Richard and Roza Engagement - Need Critique/Advice

So I am not a pro and this is my second engagement done.

The day i shot this, the weather was gloomy/rainy and the couple wasn't the smiling type. (also, any tips on what i should say to future couples that do not smile a lot)

I used 7D with 70-200 2.8IS @ f/2.8 (bad idea to use at 2.8?)

1.

A few thoughts. I wouldnt pose them in that place. I understand you need a roof, but the high contrast pattern of the posts against the white sky really distracts from your subjects. Too much competition from the surrounding patterns. Second, use some fill flash. That would brighten up their faces a bit, put a bit of twinkle in their eyes. And lastly. Not only are they not smiling, they arent even touching in all but one of them, not even close to each other in a couple more. Not smiling is tough enough, but if you pose them interacting with each other a bit more, perhaps they wlll respond to one another if not the camera.

yeah, this was a shoot just from their engagement party they had. i still have a chance to go and shoot an engagement session, so i need ideas.

the first thing that jumps at me besides you missing the focus on some of these....is how uninterested these the subjects are...she looks almost mad.

Gonzo and K are right. And as far as what you can say, it's not about saying anything in particular. You need to have established with them a warm, engaging, and fun relationship. I'm very focused on making my e-shoots a fun experience for the couple and the smiles and warm expression just come out. That said, this couple looks so stoned faced, I'm not so sure Rodney Dangerfield could've gotten a smile out of them.

1. Smiling is not important, some couples don't smile. That's just the way it is. Capture THEM.

2. You've got to nail your focus. If that means you only shoot at f 16, shoot at f 16.

3. Don't let posts grow out of heads.

4. Use the environment to tell a story and mix it up. Show some with the entire gazebo, some tight - use what you've got.

Way too many lines from the posts and the table is distracting.

I know it's easy for me to say calmly looking at the final images in the comfort of my living room. But I would walk in on the veranda and framed both of them in a "window" of two posts. It'd still be static with horisontal lines, so maybe I'd tilt the couple and the camera to add some motion.

Weddings are hard.

DocFrankenstein wrote in post #10069548
It'd still be static with horisontal lines, so maybe I'd tilt the couple and the camera to add some motion.

Weddings are hard.

Not to hijack (famous last words) but how does tilting add motion? To me, dragging the shutter adds motion and tilting adds tilt.

Tilt is the ultimate gimmick for a photographer seeking drama because he cant make it otherwise. Try to frame one of those silly tilts, or use it in an invitation. It might look good on the web, but it will come off as trendy when viewed at the 10th anniversary.

Maybe it's just me but their positions make them look like they don't want anything to do with each other. They also, as mentioned by others, need to smile more

tenoverthenose wrote in post #10069559
Not to hijack (famous last words) but how does tilting add motion? To me, dragging the shutter adds motion and tilting adds tilt.

You might be right, to be honest I don't really know.

I read it in a graphic design book some time ago. Horisontal and vertical lines indicate stability. Slanted lines and curves imply motion.

They might've lied.

gonzogolf wrote in post #10069608
Tilt is the ultimate gimmick for a photographer seeking drama because he cant make it otherwise. Try to frame one of those silly tilts, or use it in an invitation. It might look good on the web, but it will come off as trendy when viewed at the 10th anniversary.

That part I haven't thought about. You're probably right.

Doesn't everything look trendy at 10th anniversary? It's like looking at the pictures of the 80s with crazy hair and guys with mustaches.

Some times you just can't get the looks you want, you just have to do the best you can. Maybe try some different post edits or crops to add interest.

I tried one with just a crop and some sepia tone and lighted it up some. You had Image editing ok on, but if you want me to take it down I will.

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They look very disconnected, stiff and unhappy. I would hope an E-session showed love, happiness and joy.

It's definitely about setting the mood especially for a couple who doesn't smile. Sometimes it's nice just to make small talk with your subjects before attempting to pose them. Ask them about how they met, where they are from, what they do for a living, where they've traveled and so forth. Through every story, there are times of happiness and fond memories that will come up. That alone should make a person feel good and smile or at least have a pleasant look on their face. I know it's tough, but these pictures are an example of how facial expressions (or the lack of) can almost ruin a great photo.