2 Photos, Same Couple. Haven't posted here in a while

Haven't posted in this section in a while. I figure it's good to come back to it every now and then for a reality check and some good honest feedback.

I got these 2 images this past Saturday at around 4:00pm with my 5DmkII and 85mm 1.8 @ 1.8. This couple was awesome! They were a little stiff at first but after about 5 minutes they loosened up and relaxed and started giving me some natural smiles. I took both shots from the exact same spot, the only difference in framing is that I was standing for the first and kneeling on one knee for the second. Also the first is just one shot, while the second is 12 shots stiched together ( I like playing with the Brenizer method every now and then).

Shot these with natural light. I had a bare manual speedlight (YN-560II) on a stand for some fill but I ended up not using it because as bright as it was keeping my shutter at 1/200 sync speed required an aperture of around f/8-11. That was too much DOF for what I wanted. I know the sky is blown, I did it intentionally. Not much was going on in the sky since it was a beautiful clear day here in central California. Also tried a little different processing than I normally do. A little more washed out and "stylized"...trying to find my style.


One shot.

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If, as you say, you were intentionally aiming for a blown out effect, I've not much to say other than I'd remove or relocate the logo in #2.

Everybody to their own but the effect doesn't appeal to me but I respect you for trying something different.

Woodworker wrote in post #16748643
If, as you say, you were intentionally aiming for a blown out effect, I've not much to say other than I'd remove or relocate the logo in #2.

Everybody to their own but the effect doesn't appeal to me but I respect you for trying something different.

I agree ....you did a great job of stitching but the logo placement and overexposure don't work for me. Seems strange that there is no shadow from the couple and I would rethink the graphic T for a shot like this.

I think it's just a bit too bright/yellow for me. I would have also had him stick his thumbs out of his pockets.

I like the one shot best.
I like the colors and the flat, film feel you added in post. I would've brought the highlights down just a bit more, thats it, I like it!

HI,

I prefer no. 1 too - I think having the couple larger in the frame makes the image more about them. I'm OK with the blown sky as well... but I think no 2 has a bit too much overexposed head. I agree with the previous poster about the thumbs... I know they are both smiling (and squinting?) but I'd really like to see a touch of light somehow in their eyes as well...

Good feedback! Thanks guys.