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Archive 2015 · Critique for first wedding

  
 
Selwin
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Critique for first wedding


Hi all,

This is a shoot I did for a low profile wedding. I was only booked for the ceremony & drinks, it all took about 90 minutes. No formals.

http://www.pbase.com/selwinfoto/wedding
Passkey = FM

I'm dutch, 45, photography played a big role in my life from when I was 17. I started a business almost 4 years ago. After doing some snaps for one friend in 2002 and a real day-long wedding for another friend in 2010 (no charge) this is my first wedding for real clients.

My preferred style is documentary / journalist. I don't want to interfere with the wedding, I don't use flash at all.

Would you be kind enough to take a few moments to look at this gallery and then tell me if I'm on the right track here? What do you think needs improvement?

Thank you very much in advance!

Selwin
www.selwinfoto.nl


Edited on Apr 07, 2016 at 04:30 AM · View previous versions



Mar 05, 2015 at 08:25 AM
Ziffl3
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Critique for first wedding


Generally, we are not supposed to have people follow links. (rules)
There is a 'www' button if you want to list a website.

You should be able to post images from your pbase account straight into threads.
just ask if you need assistance.

-Mark




Mar 05, 2015 at 09:18 AM
Ziffl3
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Critique for first wedding


Thoughts:
There are some nice moments captured.
90 minutes is not a lot of time.
The shots are fine. You covered the ceremony.
The border trim is dating the images.
The WB/Tint is off ... a little too warm, but to each his own.

Noticed there is not a couple of shots of the bride and groom - now married. Add this for next time.

Moving forward .... If you are calling yourself a professional, get a website.
Granted there are no laws stating this ... It helps present you as a 'professional'.

Just my 2 cents.
-Mark

Edited on Mar 05, 2015 at 01:42 PM · View previous versions



Mar 05, 2015 at 09:26 AM
Selwin
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Critique for first wedding


Hi Mark, thank you so much for your comments. I will try to improve on those points next time. And I'll have a look at the WB of the colour images. I already dialed them down from how they were. I used a grey card so I'll have a look at that.

I do have a web site, but it's in dutch so I didn't list it initially. I did now, so there is a www button now. However the wedding images are not on there yet.

Next time I'll try to get booked for an entire wedding day, as I think that gives a more complete coverage of the day. And it's more relaxing for the photographer. This was hard work. :-)

Thanks again.

Cheers,
Selwin



Mar 05, 2015 at 10:36 AM
Selwin
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Critique for first wedding


Ziffl3 wrote:
You should be able to post images from your pbase account straight into threads.
just ask if you need assistance.

-Mark


So is it common that members post complete weddings as a series of single images, right in posts? I could do that, but it's quite a lot of work adding every single image in the required format. Or am I missing something obvious here?

Selwin



Mar 05, 2015 at 10:39 AM
Ziffl3
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Critique for first wedding


Post your high lights or what you want C&C if you desire.
No ... on the entire wedding.

Somewhere between 1-25-ish images.
Some post 30-40 and mention in post. But generally don't want C&C.

There are plug-in that allow direct posting from blogs. I personally don't do this.

also ... welcome to the wedding forum.
-Mark


Edited on Mar 06, 2015 at 09:28 AM · View previous versions



Mar 05, 2015 at 11:10 AM
qburke
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Critique for first wedding


Welcome, Selwin! I can tell you from my personal experience that these forums contain a wealth of knowledge and have helped me grow in my skill set. I hope you have the same experience!


Mar 05, 2015 at 12:30 PM
Selwin
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Critique for first wedding


Thanks for the welcome! I did look around this forum already and found some really helpful stuff. Read the faq too. It seems silly to start doing weddings at the age of 45 but I really love the fulfilment of giving people beautiful memories. So I'd like to learn and get better at doing this. Thanks again!

Regards,
Selwin



Mar 05, 2015 at 01:44 PM
Ziffl3
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Critique for first wedding


Selwin wrote:
Thanks for the welcome! I did look around this forum already and found some really helpful stuff. Read the faq too. It seems silly to start doing weddings at the age of 45 but I really love the fulfilment of giving people beautiful memories. So I'd like to learn and get better at doing this. Thanks again!

Regards,
Selwin



Question: who are some of the most interesting people you meet?
For me, it is people who keep learning/experiencing new directions in life. New careers or adding a 2nd career onto a main career. Maybe turning a hobby into a business.
There is a breadth in conversation/experiences that is pretty cool.

45 is just a number.... Can you provide a service to clients? Do you enjoy the challenge of being in business for yourself?
As you mentioned, providing documentation of events, in your style, that people cherish ... gets you going.

Then enough said.



-Mark




Mar 05, 2015 at 02:00 PM
hardlyboring
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Critique for first wedding


post the photos here I will comment


Mar 05, 2015 at 09:36 PM
heikoM
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Critique for first wedding


Hi Selwin,

welcome to the forum.

I am 45 right now and started my business about 2 years ago. Quite busy now.

One of my best decisions ever (apart of marrying the love of my life and getting a bunch of kids).

