First E-Session - honest C&C needed

[Tattooed Mommy]

These are some pictures from my first e-session I did today. Some honest C&C would be greatly appreciated...or some re-edits if you feel up to it. There are lots of pictures but these are just a sample.
Thanks
1.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/005_edited-1.jpg
2.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/003copyvin.jpg
3.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/014bw.jpg
4.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/016whitevin.jpg
5.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/037copy.jpg
6.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/048blackvin.jpg
7.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/056lomo.jpg
8.
http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww263/kathryngibbsphotography/064copybw.jpg

[SuzyView]

Those are nice, but the rule for e-sessions for me is be artistic, but make sure the B&G are recognizable or have their faces 75% in the shot. The second to last one the Bride does not have her head facing the camera at all and would do little for an invitation. Otherwise, if you have these to choose from, they should be fine. #2 & #8 are the only ones she has her face in the image.

[H2Ohta]

They are okay. 5 and 7 look OOF and you could crop tighter on 5 which would remove the two guys in the background. Also in 1, there is either a melted spot or a leaf under the bench that looks like a little poop. I suggest cloning the "poop" out.
Here are a couple really, really quick edits before I head out for work.

[Tattooed Mommy]

thanks for the feedback. The girl was a little shy and it was hard to get her to look at the camera. Thanks for the edits. I didn't even notice the poop or the guys in the back. good eye

[Rokkorfan]

After reviewing the shots I think you need to have a look at other pro's work. On my website in the "She said yes" gallery are a heap of engagement shots, but I also recommend checking out these photographers:

http://www.jessicaclaire.net/

http://www.theblogisfound.com/

http://www.bobbiandmike.com/blog/

These are all photographers with world-class engagement photos.

[Ziffle]

Tattooed Mommy,
Completely agree w/ previous post and especially Rokkorfan.

for me... a trick i use to evaluate what the picture image is conveying:

Look away from the picture and look back. But, when you look back - learn to be conscious where you eyes want to look.

As an example picture #7: When i look away and look back - i see the couple but my eye wants to look a the bench in front of them (or closer to the camera). And my eyes want to stay focused on the closer bench.

This technique may take a little practice - but it does help see where your eye want to go vs what you want the picture to convey.

Hope this helps - keep going and shooting.

Thanks for sharing,

-Mark

[Tattooed Mommy]

there are a lot more pictures in the feed that I did not post. I guess my selection of the pics to post were the more artsy ones, not the portrait style ones. I'm still new at all of this but thanks for being honest.

[ThisOldHag]

IMO the models have let you down - in all the shots the models look stiff and self concious.

[Deckham]

Not wanting to be too negative - but is it me, or are they all oof?

[Valjoy]

I like all your compositions...very nice. It is a shame (as has been said before) more of their faces are not showing. A couple do appear to be a bit 'soft'...easily fixed with a bit of sharpening. Other than a few technical faults....I really find this set appealing.
Good work....keep at it.
cheers Val

[jayspec]

These are pretty much all out of focus. Sharpening does not fix out of focus images. Your only choice is to bin 'em and do it over.

1. The poop on the ground has been mentioned. The fact that you didn't notice it while shooting or even while post-processing(!) is huge. Yes, you need to look through the viewfinder, but you also need to see. I think this image is underexposed. With the snow and the gray wall and the generally blah-ness of the day I think you missed a great opportunity for your subjects to really pop by having them wear some brighter colors. The fact that you can't see their faces has been mentioned. His legs are in a terribly awkward position. And what's the deal with the vignetting?

2. Both the sky and the snow is completely blown out. Yes, it was a snowy gray day, but there should be at least some detail in them. If you're going to frame them like that (which is a nice idea) you need to include the top of the arch.

3. Again, I like the intention of framing them, but the frame you've chosen is just too busy, especially with that bundle of leaves coming up right between them.

4. Probably the best of the bunch, but the same criticisms I've iterated above still apply.

5. What's with all the shots behind various things? Were you shooting an engagement session or performing espionage? The berries in the front could work as a framing element (if it didn't actually jut right into them) and the traffic light, etc. at the top needs to be cut out.

6. I'd prefer the focus to be on the couple, naturally. The columns you shot through do have an interesting S-shape, but I think they would have retained that shape had they been out of focus and the couple been in focus. Also, the buildings behind them don't work with this composition. Especially with the bright colors in an otherwise gray toned composition.

