Noobie, to the photography game...and to this website...lookin for some CC

[gamblephotography]

Hi, my name is Eric...and I am addicted to photography. :)

I started into photography a few months before my first son was born 2 years ago and have slowly started to get pulled into it. I have recently started taking a few paying jobs from friends and family and did my first wedding this past weekend. I was looking for some criticism. I was directed to this site by a friend...and realize some might be harsh...but as long as it is meant to help me be better...and not just to be mean..I am ready to hear what ya got. Thanks alot.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_246619250570_47587515570_8196856_8162528_n.jp g
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_246619285570_47587515570_8196860_2251405_n.jp g


http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_246619295570_47587515570_8196862_7399924_n.jp g
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5974_246631100570_47587515570_8197185_7347990_n.jp g

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5974_246631120570_47587515570_8197187_4690371_n.jp g

[gamblephotography]

a few more..
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_246631125570_47587515570_8197188_1839953_n.jp g

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_246631160570_47587515570_8197194_3269219_n.jp g
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_246631190570_47587515570_8197197_222303_n.jpg

[gamblephotography]

Just a note about this wedding. To date, I have only done maybe a half dozen paid jobs. Most of which were maternity shoots..because my wife's friends liked the shots we did with both of our boys while they were 'cookin'.

I recieved a phone call from one of my brothers friends a few days before the ceremony and was asked if they could hire me 'by the hour' for their wedding. I told them that it would be my first wedding and couldnt gaurantee the results. So we scheduled a time to meet up at the ceremony spot (on a pier) and the reception room and talked about what they wanted. (this was two days before the wedding).

So.....i freak out! I start looking all over the place for things to do on the big day. Not the least of which was a contract. I felt so nervous....it had me reminded of the very first date I ever went on.

The only problem I had was about 2 dozen family members with point and shoots that kept jumping in my way. Other then that, and alot of pre-wedding sweating and worries..I had a great time.

[gamblephotography]

nothing? :(

[jetcode]

#2 and #4 are best in my eye. I think it would be wise to study as many wedding portfolios as you can. I think too many styles are in play here in this portfolio. Had you presented a series of 6 images similar to 2 and 3 the viewer would be less distracted by style and can focus on the story or sequence of events.

That said: creativity is high, compositions are very good, and I think there is a good story here to share.

Try this ... in your suite of images which image is a product shot that has nothing to do with the wedding from the viewers POV? ... it doesn't belong with the rest in my opinion.

[gamblephotography]

#2 and #4 are best in my eye. I think it would be wise to study as many wedding portfolios as you can. I think too many styles are in play here in this portfolio. Had you presented a series of 6 images similar to 2 and 3 the viewer would be less distracted by style and can focus on the story or sequence of events.

That said: creativity is high, compositions are very good, and I think there is a good story here to share.

Try this ... in your suite of images which image is a product shot that has nothing to do with the wedding from the viewers POV? ... it doesn't belong with the rest in my opinion.

I def agree. I think my problem was that I viewed TOO many different types of photographers/methods and then tried to incorporate what I liked from all of them. (Just a note, I would process a group (like the CAKE SCENE) in the same manner) So I have a few different options for each different grouping for the couple to choose from. I just chose the best one from each grouping of differnt editing techniques.

I am still trying to find my individual style and editing techniques...so thats Why i used such a wide range.

Thank you so much for your advice and the responce..I will go ahead and pull out the wine bottle from the shots. Much appreciated!

[jetcode]

There is nothing wrong with viewing as much as you can get your hands on. Ultimately your clients are the only ones who need to be satisfied. My guess is some photographers may offer a formal traditional style alongside one or more alternative styles.

You are mixing print tone within the set.

For fun ... you obviously have a series of images. Pick the top 6 as a set and stylize the set according to the different styles you presented above. One choice is to print like #2, another is color like the wedding cake, etc.

[Acute Exposure]

Nobody else has mentioned it so maybe I'm off the mark but those shots look fairly over exposed to me on the whites. Could be my screen though.

[jetcode]

Nobody else has mentioned it so maybe I'm off the mark but those shots look fairly over exposed to me on the whites. Could be my screen though.

It's true on my Gateway but not on my Compaq laptop which is where I made my critiques from ... LCD brightness can really wash highlights out of an image and getting every monitor on the same page is impossible!

[Acute Exposure]

Fair enough. My laptop died for a second time so I am using my TV so it is entirely possible that it is my screen ;-)

[jetcode]

Fair enough. My laptop died for a second time so I am using my TV so it is entirely possible that it is my screen ;-)

Laptops are not the best monitors nor are TV's for that matter! But nevertheless the effect is duly noted.

[yonders]

#1 in post 1 and #3 in post 2 are commendable.

#2 in post 2 - the bride face gets cut into half by the shadow that falls on her face; that could have been avoided.

Overall, great job.

[gamblephotography]

#1 in post 1 and #3 in post 2 are commendable.

#2 in post 2 - the bride face gets cut into half by the shadow that falls on her face; that could have been avoided.

Overall, great job.
thank you for the comments.....

Regarding the pic with the shadow...how could I have avoided that? (I ask in full honesty, just wanting to know....I realize it sounds kind of smart alleck <spelling?> but it is not meant that way.}

[gamblephotography]

what I mean, is this was during the ceremony..not a portrait shot........and it was on a dock/pier.....i dont know how I could have avoided the shadow..but if you have tips...people really love that place...so I might be able to use it next time.

[e_friccero]

i like them all but the 5th
looks like you maybe tried to soften it?
whatever you did to it, start from scratch and do the pic over and try not to over process it

[Acute Exposure]

what I mean, is this was during the ceremony..not a portrait shot........and it was on a dock/pier.....i dont know how I could have avoided the shadow..but if you have tips...people really love that place...so I might be able to use it next time.

An off camera flash would have solved it.

[michelgauthierdesign]

These are great!

I saw some pictures from ''experienced'' photographer that does not come close to that. You have creativity and this is something that just can't be learned.

[gamblephotography]

i like them all but the 5th
looks like you maybe tried to soften it?
whatever you did to it, start from scratch and do the pic over and try not to over process it

Yeah, I shot with too high of an f stop...and was trying to soften the background...but messed up. thanks for the comment!

[gamblephotography]

An off camera flash would have solved it.

Ah....yeah. I wish I had some more money. :)
My wife told me that any gear that isnt a suprise. Ala christmas gift...or bday gift would have to come out of any money I make.

Which sucks.....lol..but you gotta listen to the boss.

[Acute Exposure]

Ah....yeah. I wish I had some more money. :)
My wife told me that any gear that isnt a suprise. Ala christmas gift...or bday gift would have to come out of any money I make.

Which sucks.....lol..but you gotta listen to the boss.

Well, you can cheat a bit with one flash. If you get the off camera flash cable or a flash mount that moves it off center you can get partially there with one flash. Not optimal but possible.

[lhughey]

I wish she could have been out of the shadow in her face on pic #7.