First Engagement Shoot--It Could've Been Worse, I guess

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Please do not take any of the following as excuses for the really bad images; I fully understand that a photographer must work in all sorts of conditions (lighting, weather, etc) if they agree to take on a job. No excuses here, just want to set the stage for what was going on, both in my little head and outside my skull.

It was supposed to be 51 degrees with a mix of sun and clouds-- it never got above 45, it was drizzling rain, foggy, and a nice chilly breeze topped it off. I had advised my young couple to dress "comfortably, taking into consideration the weather"-- he had on a thin dress shirt, she at least had a long sleeved sweater, but no jackets, either one. They wanted the shoot in a downtown park, so there was a good bit of walking involved--she had chosen high heeled boots to wear. Her hair was getting "frizzed" from the moisture, he was freezing, and they had to be at another appointment at a certain time.

This was my first shoot in totally cloudy weather (not to mention the drizzle), it was also my first shoot using back button focusing (which I now have decided I hate! it's me, I know, not the technique),I was worried about the couple being cold, everything was wet so they didn't really want to sit on anything---get the picture (no pun)?

When I downloaded the images last night I could've cried...most were OOF, the exposure was horrible, the guy looked pasty and white---there was not one image I thought "Wow, that's really good!" This is a first for me and very discouraging. Here are a couple of SOOC images--please tell me what I did wrong; there's a litany of things, I am aware--I think I was so intent on mastering the BB focusing plus being pushed for time plus worrying about the comfort level---whatever....let me have it.

1.
20100123-IMG_5628.jpg


2.20100123-IMG_5551.jpg

I also (obviously) could not figure out how to get that ring shot; when I got close enough for what I wanted, my lens wouldn't focus. Do you have to have a macro lens to get this kind of shot but with the ring much nearer? (I know nothing about macros so sorry if that's a stupid question). I don't know how to include the EXIF with the images, sorry.

[SnapsbyPoteat]

The images just seem flat and don't pop, what gear did you use? Have you tried any post processing?
Looks like some fill flash with a warm diffuser attached may have prevented the pastiness.

I would also think it would be important to make sure the ring is always visible in a shot like #1. I would have made sure her hand was flat and the sleeve rolled back a little more so it would show up better.
I also don't like that they choose complete opposites in color, wearing black & white is suppose to be on the wedding day, not during the engagment session.


Not exactly sure about how to get a ring shot like that, I would think it would be possible with a fast prime somewhere around 1.2-1.8. but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Btw (totally off topic) how is SC in may? My husband and I are planning a trip to hilton head then!

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Originally Posted by SnapsbyPoteat

The images just seem flat and don't pop, what gear did you use? Have you tried any post processing?
Looks like some fill flash with a warm diffuser attached may have prevented the pastiness.

I would also think it would be important to make sure the ring is always visible in a shot like #1. I would have made sure her hand was flat and the sleeve rolled back a little more so it would show up better.
I also don't like that they choose complete opposites in color, wearing black & white is suppose to be on the wedding day, not during the engagment session.


Not exactly sure about how to get a ring shot like that, I would think it would be possible with a fast prime somewhere around 1.2-1.8. but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Btw (totally off topic) how is SC in may? My husband and I are planning a trip to hilton head then!

I'll answer your last question first--weather is usually great in May! Not too hot or muggy yet, though it'll be warmer in HH than here. It's usually in the mid- to high-70's here by mid-May. We're about 4 hrs from HH.

Ok, now to the unpleasantries I was using my 50D, 17-55mm lens. I had planned on popping out my 85mm 1.8 also but that didn't happen..I did have my hubby hold my 580EX II on the ring on the track shot, camera left, to tryi to give the ring a little fire, but it didn't help much (I have not used OCF yet, just got some equipment days before this shoot). These two shots are stright out of camera, no pp'ing. I agree, they are totally flat with no pizazz. By warm diffuser do you mean a gel or just some kind of diffuser? Part of the OCF gear I just got is an umbrella which can be used as shoot thru or relflective.

Yeah, I think she kept kind of trying to warm her hands with her sleeves! I should've paid more attention. Definitely a lesson learned. I specifically responded to an email from her about what to wear with the suggestion "NO WHITE SHIRTS!". I guess they thought the thin blue lines on his made it not white??

