think27

Bravo!! I am always appreciative of creative experimentation! It is inspiring. This is the kind of image that sparks my imagination and makes me get off my butt to try new things. I get a great feeling of speed and almost a sci fi feel here. Wonderful work...Congrats

Fun Candid. Captures a real moment and speaks volumes.

Wonderful warm and rich....and yes, colorful. ;-) Anyway the only nit I have is the extreme shadow on the left of her nose which I think is ok for images of men but not women. As a women who also photographs women - We tend to prefer a softer approach to shadows. The shadow also obscures the eye and makes it (the left eye) look odd.

Could be a monitor calibration issue -- but my monitor has been calibrated... I see the shadows are "muddy" and suggest upping the contrast and darkening to make the shot a little richer. I love the crop and the sharpness of the eyes contrasting to the softeness in the face.. The right side is a little blown out. Just a tiny bit of fill in the shadow side would have balanced this out lighting wise. Nice mood. Like the shot overall.

Very interesting approach! Super color and great detail. Nice to see something original in fall foliage shots. Great.

Memorable. Wonderful use of depth of field. Well caught moment. Bravo!

Moderator comment: Please keep in mind that when images are nominated the elves are specifically asked to use a wide latitude with the theme when picking from somewhere between 5 and 9 images. Then, one of those are chosen by vote - as the image of the choices that might be a good choice for "dicussion". As to policy of using other images to illustrate "another" image that fits "your" intrepretation of darkness - that is welcome on the POW forum.

Cool idea! Did you place a strobe behind or under her dress? Where is that light coming from? I agree though that she needs some fill light from either a flash or reflector on her face.

A few things I noticed here. One is the lighting... Softer light might have worked a little better here. Women (I'm a woman and a wedding photographer) don't particularly like harsh shadows on thier faces. It is great for men - but not women. Something to bounce a little light into the right side of her face might have been good here and would have eliminated the dark socket look of her right eye. The image is also a bit on the red side. I look at the shadow on her face and arm and it is very red. Additionally, she looks uncomfortable and stiff. I don't know about Nashville - but in the Northeast and on the West Coast, the trend has departed from the formal "studio" look and the big money is in the natural style - uncontrived and not having a very posed look. I recommend getting the bride to sit down -- fluff her dress and while she is doing that - I shoot a few candids...then I encourage her to sit naturally and I talk to her playfully and giving tons of feedback about how super she looks and get her to play/flirt a little with the camera and often they'll really get into it and have fun... This projects great personality and naturalness in the results. Hope you don't mind my honest critique... That is what we are here for right? Anyway -- I do love the shot of the bride in the window...

I think this one is the best of your wedding photos... Great balance - great light! I like the placement of the bride just a tad to the right instead of centered. One thing... Is she standing on a pew bench? She looks "short" - Anotherwords, I found myself looking and looking trying to figure out what was "off"... Seems her legs are missing. Probably you had no choice in order to get the window behind her. Anyway - nice feel to it.

Moderator comment: Hello - Can some of you stop critiques of other posters or other poster's opinions? Please stick to the image. I'm leaving it alone for now but will go in and delete or edit comments that are turning into a semi-un-civil dialog with each other rather than dealing with this week's POW if it gets out of hand. For those of you that don't know about the guidelines for posting on this forum....check out the "ABOUT" link on the main page of photo.net above the thumbnail of the POW.

Dennis -- before this turns into a discussion of Still Life vs Abstract..... My understanding is that when the "elves" pick images within a given topic - They are encouraged to take a broad view of the subject and apply the criteria loosely. So, in view of that, I don't have a problem with this "still" slice of a claranet being chosen for the Still Life catagory.

As to abstract... I never heard that abstracts are an amatuer endevor -- Nor do I agree. My constant wonder and joy from photography is due to the endless possibilities.. The varied approaches... The marvelous way that each person "sees" and captures life, objects, people with their own artistic interpretation. I also happen to love abstract art - which was once very much scorned by artists when it first came into being.

