective of someone just like him, you've really made it work. I envy your talent. 2 September is FAST approaching!!

[sblais]

Here's my nitpick, Kathy:

#1: His head is cropped off. Pet peeve of mine. Unless the shot is super close (head shot), then I don't mind, but for 1/2 length shots, I don't like to cut off part of heads off.

#2: Standard safe shot. Well executed though. Only nitpick is the white post at the right of the picture.

#3: I like it the way it is :)

#4: Skin tones seem a bit off (too green/blue?), esp. compared to 2 and 3.

Very nice overall! :)

[Grace]

thanks sebastien, his head isn't cut in the orig..I cropped these and bordered for internet :) safe there! I'll look into 4! thanks! :)

Thanks again everyone else too!! I appreciate all the comments, on topic or off!! esp. when I learn something!

[sblais]

I appreciate all the comments, on topic or off!! esp. when I learn something!

I like to learn things too... but I rather learn things for free. I will have another hole in my pocket now because of Jamie! :p But it's all good :)

[bcap]

I like to learn things too... but I rather learn things for free. I will have another hole in my pocket now because of Jamie! :p But it's all good :)

Yeah, that DVD is very convincing.

[sblais]

Yeah, that DVD is very convincing.

Too convincing... I'm waiting for mine to arrive! (wallet: :cry: + me: :D = :cool:)

[bcap]

Too convincing... I'm waiting for mine to arrive! (wallet: :cry: + me: :D = :cool:)

You bought it? Nice! Which one?

[sblais]

Nope, you got to buy it directly from the source: http://douggordonworkshops.com/extras/

The one you want is: How to Photograph the Bride and Groom Flow Posing

This one ;)