One good thing about this-- these are not demanding people, they will probably be tickled pink with what they get (I've done some LR pp'ing on about 6 images in the last few minutes and they look a ton better; just still not up to my usual bar). I had already told them after the shoot yesterday (b/c they made several comments about worrying that the weather would mean bad photos) that if I didn't get enough keepers I would do another 1-1 1/2 hr shoot on a prettier day no extra charge....right now I'm feeling I should pay them!

[williejr]

Just curious, how many pictures did you promise them out of your shoot? Or are you putting together an little album of the shoot? Do you have any others pics you can post?

I guess, I am not feeling these because you aren't. They are not bad, but they probably can be better.

[Flo]

Originally Posted by Michelle Brooks Photography

I'll answer your last question first--weather is usually great in May! Not too hot or muggy yet, though it'll be warmer in HH than here. It's usually in the mid- to high-70's here by mid-May. We're about 4 hrs from HH.

Ok, now to the unpleasantries I was using my 50D, 17-55mm lens. I had planned on popping out my 85mm 1.8 also but that didn't happen..I did have my hubby hold my 580EX II on the ring on the track shot, camera left, to tryi to give the ring a little fire, but it didn't help much (I have not used OCF yet, just got some equipment days before this shoot). These two shots are stright out of camera, no pp'ing. I agree, they are totally flat with no pizazz. By warm diffuser do you mean a gel or just some kind of diffuser? Part of the OCF gear I just got is an umbrella which can be used as shoot thru or relflective.

Yeah, I think she kept kind of trying to warm her hands with her sleeves! I should've paid more attention. Definitely a lesson learned. I specifically responded to an email from her about what to wear with the suggestion "NO WHITE SHIRTS!". I guess they thought the thin blue lines on his made it not white??

One good thing about this-- these are not demanding people, they will probably be tickled pink with what they get (I've done some LR pp'ing on about 6 images in the last few minutes and they look a ton better; just still not up to my usual bar). I had already told them after the shoot yesterday (b/c they made several comments about worrying that the weather would mean bad photos) that if I didn't get enough keepers I would do another 1-1 1/2 hr shoot on a prettier day no extra charge....right now I'm feeling I should pay them!

I agree If you aren't happy ..

[kaiden]

Uncalled for comment, your thread did not deserver such harsh words and for that, I am extremely sorry... I can not go back and fix my childish behavior; however I do feel my conscience would not be ok without extending an apology. Once again, I hope you can accept my request for forgiveness and forgive the post as it was placed in an unfavorable format.

[Absolutely Fabulous]

did you only post the 2? you got to have more right? 1 could be Ok with PP, not WOW but maybe good enough

I'd maybe re-book and try again, your not happy, KWIM?

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Originally Posted by williejr

Just curious, how many pictures did you promise them out of your shoot? Or are you putting together an little album of the shoot? Do you have any others pics you can post?

I guess, I am not feeling these because you aren't. They are not bad, but they probably can be better.

My website states that I look to get 20-40 quality images, but I don't limit the number & tell all my clients that I strive to get a minimum of that number but more if possible. For this couple I had told them that I wanted them to have at least 30. I did work on post processing for a couple of hours last night and feel a lot better about what I'll have to present them with. A couple are posted below. As far as a n album, I had told them about the option of doing a lay flat album of some of the best of the photos, which they could use as a guest sign in book a the wedding if they want; I am hoping they get it, becuase I can get a duplicate to use as a sample to show future clients at a reduced price! But, if we end up doing a second freebie shoot for them, it will break any continuity from the first shoot, so-- I'll just have to see what we end up with, and if they want the album.

20100124-IMG_5653.jpgThe skin tones on this one look better on the original pp'd than it does on this compressed image...

20100124-IMG_5772.jpg

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Originally Posted by Flo

I agree If you aren't happy ..

Exactly!

[Michelle Brooks Photography]

Originally Posted by Absolutely Fabulous

did you only post the 2? you got to have more right? 1 could be Ok with PP, not WOW but maybe good enough

I'd maybe re-book and try again, your not happy, KWIM?

I only posted 2 on the original post; they were respresntative of the problems of the whole shoot. I've posted a coule that are pp'ed, so there is hope! Still have about 200 to go through. We took a total of over 500, so I'm pretty sure I'll at least come out with the number promised, but we may still want to do the second shoot to give them more choice. I want to feel good about this, not just have them happy. As I stated earlier, they are not demanding, and will probably be thrilled with what they get outta this first shoot...I know I could've and should've gotten better.

