First engagement session...

[jcanfield]

These are a few pictures from my first engagement session with some friends. Please C&C.

#1
http://jcanfield.smugmug.com/Professional/Jobs/IMG5400-ps-2/688553986_4mt8N-L.jpg

#2
http://jcanfield.smugmug.com/Professional/Jobs/IMG5412-ps-2/688556354_2FzGw-L.jpg

#3
http://jcanfield.smugmug.com/Professional/Jobs/IMG5315-ps-1/688543550_6kmee-L.jpg

#4
http://jcanfield.smugmug.com/Professional/Jobs/IMG5332-ps-2/688547799_WsdRP-L.jpg

[djvkool]

Excellent photos, although I am not a big fan of vignetting on colour photos (on mono it looks much better) :)

[auroraskye]

I think you did a nice job, though your vignettes are too obvious and heavy. His eyes look odd in #2 almost like he was mid blink or about to sneeze or something.

[dche5390]

Please go easy on fake lens vignetting!

[jcanfield]

Sorry about that. I knew the vignetting was a bit overkill but the couple wanted it. :oops:

And yeah, he kinda squints all the time anyway.

Thanks for the comments. I know I have a lot more to learn.

[auroraskye]

Sorry about that. I knew the vignetting was a bit overkill but the couple wanted it. :oops:

And yeah, he kinda squints all the time anyway.

Thanks for the comments. I know I have a lot more to learn.

The first rule is the customer is NOT always right ;) Hehe. I do understand, but it's something to keep in mind for the future. One of the important things to learn is how to a) remain in control of your art/product and b) how to nicely tell the customers, no they cannot have whatever it is they want that takes away from the integrity of the photo. It's one of the things you learn, how to suggest other options or convince them your way is the best way.

[chittybb300]

Although I agree the customer isn't always right...they are always the customer....so even if they ask for selctive color with w/ a gradient sepia overlay :confused::confused:...that's ok :) but I hope they never do.... :)

[leninglass]

Great photos. I agree with the vignette lol.. if the customer wants it, make a "customer" version but stick with what you got. Also they seem a bit soft but that may just be me =]

[FELINEDEBOURGES]

I like #1 a lot. It's a great way to show their love for one another, both their faces, and to showcase the ring as well. I'm going to have to store this pose in my head for my first E shoot.

[auroraskye]

Although I agree the customer isn't always right...they are always the customer....so even if they ask for selctive color with w/ a gradient sepia overlay :confused::confused:...that's ok :) but I hope they never do.... :)

You would give someone that? I sure wouldn't. I would NOT want my name on it. People say "give the customer one version".. But then the customer puts it on facebook and goes this was taken by so and so, they're great, and then their friends with poor taste call you up going "Hey, we want some photos with selective color and a gradient sepia overlay" and you either suck it up again and do it and continue the circle or you say no I don't do that, and they go, yes you do!

Don't let anything you're not proud of out of your computer. :) You never know what will happen with it.

[jcanfield]

Thanks for all the input. I definitely agree now that while the customer is the customer, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration. While it's their picture session, it's also a big reflection on me for others to see and future gigs. As you might have noticed my name isn't on the pics. ;) haha, at least not yet. I'll try to re-edit with these things in mind and post the reworked ones. :D I definitely consider myself to be more of a still life photographer and having to work with people is a different learning curve. :p

[Autonomous]

it's nice but all look soft to me

[ReflektionsPhotography]

I guess it's not just me, but the focus seems a bit off. I guess that's what you guys mean by "soft," right?