Brandon72 wrote in post #13771292
No offence, but I showed this to my sister, aunt, and mother this morning and they all agreed with me - it looks way too Photoshopped and unnatural. That's a woman with an already idealistic figure who does not need Photoshopping. I would appreciate subtle enhancements, but to make me literally look like a pencil would, personally, offend me as a client.
The first photos posted were extremely bad angles with bad lighting. The pictures posted later are much more flattering and I'm sure the bride and groom will love them. Again, some subtle enhancements would be fine, but if you think they're upset over the first images, wait until you see their reaction when the photographer treats her like a fool and makes her look like a Barbie.
The reason you all have so many brides unhappy with their looks is because of ridiculous Photoshopping like this to begin with. Learn your skill to take flattering photos SooC and only use Photoshop to *very* subtly enhance things.
Brandon.
1. It you would have looked closer you would have seen that these are not my photos. I pulled them off Google images as an example as to what could be done
2. I agree with you about the lighting comments but will tell you after photographing 100+ weddings, its not always possible to get the very best and ideal lighting especially when your on the run.
3. I too am for subtle adjustments but will also tell you that based on my experience with photographying younger females and brides, they are extremely body conscious about their looks and the great majority appreciate this type of stuff if you can provide it for them. Something i do because i want my clients to be happy. If they think they look better enhanced, so be it. A happy customer is someone who is going to refer me to her family and friends. I always side with my customers wishes. My opinion about what is right or what is wrong means absolutly nothing when it comes to this.
4. As for ridiculous photoshopping. My opinion is thats also subjective and should be done to something that is mutually agreeable for both parties. I will tell you flat out, every magazine spread that is published, every photograph of any known celebrity and professional model is 100% retouched and enhanced in photoshop. There is no such thing as ridiculous photoshopping until they change the photo with graphic art work and even then its a matter of taste and creativity. I also think many photographer go too far in this area,,,but thats me.
5. All that being said, skin smoothing, eye enhancing, sharpening and color boosting, dodging and burning and use of the liguify tools are all common practice with portraiture. If you dont enhace, you dont compete in this Industry-----nothing is straight off the camera when delivered on a final product. The liquify tool and warp tools and the puff tools are all part of the process. let the clients make the calls and determine if it is too much.
6. NEVER let another female give you an opinion about enhancements. Only let the client you are enhancing give you the opinion. Other females opinions are based on their insecurities and they are like arm pits when it comes to photoshop enhancements. They all stink and everyone has a couple of them. Client make the call and if you as a photographer cant deliver, you will have to deal with the unhappy client. Not good for future business referrals.