first wedding as freelancing 2nd. photo--part II

[Christopher Steven b]

part 1 here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=680112).

Here is a fairly representative sampling from the reception for what was my first attempt at wedding photography. Please offer whatever critique or suggestions come to mind--what works, what doesn't work. I suppose if I were to offer up my own critique, I would say that I played it rather safe--as perhaps I ought to have, bearing in mind it was my first.

1.
http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-086.jpg

2.

http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-095.jpg

3.

http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-096.jpg

4.

http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-104.jpg

5.
http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-106.jpg

6.
http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-107.jpg

7.
http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-122.jpg

8.
http://csbphotography.jalbum.net/csbphotography/Wedding/Wedding-137.jpg

[SuzyView]

The second image is a better representation than the first. The first one is full of distractions and the subject's face is not flattering, so I'd put that at the end. The other 7 are very good, so you should be happy. The images are in focus and clear. #6 is my favorite.

[Svetlana]

I agree with Suzy here...Nice job!

[Christopher Steven b]

This is so terribly interesting--so much so that it provokes a question worthy of another thread. It never occurred to me that the subject's face was not flattering; and what are distractions for you are compositional elements for me [the bride in the background for instance]. What is also strange is that I'm not at all happy with the 6th and yet others have expressed their approval of it as well. Part of what I am learning via working in this genre is how to see things from a more public perspective. getting feedback is great! thank-you, suzie.

and thank you, svetlana!

[SuzyView]

I shoot only about 5 weddings a year, mostly for friends or POTN members. I just shot one for Jason last night. It was great. When I shoot, I have to look at all aspects of the shot. Last night, the bride was asking me to tell her is her double chin was affecting the pictures, and I didn't notice, but she did. So, from then on, I tried to give her a little sign language. She saw my gesture and would repose her head. Communication is the key and then looking at the shot with the subjects, all subjects being in the best possible pose if hard, but worth aiming for. Makes PP very fast.

[Christopher Steven b]

It definitely makes it easier when people 'volunteer' their self-conscious concerns. I shot a same-sex wedding (oh canada!) on the weekend, and one of the female friends laughingly begged, just before I clicked the shutter, for me to minimize her supposed double chin. That detail likely wouldn't have occurred to me at the time of shooting or even looking at it afterward. And it would probably be the first thing she would see upon looking at the finished photo.

[HappySnapper90]

Nice photos. I notice you're too early or late on the kiss. Your 2 kiss photos have mouths separated. Changing your drive settings to continuous shooting can help you get a better kiss photo.