picturesque Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>I am continuing the theme assignment in this week's POW. I may even change the title, but not right away. This week's theme is First Dance. So post your best shots of romantic, teary, happy, choreographed or any other First Dance. I am <strong>excluding</strong> exchange dances such as Father/Daughter type. Make sure it is 700 pixels or less in width and/or length - AND - make sure to enter a caption in the caption box on that page where you've uploaded. Some details about the shot would be helpful.<br /><br />This is not a contest - but simply a discussion of art and technique, with illustrations. Positive as well as constructive suggestions are what will occur. HOWEVER - IF you wish to post your image but DO NOT WANT to be considered for critique - please say so in your caption. Images that show as a link will be deleted and you'll be asked to re-post.<br /><br />Newcomers and Pros are both welcome to post in this thread. You can start discussing immediately. ;-)</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markonestudios Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>Here's mine from a couple of years ago. My first time using off-cam flash at a wedding...</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_knographer Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>Playing with motion filters.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karl_knographer Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>Playing with motion filters. Three layers in PS, one gaussian blur, one radial blur, blending the three for the motion/swirl but taking some of it out of the edges.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>I had a great time at this wedding....this shot no flash...i don't like using one unless there's no other way. I shot it while holding the camera almost on the floor and without looking through the finder. I was please with the results..</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>Mark K.....i love that shot. I like how ceiling just transforms the image....very cool.</p> <p>Dave </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted January 30, 2012 Share Posted January 30, 2012 <p>First Dance.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wedding-photography-denver Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>Love this part of the day...</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn_mertz Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>This dance floor was surrounded by walls that are a ugly green for photos anyway. I used three speedlights all aimed at the dancers to reduce how noticeable the walls were. I started out with relatively even flat light and changed power from the back of camera to add more contrast and light from the direction they ended up standing in.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuccisphotos Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>So now I love the change with the theme shots suggestions, but no one seems to critique shots much any more. So in honor of that original purpose, here are my critiques...<br> Mark, where was your flash? I love the shot! The way the ceiling is it makes it almost seem like it's glowing from above.</p> <p>Karl, I suppose using those filters makes what is rather a dull background less dull, but the shot generally feels very underexposed and white balance off to me. They are dead center. I'd rather see if you have negative space it be on one side or the other ala rule of thirds, or crop in on the couple and make it a vertical shot instead. </p> <p>Dave, was one of the guests next to you trying to take the shot? It seems to have the telltale red AF assist lamp hue to her dress at the bottom. Can't begin to tell you how much those drive me bonkers when dragging the shutter!</p> <p>Marc, I wouldn't have gotten first dance from this. No face at all, and someone in the background, and a few spots on the bride that aren't too flattering. This I wouldn't have given to the bride. Unless if she was totally in love with her bird cage veil, then maybe crop in much tighter on their heads? I just don't get it. Sorry.<br> David, I like the cuteness of the shot, but the grain is getting me a little bit. Nice moment though. <br> Shawn, I can't see the color of the walls in this conversion obviously, but if it's that horrible a background instead of dragging the shutter and letting in that ambient, let your flashes light your subjects and do let the ambient around them go more to black. I would clone the edge on the left so that distracting white out of focus element was gone. </p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuccisphotos Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p><img src="http://www.fuccisphotos.com/pnet/firstdancepnet.jpg" alt="" /><br /> Here are some of my recent favs. Fun with flash techniques =)</p> <p><img src="http://fuccisphotos.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v22/p1048507589-3.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>Vail,<br> The light on the dress was from the DJ. Most of the time we ask the DJ not to use any lights during the first dance. Some DJ use really crazy lights during the first dance....and yes it drives us crazy.</p> <p>Especially if the lights are color....as you can see in this out take.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>Vail,<br> I really like the center shot of yours...that's the emotion i look for in the shot....you can feel that look.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuccisphotos Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>That's a good call Dave. I need to remember the next time I see the DJ have one of those balls that send those colors out to ask them to turn it off for the first dance. Brilliant! <br> I love the emotion in that bride's eyes too. That's why I love that shot. It just says I ADORE YOU!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
