My 1st Wedding

[Mandy9498]

Hello Everyone,
I am very new to the forum and hope that I don't get completely ripped to shreds. I have been reading through the different threads for the last month or so and have finally decided to join. Like so many others, I love photography and I am also looking for a little constructive critism. These are samples from my first wedding. I used a 35mm and another camera (digital) which I do not wish to name. I was asked to shoot the wedding because my friend knew that I had an BA in Studio (concentration photog). As usual she was on a limited budget, so I said yes. I graduated in 2001 and did not follow a career in photog but rather worked in an office setting. I do want to have a career in photography but I just don't have the confidence. Anway, so when this opportunity presented itself, it made me start to think maybe I could do this. Please let me know what you think and thank you in advance. Please click link for more pictures.

[Mandy9498]

Wow...no comments yet. They must be so horrible that no one wants to say (If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all mentality) or they are just so fantastic...well I know the last part isn't true. The wedding was a no thrill wedding...just wanted to basically document the day. I was very nervous. The Bride and Groom didn't really have much planned or even go over anything with me. I did go to the rehearsal at the church the night before.

Looking into purchasing the 40d...won't go into the lense selection...I know everyone has their own opinion on what they think is best. Trying to figure out what best suits me.

[auroraskye]

Hi,

I am not a pro, but I don't think your photos are 'terrible' at all. I think that some of them have quite good composition. I think you could probably tell us yourself what may be wrong with them. Flash issues, what not. Like I said, I'm not a pro, so I hesitate to really get too technical. I will say, from what I've seen of this forum, not many people 'rip people apart'.. It just takes some time sometimes to get a response to your thread.. :) Welcome and good luck on future endeavors.

[jennysdaisy]

I think they are really good.....you should continue to do more:)

[TeeJay]

You might get more comments if people could see your photo's without having to click on a link. Many people won't bother looking if they have to go to another site ;-)

TJ

[Mandy9498]

Thanks for your replies. Yes definitely some flash issues along with some other stuff. I really didn't have the proper equipment...since I wasn't really prepared to take pictures of someones wedding. She planned it in a month. Not bad. Took me a year to plan mine. The photos are obviously not very artistic as compared to all the professionals because I am not one. I have CS2 but did not use it with any of the photos except for a little cropping. I think I will be one of those photographers that takes more candid like shots as opposed to posed shots. I would like to work on my angles more with the candids.

[Time Thief]

I am not exactly a pro. I am but only been earning money at it for about a year. I am trying really hard to make a go of it. I just need to make it until the spring and the next wedding season. Here is my take on some. Some are good, some need flash help. Either some more fill flash for the ones outside, and some bounce on some others where it looks as though you used your flash direct on at the subjects. Not saying bounce is best all the time but it does help most of the time.

CS2 could probably make most of these look a lot better. Most are pretty good but could be better with some post processing help. I think you did good for a first attempt.

As for the equipment part, I know you didn't ask, just remember if you have a $1300 camera with a $300 lens then you just have a $300 camera. Your system is only as good as the weakest link. Good fast glass is important along with a good flash.

If you are really going to get into weddings then you need to consider having a backup of everything you own. I don't mean that you have to have two 40D's but at least another decent body. Like a used 20D for around $450-500. Something in case the first fails. Just some thoughts for you to think about. I know it sucks as that means more money. Hope some of what I said helps. Mark

[fmyers711]

Okay,

There are some real gems in here surrounded by quite a few Goods and a few Ooopses. The biggest overall piece of advice I would provide is to experiment shooting without a flash ( high iSOs / fast lenses) and learn how to use bounce-flash and drag the shutter technique.

Some specific comments:

#4 be aware of the entire frame, this looks like a formal pose that is positioned in front of a coat rack.

#5 - good composition, but it would have been stronger with a bounced flash or no flash

#6 - try not to show a customer a photograph where the expressions are not flattering. The lady chewing gum would probably not be happy to see this in her daughter / niece's wedding album.

#7 is terrific - bounced or diffused flash would eliminate the harsh shadow.

#8 - again expressions are critical the grooms eyes are closed. At first I thought it was shot during a prayer, but everyone else's eyes are open...

#15 - The back lighting is excellent, but it needs to be cropped and the fill light on their faces needs to come up. You can do a curves adjustment in PS to make this a stunning image...

#16 - This is a nice kissing photo. You should ask them to pause before they actually kiss so that you can get a shot of their expressions, just before their faces get all smashed together, the just before the kiss images can actually capture stronger emotions, because they looking at each other..

#20 and 22 are excellent shots. Spend more time shooting detail shots like #22 they are great in albums and they really give a sense of place to the wedding story you are trying to tell....

I hope this is helpful,

Congratulations and good luck,

Frank

[TeeJay]

Excellent points Frank!

[Mandy9498]

Hi Frank,
Thank you very much for the critique. I really appreciate your time!!! Silly of me not to even notice the gum in her mouth!

There is a lot I need to learn about flash. In school we mostly used black & white film and natural light. I have not started advertising any services yet and I am looking into taking some refresher courses to help me out. Once I am comfortable with the equipment I plan on looking for portfolio building work, where the people know that they are getting an amateur. Very amateur :) I sure I can fit someones needs.

Thanks again,
Mandy

[Mandy9498]

Hi Mark,
Thank you for taking a look and responding to me:) I have reworked some photos in CS2 but wanted to show what they looked like untouched so I can get a better critique. I hope someday I won't have to use a program at all. Saves time:)
I am going to use my Minolta X-350 as my back up. I have two bodies. For lenses I have a 70-210, 25-50, and 50. My main camera will be the 40d. I think I am going to go with a 50 1.8 and 85 1.8. Not sure about a wide yet. I am no going to worry about the long yet since I have the 70-210. I will use the minolta for ceremony shots. Oh, for flash the 580EX II.
The money does suck. I am trying to spend wisely. As my hope is not to have to upgrade to other lenses.
Thank you for your time,
Mandy

[wilky95]

Hi Frank,
Thank you very much for the critique. I really appreciate your time!!! Silly of me not to even notice the gum in her mouth!

There is a lot I need to learn about flash. In school we mostly used black & white film and natural light. I have not started advertising any services yet and I am looking into taking some refresher courses to help me out. Once I am comfortable with the equipment I plan on looking for portfolio building work, where the people know that they are getting an amateur. Very amateur :) I sure I can fit someones needs.

Thanks again,
Mandy

Hi Mandy,

I personally would forget the refresher courses and just get out in all light situations and take pictures I found the best way to learn was to go to the Church's/halls and shoot in them as if you were doing a wedding and make a note of all the settings that worked, much better that a refresher course :lol:

Martin