Karen & Ted

This shot was from the first wedding I did back in Nov last year. I

have done 4 more since then and am having a ball doing them. I was

very nervous on the first one and still get a little nervy now but I

think that is more the excitement. Please tell me what you think.

Cant wait to put up the Bali wedding photos I did 2 weeks ago.

 

Mick B

A nice shot, but I don't agree with the posing.

the hand on the brides shoulder isn't a good pose for them, and you almost lost the lady in the background group. Pay a little bit more attention to detail if you can. Kevin

Actually it wasn't posed this was one of the candids

I love this image very different from the typical, stagnant bridal party shots. I love the texture of the cobblestones and the walls and fence, also a departure from the usual flower/bushes/trees. Would it be better if the guy in the background had his sunglasses off, or the vines in front of the groom and the woman on the right were removed, or if the brides expression were just a little more relaxed sure. But I wish I had a photograph just like this of my wife, my friends and me

I agree with Mike Scott - I think this is very refreshingly different, as wedding 'photos go.

Way to go. There is no question that the most loved and popular form of wedding photography today is reflected right here in this image. (By the way -- To the critics.... photojournalistic wedding photography also pays more than perfectly posed wedding photography these days) Uncontrived, natural, relaxed, cute, a real moment and quite refreshing. Couples They don't seem to want that many - if any cookie cutter, Cheesy "storybook shots". There is a real story here, a fun moment and it is well captured. And, you just can't start fussying with a branch, a hand or people in the background or people will look fake and strained and uncomfortable! Wedding party peaking around the corner to see the couple... and the couple looking quite natural and genuinely happy (probably because the photo session is almost over and they're goin for champaigne!) Kidding.. this shot is really nicely captured..

Actually Mary you weren't far wrong. From here I took them to an old Pub to have a drink and relax before going on for more photos. While they were in the pub I got a couple of shots of them playing pool which I will try and get up soon. This was probably one of the most fun weddings I have done. With the Bali wedding a close second.

Nice shot. Believe me, your and I are at about the same skill level, so don't take this critiques as though I am talking down to you. Some of the advice is directed toward you and toward me, because I see the same problems in my own work.

 

Now to the critiques.

 

Not sure about his hand on her shoulder. He has a handsome expression, to be honest, and she has a smile that is okay (but I bet when she is relaxed her smile is even better).

 

The crowd in back looking on is a very nice touch. I really like it. However, I see two major problems: the sunglasses, and the lady partially blocked by the wall. If it weren't for these two shortcomings, I think the onlookers would have been top notch creme of the crop posing.

 

As for being a candid, I hate to question your honesty, but I doubt it. Now, if you mean, while posing, or after a posed shot, you snapped this candid, I can believe that. If my accusations are incorrect, my apologies, and this is a great candid.

 

But continuing on, and pretending this was at least partially posed, I have some other suggestions:

 

Before you push the shutter button, stop and look. Examine the borders.

 

In preperation to pointing the shutter button, count to 3 if your subjects are having trouble producing natural and cheerful expressions.

 

If the bride allows it, and the groom is the one with the stiff expressions, see if you can relax him with a drink.

 

Hone your own good personality, or hire a photographic assistant who is a people person that can help pose and put people at ease.

 

 

 

Geez Mike your tough. I suppose that it was partially posed in that I was setting the couple up for a shot when the bridal party came around the corner and froze watching what we were doing, so I wound it out to 28mm to include them. The bridal party did not know that I was doing it, and the couple thought I was shooting them by themselves.

I agree With Mary...to capture a moment with great expression is worth more to me...and all my clients than " keeping the hand off the shoulder".

I am sure this is somewhat of a setup shot with the bridalparty in the background and the couple been themselfs in the foreground. I like this...with all its minor flaws...this is the way I like this done and do it myself...Great Job!

This a great shot, especially knowing how it came to be! The groom's expression doesn't bother me at all, his hand on her shoulder the way it is does kind of imply he is pushing her away, but that's nitpicking! I'm sure this is a great memory for the couple! Nice capture! Aaron

Thanks Aaron, I wonder how close you are to the truth of the hand, this couple sadly has since split up, it may have been a sub-concious thing with the groom.

I to do not care for his hand on her shoulder. it looks like its been cut out and dropped in in photoshop. But I do like the overall composition. fun with the people in the background. would be interesting to see an alternate with the bridal party being more active but a bit more blurred out. maybe like they are cheering or laughing. Also would be interesting if she was looking at him.

 

Just thoughts I am no pro when it comes to posing.