personalphotos Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>Here's a few. With all of these I'm using 1-3 off camera strobes via triggers on lightstands. Normally one is a flash on a stand, the second is a snooted light and the 3rd light is using a small softbox. The lights can be fired together or independently via the triggers. This gives some great creative control.</p> <p>Normally I don't want any shadows in the background but I felt this one worked.<br> <img src="http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/3443/pcf3084.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>Single strobe snooted on the opposite side.<br> <img src="http://img848.imageshack.us/img848/3163/pcf3813.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p>2 Lights, camera side at 1/32nd power and softbox on opposite side.<br> <img src="http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9241/pcf5929.jpg" alt="" /></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>Vail,<br> That is just what i would describe....adoration. That's what i love about some of the images on Photo.net....you can really feel the emotion trapped inside the image....and there are some great images on this site.</p> <p>While i'm writing this i'm looking at Pete Z images and saying......Wow.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>Vail, since this is supposed to be a <strong>discussion</strong> as well as a critique, I deliberately posted that photo without any text to make a point ... fully expecting a response like yours.</p> <p>Not everything has to conventional and expected, and in the flow of wedding images some can express something different. Not only did I give this to the clients (an art direct and designer), it went into the album and they bought a print ... they loved the graphic feel and sense of intimacy.</p> <p>I don't critique much but here goes:</p> <p><strong>Mark:</strong> good eye, using the ceiling in that manner is great ... not expected. I'd play with cropping a bit off the bottom.</p> <p><strong>Karl,</strong> spectacular, just the right amount of radial ... wish it wasn't cropped tangent to the dress. </p> <p><strong>Dave G</strong>, did you try some tighter crops? (But, I'd keep the chandelier).</p> <p><strong>David W.</strong> Not sure about this one ... doesn't quite say first dance ... but that's okay if it was part of a mini-story of the 1st dance.</p> <p><strong>Shawn,</strong> pretty girl and good timing on the expression ... not sure what you were trying to do with the lighting ... the cast shadows bug me more than the dull walls.</p> <p><strong>Vail,</strong> the silhouette doesn't quite work because of his face, but you take what you can get when shooting candid ... which this shot doesn't look like, it looks posed and without a title I wouldn't know this is a 1st dance shot either ... which was my point : -)</p> <p><em>Second shot:</em> nice expression on her "dreamy face"! Maybe try to avoid shooting up the Bride's nostrils, and that angle always makes the Bride's arms look fat. </p> <p><em>Third pic:</em> Nice catch ... they feel chopped off at the bottom with plenty of room at the top ... perhaps from using the center focus point? </p> <p><strong>Peter,</strong> nice work as always ... first two feel a little underexposed ... the third is great.</p> <p>(BTW, I do conventional stuff also : -)</p> <div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuccisphotos Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 The silhouette was actually an accidental capture. My on camera flash was still recycling but the kicker light still went off. I am usually not so much a fan of the up the nostril look either but the expression on her face I just loved. It is tricky because I am only 5'3" so now I bring a step ladder with me. The latter I am sure I was using center focus point as I usually focus and recompose. He went in for the impromptu kiss and I got the shot. I agree the chop at her elbow isn't ideal. Pete I adore that last image, bravo! Marc great lighting on the second one above. Good to get one of the grooms face too! they are often neglected ;) I feel as though my critique might have offended you on your first post. If so, my apologies. Different strokes for different folks as they say. Just an aside, it would be nice when we are talking about brides in photos that are posted to stay away from derogatory words like fat and use a bit nicer terms like unflattering. This is a public forum and you never know when a bride is going to stumble on to her own photo or your name. Seeing something like that describing a photo of you could really hurt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjferron Posted January 31, 2012 Share Posted January 31, 2012 <p>I'm not a wedding photographer so my opinion is what it is. Shawn your's is the best of the bunch. If that was my new wife I would treasure that photos for all my years.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotografz Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 <p>It's not a contest Michael, we upload pics to discuss. That said, I personally agree ... LOL!</p> <p>Vail, no offense taken, I've been doing this for a long time and have seen it all.</p> <p>Did you read why I put up that controversial image? Personally, when I see something very different with no explanation, I ask about it because I know I don't know everything. Often, the notion of "<em>I know what I like"</em>, actually means "<em>I like what I know"</em>.</p> <p>In the case of the first image, the clients, being an Art Director and Designer, specifically wanted as many unconventional images as I could produce ... If I could only produce the same old, same old, they wouldn't have hired me. So yes, different strokes for different folks ... and what counts is the personality of the clients.