7. A missed opportunity for a great composition. That line of trees gives you a nice background, but instead you chose to shoot them from the side and include all kinds of unimportant junk. And I know you said they were shy, but you couldn't say, "Hey! Look over here for a moment, please!"

8. Not a bad composition overall, but the position your subjects are in is really, really awkward. Their jeans also have kind of a tonal merge going on, so its hard to tell which leg goes to which person at first glance.

Overall, these are not photos worth paying for. If you have been contracted to shoot this couple's wedding, and if there is sufficient time to do so, I'd recommend lots and lots of practice with harsh but fair critique. If there is not sufficient time, please do not shoot their wedding, especially if you are charging money to do so.

[ejicon]

They're all very soft. Was that the look you were going for? Nice composition with #6

[Tattooed Mommy]

Wow. I said I wanted honest feedback but you guys are tough! They did not pay for these photos. I wanted to do a shot for practice... because I know I need some. They were really happy with the entire lots (which are not all pictured here) and wanted to hire me for a wedding. However, I don't feel ready so I know I could not do it now. I'm not claiming to be a professional. Neither do you need to remind me of that. Jayspec... you could learn to take it easy. Critique is not a personal attack, it's about the work. Thanks for your honest opinion on the photos but you just made me cry.

[Fiat126p]

after all, how they react on your work? I hope they like it.

[H2Ohta]

DO NOT LET PEOPLE BEAT YOU UP THAT EASILY. Don't get discouraged because of what some people say. Read Jayspec's posts other places and you will see he loves to trash people. He did and does have some valid points but he does not seem to have any tact in the way he presents it. There are people like this in every aspect of life so just take it with a grain of salt and brush it off. Everyone is still learning!!! KEEP YOUR HEAD UP HIGH AND KEEP ON SHOOTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Skrim17]

These are some pictures from my first e-session I did today. Some honest C&C would be greatly appreciated...or some re-edits if you feel up to it. There are lots of pictures but these are just a sample.
Thanks



Wow. I said I wanted honest feedback but you guys are tough! They did not pay for these photos. I wanted to do a shot for practice... because I know I need some. They were really happy with the entire lots (which are not all pictured here) and wanted to hire me for a wedding. However, I don't feel ready so I know I could not do it now. I'm not claiming to be a professional. Neither do you need to remind me of that. Jayspec... you could learn to take it easy. Critique is not a personal attack, it's about the work. Thanks for your honest opinion on the photos but you just made me cry.

You asked for honest criticism, that's what you got.

[SuzyView]

Well, this is the right forum if you want pros that see the work a lot and can tell you honestly.

Keep working at it. Some of us have been shooting a long time and we don't take criticism all that well either. The WOW threads are there so you can learn. But at least people are responding so we all think you have great potential. :)

[4mr4do4sho]

Yeah, dont let criticism (extreme or not) discourage you. You only learn and get better through honest critiques. Jayspec and others can be harsh but a lot of times their views are honest and true.

I think you did okay for someone starting out, but a lot of your images seem OOF. I would critique every picture, but mostly everyone has hit the spot with what is wrong woth your photos. Good luck and keep practicing!

[Tattooed Mommy]

I understand and appreciate the valid points that some people have explained here about my photos. It gives me the opportunity to learn and look back on my work with a more critical eye for the next time. However, I do not believe that asking for honest critiquing requires someone to be mean. I did ask for people to be honest but I did not ask for someone to discourage me by saying not to shoot a wedding or let people pay me for my work. My friends really enjoyed their pictures and that's all that matters.

[SuzyView]

The clients are always the real critics. So, if they are happy, that's the important part.

You are new, so I'll tell you honestly, people here want to help, they want you to represent yourself and your work the best way possible. Don't take anything personally, and members, PLEASE TRY TO BE CONSTRUCTIVE HERE! :) Thanks.

[Tattooed Mommy]

I appreciate those that want to help. That's the main reason I posted my photos in the first place. To get some feedback and help... but I got more than I bargained for. My mistake.

[jayspec]

First, a bit of advice. Even if you never shoot another frame again as long as you live, for your own sanity, do not derive your self-worth from what some jerk on the internet says. There are jerks out there who make me look like a Care Bear.

