david_schilling___chicago_

<p>How much does a wedding dress cost? Wide range of prices, quality, etc....</p>

<p>If I have genuinely liked a couple during the contract work-up I might offer them a little something extra and call it a wedding gift. Or, on occasions after the wedding I may throw something extra in the package and let them know it was a gift.</p>

<p>It's important to remember boundaries while shooting a wedding and never confuse friendliness/generosity with your clients. You're there as a professional and not a guest. OTOH, if you find yourself shooting for friends/family this will change that dynamic...... but also leaves you vulnerable to a bunch of other stuff.</p>

<p>Dave G. Really like the exposure, DOF, and composition on your senior shot. The only critique I would have is the pose appears somewhat flat-footed and posed. Perhaps a little more emotion at the camera or a profile of her gazing off to the side.</p>

<p>Thanks for helping to post the photo William, happy to hear from you.....</p>

<p>Wondering, what is a two year photography program in college? "They should" all in caps? Shoulda, coulda, woulda won't help you to become a better wedding photographer. Managing expectations comes with the job and it's not a matter of right/wrong or fair/unfair. Suggest that you include the bride in the culling process and get her to be part of the team.....give her more responsibility/accountability. This can be a very productive learning experience. Best wishes.</p>

<p>It's not unusual for a bride to have a fantasy in her mind as to what the photos will look like that may not relate to reality....managing expectations can be difficult but comes with the job.</p>

<p>Couple of "red flags" for me. You state you have been shooting weddings for a decade...does this mean a half dozen weddings, more than 100, worked/apprenticed with a couple of successful studios before striking out on your own? You're also complaining that you only had one hour and fifteen minutes for formals? 20 - 30 minutes is very common.</p>

<p>Part of the answer regarding the photos that the bride doesn't like is no problem, she doesn't have to take them or use them.....offer to trash bin them at no additional charge. Does she have a court case? Anyone can press the court and make a case but the costs tend to be prohibitive. I had a groom who fancied himself as an artist who voiced disappointment that he thought my work would be more "artful". I was very proud of the photos and was comfortable with him showing them to others. I offered my apologies that he and his bride were disappointed....but I was comfortable with my product. After working/training with 3-4 studios and shooting more than 300 weddings over the course of 10 years, that level of comfort comes fairly easy. Best wishes.</p>

<p>Shot of the groom in the background just prior to the processional from a couple of weeks ago....<img src=" https://dwesleyportraits.smugmug.com/Weddings/Kerry-Joel/i-2BCqP9f/1/L/JKWed0088-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>I haven't posted anything in ages and lost interest due to an over-abundance of opinions by newbies and those who operated with marginal profit from churn & burn business models. PC policing didn't help. True mentorship attitudes and values were lacking....artistic justifications for poor craftsmanship wore me out. Good luck.</p>

<p>Very sad, Nadine had incredible patience, a gift for diplomacy, and was always willing to share her love & experience with photography. She will be sorely missed. Love & prayers to her family and friends.</p>

<p>Skyler, in terms of your original question: yes, I think you've taken the image way too far. I did a quick tweak along with a little de-saturation and wouldn't have spent more than 30 seconds in PS working this image. I also would have had no issues presenting this image along with approx 600-850 images to the bride. ESP! Emotion Sells Photos and you never know which images will appeal to the emotions of the B/G and/or family and friends. I also agree with all of Marc's comments above.</p>

<p>I also like a cropped version, gave it some punch and a sloppy border...........</p><div></div>

<p>This may be a good opportunity to build a relationship with this vendor rather than simply trying to "market" them. What you need to do is to find the "key" person who is likely not the most senior. Offer your help in working with their website developer, work this issue through and then enjoy what could be years of solid referrals......</p>

<p>Melissa, that attitude has likely allowed you to grow and help you attain the high quality images that you've shared over the last couple of years. I've enjoyed watching your growth since your early days on P-net :-)</p>

<p>Here's a similar shot from many years ago during my film days: <a href="../photo/10596045">http://www.photo.net/photo/10596045</a></p>

<p>Conceptually OK, rule of thirds with the bouquet is nice. I did a little re-working the image and lightened the bride's skin tone..........</p><div></div>

<p>I remember a time or two that someone posted an image and specifically asked for that type of critique. Problem is that many posters fail to appreciate that type of critique and will defend problems with their images based on "artistic license". I can pretty much guarantee that blown highlites are rarely acceptable in print competitions. I also rarely participate in critiques here on the forum any longer because honest critiques are rarely appreciated.</p>

<p>I think Mac users: the keyboard shortcut: hold <strong>alt/option</strong> & press <strong>g</strong>.</p>

<p>I realize that many, perhaps most forum readers already know how to do this but from time to time see a © in the place of the symbol ©. To do the © symbol, create a "text" layer in Photoshop, while holding down the "Alt" key, type 0169 on the keypad.......hope this may be helpful for some, sample attached to link: <a href="../photo/7607630">http://www.photo.net/photo/7607630</a></p>

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

<p>Enjoyed the video and especially Gary's thoughts and visuals about people who encourage photographers without any real experience shooting weddings to just go ahead and shoot one. Seen that several times.......online.</p>

<p>Suggest that you give them a full refund and wash your hands from this........the future does not look good.</p>

<p>Fun couple that said they were up for just about anything: <a href="../photo/7555856">http://www.photo.net/photo/7555856</a></p>

<p>My best advice is to travel light. Bring important back-up gear but keep gear to a minimum. When doing a boat wedding I would bring one bag and possibly a flex-out backdrop. Good luck.</p>

<p>Agree with Marc, Ben, Marcus & Peter....my sympathies lie with the bride and not the photographer.</p>

<p>Thanks Tom, I try to make subtle changes and tend to come from a "less is more" philosophy. I appreciate your noticing my efforts and mentioning them....glad you learned something from the process.</p>