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Archive 2012 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding

  
 
tonyhart
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


8th of the year.

Thoughts, and self analysis:

I found this one a little easier to cull for FM, perhaps because I shot it a bit further back in time. I've shot this venue a few times in the past and I found myself getting a bit bored with it tbh. I delivered much more colour than is on show here, but I preferred mostly the b+w stuff on this one, hence that being dominant. Lovely couple, but not comfortable in front of the camera, despite my best efforts - found the creative portraits quite tough because of that. I gave more direction than normal. This was the wedding discussed https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1122940/0#10723756]here[/url] so I had to be a little creative during the bride's entrance. I find myself using the 16x9 image ratio a bit this year. I'll probably hate myself at some stage during an album design, but I'm liking it otherwise. My biggest concern with the work is the lack of creativity when faced with familiar surroundings.

Honest/harsh critique welcome as ever.

Few more on the blog if anyone wants them.


1 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-074.jpg

2 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-105.jpg

3 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-112.jpg

4 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-114.jpg

5 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-127.jpg

6 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-131.jpg

7 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-132.jpg

8 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-136.jpg

9 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-138.jpg

10 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-147.jpg

11 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-151.jpg

12 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-172.jpg

13 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-182.jpg

14 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-188.jpg

15 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-192.jpg

16 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-194.jpg

17 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-199.jpg

18 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-201.jpg

19 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-206.jpg

20 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-212.jpg

21 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-218.jpg

22 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-238.jpg

23 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-241.jpg

24 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-243.jpg

25 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-247.jpg

26 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-256.jpg

27 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-268.jpg

28 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-288.jpg

29 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-293.jpg

30 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-327.jpg

31 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-330.jpg

32 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-334.jpg

33 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-338.jpg

34 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-343.jpg

35 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-352.jpg

36 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-363.jpg

37 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-410.jpg

38 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-423.jpg

39 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-440.jpg

40 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-451.jpg

41 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-456.jpg

42 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-457.jpg

43 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-464.jpg

44 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-465.jpg

45 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-480.jpg

46 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-503.jpg

47 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-508.jpg

48 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-512.jpg

49 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-542.jpg

50 http://eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-548.jpg

Edited on Jun 27, 2012 at 08:32 PM · View previous versions



Jun 27, 2012 at 05:42 PM
sherijohnson
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


well done all the way around


Jun 27, 2012 at 05:48 PM
tonyhart
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Cheers Sheri! Thanks for the feedback.


Jun 27, 2012 at 07:58 PM
John-Tolentino
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


lovely set. Very good capture on 49 but those laser lights owned you on that one.


Jun 27, 2012 at 11:30 PM
IndigoNyx
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Oh I loveeee your B&Ws. 15 is my absolute favorite!


Jun 28, 2012 at 12:34 AM
locoalvarez38
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Great set, I like #43 a lot!!


Jun 28, 2012 at 12:37 AM
qwyjibo
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


I don't feel the potential boredom in this set. Glad you showed lots of b/w, they're really good. Couple of random thoughts, want to see the rest of the guy downstairs in 8. Also feel like you're almost spiting the vignette naysayers...


Jun 28, 2012 at 01:19 AM
BostonGreg
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


amazing tony. always love your B+Ws


Jun 28, 2012 at 01:20 AM
PhilDrinkwater
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Great set The only one I'm less than keen on is 11... other than that a fantastic job!

31 is wicked



Jun 28, 2012 at 03:51 AM
Mario Tarello
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Excellent series, full of spontaneous moments. Love the 43.


Jun 28, 2012 at 04:03 AM
canerino
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


BluntTalk: you are better than the cheesey vignette that you are putting on these. It seems that you are using it without regard to purpose. The only images it really helps is 43/44. And it really hurts two of my favorite images here 14/24.


Jun 28, 2012 at 04:31 AM
tonyhart
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


canerino wrote:
BluntTalk: you are better than the cheesey vignette that you are putting on these. It seems that you are using it without regard to purpose. The only images it really helps is 43/44. And it really hurts two of my favorite images here 14/24.


