Uncomfortable Situation

FM Forum Rules
Wedding Resource List

FM Forums \| Wedding Photographer \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 3 4 5 end

Archive 2008 · Uncomfortable Situation

Andrew Welsh
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.3 #1 · Uncomfortable Situation

Being an engineer, I like to reverse-engineer things sometimes. For the more technical minded folks here who would like to be able to handle such a situation in the future, let's break down specifically what she did:

- Flare shots to distract attention a bit / wash out the couple a bit
- full-body composition to reduce the amount of face
- Minimize head shots / closeups
- full profile shots from the side
- B&G hugging / kissing to hide / bury parts of the face
- Have them interact / do something in a way that allows an expression of their love and affection for one another, keeping in mind the guidelines above.

Any other specific techniques I missed?

BTW great overall effort, you did handle this well. I suspect your experience saved you on this day.. someone new like myself would have fumbled tremendously and quietly fumed about why I wasn't informed ahead of time to mentally prepare. Ah well, I guess this is a testament to the value of a client meeting in person before a wedding, be it for a bridal, e-session or fireside chat.

Jul 08, 2008 at 05:24 PM

Aberdeen Photo
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #2 · Uncomfortable Situation

Lovely Mel, lovely....

Tom

Jul 08, 2008 at 05:35 PM

ksmahgrts
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #3 · Uncomfortable Situation

bonniebruno wrote:
Mel, you handled this beautifully.
I have to admit, I bristled at a term used by the first poster ("figmented"):

"well, shes got some really rad shots that dont show her badside.. tho her portraits arent gonna be a looker..."

My 5 1/2-year-old granddaughter is severely disabled, born with a rare syndrome. We've learned to ignore the stares and the insensitive comments, but it boggles my mind as to why mature adults miss the message--"There but for the grace of God go I."

This bride does not have a "badside". It's a beautiful thing when we witness a person like her groom, who sees deeper than surface beauty. He is exceptional, and I expect they'll have an exceptional marriage because of it. Your work is exceptional, too, Mel. Congratulations on a fabulous collection of wedding photos!

this entire post bears repeating.

thank you bonnie.

Jul 08, 2008 at 05:57 PM

Ken Vigil
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #4 · Uncomfortable Situation

You did an outstanding job in a situation that required a lot of sensitivity and grace. I would hope to do as well if presented with a similar situation. She will treasure these as she should.

ken

Jul 08, 2008 at 06:03 PM

Darrell Lee
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #5 · Uncomfortable Situation

awesome job. your pictures really show how creative and sensitive wedding photographers have to be.

Jul 08, 2008 at 06:11 PM

R.E. Simmons
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #6 · Uncomfortable Situation

The Groom found a woman who who loves him, the Bride found a man that loves her. It would appear that they know what is important to each other. You did a lovely job of capturing their day! How lucky they have a friend with such talent. Kudos.

Jul 08, 2008 at 06:38 PM

simon_says
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #7 · Uncomfortable Situation

Amazing work! You handled this like a true professional, and it's inspirational to hear this story!

Jul 09, 2008 at 02:23 AM

Joanna Pecha
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #8 · Uncomfortable Situation

stunning, sensitive and a real tribute to your beautiful couple! Made me wipe tears of joy away!!

Jul 09, 2008 at 02:31 AM

Jimsokay
Online
Upload & Sell: On

p.3 #9 · Uncomfortable Situation

Beautiful photos! Your professionalism is unquestionable.

Jul 09, 2008 at 03:14 AM

corndog
Online
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.3 #10 · Uncomfortable Situation

With all the positive feedback, there's really no reason to reply. I find myself compelled to do so anyway!

You have made the absolute best of an awkward situation. You truly earned this win, they were very lucky to have you. I usually shake my head at what local wedding photographers are paid, compared to their results. No matter the number, I say you earned it.

On a side note, would they both be ok with these on the forum? Most of us are fairly mature, but some aren't...

Jul 09, 2008 at 04:18 AM

unblinkable
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #11 · Uncomfortable Situation

Thanks again, guys... I'm really thankful for your encouragement.

Jul 09, 2008 at 04:55 AM

sino408
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #12 · Uncomfortable Situation

I don't think couple, much less anyone for that matter, can find flaw in the beautiful work that you did. You should ask yourself this question: how would knowing what the bride looks like changed your artistic ingenuity?

Jul 09, 2008 at 05:46 AM

57suzi
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #13 · Uncomfortable Situation

How you manage to be endlessly creative and yet retain a classic look is a wonder.
I agree it would have been helpful to know how she feels about pictures of herself, although their not mentioning it likely tells enough itself.
Really generous gift, BTW.

Jul 09, 2008 at 06:16 AM

Sarah Salyer
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #14 · Uncomfortable Situation

You are so amzing, just amazing..... I am in awe! This is why you are my photography idol! It is so easy to get beautiful shots of beautiful people. You have outdone yourself and as far as I'm concerned she should be shown in some of your best work on your site. I am telling yuo now, I will probably come back to this thread 10 times today.

Again Mel, you are AMAZING!

~Sarah

Jul 09, 2008 at 11:03 AM

SingleMalt
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #15 · Uncomfortable Situation

What a gift you have to pierce the artifice of the veil of "common beauty" to find the truly spectacular. You captured this woman with the same vision that her husband clearly holds. It's a vision that, thanks to you, I too could see.

What an awesome gift you have given all of us!

Jul 09, 2008 at 11:57 AM

Matt Khoury
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #16 · Uncomfortable Situation

how did you light the last 2?

Jul 09, 2008 at 03:42 PM

unblinkable
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #17 · Uncomfortable Situation

mrpeepers wrote:
how did you light the last 2?

Off camera flash.

Jul 09, 2008 at 04:37 PM

Lee Yount, Jr.
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #18 · Uncomfortable Situation

Mel, Cathy told me about this shoot. You did a great job with giving them a variety (from the samples that you shared). Very nice photos...I like the sparkler :-)

Jul 09, 2008 at 07:18 PM

Cathy Yount
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #19 · Uncomfortable Situation

Yeah...she's qualified for rock star status now. Ed is too.

Jul 09, 2008 at 07:29 PM

M Tahir
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.3 #20 · Uncomfortable Situation

Just want to say

Jul 09, 2008 at 07:32 PM

1 2 3 4 5 end
FM Forums \| Wedding Photographer \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 3 4 5 end