Another "First Time Wedding!" Shoot! Bring on the comments...

[npompei]

So I was the kind of "professional":oops: improtu friend photog for good friends of my wife and I's from college. Most of the pics turned out really good I think. Sure obvious room for improvment but eh, Ill take em.

Please, comments and critique away...

1. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p341429550.jpg


2. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p39449938.jpg

3. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p149091676.jpg

4. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p338340099-1.jpg

5. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p104947346.jpg

6. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p200743902.jpg

7. http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa320/njpompei/Jana%20Mikes%20wedding/p186049132.jpg

They obviously look better on the computer monitor than on the internet, but hopefully you all approve. Thanks

Oh, im using a Rebel XTi with kit lens and a canon 70-300

[zelseman]

4 is oof. They look okay. Seem to need some post processing.

[divinemethod]

for #4 and 6, looks like the focus was elsewhere that it should have been(#4 on the shoulder of groom and 6 on the veil). if you were using centre point focus you could focus and recompose, or change the focus point on the fly.

[SOK]

Hi npompei,

Good work for getting out and having a go. My thoughts on your selection;

I think I 'get' what you were attempting with #1, but it doesn't do anothing for me.

#2 is nice...very abstract, but nice

#4 had potential but was let down by the point of focus (already discussed by divinemethod)

#5 is encroaching on 'snap-shot' territory. Doesn't do anything for me.

#6 is my fav. Nicely captured expression. The only improvement would be AF point selection as already mentioned.

#7 is similar to #2 (in that it's a little abstract), but I'm guessing it is relevant to the venue...in which case it will be meaninful to the B&G.

Going by your topic title, you've shot exactly one wedding more than I have, so feel free to take as much or as little as you like from my C&C!

Keep at it!

[LuckyStar08]

Were you the main photographer or just a guest shooting?

[npompei]

Hey everyone, thanks a million for the comments. I appreciate all of your comments and criticism.

I was not the main photog. Just told them I would shoot some extra pics for them. I didn't do any photoshop work at all. I only wanted to put up virgin shots so you could see and comment. I think thats really the only way to get better. Trust me, I can work wonders on PS!

I have to learn to maybe use manual focus a little more. I can see from further inspection how my focal points where off.

Thanks again

[Skychurch]

Just a thought ... lower your ISO if you can. ISO 1600 is pretty grainy.

I know, I shot 900 photos this weekend and unknowingly had my ISO set to 1600 the whole time and all but 3 photos were too grainy for my tastes.

[auroraskye]

ISO 1600 on the 40D is nothing. It can handle it with minimal grain if your exposure is good. That being said, if your exposure is not so good, it'll be grainy even with lower ISO. However, that being said, 1600 on an XTI is pretty grainy but really grainy if the exposure is not perfect.. And if I recall.. these photos were not exposed perfectly (can't see them right now).

[divinemethod]

I have to learn to maybe use manual focus a little more. I can see from further inspection how my focal points where off.

Thanks again

Don't even bother... Unless you have optical nerves like a robot and hands to match. AF in most recent DSLRs are pretty accurate, especially if calibrated beforehand. I manage to be okay shooting with centre focus spot on lenses slower than f2.8, and for the primes in the f1.x I try and make use of the moveable focus spot - it only takes a button press and two clicks with the top wheel. Practise that until its like driving and you arent thinking about it.

Whats the point of buying advanced autofocus systems if they are going to just sit there?

[npompei]

Divine, not be be a newb, but can you explain how to use the centre focus and then using the moveable focus spot? And how about moving the wheel like you said? This may help! Thanks

[divinemethod]

Divine, not be be a newb, but can you explain how to use the centre focus and then using the moveable focus spot? And how about moving the wheel like you said? This may help! Thanks


What kind of camera do you have?

with a 20D/30D/40D and 5D while you are looking through the viewfinder, you can press and hold the top right button on the back (the square with the cross in it [-|-] ) while holding it you can either:

a) move the top wheel left and right.
b) move the joystick (above the big wheel) to the direction you want the focus spot to be, and press it if you want to toggle between centre and all points.

Hope this helps.

[npompei]

sweet, thanks man. im gonna give this a shot...

[divinemethod]

If your camera has the multicontroller (the small joystick above the wheel) then you can also set a Custom Function called "Af selection method" to multicontroller direct. Thats what I use and love it.

[casp3r]

I have a 400D and only ever have the centre spot active. If I want the subject to be off-centre I just set to single-shot, focus on subject and then re-compose (with button depressed)

Of the series I think #6 is the best :)

[SOK]

... I just set to single-shot, focus on subject and then re-compose (with button depressed)

Oooooh....careful. This is OK when dealing with a reasonable DOF...but beware wide apertures and close subject distances...

More here: http://visual-vacations.com/Photography/focus-recompose_sucks.htm

[biggpopa]

If your camera has the multicontroller (the small joystick above the wheel) then you can also set a Custom Function called "Af selection method" to multicontroller direct. Thats what I use and love it.

Does the 30D do this?

[tim]

You have MASSIVE technical issues. Learn to use your camera.

#6 is bloody good though, but it needs editing. ISO 1600 F11? Try ISO400 F4 (guesstimate). I've done an edit even though you don't have image editing turned on, PM me or a mod to have it removed. PM me your email address if you want the PSD file, you can easily make these adjustments to your original by dragging them over plus a little work on the eyes. The image doesn't look as good saved for web as in Photoshop, and i've only spent about 3 minutes on it, it could get better.

[divinemethod]

tim: could you please share your PP on the above please?

[divinemethod]

Does the 30D do this?

I believe so, have you checked the custom functions menu?

[tim]

tim: could you please share your PP on the above please?

The easiest way is to download the layered PSD file here (http://www.wildphotography.co.nz/temp/p200743902.psd). I do everything on layers so it should be pretty self explanatory. You'll need CS3 to see it, CS2 doesn't have the same adjustment layers.

[symes]

You have MASSIVE technical issues. Learn to use your

that was my exact though but I didn't have the gall to say it in quite the same terms...

[tim]

I'm not known for sugar coating my words.

Also re the exif of the shot I played with, ISO1600, 1/250th, F11. The first step is to drop back to ISO400 or ISO800. The OP could do ISO800, 1/125th, F8, ISO400, 1/125th, F5.6, or ISO200, 1/125th, F4. I think I have those numbers about right. ISO1600 should really only be used in very low light, and I don't see a lot of point of F11. I guess an auto mode was used that made the decision.

[divinemethod]

Tim,
thank you for the psd. Good insight into how simple edits can go a long way.