Wedding Photography Magazine Ad

[bcap]

I am putting an advertisement in a Bridal magazine that distributes in my area. The magazine is 4x5.5 inches, and I have a full-page ad in it.

I really want mine to stand out and for bride's to stop at mine and remember it. For these reasons, I am going simple and elegant. Here are two designs I came up with. Thoughts?

1.
http://www.mimphoto.com/photos/20071101/flyer1.jpg

2.
http://www.mimphoto.com/photos/20071101/flyer2.jpg

What one do you like better?

[spxxxx]

I think the first has more energy and would perhaps just alter the skin tone of the chest area to match the tan.......

Simon

[bcap]

Thanks Simon. I agree with the energy comment.

I'll touchup the skin a bit. Good call!

Thanks again!

[jessiper]

The first one looks like you're covering up some naughty bits. lol I like the second, but does it represent your work well enough?

[LeesaB]

1st one

[bcap]

I fixed the tan lines in #1.

Jess - what do you mean about #2?

[jessiper]

I love the shot, but is it unique enough to YOU?

[B-H-P]

I like the simplicity of the design on both. However the image in the first one I like better. It has more contrasting colors. I have seen quite a bit of your work lately, and though I like the second one, I don't think it shows your capabilities enough.

[bcap]

Makes sense. Thanks guys!

#2 is out. Any specific image you would like to see on the ad? Like I said, I need to catch their attention. I feel #1 achieves this, what do you think?

[bcap]

Updated photo #1 - I brightened the leaves/background and made it more autumny.

[strmrdr]

thinking back over your work I have seen I think you have some better images you could use....
Go romantic with both the bride and groom in the shot.
Romance sells!

[Cujo_34]

I definitely like the first one more. Although I'd use your new domain name as it flows better with your business name.

And I vote for Rubber Boots Girl! (although if you must use the photo in #1 it's okay)

[spxxxx]

Oh i'd forgot the rubber boots one - difficult decision

[Kai]

I think you should include one of your pictures with the sun. I do like #1 though.

[amironsi]

# 2 man.. i like it more

[Robert16]

#1! I think it'll stand out from the other stuff and as Simon said it has more energy. Looking good.

[Ulfius]

I'd say either would work.

Comments on #1 - I think the banner going across somewhere other than her hips/thigh would be better. It also is showing a fall wedding. Do you shoot a lot of fall weddings? Brides might want to see a summer shot because that's when their wedding is, but it's still a great shot.

#2 - The eyes grab me more and make me want to look at the ad more than #1, which would be a good thing for in a magazine.

So maybe you should take out two ad spots in different sections of the magazine and run both... :D

[razyl]

1st one. Can you get the detail back in the dress though, looks blown out?

[Wedding Shooter]

Number 2 for me. The eyes work nicely with the colour of your logo.

It looks more sophisticated - less like something anyone could shoot.

All depends on the style you want to put out there.

[stathunter]

Both are very good.....either would be a good choice.

[MrsOpie]

#1 for sure.

[sl3966]

I like number 2 from an advertising POV simply because the eyes grab me immediately.
Couple of comments if you don't mind (I know I'm new here, well new posting anyway)
If you go with the second one I would adjust your contact info, maybe bump up the font size 1 or 2. There looks to be some pretty tight kerning in the h-o-t of "mimiphoto" that I would adjust. Also, I love oldstyle numbers but the hanging 3 and 99 look a little awkward here.
Anyway, just some constructive crits from a typographical nerd. :)

[sblais]

I'd go with another shot. #2 is a very good shot, given a specific context, but I don't find it shows emotion, elegance nor romance. Between the two, I actually prefer #1.

[bnlearle]

#1 by a longshot for me. Great job!

[notapro]

I'd go with another shot. #2 is a very good shot, given a specific context, but I don't find it shows emotion, elegance nor romance. Between the two, I actually prefer #1.

ditto.

and are you going to use that website address on the ad? thought I read that you bought your name too? I think that would make more sense.

[trantz]

They both look great for sure! well done. Have you considered alternating the two of them? if you purchase another page ad, or wait for the next edition of the magazine. I think you'll get great results with either of the ads. My only preference is the CU of the face, as it seems to grab more attention with those beautiful eyes.

[Jonny]

If i had to pick i would choose number one however if you would like honesty i wouldn't use any.
It may just be me but they just do not do it for me. Have you considered a picture with both the B&G in it?
I imagine you are paying quite a bit for the ad so you want to get it right. Having seen other examples of your work there are far better images available to you.

[gheesom]

Honestly I dont know which I would choose, if I look at this from a non photographers point of view, eyes always grab attention!! while definately not your best shot, for me the eyes have it. You have captured a beauty in that shot, maybe not the emotion but definately a beauty and what bride doesn't want that?

[Niraj]

going against the grain of things... i go for #2.... reason being, if this is a magazine, the couple reading the mag will most likely have a pen ready to make notes... the light tones, and larger area's of bright page, will allow them to immediately write notes and reminders for themselves... which means they'll be coming back to your page alot more...! #2 purely for marketing purpose.

secondly #2 because the eyes just do it!

IMO :)

[Padawan Dad]

Given just the two choices, I would go with #2. I think brides like to see themselves "glamorous." I think this shot does it better than #1. It's also more focused on the bride, where in #1 the background is a little distracting to me.

I would try and submit an more romantic image that involves both the bride and groom together. I know that I have seen some nice ones submitted by you in this forum. Contrary to popular belief, some grooms do like to be involved in the wedding process, and brides tend to think more "fairytale'ish;" i.e. with her prince on their wedding day. I think an image like either of the two presented is something I would prefer to see in a fashion magazine, or a perfume ad. Neither really work for me as a "wedding" photography ad.

