First wedding photos

I agree that some of your cropping is a bit too close b/c you are cutting out some people and the vignetting is a bit strong, but the subject matter is good. I like the pictures but it looks like they are holding their hands too high so that it almost looks like their hands end. Next time have their hands lower so that you get a better view of them. Great idea to soften them. I would suggest increasing the temperature of the photo a bit to bring out the skin tones more. Don't listen to the people being cruel. You have to start somewhere. Check out different wedding photographer's sites to get some ideas on some poses and views they pick. You can also youtube and go to adorama tv to see some videos that can help you learn how to make your equipment work better for you as well

Rob pix4u2 wrote: I think the tilt ruins those for me and a couple of the others are too ordinary for wedding albums, the group shot works but a more formal shot would be better. Did you do any formal portraits? or was your intent only casual shots? I agree with Butterflygirl that these are not stunning or extraordinary in any way.

Sorry have to agree with Rob as a pro wedding photographer these are more like snap shots.

photobod wrote:

Rob pix4u2 wrote: I think the tilt ruins those for me and a couple of the others are too ordinary for wedding albums, the group shot works but a more formal shot would be better. Did you do any formal portraits? or was your intent only casual shots? I agree with Butterflygirl that these are not stunning or extraordinary in any way.

Sorry have to agree with Rob as a pro wedding photographer these are more like snap shots.

Go on David, post your first wedding photos here.

Actually there are some there that I'd classify as "Snapshots" but there's some good ones. Not bad for a first try. When I shoot an event or something there's bound to be a few crappy 'snapshot' style pics. I'd not show them online myself.

These are alot better than my first wedding also. Working as a second shooter isn't an option in my area. Photographers are not willing to help out what they consider competition (at least in my area). I think U did great.

susiefox10 wrote: These are alot better than my first wedding also. Working as a second shooter isn't an option in my area. Photographers are not willing to help out what they consider competition (at least in my area). I think U did great.

Stealthy Ninja wrote: OK onto some comments.

Pretty good for a 1st wedding to be honest. I've see WAY worse from people with more "experience".

The following is some tips/opinions from me:
1. Don't add that harsh vignetting (black border thing) it look unprofessional.
2. Never use direct flash (unless you really need to) at least bounce the flash off the ceiling (walls are even better).

Not bad overall.

With some tweeking and some tutorials and more shooting your techniques will improve greatly.Keep shooting no matter what!!

I think you did good for your first wedding!

I want to first say- I see great potential. This was your first go at it and well the first one is always rocky. My first wedding (and my last) my bride was so disappointed she didn't pay me the rest of my agreed upon fee. Hence why it was my last. I JUST started photographing people again. I am not highly skilled at people photography, macro and studio flowers- I can do. I have much to learn.

Personally I am not a fan of vignettes, I think they take away from the subjects instead of highlighting them. I also think you cropped way too close- you need more room on the edges- people were cut off. What about when they frame an image they will loose some of the edge as well. I also found the tilt distracting. That may be your personal style, it may not. Like I said in the beginning- great potential. I agree about researching what you want ahead of time, you will get ideas and be able to move more creatively in the field. Good Luck!

I would like to make a simple posing suggestion for your ring photo. I think it is more "finished" or "formal" looking if you have both subjects bring their fingers together. When their fingers are wide open, it looks odd. (to me.)

The traditional ring shot can be done in so many ways now. Some older couples don't even want the rings on their hands when they are photographed. They would prefer them on the invitation or in a flower of the boquet or in the icing of the cake.

Again, this is just something to consider.

Even if you can't be a second shooter, next time you go to a wedding watch the photographer like a hawk.

When my wife and I got married, 40 years ago, we had a very skilled professional photographer. My brother-in-law was an amateur photographer. He got a picture of the flower girl that was underexposed, framed poorly, etc. However, he captured the essence of that little girl in the expression on her face--sheer joy that characterized the mood at the wedding. We still cherish that photo, and needless to say, that little girl is a mom herself and really loves that picture.

Ken