Wedding photos...I don't like weddings

[MattSEG]

This was 4 days after getting my digi-rebel, so I really wasn't too clear about how to use it in many conditions.

here are some of my first attempts (and my first thread)

http://www.swspeed.com/matt/bouquet.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/dean.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/oopah.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/outside.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/photos.jpg
http://www.swspeed.com/matt/empty.jpg

[4walls]

If you shot them in RAW mode, then you should be able to color correct those shots without too much difficulty. If JPG, then it will be tougher.

An external flash (either 420 or 550EX) is very important for good looking indoor shots.

[MattSEG]

educate me on the raw thing...where do I adjust the stuff...with the canon programs, on the camera, in photoshop?

[rick barclay]

Photoshop CS would do it. Also the software cd that came with your
rebel ought to be able to display and edit raw files. And there are standalone
programs that will also get you where you want to go with raw files. Do a search on raw here and on Google for more info.

Who's the guy in the hat? Was this an Orthodox wedding? Just curious. I
live 12 miles from Lakewood, N.J., which is a famous Jewish enclave. Perhaps
I'm making the wrong assumption here. Sorry if I am.

[NJPete]

I would also suggest reading up on the different settings for White Balancing. Different light sources have different lighting propertys and each can affect your exposure differently.

[MattSEG]

No...the guys didn't get the difference between a costume party and a wedding and were dressed as the blues brothers.

[4walls]

educate me on the raw thing...where do I adjust the stuff...with the canon programs, on the camera, in photoshop?

RAW is a setting on the camera...rather than shooting JPGs the camera records all the info from the sensor onto the memory card. There is no compression (as in JPG files) so you get better image quality. Also the white balance is recorded but not directly applied to the image (as in a JPG file), this also applies to in-camera sharpening...all post processing is left to you. This allows you to open the RAW file in Canon's software or in Photoshop and adjust the white balance to a point that looks more natural to you...or you can apply the settings that the camera thought was right.

With RAW you have more flexibility in your photos.

Lots of people here like to use BREEZEBROWSER to convert their RAW files to TIFF prior to editing, cropping, etc. I prefer PhotoShop CS and import my RAW files directly to the program and make necessary adjustments.

There are lots of discussions on the forum on RAW and RAW WORKFLOW that you can and should read.

RAW is usually a bit more work because the file MUST be converted before you can take it to a commercial outlet for printing or developing, but the flexibility is worth it if you shoot in unusual lighting conditions especially.

Hope this answers your questions.

[DocFrankenstein]

IMO you should've bumped up the ISO to increase shutter speeds in many of the photos. You're gonna lose just a bit of quality in noise, but you'll gain A LOT because the people aren't blurred.

And there's just a bit of empty space in the last pic :wink:

But I don't think I'd be able to produce images better than this on my third day, so it's a fine job you did.

[manncer]

I think you did a good job. I like the subjects and the composition. The pictures are interesting. I think the blur shows motion and makes the pictures alive. They go beyond wedding snapshots.

[MattSEG]

Thanks!

I had a bit of an education today on photography, so I think given the same opportunity my shots would be a little better.