Having Major Trouble

<p>Your main problem is poor lighting. The first image you posted was lit primarily with the overhead light sources, which are not flattering and create what we call "raccoon eyes" and a lot of shadows on the subjects. A professional wedding photographer would light these groups with a couple of powerful strobes, using unbrellas and/or soft boxes. Most of the ambient—overhead tungsten—light would be overpowered. However, this is not something you'll be able to do with an on-camera flash.</p>

<p>I would suggest you read many of the articales posted in this forum, as well as anything else you can get your hands on. Then invest in a couple of White Lightnings, stands & umbrellas and learn how to use them well.</p>

<p>All the best.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>MODERATOR NOTE: </p>

</blockquote>

<blockquote>

<p>I've been away and just catching up on threads... Brooke - Please take a look at our guidelines regarding uploading photos to forum threads... They are also there when you start a thread and go to upload an image. </p>

</blockquote>

<blockquote>

<p>1) Make sure the image is 700 pixels or less in WIDTH</p>

</blockquote>

<blockquote>

<p>2) you MUST put in a caption in the caption box.</p>

</blockquote>

<blockquote>

<p>We do not want images as links in the Wedding Forum. It is much easier to address questions about images when they show up in the thread. Thank you.</p>

</blockquote>