Consistent Images...

[_Jo_]

How do you keep consistent images? I find when I am finished with 600+ images - they are not as consistent as I would like. In saying that, the lighting varies greatly. Outdoors wedding in bright sunlight, shade family shots, various party shots around town & indoors possibly. I feel like I am missing something when processing...just not sure what!?

[twistedinsight]

I by no means consider myself as 100% consistent (who does) but I have noticed over the past few years, I went from taking 500-600 shots per shoot (yeah, rediculous) i take about 120 now, and I have a lot more keepers than I did when i shot a ton. As you go you learn when to shoot, how to guide the light, manipulate the light, and the best angles that just pop

hope this helps. just keep shooting, practice does make perfect and as time goes by you'll really see the numbers of keepers steadily increase :)

[Karl Johnston]

I had the same problem a year ago, I just got better. Now when I take photos I take only ones I know I want to take, or have that kind of 6th sense about things. I guess its just experience from trial and error and understanding.

What changed it for me was I started shooting film and recording and taking notes from each shot I took; this gave me an understanding of why my shooting turned out the way it did and why, I drew conclusions from the varibles I used in the camera and the conditions of the day or location.

Confidence is key, though, don't be afraid to get the out of zone shots. I haven't done much wedding photography, but I imagine in a formal venue it must be difficult to hang from chandeleirs but in some cases it's necessary :D don't be afraid nobody sees or cares about the photographer at the party.

Now when I shoot - I keep 80-90% of the images I shoot and delete the real flubbers.

[_Jo_]

Thanks...maybe I need to slow down.

[S.Horton]

When you say the lighting varies greatly, do you mean that the color, tone and/or contrast vary greatly?

[_Jo_]

When you say the lighting varies greatly, do you mean that the color, tone and/or contrast vary greatly?

Yes, that and the light I have to shoot with. I think that's my biggest problem - using the light to my advantage.

[Karl Johnston]

Analyze every shot you take, or just slow down and plan your shots more. That's what I did

[_Jo_]

Analyze every shot you take, or just slow down and plan your shots more. That's what I did

Thanks. I have a wedding this sat. I will try and keep a conscious thought to slow down and watch the light more.

[_Jo_]

I can't help feel people don't want to stand around while I arrange a shot for an hour - I tend to shoot quick and move on. I think this is my biggest problem. Thinking I have to cram in a thousand shots.

[Karl Johnston]

Just cause everyone else does it doesn't mean you have to too ;) it's art, it's unique.

[Bartek]

Try and keep your exposure nailed, that's the #1 thing to keep in mind for consistency. And if some images happen to be a little more blown than others we just adjust in Camera RAW after.

Oh, and if you think shooting 500 images is alot... we shoot a minimum of 3000 per wedding ;)

And we make sure each photo per location is consistent...not ALL the images for the entire wedding. It's inevitable that colors and shades will change! Focus on your white balance and exposure.

Cheers,
Bartek

[_Jo_]

Try and keep your exposure nailed, that's the #1 thing to keep in mind for consistency. And if some images happen to be a little more blown than others we just adjust in Camera RAW after.

Oh, and if you think shooting 500 images is alot... we shoot a minimum of 3000 per wedding ;)

And we make sure each photo per location is consistent...not ALL the images for the entire wedding. It's inevitable that colors and shades will change! Focus on your white balance and exposure.

Cheers,
Bartek

Great advice - thanks. wow at 3000! That's a whole lot of processing and sorting!

[_Jo_]

I guess the main thing for me (as a photographer) is I would like to keep the image as close to what I take as possible, with the exception of a little exposure/blacks adjustment and B&W copies. I see Photoshop as a tool if I need it - but I rarely use it.

I know some photographers snap away and spend hours on the PC aftewards...that's not me. I like old school photography. Get it right the first time and any processing just enhances (not corrects) the image.

That's what I aspire to and strive for anyway!

[Bartek]

Great advice - thanks. wow at 3000! That's a whole lot of processing and sorting!

You're welcome! And if you have a good workflow...it doesn't take a long time..trust me ;)

I guess the main thing for me (as a photographer) is I would like to keep the image as close to what I take as possible, with the exception of a little exposure/blacks adjustment and B&W copies. I see Photoshop as a tool if I need it - but I rarely use it.

I know some photographers snap away and spend hours on the PC aftewards...that's not me. I like old school photography. Get it right the first time and any processing just enhances (not corrects) the image.

That's what I aspire to and strive for anyway!

You can only do so much in camera. I believe that if you want to stand out of the mainstream crowd and push your images even futher...you have to use something like Photoshop ;)

[SuzyView]

I moved this to talk as you don't have an image to share, and that's the requirement for the share section.

I hope more of the pros can see this and help you.

[_Jo_]

I moved this to talk as you don't have an image to share, and that's the requirement for the share section.

I hope more of the pros can see this and help you.

Sorry - my mistake. As I browse both sections simutanously I mistakenly posted in image sharing.

[form]

I don't know how to get consistent images. I shoot and pray, shoot and pray.

[_Jo_]

lol...let's pray together!

[S.Horton]

Yes, that and the light I have to shoot with. I think that's my biggest problem - using the light to my advantage.

You'll get a feel for this, over time.

Basically, the only advice I can give you is to learn how to do good color correction and to watch your exposure.

PS - I'm not a pro. That advice is probably worth what you just paid for it. :)

[Matthew Patrick]

It takes practice and a keen eye. Shoot in RAW. edit and repeat. As time goes by you will become more observant and better at analyzing images. It is also helpful to have others critique your work and for you to critique other peoples images. Start by picking your best 8 or 12 images from a shoot (keep it simple) then find the ones that you like best and use them as a template.

[Bobster]

shoot manual - RAW and use CaptureOne to edit

i process RAW for other photographers, who shoot AV and can still produce constant looking photographs through C1