Lighting the Candles

Feedback?

I'm no expert, and for sure have far less to show off compared to your collection, but after seeing some of the very nice examples in your portfolio this one seems to be a departure from what you are capable of. Its a little blurry and I personally think that takes away from the moment, but others may think it is a nice effect. For an indoors shot I think you did a great job getting the exposure you did as the detail throughout is nice, with the exception of a few highlights. A closer view of the couple would be nice as I find myself more interested in the colors of the window, the arch, the collums and the wall the cross is on. Seeing the bridesmaids also makes me want to look elsewhere in the composition, as does the vent in the wall on the right. A telephoto would have been nice here, but I'm sure you didn't want to seem intrusive with a tripod and couldn't take shots with the long exposure times in the indoor light. Maybe the low light is responsible for the blur? At any rate, I'm sure the couple would like a copy.

Actually, this was a departure from my usual work because I was getting paid to take it. If I got too creative it would probably scare the newlyweds.

 

I shot with available light because I didn't want to flash to disturb the ceremony. No telephoto because the only lens I had that would open up wide enough was a prime. This was shot at F1.4, 400 ISO. The blur is from a diffusion filter to give the candles a little boost. As you noticed, I do change my style when I'm on a job. The cake picture on my page is also from a paid gig.

Tough shot! Great job

Ed - Funny you say that. The cake picture jumped right out at me as well. I'm glad to hear you didn't use flash. Call me a nut, but I absolutely hate flash, in any situation. If I can't shoot it in whatever light is available, I just don't shoot it. I like shooting that way myself but it will probably keep me from becoming anything close to a real photographer. Glad to hear you've turned something you're good at and enjoy into a paying job. I myself would feel as if I had been made King of the world the day I earn my first dollar as a photographer...

Hey, two years ago I felt the same way. How to turn pro:

 

1) go to photography school. Trust me, there's plenty of stuff you can't teach yourself. You don't need to go full time. I just took a bunch of evening classes.

 

2) read lots of photography books. Despite what I said in point 1 there IS a lot you can teach yourself.

 

3) get a good film camera and shoot with it a LOT. Even if you intend to shoot only digital, film will train your eye in ways digital will not.

 

4) get together an online portfolio. I use my photo page right here for that purpose.

 

5) answer a lot of ads and send them links to your portfolio. I was amazed. Within two weeks I was getting actual paid jobs. I was also getting my work published in art books. The whole process was a lot easier than I had anticipated, and a hell of a lot of fun, too.

Hi Ned.

 

I must admit that wedding photographs are not at all my thing - in fact I find weddings rather artificial and a little disturbing to say the least! - They are however the meat and bread of the jobbing photographer - yet as such emphasis and importance is placed on the event by those concerned, I can imagine that it is exceedingly stressful for the guy with the camera. As I have a couple of cameras and like to take a few snaps now and then, many of my friends have asked me to take the photographs at their weddings - I always say NO NO NO! - Instead I wander arround a little tipsy, having drunk excessive champers, and shoot high speed B&W candids of the guests while the pro gets on with his relentless task of attempting to controll the uncontrollable!

 

What I am trying to say is that I have great respect for your wedding series, and admiration for this photograph in particular. It is not what I would call a standard "pro" wedding shot - but to my eyes it is honest and exceedingly moving, having certainly captured a tender monent. Of course what makes it most successful is the lighting - as said above, you have done very well in difficult conditions, both technical and emotional.

 

What do you think about a little crop and tilt?

 

Fond regards, Nick.

 

P.S. Jacob - I also love ambient light and hate flash - in fact I'm not really sure what one is and what anyone would want to do with one!!

I like the crop!

 

Sadly, the wedding agency I'm working for pushes for the use of flash at all times. Apparently that's what the brides are used to and they complain "why is it lit all funny?". We're also forbidden to use film (oh, my poor Hasselblad!). They advertise themselves as "100% digital" becuase that's what the brides associate with quality.

 

That said, in the decade I spent as an investment banker I never had a single day as fun as I have shooting a wedding. I'm doing a chinese wedding in about an hour so I'm looking forward to the food.