First Dance

[jessethomas]

I shot these as a guest at my cousin's wedding. The bride and groom really like them and I think they have some potential, but I can't seem to get the right PP needed to make them really appealing. I've tried a range of contrasts, B&W/sepia conversions, etc., but I'm always left feeling that they're lacking something.

Any suggestions?

(I'm using Lightroom 2 and Photoshop CS 3)

Also, C&C are always welcome and much appreciated - good and bad - as I'm always trying to improve.

Thanks!

Image #1:
http://jessethomas.smugmug.com/photos/357920710_T7jyg-M.jpg

Image #2:
http://jessethomas.smugmug.com/photos/357921203_EpT6N-M.jpg

[John E]

I like the rays of light but think it needs a little fill light.

[SuzyView]

Oh, those are tricky shots. The rays of light are good, but as a wedding photographer, it would have been easy to move around to get as much variety of the light rays as possible, including the shine in the window, etc. Also, a true silhouette is not easy. I would also use fill-flash in PS and then see if you can bump up the contrast.

[jenne]

I thought I'd give it a try since you have the image editing OK. I think the images are great... it's just too bad the contrast is really lacking.

I opened it up in PS and warmed the tone of the photo up a bit and then played with the curves a bit to add some contrast to the photo. It works well being a darker, sort of moodier photo. If you try to add a fill light, it washes the bride and groom out a bit much.

Cheers.

[Doobsy]

Nice edit Jen! It's a great capture and now it's just that li'l bit better.

[jessethomas]

jenne - thanks for your comments and edit! I really like the overall look of the photo with more contrast and some warmth.

I personally like the moody feel of the original and really like how your edit preserves it while giving it a little life.

Thanks!!