1st Engagement Shoot (Really my 1st shoot ever)

Hello POTN,

I am making the transition from videography to photography and my fiance paired me with a couple she works with to take their engagement/save-the-date photos. They couldn't find a photographer for some reason so we offered the service free as 'practice' for me. Below are a couple keepers from the shoot and I wanted to get some feedback.

I have been through a few engagement photo threads and did research on best practices but sadly all of that fell right off the cliff once it came time to shoot. It was also 32 degrees in DC that day. The hardest part for me was keeping an eye on composition and snapping away to make sure I didn't miss any great 'moment' the entire shoot. I was also extremely passive! It was my first time and I wasn't directing at all. I find it to be pretty difficult to drop the camera and direct shots, compose them, and snap all in the same instance to catch those good shots. Any suggestions? This might be one of those things that just takes practice, practice, practice!

The pictures turned out well I guess. They REALLY liked them, but in a sense, of course they would... I wanted to get some expert feedback on what I could have done better and post processing. They wanted 95% of the photos in Black/White mainly because of the cold temperature mix with the skin tones. All feedback is welcomed, thanks.

a few more...

Sadly, the bride to be had to point out to me that her pinky was mysteriously missing in the ring picture. Things like that completely went over my head when I was flipping through the images. Its hard to notice or to even think to check something like that when so many other things are on your mind at the moment..

Heya! I think theyre quite nice, especially for your first shoot. The last image is my favorite. If it were my image, I would edit the branches sticking from their heads.

Do you own a flash? if so try practice outside with family and friends using some off camera flash. They look very flat and could use some light.

ChuckingFluff wrote in post #15703295
Do you own a flash? if so try practice outside with family and friends using some off camera flash. They look very flat and could use some light.

Agree totally. I would also read up on composition....rule of thirds, posing.

Spike44 wrote in post #15703539
Agree totally. I would also read up on composition....rule of thirds, posing.

I know about composition and rule of thirds. I think every picture follows that rule except for the second one. Posing is what I lacked at, as I was too passive. I guess I was thinking too much and worrying about making sure exposure was good. But in that instance, do you just tell them to hold their places until you compose your shot? By that time I feel like they would have moved or it would loose its naturalness - if thats a word. That is the part I find hard to grasp.

ChuckingFluff wrote in post #15703295
Do you own a flash? if so try practice outside with family and friends using some off camera flash. They look very flat and could use some light.

No I dont, but I do think that would have done a great deal of help. I had a reflector but didnt think to use it because it was very overcast and gloomy. It still might have helped a bit though. Flash is next on the list!!! TY

JakAHearts wrote in post #15703222
Heya! I think theyre quite nice, especially for your first shoot. The last image is my favorite. If it were my image, I would edit the branches sticking from their heads.

Thank you!! Yes the last one is my favorite of all the pics taken that day.

Good Idea, would have never thought of that..

Pics are alright....I think I'm more impressed by that kids FADE!!! MAN, I need to find a barber that can hook me UP!! LoL!!!

TimHphotovideo wrote in post #15701928
They wanted 95% of the photos in Black/White mainly because of the cold temperature mix with the skin tones.

Do What? Let me get this straight, you showed them the color photos from the shoot and they were unhappy with their skin tones so they requests all the B&W's?

tak0eye wrote in post #15705345
Pics are alright....I think I'm more impressed by that kids FADE!!! MAN, I need to find a barber that can hook me UP!! LoL!!!

LMAO!!!! This guy

Your last pose reminded me a bit of the poses and subject in this blog post from one of my favorite wedding photogs. http://neilvn.com …tips-on-posing-asymmetry/

Qveon wrote in post #15705407
Do What? Let me get this straight, you showed them the color photos from the shoot and they were unhappy with their skin tones so they requests all the B&W's?

No before we even left the shoot they told me to just put everything in black and white.

JakAHearts wrote in post #15706271
Your last pose reminded me a bit of the poses and subject in this blog post from one of my favorite wedding photogs. http://neilvn.com …tips-on-posing-asymmetry/

lol, yes I see the similarity here. Next time around I will be more vocal and hands-on with the poses...