I like the placement of the instrument in the lower quadrant...and believe it was an artistic choice that for me - gives it graphic excitment. The lighting is terrific and there is great clarity in the texture and details. As with all things art -- Some will love it and some won't. I happen to love it. Congrats, Scott

Tony, so sorry to hear how things have been going for you recently and this whole year! I just read every beautifully written word you wrote about this shot. Then I looked at the images.. The whole thing just brought tears to my eyes.. The pictures have a way of inviting us in to that sweet memory of the day of the picnic.

I'm very sorry for your loss... Thanks for sharing this tribute with us..

I also would like to suggest or ask if you've ever considered writing? You have a gift with words AND photography. Might be an interesting combination in the form of a book... Just a thought.

I love it. I've always been attracted to the graphics/abstract side of photography. The image is exciting.. Great use of light/shadow and curves and lines. Love the placement in the lower portion of the frame. Nice Shot!

Thanks Dennis... Nice praise coming from you... ;-) I do believe that this was Holly's (the bride) Mother's Dress as a matter of fact..

Someone else made mention of this being in someone's home. This is an old mansion on a huge estate in Shelburne, VT. The name of the venue is Shelburne Farms. Though the old mansion was elegant and beautiful as well as one of the nicest wedding venues (and most desirable and expensive) it is old and after layers and layers of paint - the windows don't show well. Outside that window - not far from the mansion is Lake Champlain. Wonderful spot.

As to what I call "Artistic Photojournlism".... It is a phrase I've made up to separate myself from what I call "snapshot photojournalism". If you look out there at what some "wedding photojournalists" shoot ...you will see a lot of wide angle or straight 35mm shooting and tons of black and white and lots of DOF. I shoot with lots of zooms, I shoot color, I shoot close up and I shoot details artistically (or try) and I zoom in with shallow DOF to get expressions and emotion as well as the wide shots. I've had clients go with me because I was not what they saw out there as: "photojournalism" and they felt I needed to explain what I do in a different way.

And Dennis - yeah -- I smiled but not until I got my proofs back ;-) As with many photographers I've learned that sometimes when you think you got "it" it would fall short of what you imagined..But every once in a while, you get to say yahoo..good one. Yes, it is a shot that has been done to death by wedding photographers.. but... each one of my weddings, are all different in a special way. With the dress shot..sometimes I don't do it because the conditions are not right and other times.. the light, the environment, the dress just speak to you and you've got to have it! - it is always a new shot to me. Once again thanks to so many of you for your wonderful words of praise - it has given me a renewed jolt to go out there and do more creative work. And Michael McCullough - Thanks for your generosity ;-)

Compliments coming from Marc Williams..are much appreciated! Many Thanks Marc.. Your work is very wonderful and your generous and frequent contributions to the forums are so appreciated. I agree that the reference to that very talented photographer on hasselblad.com with the dress shot bears no relationship to this shot..man .. it isn't even by a window! Geez..

Anyway.. Mark, Marc Williams, Marc G. (hard to please and a great critic), Geraldine , Kelly, e.e., Joseph Coalter (another tough critic), Leanne, Isidro (always a tough one), Kudzu, Herman, Jacques, Margret Meehan, Carl Root (also a tough critic), Jeffrey, Critter (a tough and humorous critic), Peter, Scott, Simone, Adam, Bernhard Mayer (very tough critic), Jeff, Len, Ken. Rafael, Nestor, - thanks for your constructive critiques and compliments.. Both were accepted and appreciated.

And - interesting..to see a comment by "Barry Fisher".. Who is Not "Barrie" Fisher (female wedding photographer as well as fairly famous Olympics sports photographer that took the photo on this page of me and my daughter at my wedding) What a fun coincedence.

Claire - Sincerely and beautifully said -- and very, very interesting as others have also felt what you've just expressed so eloquently.. That is the amazing and wonderful thing about photography or I suppose most artistic "expressions" .. We all bring to it our own experience..All very valid, and I am listening very closely because it is important to my business to realize that my "vision" is not always going to be interpreted the way I intend it to be. Thank you. That is also why I love so many ofthe predictable dissenters on this page. (I could name them but they know who they are and we love them -- They keep you on your toes ;-)..

On the other hand, it is also very wonderful to get that praise when some recognize that you came "close" to what you've tried to achieve... That praise is especially cool when it comes from photographers that are normally very critical and have a high standard... (And we also know who they are.) Encouraging and inspirational.

