Quick Engagement Shoot

Had a quick engagement shoot last night and thought I would share a couple of the shots we grabbed. I'm still messing with textures and stuff and I think I'll probably start using some more of this style of processing in my special edition wedding prints during the summer.

Constructive comment and criticism always encouraged.

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I love all your composition but the background overlay stuff takes away from your good work- in my opinion only

jillybean wrote in post #4285686
I love all your composition but the background overlay stuff takes away from your good work- in my opinion only

It's definitely a matter of taste. I think this sort of stuff really polarizes opinion. It's really just an exploration, though, and I've been enjoying the process - that's the main thing!

Another one:

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I actually really like well-applied textures, and I like yours here. The only one I don't like is #2, but that's just because I find the hard vignette distracting. It's definitely a matter of taste, but I think being able to offer your clients the option is terrific.

Nice shots Dan. I can't say I'm a fan of texturing either, but you probably already knew that. I do like all the shots, #3 and #4 in particular. I find the vignette too strong in 2 also. Just for kicks, any chance you could post up the non-textured images too? Curious to see the before/after. if not then no biggie, I understand it's probably a PITA to do that.

very nice

picturecrazy wrote in post #4286005
Just for kicks, any chance you could post up the non-textured images too?

Sure... Straight out of Lightroom with my standard preset - no individual work done.

Ive always liked the texture look youre trying to achieve, but not with this shoot. pix are great, but I think trying to pull an "antique" or "aged" look is hard in this type of setting.

I like the non textured, and with just a little more punch....ive seen your other work, so im sure you get my drift. I do like those textures alot though. are they actions?

Very nice. Great shots

Thanks for the comments so far, all valuable.

I think one key point to remember with this sort of processing is that it rarely looks as good on screen as it does in print or on canvas. When I process an image, it's the end result in mind, not how it will translate as a web-sized JPG.

Dan, I think these are great. I personally do not really like textures, but, like you said, it's very subjective. I just see texturing, today, as yesterday's selective coloring.

Either way, I don't think you've gone overboard with the effect, like I've seen before, so, for that reason, I am still a big fan of these. Well done!

mizuno wrote in post #4286124
Thanks for the comments so far, all valuable.

I think one key point to remember with this sort of processing is that it rarely looks as good on screen as it does in print or on canvas. When I process an image, it's the end result in mind, not how it will translate as a web-sized JPG.

I would love to see something with textures printed on canvas. I think it would look much more organic on canvas.

I really like the whole package on #2. It's got a really dreamy quality I think and plus it seems a little warmer to me than the un-textured image. #1 Kind of reminds me of a 1960's California snapshot the way it's processed. I like the bokeh of water a lot on #4 and to me, the texture kind of takes away from that, or obscures that detail.

The thing I've wondered about going this direction in P.P. is how you incorporate images into a cohesive whole when you present them. Do you sprinkle in a few, or do you have to stylize the whole shoot to make them work together in say, an album setting?

Philco wrote in post #4286253
I really like the whole package on #2. It's got a really dreamy quality I think and plus it seems a little warmer to me than the un-textured image. #1 Kind of reminds me of a 1960's California snapshot the way it's processed. I like the bokeh of water a lot on #4 and to me, the texture kind of takes away from that, or obscures that detail.

The thing I've wondered about going this direction in P.P. is how you incorporate images into a cohesive whole when you present them. Do you sprinkle in a few, or do you have to stylize the whole shoot to make them work together in say, an album setting?

I actually like textures and I would promptly disengage the services of my photographer if my ENTIRE engagement shoot came back processed with textures. personally, i think it is best used in moderation. I would like at it as an option for the "fine art images" that many photographers offer with a few select poses.