Drown the Gown - Kiwi Style :)

#1-#4: I like these composition-wise, but the facial expressions and posing are a bit too boring and un-engaged for me.
#4 would have looked better if the flash was diffused.
#5: just looks uncomfortable. Nice sky tho.
#6: again, not feeling a real connection here.
#5-#6: stick out as direct flash images. I hate direct flash ... it takes away texture and shape and casts shadows where they shouldn't be.

Overall, a nice set, but as a showcase for "drown the gown", I think you'd do better to work with a client and/or have a clearer creative vision. These look like splashing in the water for its own sake, which IMO doesn't sell this type of thing very well. Also, getting the dress dirty doesn't have to involve water. And finally, where is the groom?

Thanks... I think

Eventually I would like to use actual "clients" but just wanted to have some fun and practice on a friend to start off without that added pressure.. specially having not done anything similar before. I'm not even sure if this sort of thing would take off over here.. I've also not takentoo many photos after sunset that involve people in that way, so it was a huge learning curve there too (so it gave me a chance to practice and have a go).

I had all intentions of off camera flash, but had to use direct flash on the last couple as the trigger for our off camera flash went for a swim.. whoops!

Overall I did have a vision of what I wanted to achieve and felt I got what I wanted out of it... Onwards and upwards really and now I know what to do and not to do next time. I still have the dresses and she's keen to do it again, so no doubt we can improve.

And as for the groom.... her boyfriend didnt want to participate.. lol i did try though

I have more here : http://www.facebook.co​m …?aid=56073&id=4​5425207417
and here's a couple more though

lil_miss wrote in post #7216177
These particular photos were not of a bride.. just my best friend and a couple of dresses
Typically though the Trash the Dress/Drown the Gown is normally done after the wedding day and if people are only going to wear the dress that once then I guess why not... I imagine if you were wanting to onsell it you'd be a bit careful though. And i'm sure if it was worth $$$ you probably woudlnt go anywhere near water either..

When I do actual weddings, I try to get an idea of what the bride is up for in terms of sitting on the grass/seats etc - some are completley dead set on keeping their dresses white, other are not so.

The dress above that was used at the beach, I put through the washing machine on delicate cycle and its come up perfect (apart from the odd fleck of sand floating around). It didnt get overly dirty though, it was just wet and covered in sand. The other dress did get a bit dirty from rocks etc and didnt come up so well in the washing machine, but i'm sure with dry cleaning it would be fine... I dont have any intention of onselling these two dresses though as I did have to "modify" them with scissors lol

Well it sounds like it was a pretty fun shoot!
Thanks for the input.

linarms wrote in post #7216250
Also, getting the dress dirty doesn't have to involve water.

Oh you're right there.. it was just something I wanted to do
I've got some ideas in mind of other things to do.. but probably wont have time till Winter now

Oooo I like #7 (not numbered, but 7th in this thread)

Defo a good start all round I look forward to see more ...

Doh! sorry forgot the numbers
Thanks for your help and comments.. its much appreciated
I'm open to ideas and learning

#6 is my favorite... Very nice composition..

- airbutchie