Appreciate the blunt talk Chuck. Some thoughts about me and vignettes. This is a consistent point - it's come up lots of times in the past. Always on FM. I've never heard it as a criticism anywhere else. One theory I have for it being so often noticed is due to the small image size of photos on the forum. As the image is much smaller, it's easier for the eyes to gobble up the entire image in one go and see the edges in one swoop. Under these circumstances the vignettes become a lot more apparent. For what it is worth, I notice the vignettes much more on FM than I do during my PP where I always consider what it is appropriate and don't simply select all and click "ADD MEGA VIGNETTE". I think it is worth considering how these look when printed at bigger sizes in albums or at the size of the galleries on my website. The vignette becomes a lot less prominent because the eye isn't as able to wrap around the entire picture immediately. I'm not defending the vignetting per se - although as people know, I do - but suggesting why they are often greeted with a negative reaction here. It might be worth viewing all the images at smaller size before finally delivering to get a handle on when and where the vignette is over-kill.

For what it's worth, I feel that they are integral to my style - particularly in my b+w's - and that although I vignette more than some people, they can't really be called 'cheesy'. There are cheesy vignettes, and then there are my vignettes. For sure some people dislike the vignettes, but they don't fall into the cheesy bracket surely. To me, that is white hardcore vignetting, or vignettes with hard edges.

I can't see how the vignette would hurt image 24, I find it to be pretty minimal. (Edited, I meant 24 here)

It's tough, because I really do appreciate people speaking their mind in critiques (thank you Chuck) but this point has been discussed before, I've honestly questioned myself on it, and I end up in a position where I'm comfortable with my standing decision. I guess what I'm saying is that I feel compelled to stick to my guns on this but nonetheless appreciate the input. I'm listening, but after consideration, choosing to disagree.

Edited on Jun 28, 2012 at 06:28 AM · View previous versions



Jun 28, 2012 at 05:13 AM
PhilDrinkwater
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


tonyhart wrote:
For what it's worth, I feel that they are integral to my style - particularly in my b+w's - and that although I vignette more than some people


I think this is a really important point.

Everyone needs something to differentiate themselves or all we have to sell on is price. You need a B&G to love your work. Presumably it's part of the reason your current couples chose you.

You should definitely decide what's important to your style and go with it, presuming it's something that the market is wanting to buy



Jun 28, 2012 at 06:26 AM
canerino
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


it's really interesting to me that you view a vignette as an integral part of your style.

i dont view your style this way at all. i view you as someone who is deliberate in terms of what is put in the frame. someone with great timing. someone who understands 'content'. these are things that define a style...something that separates you from the 'norm'.

i feel that vignettes bring you back toward the norm. its a tool that once my high school photography students discover put it on. every. single. image....without thought as to why. i get that feeling from your application.

i think its great that you are finding your vision, however, i would not call adding vignettes style...anyone can do that....not everyone can be as insightful as you.

in regards to #24. the vignette puts the woman on the far left in the shadows. i'm assuming she is the mother of the bride? i think its cool that she is there...but if you are going to put her in the shadow of the vignette, you would be better off cropping her out completely. cropping her out (or backing off the vignette) would also eliminate the big black blob behind the really cute flower girl (?).



Jun 28, 2012 at 06:46 AM
ricardovaste
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Tony, have you ever picked a different couple or turned down work because the idea of working at the same venue repeatedly is uninspiring ? Just curious. I think the set is good, consistent. I won't comment on the vignette as I think canerino has covered that well, and I largely agree with him. I don't think you do it in the cheesey way FWIW, usually well controlled, but your images are well composed and thought out to usually not need any sort of aid like a vignette.


Jun 28, 2012 at 06:57 AM
tonyhart
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Thanks for your reply Chuck.

Style is maybe the wrong word. For me, style is exactly what you've defined it as being. Perhaps the word I am after is 'look'. My work 'looks' like my work, partly because of the PP style. Vignettes are part of that. It's not as full, important or justifiable an element of my work as my approach, on-the-job-style or compositional intent, but aesthetically it's part of what makes me work have identity. I'm someone who tends rejects style for style's sake, but I have no problem with a purely aesthetic choice when it comes to photography.

