Advice and Critique Requested: Vietnamese Pre-Engagement

[Nathan]

On Sunday, I was asked impromptu to take some photos of my fiancee's sister's pre-engagement - at least that's what I understood it to be. In Vietnamese tradition, it is customary that a formal meeting of the parents will set the course for proper courtship between the couple leading to engagement and then marriage.

The house is small, so there is very limited mobility. However, I think I should have explored more angles.

I'm looking for critique on these photos. I know they're not artistic. I do want to improve for next time I'm in the same or similar situation. I was using my 50D, 17-55, and 580EXII pointed at the ceiling w/ bounce card pulled out. Are the photos too flat?

Full gallery: http://www.nathantpham.com/invite/5805088374b418256722784.76773293

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/8950/chithuanhda022.jpg
http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/1443/chithuanhda028.jpg
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/2327/chithuanhda062.jpg
http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/664/chithuanhda076.jpg
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9291/chithuanhda080.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/6663/chithuanhda087.jpg
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8884/chithuanhda098.jpg
http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/1007/chithuanhda107.jpg

[corkneyfonz]

Only had a quick glance but they all seem sharp, well lit, smiling and in focus. I don't think anything else could be wished for. Well done.

[Nathan]

Thanks! Any suggestions, though? I want to get shots that look stylistic and professional... but I'm not sure what a good approach would be. These sort of family gatherings are pretty common and I'd like to produce some pictures that aren't just sharp and well lit, but are WOW like some that I've seen on this forum.

[vk2gwk]

Well done, Nathan. Like Corkneyfonz already said: technically nothing wrong. A well documented event with clear and very presentable pictures.

The WOW factor is very hard to achieve during this sort of occasions unless the "audience" is prepared to take out much more time to pose, get arranged and pushed around and so on. Then you might need to bring backdrops and extra lighting equipment . That would probably dampen the atmosphere for everybody.

The only other thing you can do is try to snap shots when people are not looking and are engaged in some social activity. Eating, talking, dancing, apart in a corner and so on. Unaware of the photographer.... Then you can catch some informal attractive photo's. But, having said that I am not sure whether your family - especially the elders - would appreciate those informal shots from their cultural background.

[Nathan]

Well done, Nathan. Like Corkneyfonz already said: technically nothing wrong. A well documented event with clear and very presentable pictures.

The WOW factor is very hard to achieve during this sort of occasions unless the "audience" is prepared to take out much more time to pose, get arranged and pushed around and so on. Then you might need to bring backdrops and extra lighting equipment . That would probably dampen the atmosphere for everybody.

The only other thing you can do is try to snap shots when people are not looking and are engaged in some social activity. Eating, talking, dancing, apart in a corner and so on. Unaware of the photographer.... Then you can catch some informal attractive photo's. But, having said that I am not sure whether your family - especially the elders - would appreciate those informal shots from their cultural background.

Thanks for the input. I think I was busy eating while everyone else was eating, too, so I missed those candid moments. :p Duly noted, though. At this sort of thing, it's really just a few speeches before and after the meal. There isn't any dancing, etc.

I'm by no means a professional nor do I try to pass myself off as one. I don't really have any clue how to pose people for group shots, for instance. Plus, for some reason, Vietnamese tend to pose a certain way and more often than not do NOT smile for photos. It's a culture thing.

[JimMcrae]

I think they're great, so can only echo what the others have said. Other than backdrops and fancy lighting, I don't see how they could've been much better, professional or otherwise.

[Nathan]

Would these have been any better if I had bought a flash bracket? I've been looking to see if I should purchase one.

[vk2gwk]

Would these have been any better if I had bought a flash bracket? I've been looking to see if I should purchase one.

I do not think it makes much difference, Nathan - especially because you were using "bounce" flash. What you could have done is using both flashes that you got: the 580 mounted on the camera as the master and the other flash as a slave in a different corner. Especially with larger group shots that makes for a more even lighting. But you need to practice that a bit - especially to get the ratio between the flashes right to avoid shadows. And again, in the informal setting where you were shooting it probably would have been impractical to set that all up.

I do not have a bracket but I do use the master/slave combination occasionally for larger group shots where I have the time to "arrange" things.

[Chris]

You should see if you can get the girl at the bottom left to pose for you. She would make a great subject.

[Nathan]

Lol... no thanks. She models for some of her own network of photographers. She wouldn't model for a family member.

[griptape]

Unless my monitor is lying to me, the white balance could stand to be warmed up in all of them except for #1 and #5. But overall, very good captures. Well done.

[dougbutch]

You captured the evening.. Good job..

[Nathan]

Unless my monitor is lying to me, the white balance could stand to be warmed up in all of them except for #1 and #5. But overall, very good captures. Well done.

Honestly, I had them a bit warmer and then decided to tone it down a bit. Not sure which would have been better. My monitor needs a new calibration, but it's only been a month since the last. If you edited, how warm would you go?

[b.han]

I know it really doesn't mean much coming from a newb, but you did a fantastic job covering the event!

The food looked super tasty but I didn't see much in terms of Vietnamese cuisine. :p

Well done, Nathan. Like Corkneyfonz already said: technically nothing wrong. A well documented event with clear and very presentable pictures.

The WOW factor is very hard to achieve during this sort of occasions unless the "audience" is prepared to take out much more time to pose, get arranged and pushed around and so on. Then you might need to bring backdrops and extra lighting equipment . That would probably dampen the atmosphere for everybody.

The only other thing you can do is try to snap shots when people are not looking and are engaged in some social activity. Eating, talking, dancing, apart in a corner and so on. Unaware of the photographer.... Then you can catch some informal attractive photo's. But, having said that I am not sure whether your family - especially the elders - would appreciate those informal shots from their cultural background.
I love those kinds of candid shots!