Follow your dream, as cheesy as it may sound.


heiko



Mar 06, 2015 at 02:45 AM
Selwin
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Critique for first wedding


Thanks to you all for your warm and helpful replies. I cut down the number of images to 21, renumbered them and put them on my own server to show them here. The biggest compliment came from the groom when he said he didn't notice me taking pictures. That is what I want to do: be invisible and let the wedding unfold without my interference.

I really appreciate your help! Thanks for your time

http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-01.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-02.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-03.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-04.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-05.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-06.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-07.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-08.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-09.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-10.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-11.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-12.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-13.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-14.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-15.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-16.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-17.jpg
^ ^ This is my personal favourite ^ ^


http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-18.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-19.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-20.jpg
http://www.selwinfoto.nl/images/wedding-fm/SKF-PB-21.jpg


Edited on Mar 06, 2015 at 04:06 AM · View previous versions



Mar 06, 2015 at 03:51 AM
heikoM
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Critique for first wedding


nice set overall. Try to wait for a peak moment, some shots of the ceremony just show people without anything special happening. You got some nice moments in other shots.

It is very documenting (nothing wrong with that) You may consider trying a bit more artistic/dynamic. Get close, use light more creatively. Shoot from high/low.

You have a nice natural processing, like your b&w.


heiko



Mar 06, 2015 at 04:04 AM
Selwin
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Critique for first wedding


heikoM wrote:
nice set overall. [...]
You have a nice natural processing, like your b&w.
heiko

Hi Heiko, thanks for your comments. A matter that had me think hard for some time is which images to process B/W and which to leave in colour. Some images just seem to have more impact in B/W but to have some colour images too seems nice to show which colours there were in the venue, like the balloons and the clothes. These considerations led me to convert about 75% to B//W. I've looked at many other photographers and most of them have more colour images in their sets. So this is an issue I would like your opinions on.



Mar 06, 2015 at 04:24 AM
ricardovaste
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Critique for first wedding


I think the images are consistent and pretty solid all in all. I like the way you make the images, I personally think fiddling around with high/low angels and adding sprays of light would detract from your more traditional/simple approach (and I mean that as a compliment, very honestly). What would bring these forward is a greater attention to what it is you're photographing and seeing a bit more energy in what's around you - I say this with reservation though, as you weren't here for long, and it seems quite informal, so sometimes it just is what it is. However, as mentioned, some are a bit similar with not a great deal happening. I need something more decisive and engaging to latch onto.

But keep it up. It would be good to see you work over a full wedding to better judge things. I think there is a great role for your type of photography in today's world if you can fully discover it.



Mar 06, 2015 at 08:28 AM
ricardovaste
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Critique for first wedding


Selwin wrote:
Hi Heiko, thanks for your comments. A matter that had me think hard for some time is which images to process B/W and which to leave in colour. Some images just seem to have more impact in B/W but to have some colour images too seems nice to show which colours there were in the venue, like the balloons and the clothes. These considerations led me to convert about 75% to B//W. I've looked at many other photographers and most of them have more colour images in their sets. So this is an issue I would like your opinions on.


I wouldn't concern yourself too much with what other people do. As that is only their opinion, and likely bothered from other photographers too. Make your own decisions.



Mar 06, 2015 at 08:30 AM
Selwin
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Critique for first wedding


Hi Ricardo, thanks for your reply! I will certainly try to think ahead more next time and capture more action. Basically all the action we had that day was to start the ceremony with vows (read by the civil servant), holding hands and the kiss, putting on the rings, signing the wedding book and handing the wedding book to the groom. There were no children present. Maybe if my next wedding is a complete day I can focus more on the action moments. I really do like photo sets that tell a story, I mean that the viewer knows what event/circumstance took place just by looking at the photo (like umbrella's when it's raining, seating the guests for the ceremony, etc.).

To all: Your assessments are promising. I know for sure that I'll stay on it and you made me more confident in making my own decisions. So thanks!

Selwin



Mar 06, 2015 at 09:28 AM
sdeutscher
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Critique for first wedding


I would not alternate that much between color and b/w. The location is pretty colourful so I think this adds value to the pictures. I would go for b/w only where I have gestures, expressions, faces that I want to emphasize. The biggest improvement would be to shoot low and high angle.
Also I second the advices from the others!
I see good pictures so you have all the reasons to keep going. A lot of it will come with exercise and experience
Good luck!



Mar 08, 2015 at 07:54 AM
Selwin
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Critique for first wedding


Hi sdeutscher, thank you for your help. I'll need to think hard about which images to process to b/w and which to leave in colour. Opinions vary, so I think I need to make my own choice based upon my nose (the nose knows) and go with that.

It would be very helpful if you (or anyone really) could post a couple of high/low angle shots that really work. So I can learn more and try some myself. Maybe I should start a new topic for that?

Selwin



Mar 09, 2015 at 04:47 AM
ricardovaste
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Critique for first wedding


Selwin, you will see a lot of others shooting with very low and very high angles, shooting through objects and surfaces, shooting ultra wide angels - doing a lot to try and make the surface of the image look different/interesting. Personally, I would do everything to avoid that if I were you, as this just doesn't appear to be in line with what you're photographing.

It's early days for you. Try not to just copy everything else you might see.



Mar 09, 2015 at 04:55 AM
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