Some Recent Work

adza77 wrote in post #16584238
I was looking at the first two, trying to figure out why they were so different, but fantastic at the same time.

Then after reading some replies it dawned on me - you broke the rules. I'm so used to seeing so many photo's with rules of 3rds for this type of shooting - these looked unique - and IMO actually adds to the image. You've made these your own - a very unique style, and I think it works very well!

Thanks adza, I'm glad you're eye isn't bound by the rules.

Rittrato wrote in post #16584273
I dont understand the comment about the first two images being top heavy, they look fantastic IMO and to my eyes they are done really well. It would be boring if you stuck with the usual way when shooting at 200mm which is a tight crop.

Thank you Sir, from being on this forum for so long, I understand that criticism usually comes from a difference in style. But, on the other hand, if the Pro's are saying you did something wrong, maybe there's merit to it? I don't know. Sometimes I just look at a picture, and if it's nice at first glance, then for me it's nice.

gsouder wrote in post #16584398
OP, these are really inspiring shots! One thing I don't understand, the first two shots are natural light and a reflector according to your comment above. Where was the reflector placed in order to light the subjects and also stay out of frame?

I've never been able to use a reflector from this distance and have it properly light the subject, any tips you can give would b appreciated.

These are seriously great shots, I wish I had taken them!

Thanks for the kind comments gsouder. A big reflector silver side just off to the side on the right. When shooting against the light, every little bit of light counts. Actually, those 2 shots were impromptu. We were just driving around in Napa, saw this gorgeous light coming thru the trees and decided to pull over.

SubliM3 wrote in post #16585106
Sometimes I just look at a picture, and if it's nice at first glance, then for me it's nice.

My son composes music and sometimes, he overthinks the rules of composition. His composition teacher gently chides him by quoting Duke Ellington who apparently said, "If it sounds good, it's good!" In other words, rules are good to guide you but at the end, how does it appear to the senses? I think Ellington's quote applies to photography as well!

Hey as long as your clients are happy, then your job is done. You ask 1000 photographers for their opinion, you'll get 1000 different answers. Just be you!

Scrumhalf wrote in post #16585363
My son composes music and sometimes, he overthinks the rules of composition. His composition teacher gently chides him by quoting Duke Ellington who apparently said, "If it sounds good, it's good!" In other words, rules are good to guide you but at the end, how does it appear to the senses? I think Ellington's quote applies to photography as well!

Great analogy Scrumhalf!

smooth3000 wrote in post #16585555
Hey as long as your clients are happy, then your job is done. You ask 1000 photographers for their opinion, you'll get 1000 different answers. Just be you!

Thanks smooth, well the majority of posters in this thread like the framing, so I'm cool.

Awesome work!!! So you only used one Flash?

Yes Sir, just one.

Simply Outstanding !

Nice set. Great job!

Thanks DJ, thanks nes-matt!

Love the PP in this set

First two are awesome and are not top heavy, great job breaking the rules. Those are pro quality. What camera body did you use?

EXIF says 5D3.

Thanks gentlemen, Canon 5d mk3.

Those are spectacular - color, lighting, poses, composition. Nice work!

The only thing I would change about any of them, is I wish they were mine. I am going to have to try some off camera fill flash next time I am out of the studio! These look 3 dimensional!