First attempt at engagement photos

[GimpyPoop]

Shot these in Feb 2009. It was quite overcast and drizzling right before and after this little impromptu photoshoot for my friends so I think I abused my flash a little bit and I couldn't quite get the colors right. Admittedly these aren't very impressive, but they pay for a professional shoot later on as I took forever to churn out these photos, hah. Constructive criticism would be much appreciated as I know NOTHING about engagement photograpy . . . Thanks.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/...6bedb80a_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/...e052fac9_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/...b0cdb878_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/...15034c79_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/...4bf4e337_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2699/...7f89d631_b.jpg

[DocMike]

Hello there...

The first thing I'd say right off the bat is that you'd get more comments if you attached the images inline instead of with links. There's an option to do so when you compose your message. (A picture icon that reads "insert image" when you hover over it...just put the URL there.)

One thing I'd recommend is more interesting scenery. The one in front of the house does nothing for me. Also, are you using a speedlight or on-camera flash?

[neeko]

Also, what lens are you using? It seems dark , or at least the image looks flat since the lighting is the same all around.

[Livinthalife]

I thnk they look flat as the flash and sunlight are same in some photos, while other the flash over powers the ambient light.

I think a better location would be more suitable as well. Not bad for a first try, but things like this take time to learn and gain experience.

Look at other E-sessions for other ideas on posing and locations. That will be the bigest help.

[Damian75]

Fixed the links to help you get more comments

Originally Posted by GimpyPoop

Shot these in Feb 2009. It was quite overcast and drizzling right before and after this little impromptu photoshoot for my friends so I think I abused my flash a little bit and I couldn't quite get the colors right. Admittedly these aren't very impressive, but they pay for a professional shoot later on as I took forever to churn out these photos, hah. Constructive criticism would be much appreciated as I know NOTHING about engagement photograpy . . . Thanks.

[peg_leg_pete99]

In my opinion the last picture is your best. Would have been better if the car was not moving thru the shot though.

Shots #3 and #4 - the person in the background is too far away. If I saw the photo by itself I would never guess it was apart of an engagment shoot. I understand what you were trying to show, just dont think it is working for ya in these shots.

Overall, not too shabby for a first time shoot.

[GimpyPoop]

I was using the 420EX . . . I have the 580, but I haven't quite mastered it.
I think I used the 50mm f/1.8, 17-40mm f/4, and Sigma 10-20mm for these photos . . .
I think one of my biggest issues is my lack of understanding how to find a perfect balance between natural and flash light. I guess I'll just keep plugging at it and reading up and looking at other people's photos.
Thanks for the the feedback everyone, much appreciated.

[auroraskye]

If you post your EXIF data with the individual photos it would help us give you more technical based feedback. The photos are all a bit dark and flashy looking - you're right.. you aren't balancing out your ambient and fill lighting. Personally I am not a fan of using flash outdoors unless necessary and then I prefer that it's off camera to add some direction. If you need a little light thrown back in their faces (lol) I suggest investing in a nice big reflector. Of course.. the main problem with a reflector is that it is awfully hard to deal with without an assistant lol.. It becomes quite the juggling act.

Keep on studying - get some books about exposure and keep on practicing

[saikit]

I like the shot with the ring.

In the last shot, the car is distracting.

[AlexMoPhotography]

You've got to brighten up all your photos. The colors are very dull, and nothing stands out. I don't like the shots of the guy and girl so far apart. Engagement shoots are exactly what they are. The couple "engaging" in each other, not standing miles away.

The girl has a great look, smile, and pose, but the guy is slouching way too much. You should tell him to stand straighter.

Direct flash is unappealing, as it casts dark shadows and reveals all the tiny little bumps and marks on their skin which otherwise would have been hidden with an off camera/diffused flash (and with photoshop).

Speaking of which, it doesn't seem like any post-processing was done. That's half the battle. You need to clean up their skin tones, bump up the colors, get rid of dark under eyes, etc...

The ring shot seems composed nicely, but other than that, the backgrounds in all the images aren't very appealing.

I don't mean to sound so harsh; I just hope you can consider some of my advice and see what you can do next time to improve.

[GimpyPoop]

I'll try to post with EXIF next time . . . thanks for reminding me about that!
There was some very very minimal post processing, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to post process still so I need to spend some time getting to know Aperture and Photoshop still. Not harsh at all! I really don't know where else to go for critiquing than here, so I surely appreciate it. Thanks again!

[sctbiggs]

composition wise, the first and last for me. The ring shot, it's just a ring shot. nothing special about the composition there. The couple will love it i'm sure. Overall, as it looks you've already be told, to dark and flat. I find it better not to use the flash unless I absolutely have too. I can't tell iso on these pics by looking at them but could you have adjusted it for more light so you wouldn't have to use flash? Asking because I've shot many of overcast days without flash.