Melissa & Albert Engagement

[GringaConejita]

This is my first REAL engagement session... I did a "practice session" with my friends last week. What a change in energy! These two are so completely head-over-heels in love. I believe they're a great improvement in my skills from my last set... what do you think? What would you have done differently?

1)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578222735_c3Mwb-M.jpg

2)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578215142_gdPx6-M.jpg

3)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578260371_7Piv6-M.jpg

4)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578225671_JSrix-M.jpg

5)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578228879_e7fLk-M.jpg

6)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578233608_qRf97-M.jpg

7)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578261277_LdWd3-M.jpg

8 )
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578262167_M5hvn-M.jpg

[GringaConejita]

Would like to add 1 more... I like this crop a lot

9)
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/578260833_Q63HW-M.jpg

And the whole set can be viewed here...
http://www.heatherryanphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/8593847_EMcAt#P-1-16

Thanks for looking!

[GringaConejita]

No critiques, hates, likes?

[scobols]

Not bad.

I have a few critiques...

1. I would move the couple a little closer, maybe under the branch, so the tree trunk isn't the focal point of the image.

2. Try to get rid of those hot spots. Use a reflector for shade if you have to.

3. This one is nice.

4. I would move in a little closer, or crop tighter. The couple seems too small.

5. I like the concept but her thumb looks a little awkward. Reposition it and you've got a winner.

6 and 7. I like these.

8. Crop a little tighter. Again, you want the couple to be the focal point, not the plant in front of them.

9. I would just move them to one side or the other, not in the middle.

Please keep in mind that these critiques are just my opinions and are not "better" than yours. Everyone sees something different when they look through the lens.

Nice job overall.

Scott

[cnsconnor84]

Like scobos said the only problem is that the couple should be the focus in 1,4,8. I really like 5,6,7.

[GringaConejita]

Thanks Scobos and cnsconner84 so much for the critiques! I should note that this is the first time I tried pulling back to include the scenery in my photos. I was told time and time again by friends (and photogs) of mine -- "include some of the scenery." I really enjoy the effect of shot #3 - and I wouldn't have obtained this photo if I hadn't tried shooting a different way than I normally do. Always trying (and learning) new things!

It's all subjective :) I have received a lot of positive feedback on images 1, 3, and 8. #3 is her favorite and I'll attach his favorite. I agree #2 has a lot of blown spots, they were insistant on shooting on that bench, and I don't own a reflector. #3 is by far my favorite from the day, and I'm not sure why I like the crop on #9 - I realize it goes way outside what is "correct." I have a lot to learn about positioning and photography in general :) Again, I really appreciate the feedback!!

This image was his favorite from the day

http://heatherryanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/578224353_wHAH6-M.jpg

[scobols]

This image was his favorite from the day

That is a great photo! Nice job!

[CronoDL]

Nice series overall. But for many shots, the couple is such a small part of the frame, where there the leaves/trees become very distracting. I think it could work better if you could limit depth of field a bit more, so that the foliage is still part of the composition, but with less emphasis on it (i.e. they're blurred).

Keep up the good work.