Brad & Meghan - Engagement

More from the set here: http://www.kennethmidg​ett.com …/568ac8640cf232​a0de216e52

1.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/FZDP​cs

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GgB6​8s

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/FuiM​EN

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/FZDP​jb

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GpLg​aD

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/GiVx​8z

No comments? Not sure if that's good or bad... I'm open to critique. Thanks.

If an image sucks, you will get a lot of comments. If an images is great , you will get a lot of comments.

This is in the average IMO.

I agree, they don't move me, but I can't really put my finger on why exactly, sorry!

In an attempt to preserve the details of the scene under harsh, sunny conditions (with the exception of number 3), you've lost your subjects in shadow.

Find some shade and stand them in it, or blow the background.

I would always avoid having your subject facing the sun.

IrishK wrote in post #17991826
In an attempt to preserve the details of the scene under harsh, sunny conditions (with the exception of number 3), you've lost your subjects in shadow.

Find some shade and stand them in it, or blow the background.

I would always avoid having your subject facing the sun.

I agree number 3 is my favorite of the bunch. Composition and posing look real good. I agree with irishk, don't be afraid to overexpose the background in order to expose your subject more (unless dark shadow look is your goal).

Overall, I like them, except for #3.

#5 is my favourite, with #2 a close runner up.

At length, and save for #3, you were consistent in your exposure. Yes, the subjects are oft in shadow, the contrast is high, and the shadows are deep. That's what makes them –both subjects and photographs– stand out. Whether you were aiming for this or forgot your fill light/reflector only you know, but it turned out for the best: why would you like images that look just like every other photographer's anyway?

Exposing your subjects like they are almost silhouettes allowed you to give a certain mystique to the images: almost like peeking into the couple's relationship whilst remaining respectful of their intimacy: a dichotomy that's not at all easy to achieve! It also enabled you to insert subtle artistic elements, llike the heart shape formed by the lovers' bodies in #2. Had you exposed them 'properly' and fill the shadows, you woulda destroyed the magic.

great shot!

These are really nice and I'm sure the couple will be very pleased with them.

I like the framing in #2 and how you spotlighted the ring in #4. I know you come from the car/motorsports background and I can tell it in your processing. Cars require heavy contrast, shots tend to be underexposed, etc. I think that style is reflected in these quite a bit. Since I still shoot cars a little too, here's a few things that differ in my post processing. Personally, I shoot +1 stop in camera to over expose a bit. I may bring down the exposure just a bit in post, but most times that's dead on for people. Add very little contrast, saturation, etc. I think the other thing is that this couple just looks so serious. I always try to crack some dad jokes or make fun of myself to help lighten things up a bit. Make it fun for them. I know some couples still wont open up from time to time and that happens.

These are nice and I'm sure the couple will like them.
OTOH I agree with other comments that there isn't really anything "wow" about them. The comment that said the couple is "lost in the shadows" in a lot of these is spot on. When you are facing lighting like this DEFINITELY find an opportunity to use shade + backlighting so that this doesn't happen on every shot.

Very nice set. Thanks for posting.

Thank you all for the comments.

Some interesting views shared here. I think the general consensus is that the couple is not well enough lit or exposed. I have never been afraid of losing the shadows. I guess it is a matter of style. For example, looking at #5 I do not see an issue with losing the right side of her face and back of his head in the shadows. She is the focal point, and her face is still highlighted. There is nothing lost in the image for me. Same with #1. I find there more drama and emotion in the image this way. But I could be alone...

I do see that #2 could benefit from more light on the couple. Unfortunately, I much preferred this composition and there was only a thin strip of rock that we were standing on to make it work (and the sun was abnormally harsh that morning).

Wonderful picture of them holding hands and looking at the camera at your link.

Nothing really pops for me. Time of day needs to be bumped back to late afternoon evening when the sun isn't creating exposure issues. I feel like most of the images suffer from a lack of balance in blacks and shadows, you lose a lot of details in a lot of your images. It's either over exposed or under, not much in between.

Like I said, try a different time, this just isn't working.