New To People/Event

So I was asked to be the photographer at a company BBQ, and I said "sure, but keep your expectations low".

I did the party using my SD750, and here is a shot of our president that I thought turned out fairly well. I know the processing isn't to everyone's taste, but how are the other aspects of the shot? This one is done, and I'm printing this out for him, but I would love tips for events like this in the future.

Thank you for looking, and taking the time to leave a comment.
_

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There's a lot going on in this picture. I'd consider cloning out the "ELI" in the bottom left corner, and cropping the junk off the right.

Hey Chris

I would consider moving the lower sign towards the left, lining it up with the upper sign and then doing some cropping on the right side.

This has a definite PJ vibe to it. I had to warm up to it, but I think I like it. The speculars are really cool.

I'm with Polar on the the ELI -- although I don't think I would clone it out, but maybe just desaturate it so its not so distracting. I would knock down the specular on the pipe at the top center of the frame, though. Its a little bright.

I think he should be very pleased.

Consider adding some PP DoF blur to the signage and truss structure behind the subject so it is not competing with the same signage under the subject that is in the same focal plane. I like the PP on this.

EDIT:

Sort of like this? The mask is rough (trackpad on my laptop) but you get the idea. I also darkened the background and lightened the subject to get a little more separation.

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This is really different for you Chris! I really like the processing! It's almost a little 3D-ish..

Flo wrote in post #6092986
This is really different for you Chris! I really like the processing! It's almost a little 3D-ish..

Very different. He doesn't look anything like a cityscape

I appreciate the suggestions, and will definately keep them in mind for the future. I'll be shooting more and more events in the future.

I was so focused on the subject that I was able to seperate the background from the subject very easily, but I can see now that there is definate room for improvement. Love the edit Kirk, I think I would go that route. Heck I may make that edit (and the defocusing of the ELI), and send it in to print again.

Thank you all, this is actually very new to me.

LeuceDeuce wrote in post #6093172
...

Thank you all, this is actually very new to me.

Wait until someone asks you to shoot their wedding....

Also - add a sweet lens flare to the president's fingertip - definite year-end bonus there.

kirkt wrote in post #6093358
Wait until someone asks you to shoot their wedding....

Also - add a sweet lens flare to the president's fingertip - definite year-end bonus there.

LOL I have made a personal choice that I would never do a wedding. Not that I can't, just that I won't. I don't need the stress, and I don't actually like being at weddings so I can't imagine how it would be a good event.

As for year-end bonuses... that was what this BBQ was for

kirkt wrote in post #6093358
add a sweet lens flare to the president's fingertip - definite year-end bonus there.

Lens flare nothin!!!!

The bonus AND the promotion...yeah...the​re in da' bag!!!!

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ROFL Thanks for the inspiration Matt

No problem.

I call it : "Let there be cabinetry."

:p