</p> <p>As to derogatory words like <em>fat</em>, point taken. So, I also suggest not saying dismissive things like "<em>This, I wouldn't have given to the Bride</em>", <strong>if </strong>we are concerned that clients may stumble across these critiques. I could say the same thing about a lot of shots posted on p.net ... but I don't because their clients are different from mine, so how would I know if it's right to give them a photo or not? </p> <p>The subject of "Critiques" is an interesting one in itself. Originally it meant to discuss in a neutral manner through investigation of intent and specifics, but has evolved to mean critical opinion in a less neutral manner, partly because of the verb <em>critcize</em>. So, if we are worried about clients seeing critical commentary on a powerful public forum, is the whole concept flawed no matter how it is worded? </p> <p> </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Gardner Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 <p>Marc W,<br> I love that top shot. The expression on the bride says it all. I also love the little girls on the left....it's like they are dreaming of their own day....and the B&W is just timeless.</p> <p>Yes i also get tight shots....i always try to get a variety of shots. Since i do a slideshow i would take about 20-25 shots of the first dance, changing lens during....then edit some to fit the music choice. </p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuccisphotos Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 Marc, you are right. I was self reflecting out loud a bit too much, and it wasn't necessary. When I first started out if it was in focus and well exposed it was given to the bride. They were getting an overwhelming number of shots (2000+). So now for myself unless it seems really grabbing or is of a key moment, I don't give it to a bride. So for many of those starting out I sometimes mention not providing an image to the bride to help them get past this phase sooner than I did because then it helps heir good work shine, rather than having it drowned out by their more mediocre work. Again not bad work, but not great. how we judge great vs ok photos is very subjective, but in these critiques we can usually go quickly to things like basic composition, lighting techniques, overall exposure, chopping of at joints, etc. when people point out things that aren't strong in my work I find it very helpful, and find it helpful when thy say what they love and why. It gives me things to work on. What we generally do agree on is content is key and emotion and great moments are usually A+ no matter how well executed they are (yes there are some exceptions). Seeing how many years you have been doing this you have likely outgrown this phase (if you were even ever in it). For most of my clients your unconventional shot wouldn't have been their first choice. They would like your other two. You obviously knew your client well and got them the cool non traditional shots they were looking for. Listening to what a client wants is super important. I will try to be a bit more tactful with my own critiques inthe future. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
personalphotos Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 <p>Marc W. Thanks for the kind comments. As for the first 2 shots 'feeling' underexposed, well to a degree, that is intentional. The first was actually brighter OOC. I brought it down about 1 stop because I felt the story was the shadow and I wanted to emphasize that part of the image.</p> <p>The second is most certainly underexposed. That's exactly what I was going for. The photo is the backlight/hairlight rather than seeing detail in the subject. When I read your comment that his shot was underexposed, it made me chuckle.</p> <p>I don't know how I feel about critiquing other people's shots on a public forum. This type of photography is very personal unlike your squirrel shot or landscape. The squirrel can't be offended :-)<br> I certainly like the comments on my own because I always learn from it, good or bad. But I'm always aware that the couple could stumble upon this thread and take a comment the wrong way if it sounds negative. So for now, I think I'll just comment on the photos I like. I'll wait a bit once we get a few more participating.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danny_w Posted February 1, 2012 Share Posted February 1, 2012 <p>Mark,<br> I too love the ceiling included in the shot!! Definitely adds to the subject matter and lovely shot too.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted February 1, 2012 Author Share Posted February 1, 2012 <p><strong>Moderator Note:</strong> The original intent of this thread type is very close to what Marc describes:</p> <blockquote> <p>The subject of "Critiques" is an interesting one in itself. Originally it meant to discuss in a neutral manner through investigation of intent and specifics, but has evolved to mean critical opinion in a less neutral manner, partly because of the verb <em>critcize</em>. So, if we are worried about clients seeing critical commentary on a powerful public forum, is the whole concept flawed no matter how it is worded?</p> </blockquote> <p>However, IMHO, there are ways of discussing subject and technique that are negative, but presented positively, if you know what I mean. That is just being courteous to others on the forum and to your clients. If you post client images, you should have some idea whether your clients would be OK with it. If not, don't post. I'm sure you all have plenty of images to post.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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