Just my .2 cents.

[highway0691]

#1 for me by a mile. I like the concept in #2 but TBH she lacks the model quality which is essential for a project like this. Hope I'm not being too harsh on the girl.

Cheers

damian

[Baadil]

I like #2. But... with its crop, it seems a bit more glam than wedding. In any case, of the two I like #2.

[Jon Rouston]

#2 for sure, #1 is straight on to camera, making her look a lot wider than she is (well, at least not making her as slim as she could look, if that makes sense?).

But I agree, I've seen better stuff from you I'm sure.

[david888lee]

1st one

[Wazza]

thinking back over your work I have seen I think you have some better images you could use....
Go romantic with both the bride and groom in the shot.
Romance sells!

I agree here.

I've seen much of your work, through your blog, facebook and the forum. These aren't your best examples, and think a couple shot showing what emotion and how lovely a wedding day should be. Both shots are nice, the first, with the dress blown out draws my eye, and the second one - her eyes are nice, I'm lost in them. :oops:

[bcap]

I see what you guys are saying regarding me having better photos, but here are my thoughts.

A bride/groom will look at this magazine, and see 200 ads in it! There may only be 10 photographers ads, but, still, they'll see lots of photos for everything - dresses, flowers, etc.

They're going to see TONS of a bride and a groom. After the fact, how memorable am I going to be if it's just another couple shot?

"Hey, remember that photographer who had that couple shot?" ... yeah, right!

Now, something unique, different, and outstanding, they'll say "Remember that bride running through the leaves?". I'm now unique. Also giving them a bit of a shock factor with the photo is huge. That's what leaves a lasting impression.

I have fixed up the dress to get rid of a bit of the distraction. What do you guys think?

http://www.mimphoto.com/photos/20071104/flyer.jpg

[k_blais]

I really like this picture. If I were a bride-to-be, this would certainly capture my attention. :D The colours are great, and the pose is original.

I hardly used bridal magazines to find vendors or services for my wedding (I used Internet mostly), and I wonder how many brides do. The girls I know that used the magazines wanted to find dress, cake or invitation ideas; they were not looking for anything in particular. I would be really interested in knowing how the add will work for you. You'll have to let us know!

[Bobster]

http://www.makemylogobiggercream.com/

[moviemaker]

I love both Bryan, but the 2nd one really does it for me. Brilliant images mate

[bcap]

I actually just heard from the promoter of the magazine, and the image in #2 is in the most likely going to be going on the cover of the magazine. Woot!

So looks like I'll have to stick with #1. Too bad .. :)

[sl3966]

Nice, congrats on the cover.

[bcap]

Nice, congrats on the cover.

Thank you much! I'm pretty stoked, I'm not gonna lie!

I think I'll ask him to get me like 100 copies and just hand them out like hotcakes, saying "This is my image", followed by a wink. LOL

[SDJNJ]

My vote is for #2. Looks more professional. Nice shot!

[ktgiggle]

I like the second one better, although I think you have better photo than this ;)

You might want to move the banner lower in the first one so it will not strike too much, drawing attention away from your lovely picture. However I still think you have better photo (bride's legs partially shown in a way that are not very flattering to me )

[DigiRebelXTI]

Wow Bryan! Congrats man! That is really awesome!

Since its already decided it really doesnt matter, but i like number 1 better...

nonetheless two stellar shots! I hope to take photos like you some day! ;)

[Wedding Shooter]

Great news Bryan - now you have the best of both worlds.

[gheesom]

Great News Bryan, thats really cool

[Niraj]

haha :) my choice made it to the front cover ;)

[B-H-P]

Great news Bryan! Now you don't have to decided which image to use. I don't know if I had ever seen a vote that was so close to 50/50. Congrats!

[picturecrazy]

whoa dude I just stumbled on this thread! That is AWESOME NEWS MAN! Congrats! which magazine is this?

[bcap]

whoa dude I just stumbled on this thread! That is AWESOME NEWS MAN! Congrats! which magazine is this?

Thanks man :)

It's just a local bridal magazine that goes out at all the bridal shows.

[picturecrazy]

Thanks man :)

It's just a local bridal magazine that goes out at all the bridal shows.

JUST? That is maximum exposure for your local market. That is HUGE!! Awesome, awesome work man!

[DigiRebelXTI]

JUST? That is maximum exposure for your local market. That is HUGE!! Awesome, awesome work man!

You tell him Lloyd!!!

No need to down-play Bryan, we all know you're a PIMP with the wedding photos! :p

[bcap]

LOL thanks so much for the encouragement guys!

It hasn't been announced officially yet, but, things are looking good. Although, Lloyd, I'm keeping in mind what you said about magazines! LOL

[picturecrazy]

LOL thanks so much for the encouragement guys!

It hasn't been announced officially yet, but, things are looking good. Although, Lloyd, I'm keeping in mind what you said about magazines! LOL

haha yeah, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[bcap]

haha yeah, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

You better not uncross them then! LOL

[picturecrazy]

I won't! And when it comes out, I'll have a glass of tomato juice for ya LOL When is it's release date?

[DigiRebelXTI]

I won't! And when it comes out, I'll have a glass of tomato juice for ya LOL When is it's release date?

HAHAHA:lol: Lloyd you are gonna need to take it easy with that Tomato Juice, i didnt want to say anything that night, but you become a WILD MAN!

[Niraj]

this sounds like a new story ^ do share...