G....I wish you had a name -- But - Thanks, the couple was very happy with the results...this is only one little piece of the final album which was mostly about the love and interaction and personal moments of that particular couple.

Nestor - yes, I love what I do and as you say I do very much relate to my clients. I feel like they are family when I leave.. But also - YES..Agree!! The highlights are blown in that one area of the dress. I look at my results and wish that next time I can do better.. It never ends but it does get better every year, at least I hope, because I try to keep open, keep learning and keep trying.

Anrijs - What? Coincedence that there is a shot out there like mine - really? ;-) No offense... I'm just amused.. I have not studied or researched other people's work... ;-) I never heard of Chris Marr... Hmm What year was the shot done? I'll have to check the shot out.. Does it surprise me that others shoot a dress in the window? Does it surprise me that others see something wonderful with the light coming through the dress in window? No.... But, thanks for the tip.. I'll check it out!! I might learn something...and improve my work. That is why we are here - right?

Leanne -- I shot dress in the window 6 years ago and don't have negs because the couple can buy the negatives after 5 years. I do reserve the right to ask them for the negatives to make a print. Though I love this image and what it conveys (for me) - I have gotten better over the years (I hope) and have better dress shots than this. And though not "original" as someone pointed out it is a key shot for brides. Original - to me - is attempting to do a oft shot image in my own unique way.

Isidro, your points are all very valid and well stated and helpful! However, If I were shooting in a quiet room with more options and time.. Perhaps many of those issues would have been addressed (pardon the pun).

Let me set something up for you... The bride is running late.. I just fixed her hair and checked all the girls makeup by the window since we'll be shooting outside. There are six girls behind me in various stages of getting dressed -- all talking at once and some asking me questions about their shoes, dress or whatever.. We have only one half hour to get pictures before the ceremony of the bride alone and with each girl and with her parents and flower girl... There are shoes, bags, curling irons, plastic dress bags and other personal effects including my two camera bags all over the floor and chairs and bed... The florist just came in and has questions about the flowers. The bride needs to get in her dress. It is complete chaos. I don't carry fancy hangers with me and there are none on site because this is a bed and breakfast and the hangers are permanantly affixed to the clothes rod. I see a great shot because of the light coming through the dress and the mood I saw in a fraction of an instant...and take two frames. Sure I saw the chipped paint..part of the charm of the place..very old but elegant mansion. Hope for the best that I got something close to what I envisioned. Yes, it is crooked. I don't worry about that because when I enlarge it for the album or use it as a 4x5 alone on a page... I'll either straighten it within the mat or totally slant it in a mat opening that is made for that kind of shot.. I don't have photoshop - I get creative with cropping and mat openings. None of this is in the form of an "excuse" -- just the reality of doing weddings. And - I love it. It is fast and furious and not perfect sometimes but the important thing is to capture the reality of the day.

Carl mentions that some might not be able to relate to the image in a way a recent bride might. Well, I'm a recent bride. August 27 - just a few weeks ago! It was an invaluable experience. I had probably the second best photgrapher in New England. Lucky to have her for cost as she's a friend. She has a similar style to me. Which means she is flying all over the place and yet not getting in the way or interfering with my preparations or my day. It's madness! She did a great job because when I see my images I see mood, joy, playfullness, love and a few artsy images of important details that I'll treasure forever. With the fast pace and time constraints she had to deal with, I didn't expect perfection because we are not traditional studio shooters. We want real, expressive, emotional work.

The uploaded image is my daughter and I - that was taken by my photographer ...If I were to critique it for negative points.. I'd point to the sand trap and composition. However, I know that when I put it in an album - I'll be getting an 8x10 and that will automatically be cropped out going from a 4x6 to an 8x10. I have here what I want and what my clients want from me -- a great moment captured with genuine emotion. When I see it I smile and remember. Wedding photography is a whole other animal than studio shooting. ;-)

Jacques - I have to agree that it looks dull on my monitor as well. Not on the print from what I remember. I upped the contrast and lowered the brightness on on my monitor it looked better... I'd love feedback as to how to improve it.. I appreciate your constructive comments...Sorry it made you sad.. So interesting how images strike people in different ways.. Very helpful to hear.