The reason I like vignettes are because they focus the eye to the heart of the frame. I'm all for 'looking round' a frame, but I like there to be a discernible centre and I feel like a vignette helps to ensure that by highlight content and minimising distraction. I'd be the first to admit that sometimes my vignettes get the better of me. In this set I'd highlight #1 as an example of an excessive vignette. It's clunky against the white background. However, for the most part I like the vignette's ability to centre the eye. While I'm never going to stop using vignettes, what I do appreciate is the criticism as it helps to ensure I don't overuse them.

With regards to #24 I don't think I want the mother's face to be the subject as much as you do. I want the other elements of the image to form 'a contextual background' rather than 'additional subjects'. That said, I think from a purely aesthetic POV the image sans vignette is actually better, but purely from an aesthetic POV. Here it is without:

http://www.eyesite-design.co.uk/fredmiranda/laurarich/laurarich-243-vignetteOFF.jpg

Another point is that lots of people comment on how they like my b+w work. I'm sure that part of that is linked to my use of vignettes. They help give density to the edges of the image and again, from an aesthetic point of view, work well with my b+w toning.

What are your thoughts on my earlier point about vignettes being more apparent at smaller image sizes. I think there may be something to this and wondered if you had a POV.

Really appreciate this input Chuck.




Jun 28, 2012 at 07:02 AM
tonyhart
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


ricardovaste wrote:
Tony, have you ever picked a different couple or turned down work because the idea of working at the same venue repeatedly is uninspiring ? Just curious. I think the set is good, consistent. I won't comment on the vignette as I think canerino has covered that well, and I largely agree with him. I don't think you do it in the cheesey way FWIW, usually well controlled, but your images are well composed and thought out to usually not need any sort of aid like a vignette.


Hi Rich. Sadly not! I'd love to be in a financial/business position to make calls like that. Maybe in a few years . In all honesty though I think the problem lies in me rather than the venue. There's LOADS that could be done but I find myself struggling to move beyond the safe and the tried and tested. It's not critical, but I am aware of it. My coverage is longer than a lot of photographers and I find that by the end of a full day I feel like my creativity in a space is waning, or maybe, better put, I'm just ready for something fresh.

How about you? Ever turned down work over this?



Jun 28, 2012 at 07:05 AM
ricardovaste
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


Good god no, far from that position. I was just curious on the subject really... but I agree with you, we're the limiting factor, not the venue. I was able to once choose one venue over another, that I'd worked at two times before, but I like it there (obviously...). If I'll like it there after another few weddings is another question.


Jun 28, 2012 at 07:15 AM
PhilDrinkwater
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


canerino wrote:
i think its great that you are finding your vision, however, i would not call adding vignettes style...anyone can do that....not everyone can be as insightful as you.


Personally I would say they are clearly part of his style. Just because it's a "one click", doesn't mean it's not part of a style. And B&G would not understand it's relatively simple to produce. Vignettes add a very clear look to the photos, and that's what a style is..



Jun 28, 2012 at 08:11 AM
ACRe
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Laura + Rich ~ Hampton Court House Wedding


We spent some time in class last night talking about the rise in popularity of lomography or the cheap plastic cameras that shoot film. Certainly one of the reasons for the resurgence of this style of photo is the vignettes and the grain they produce. People recognize that style from bygone days and speaks to an old style photography -- perhaps from their own family's photo books or wedding albums.

I like Tony's style/feel in these. The black and white conversion is right on for me, and I think the vignettes really do add something in the black and white stuff especially. (Btw, Tony, what do use to convert? VSCO? Nik? Camera Raw?)

That said, I am with Chuck on #14. There are two split subjects in that shot, both on the third, both lit similarly, and the vignette darkens one of them. For me, that diminishes the impact of the shot. Of course, take that with a grain of salt.

Generally, I love the set. While it might be a stale venue for you, it seems pretty nice to me, and I certainly like what you did with it.

Andrew



Jun 28, 2012 at 08:28 AM
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