Second, I re-read my posting to see where I was "being mean." I even liked some things (and said so). The only comment I could construe as being mean was when I said that you're not ready to shoot these people's weddings. And I stand by that. You're not... YET.

For all I know, you could become the next Wedding Rockstar who doesn't get out of bed for less than $10,000. In fact, I will go so far as to say you can be that good, if you put in a great deal of focused, fairly critiqued practice. There have been studies recently that have shown that "innate talent" is overrated, and it's only the diligent application of thousands of hours of practice that make someone good. I firmly believe that you (and everyone else) has the capability to be amazing if they're willing to put in the work.

Don't cry over what I said. Get mad. Work to become better than me. (It won't be hard, I assure you.) Work to become the best on this forum. Become the best on any forum. Then, when you've become monumentally successful, feel free to rub my miserable little face in it.

But, right at this very moment, you're not ready.

[Tattooed Mommy]

First, a bit of advice. Even if you never shoot another frame again as long as you live, for your own sanity, do not derive your self-worth from what some jerk on the internet says. There are jerks out there who make me look like a Care Bear.

Second, I re-read my posting to see where I was "being mean." I even liked some things (and said so). The only comment I could construe as being mean was when I said that you're not ready to shoot these people's weddings. And I stand by that. You're not... YET.

For all I know, you could become the next Wedding Rockstar who doesn't get out of bed for less than $10,000. In fact, I will go so far as to say you can be that good, if you put in a great deal of focused, fairly critiqued practice. There have been studies recently that have shown that "innate talent" is overrated, and it's only the diligent application of thousands of hours of practice that make someone good. I firmly believe that you (and everyone else) has the capability to be amazing if they're willing to put in the work.

Don't cry over what I said. Get mad. Work to become better than me. (It won't be hard, I assure you.) Work to become the best on this forum. Become the best on any forum. Then, when you've become monumentally successful, feel free to rub my miserable little face in it.

But, right at this very moment, you're not ready.

Thank you for this. I am well aware that I am not ready for weddings or to even consider myself close to professional. I am currently trying to learn and thank you for recognizing my potential. I would never rub anyones face in the fact that I may be better than them. We're all hobbyists or professionals who all enjoy photography. We should work together to become better in time. When I become better at photography and people ask me for a critique, I hope to encourage them and be humble at the fact that they ask for my help. Thanks for being real.

[4mr4do4sho]

Thank you for this. I am well aware that I am not ready for weddings or to even consider myself close to professional. I am currently trying to learn and thank you for recognizing my potential. I would never rub anyones face in the fact that I may be better than them. We're all hobbyists or professionals who all enjoy photography. We should work together to become better in time. When I become better at photography and people ask me for a critique, I hope to encourage them and be humble at the fact that they ask for my help. Thanks for being real.

Group Hug!!!! :D

Sorry...had to do it.

[Ziffle]

Group Hug!!!! :D

Sorry...had to do it.

TOO Funny.....!

[ThisOldHag]

Well done Tattooed Mommy for having the gutzpha to post your photos here for an honest critique. Jayspec was spot on and I'm certain you'll learn from it... we look forward to seeing your next batch.

[drstat]

I tend to agree with jayspec on these. OOF to me. All poses look like they are uncomfortable or akward to me except #3 and #7. I like #7 if i could see B face some more, mabe a slightly different angle?

[Yeoer]

Overall, these are not photos worth paying for. If you have been contracted to shoot this couple's wedding, and if there is sufficient time to do so, I'd recommend lots and lots of practice with harsh but fair critique. If there is not sufficient time, please do not shoot their wedding, especially if you are charging money to do so.


Written in classic jayspec style... :cool:... and i thought tim was Mr Blunt...!

your right with your points (9/10)

but need to work on your subtlety (2/10)

or lack of it... :lol:

[Yeoer]

People post images from weddings and events which they've attended as a guest and ask for C&C which is fine, others from weddings which they were the pro... C&C are going to be different based on there involvement in the day, more WOW great shot (which to be honest doesn't help anyone really) on the guest photograher than the pro usally (there are a few examples kicking around of this at the minute).

In this case Tattooed Mommy has obviously taken these as a job (paid or unpaid) so is acting as a professional, harsh comments and critisums are what are required. WOW's don't tell you how to improve. The good thing with an E-Session is you can take onboard some of the things said and just take some more. :) if there better then great the forum has done its job.