FIRST e-session C&C welcome

This was my first engagement session.. thoughts? Potential?

The first one is really nice! I like the cross process pp look. But I would try and see what it looks like straightened?
And I'm diggin' the emotion you got in these!

Here are some of my pointers...
- all of the photos aren't sharp (1st one is the best out of all of them) could it be the lens? resize to jpg? a combination?
- you used flash for these and it's quite obvious, and I don't particularly like when I notice flash being used (especially the last two). Was it too dark?
- I'd love to see a bigger depth of field (open the aperture up more! you're shooting at 5.6 & 4.8 in these from what I see)
- #2 could be very nice, but it's lacking punch I think?
- and a curious question...why did you shoot with an xti and a FinePixS2Pro?

Cheers!
Bartek

Thanks for all of the pointers!!!

Yes, it was getting dark, I could only shoot after work and it was before we turned the clocks ahead.

I got a diffuser so hopefully that will fix my flash problem.. I used a Rebel because thats what I have right now until I can earn some more money.. I've been renting lenses for big events. And it had the kit lens on it so thats what the aperture isn't opened as much as I would like!

I didn't have a finepixpro though? I don't know where that came from.

thanks!!!

I like the first one a lot. What processing did you do to it. I am trying to get that look. Is it an Action in PS?

The last on is nice too. I also like the borders. the 2nd one is missing something but I think it is because the guy looks silly. and the 3rd looks like you cut them out and pasted them in a fake background. But then again I just finished editing 900 wedding shots from last week. I can't see straight!

Nice job!

nothing wrong about using an XTi, that's what I use too and it's a good camera, but the kit lens is not a good lens, specially for paid work. There are a few good upgrade lenses, the first choice would be the EF-S 17-55, of money is an issue then the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 or the Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 are both good. I use the Tamron and it is a big improvement over the kit lens.

Absolutely love #1, spot on. I like how in

#2 the couple is framed by the dirty/ darker brickwork.

Too much flash used in #3, did you shoot manual? In difficult situations like this i generally shoot manual, expose for the background, then adjust the flash to give desired result.