Wedding Photo of the Week--7/9/12

[picturesque]

<p>We're taking a break from themed Wedding Photos of the Week. I'd just like to see one of your best, recent wedding images and open any kind of pertinent discussion.<br>

<br /> 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 technical 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 /> Newcomers and Pros are both welcome to post in this thread. You can start discussing immediately. ;-)</p>

[karl_knographer]

Early morning shoot, downtown Chicago, with Chinese couple on honeymoon.<div></div>

[Dave Gardner]

<p>Working with natural light....</p><div></div>

[markonestudios]

<p>One of my recent favourites</p><div></div>

[markonestudios]

<p>Karl, well-spotted. I would have gone true vertical on this. I'm a fan of the moment and the story but not of the tilt on this one.</p>

<p>Dave, her veil looks dreamy :) Good eye to catch the sun's rays on it. I would have positioned the groom a bit more camera left and cropped out the bridge to the right. As it stands now, the right side of the image seems to be an afterthought and encroaching on their delicate moment. I would also have shot it wider open to throw the trees out of focus. Nice delicate lighting on their faces though :)</p><div></div>

[markonestudios]

<p>Dave's</p><div></div>

[personalphotos]

<p>Sorry Mark I disagree on the Dave's edit. It's fine just as it is. One thing we often forget is what about a canvas or print for framing? If it was a gallery wrap, he'd be partly around the edge or in a matted frame, he'd be partly cut off.</p>

<p>The other thing to consider is, clients don't see things the way we do. They like the subject centered more. Not to say every image needs to be but with the crop you've suggested, the image looks off balance. Second, is although the bride is the only focus of the day and in many respects she is, he's just as big a part of the wedding as she is though and he has family who will want images that key on him as well. With your crop, she's in the centre and set up as the main subject, he's off to the side as an afterthought.</p>

<p>Mark got it right and has a wonderful image here. (Note: I would clone that tree above her head though if I was going to deliver/print this).</p>

[markonestudios]

<p>Peter Z, to clarify, "Dave's cropped" version was just a <em>very</em> rough edit to show the effect of removing what was IMO a distracting staircase and guardrail. My take would be, either deliberately include it or crop it out in the framing.</p>

<p>Of course I agree that in my crop above it would be too close for comfort on the groom's side. I should have called it just an "illustrative crop" :)</p>

[laurel_jensen]

<p>Personally, I love the the tilt in Mark's image - it gives it a sense of movement and energy. Also, the squared up edit brings my eye to the projected image on the wall in the upper left rather than the couple whereas the original image helps my eye to flow around and focus on the couple. I think it's a very good composition - and a difficult one.</p>

[jschmitzphotos]

<p>Ceremony took place in very harsh light that was streaming through the trees. Got lucky that the couple just so happened to be standing in full shade instead of the dappled light that was everywhere else (as was the case for all shots of them walking down the aisle).<br>

<img src="http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/461/tammyandmattpow.jpg" alt="" /></p>

 

[Dave Gardner]

<p>Mark K.....i understand your point.....but i kinda like it as is. I may want to paint this image later. Also i have run into the problem that Pete Z mentioned with the print.</p>

[Dave Gardner]

<p>Mark K....your right about the 50mm....i use my 1.4 as a work horse. If i had to choose one lens to use all day.....it would be that...</p>

[karl_knographer]

<p>I'll sometimes correct verticals, but in this case I felt the elegance and energy were in the bending shapes mimicking the groom's body position, and his leanness mirrored in the tall verticals. Taking it to square makes it more correct but I think it loses its playfulness and balance. I think we all tend to fill the frame a lot, but context can be effective and lend interest. Also, this couple is from China and wanted to showcase the city environment.</p>

[the_mongrel_cat]

<p>Bride nearly ready</p><div></div>

[jschmitzphotos]

<p>What's that white stuff on her eyelashes?</p>

[the_mongrel_cat]

<p>it's some kind of fancy eyelash extension. i honestly have no idea.</p>

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p>Eyelash bling..........</p>