Pat & Sarah - Engagement Session

[JohnB]

Friends from Church who recently got engaged asked if I'd take some photos for them for the news paper to announce their engagement.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5063484625_194eaee9e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dorkyphotographer/5063484625/lightbox/)http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5063484479_499e00f4f1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dorkyphotographer/5063484479/lightbox/)http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5064096054_ca514c8312_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dorkyphotographer/5064096054/lightbox/)
I'd love to hear what you think is wrong with these photos as much as what you like about them.

[Steve Paxton]

They look pretty good John! I like the processing.

Two things jump out at me - the gal's eyes are closed in the first image. I realize she is probably laughing, but it looks a little odd (to someone who wasn't there) - and in the last image, it looks like you picked up a shadow from the dog. I am guessing light is coming in camera right and the dog is creating an odd shadow on her face. It's minor stuff - but, worth mentioning.

I am glad to see you are pushing forward with your portrait photography!

[JohnB]

Thanks for the comments, Steve. My lighting set up is something I need to work on more. I also have to figure out how to get my lightstands stable enough. Two fell over and one umbrella broke during that session. The 4 or 5 hundred rounds of .223 holding the one stand down wasn't enough. Perhaps I need to anchor it lower.

I noticed the shadows when I was processing the photos. There aren't too many that didn't have them. Here's the rest of the gallery...

http://www.brainardphotography.com/galleries/Pat-and-Sarah/

[DCrutchfield]

looks good with the exception of the distracting shadows and lights on the faces which should be the center of attention. I always try to capture the eyes, when you have the eyes visible and attentive, you have a great portrait, If the people are to be the subject. JMO..... keep it up John!

[Chris-T-Photography]

I have had lots of trouble with light-stands as well John. Even when they are weighted down with sand-bags if the wind catches it just right it's gonna fall over. Luckily my wife is with me 99% of the time so she's in charge of that LOL -- she's my 'Voice-Activated Light Stand". I looked through the entire gallery and I think the images are good, my favorite being the one of the hound looking off to camera right(it's just a great image and I'm a dog person). The only suggestion I would offer is not to be afraid to get on in there and get those detail shots. Get shots of the hands together with them kissing in the background with focus on the hands and they fade out of focus, get tight shots of them holding hands(example: http://rawphotodesign.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/danbury-engagement-session8.jpg ). I think they are great images I just wanted to offer a couple suggestions(please feel free to throw me some too if you get a chance 205studios.com). I can hardly wait to see more images John!!!