Peter - Thank you.. I also like the simplicity and "realness" of the shot. My slogan for my business is "Real Moments...Real Memories". Usually the room I shoot in while the bride is getting ready with all her girls...is a mess!!! I have to shoot what is there without making a big production to interfere with the goings on. It can be a challenge.

And Kelly - you are right -- It was shot fairly quickly. I have to work with the constraints of time, location, people in the room and at that time a totally manual camera. I shoot about 500 to 800 frames in a six hour period. Have to be quick enough to "see" a shot that carries beauty and mood. Saw the light coming through the dress -- had to have it.. Shot about two frames and moved on to the "people oriented" activities in the room. I've also done a lot of commercial work where you have the luxury to take your time to create the perfect shot.. Not possible with weddings - it is a whole different animal.

Bernhard, Paolo's work is awsome! Marc Williams also has some great stuff. I admire them both. I also agree that Paolo's work is like movie stills - and on the dark moody side. I love the shot of the groom looking at his reflection. Awesome. I think many many people on this site are very aware of his great work. And if not - Go see his work it is very artistic and dramatic!

Adam and Simone - Thanks - I do try to make my images capture the precious real moments of the day. Including when I do the "standard group shots". I go for lots of interactive expression in the groups as well as the couple shots. A few standard group shots on a page with the next page being the group clustering around the couple with hugs and kisses - I then zoom in on the action. I tell them at that point -- to ignore me and pay attention to the couple and the results can be sooo much fun! Takes away the static feel of stiff posed pictures.

All photographic attempts can be improved.. This is why we are here so thanks for your input of an encouraging, appreciative nature as well as the honest and helpful critiques of a negative nature!

This image was shot quickly Marc and it might be a DOF issue but I also always shoot with a #1 soft warm filter and then again - maybe a scan problem or a breeze. I honestly don't know. But I do agree with your observation. I don't have the original image or negative any more so I can't even analyze it.

As to the thought that this not being a typical representatation of my work - it actually is.. I'm always thinking of "detail" mood shots for the album. This was the opening shot I chose for the brides's formal album. I usually upload "people" images because my instructions to the lab is to give me 4-5 CD's of their choice of the couple and group shots. My lab is in VT and it is cheaper to do CD's at the time of processing. Then - I upload them and also e-mail them to clients. I invite them to check out a few previews of the wedding on Photo.net. Since at that point they are mostly interested in themselves and the wedding party - that is what I post.

I love getting creative with the flowers or the dress and other important "non-people" details in the attempt to elevate the final album with a little "art".

Kudzu - the backlighting of the dress was exactly what prompted me to shoot this shot. Not many wedding dresses are transparent enough to shoot in a window taking advantage of that light. Thanks to all for your thoughtful critiques. Negative or positive constructive comments are very welcome.

Thanks for the link... Wow.. Interesting process... Wonderful artistic results. Now I see how you got this look in this image.

If 10 photographers had the assignment to shoot and produce a print of this car -- we'd have 10 different approaches. Some in color and some in black and white - some photoshopped - some not and perhaps a poloroid transfer. The treatment here is beautiful and does indeed look like a charcoal sketch! The bromoil process is something new to me. What is a bromoil print?

I am glad this image was brought to my attention through POW. I'm here to learn and be inspired by other's visions. I love the grainy feel, the composition and the nostolgic quality very much... I personally don't need to be "moved" to appreciate an excellent image. Well done.

Wonderful perspective - super tones... Love the men looking at the images..Really adds a human touch to the shot. Love it!!!! One of my favorites on PN.

Nice! I would crop a tiny bit on the right. Other than that -- precious image! Good work.

Interesting that there is such a huge gap between members here regarding this image. Great. POW does what it is supposed to do - generate discussion and debate. Hopefully it also shows that there is no "wrong" or "right" opinion.

I am glad that POW shows serious "art" photography as well as "splashy" (pardon the pun) eye candy. To me it all has merit. I do happen to find this image to be quite dynamic and exciting. Hats off to experimentation and success. I believe it inspires photographers to try new things.

I will ask that members not rant at other members or make unnecessary rude remarks as I'd like to not have to edit remarks to make them more civil. Please read the guidelines on the home page for POW.