Uh, what is KWIM??

[Markitos]

The root of the problem is that you tried to do too many new things for a paid(?) shoot. If you are getting paid for results, it's never a great idea to try brand new techniques or equipment that you haven't mastered or are comfortable with. There are going to be other things that pop up that you can't account for (weather, how the couple is dressed, etc), that you will have to focus on and compensate for, so you want to eliminate as many variables as possible.

One of my very best photoshoots was with a model in pouring rain and ~35 degrees... but it was also not paid, and I was determined to get some practice shooting in adverse conditions. The point here is not that I am a better photographer, but that the clouds/drizzle are not, as you pointed out, good excuses for poor images. I have a family shoot this morning, in fact, in the very same conditions. Clouds are ideal for portraits, anyway (very flattering, soft light).

I hope I'm not coming across as overly harsh, as that is not my intent. You asked what you did wrong, and many are focusing on the images themselves. But IMO, the root of the problem was not being totally or adequately prepared. Take it as a lesson learned, offer them another complimentary shoot or refund their money if they're not happy, and move on.

[Dunedan]

I would talk to them and say that you were not happy with how the pictures came out - that they don't meet the quality that you want to provide to them, and offer to re-shoot - free of charge of course. They may want to see the pictures, and that's fine. But with the bad weather, things looking flat, etc. they just didn't turn out. You can't always get really great outdoor pictures. Some weather is not good for it at all.

The only bad thing about it is that I assume you are doing their wedding. Well you can't re-shoot a wedding. Okay so you can but it's a bad idea. So it may put a seed of doubt in their minds about how you would handle their wedding day.

Things to think about.

[Green Man]

Second set:
#1 looks like she's trying to get away...kind of akward.

#2 would be awesome if you could get the ring to "pop"

[Absolutely Fabulous]

Originally Posted by Michelle Brooks Photography

I only posted 2 on the original post; they were respresntative of the problems of the whole shoot. I've posted a coule that are pp'ed, so there is hope! Still have about 200 to go through. We took a total of over 500, so I'm pretty sure I'll at least come out with the number promised, but we may still want to do the second shoot to give them more choice. I want to feel good about this, not just have them happy. As I stated earlier, they are not demanding, and will probably be thrilled with what they get outta this first shoot...I know I could've and should've gotten better.

Uh, what is KWIM??

Know what I mean, it's internet lingo

30 good shots to strive for is a lot no?

I have been debating how many photos to promise people, I am not doing it for a lot of money (pocket money really) but want to have some professional standards of such before I do a shoot (and need to sort my camera out now too LOL) Well I was at a webinar with Sandy Puc the other day, I was shocked when she said she only gives the clients 4-8 edited shots (and I think 20 batch edited on a CD or something) but the sellers are only 4-8! When I said about doing that people thought I was nuts

But IDK I'd rather a few good shots I want to get big and stick on my wall then a lot of so so shots. I'm getting OT, sorry didn't sleep well

[bkburns]

Originally Posted by kaiden

I would want my money back...

Kaiden, is all you do troll the forums offering useless and unconstructive feedback? Would you be satisfied with that kind of feedback to your own posted photos, or would you be satisfied with your typical 'meh'?

OK, now back to the thread.

Originally Posted by Michelle Brooks Photography

...I have not used OCF yet, just got some equipment days before this shoot

...I had already told them after the shoot yesterday (b/c they made several comments about worrying that the weather would mean bad photos) that if I didn't get enough keepers I would do another 1-1 1/2 hr shoot on a prettier day no extra charge

I took my boys out for a shoot for my first REAL attempt with OCF outside of a studio, and it was a disaster. A learning disaster though, so I dragged them back out the next day and did much better. You can't do that with a customer. Glad the only client for that shoot was my wife

However, the following week I did a paid shoot using the same techniques and a similar environment and nailed the shots. Got in, shot, got out. Almost 100% of my best shots and shoots are the ones where I planned and practiced any new technique beforehand.

If you do not feel good about your shoot, then follow your compass and offer a free session. If I was in your shoes and was not happy, and I could easily reshoot for them - I would do so. Every shoot is not our best work - but you obviously feel bad about this one. Been there myself and am currently scheduling a free session in the spring because of it.