First E-Session - Emma and Steven

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some constructive feedback on my first E-Session; The 'models' are friends of mine, and this session was an attempt to bolster my own skills while providing them with a sample of my particular brand of photography.. I'm supposed to be shooting their wedding in June, and it will be a paid job, so I'm obviously eager to improve as much as I can prior to that.

In total there are five pictures from yesterday, and I'm not completely satisfied with the results, but we all have to start somewhere right? The subjects were difficult to say the least - The girl couldn't stop giggling, and the guy just looked bored.. Both completely unresponsive to direction, and certainly not dressed for the occasion, but I had to make the most of what I had. The conditions were also pretty difficult - Rain for the first part of the day, and bright sunshine for the latter half..

One thing that's bugging me in particular is the fact that a lot of my photographs seem to come out soft, albeit only slightly; It was mounted on a sturdy Manfrotto tripod and I was using a remote shutter release, so it can't be due to camera shake; I'm very frustrated that the images aren't as sharp as I was hoping. Any suggestions?

I'm currently using a 350D + kit lens (that is, 18-55mm Non-IS).

Now that all my excuses are in place (lol), Any advice/comments welcome..

I don't think there's anything you did wrong with the pictures. The guy just doesn't really seem into it. He's barely looking at her or touching her.

Try to get him to engage her more if you get a chance to speak to him before the wedding.

geo1976 wrote in post #7894320
I don't think there's anything you did wrong with the pictures. The guy just doesn't really seem into it. He's barely looking at her or touching her.

Try to get him to engage her more if you get a chance to speak to him before the wedding.

Hmm, ok. Thanks I'll definitely have a chance to speak to him before the wedding.. Although he never seems very much into anything, so it may be a challenge.. lol.

i would use a fill flash on #2

jeromego wrote in post #7894565
i would use a fill flash on #2

Ok, many thanks; Am still getting to grips with flash - It was quite sunny at this stage, and I think a different angle (ie: Not shooting with the light behind us) would have perhaps been a better idea, in hindsight. I would have liked to have gotten more of her face in, too..

I actually really like the last one