Bridal Party Formals

[Jim Schemel]

Well i am trying to improve especially in my Group Bridal Party Formal shots Guys and Girls.So i was wondering if others would consider posting some of their best shots and maybe some suggestions as to what helps you with these.I will start with a few of mine.But keep in mind i am trying to improve so these are just ok.
-Jim

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2434/3951162874_35c47f184a_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3938299631_213ceb2628_b.jpg

[sidx001]

Bridal party shots can be either one of the funnest or most irritating shots for a wedding photographer! I personally love doing them and I hope that you had fun doing these! I would say first that you need to make sure that everyone is in the same kind of lighting if you are outside when you take the shot. I would also suggest using a flash bounced at the group, prefferably off camera.

Having said that, I think that both posing styles are good, it's basically what matches the personality of the wedding party. I would probably mix them around a little more though. All in all, besides the lighting, I think you did a good job.

Here is one that I shot recently...

http://jls-studios.smugmug.com/photos/618817107_7dUQD-L.jpg

[FamilyJules]

I LOVE group shots!!! It really lets me push my creative limits :)
Here's one from a wedding I shot last weekend. Still have to edit all of the photos, but I managed to get this one out :)

http://jwilsonphotography.smugmug.com/photos/663012998_Tf2Dr-XL.jpg

[nik.hisham]

I LOVE group shots!!! It really lets me push my creative limits :)
Here's one from a wedding I shot last weekend. Still have to edit all of the photos, but I managed to get this one out :)

http://jwilsonphotography.smugmug.com/photos/663012998_Tf2Dr-XL.jpg

I really like this. Would you mind sharing how you lit it?

Thanks.

[FamilyJules]

I really like this. Would you mind sharing how you lit it?

Thanks.

Thanks!
On camera 580ex II Diffused and a off camera 580 ex diffused.
It was also a great time of day, so I didn't have to battle harsh shadows or anything.
Not to mention my bridal party was beautiful, so it helped with the photo :)

[perfeng702]

I LOVE group shots!!! It really lets me push my creative limits :)
Here's one from a wedding I shot last weekend. Still have to edit all of the photos, but I managed to get this one out :)

http://jwilsonphotography.smugmug.com/photos/663012998_Tf2Dr-XL.jpg

very good shot!

[nik.hisham]

Thanks!
On camera 580ex II Diffused and a off camera 580 ex diffused.
It was also a great time of day, so I didn't have to battle harsh shadows or anything.
Not to mention my bridal party was beautiful, so it helped with the photo :)

Thanks for sharing.

[Jammet]

Really awesome shots.

[jeromego]

Thanks!
On camera 580ex II Diffused and a off camera 580 ex diffused.
It was also a great time of day, so I didn't have to battle harsh shadows or anything.
Not to mention my bridal party was beautiful, so it helped with the photo :)
for your off cam, where was it placed? did you just use an umbrella or softbox? really nice.

[FamilyJules]

very good shot!

Thanks!

for your off cam, where was it placed? did you just use an umbrella or softbox? really nice.

Just camera right with a Gary Fong Diffuser....LOL, I know right? I didn't have time to set up my soft box that day....so I compromised, and it worked out nicely. Actually considering doing it more often, as the result (for this kind of image) didn't vary much from the others with more equipment.... but like I said, it was the RIGHT time of day for formals, so I had that advantage in my corner :)

[jeromego]

Thanks!



Just camera right with a Gary Fong Diffuser....LOL, I know right? I didn't have time to set up my soft box that day....so I compromised, and it worked out nicely. Actually considering doing it more often, as the result (for this kind of image) didn't vary much from the others with more equipment.... but like I said, it was the RIGHT time of day for formals, so I had that advantage in my corner :)
you did a pretty good job just with that setup. :)

[FamilyJules]

This is from a wedding that I had earlier this month (I've got some serious catching up to do).... I didn't have a lot of space at this venue for such a large group, but I was pretty happy with the result :)

http://jwilsonphotography.smugmug.com/photos/664343537_FUc8s-XL.jpg

[nik.hisham]

^^^^ wow. This one is even better.

[auroraskye]

Jim,

The first shot is a nice 'fun' shot to me, everyone is doing something fun or goofy, it makes me smile. The second is okay but I would have moved the couple more to the center and a little back if you were going to go for the symetry. Also, both images are considerably under exposed.

Here's a recent fave:
http://www.brandithompsonphotography.com/images/am_wed0770sm.jpg

Though, granted.. that is more of a focus on the couple, as you can't make out any of the bridal party :)