Had an awesome shoot yesterday, probably one of my most favorite to date! Have been waiting to post them because this is a surprise for Amber's fiancee (he's usually lurking on these forums so I couldn't spoil the fun!)
Anyways, fun shoot with one of my favorite clients . . . and a 6ft Columbian Red Tailed Boa.
Spencer, I have to disagree with you. The awesome shots are on your website, and this shoot falls short of 'awesome'. Here's why I say that:
She has the same neutral expression throughout the shoot, and there is no smile in sight.
#1 The snake is overexposed and the white skin on her face is from overexposure too.
#2 This one is really busy and distracting. The pattern on her bra is not a good mix with the boa. The boa is OOF. At f1.6 you can't keep her and the boa in focus.
#4 The cactus is a beautiful major feature of this shot. A good thing. You chose a good setting. The boa, on the other hand, is hardly noticed as it blends into the pattern of her bra.
The shots in your portrait gallery are indeed awesome, some of the best I've seen. Sorry, but I don't think this shoot is in the same category.
I like everything in these photos except for the snake and her top. Beautiful woman, great location, framing, lighting, but the snake and the top don't add to the shots. Not sure how to incorporate the snake in these shots. Something more subdued and slinky for the top. Try focusing on the young lady and the snake, without all the other stuff.
I feel like the lighting, comp and expression work best in #1.... but I would love to see you get some highlights back on the snake. I imagine the scales were shiny, making for a difficult lighting situation. Can you powder a snake?
Awesome pics Spencer! I tend to disagree also. I think she was going for a somewhat hard look while holding that bad ass snake! She's supposed to smile & look bubbly while she's holding this bad ass snake? I think you pulled it off well. Good one! See you soon.
Randy
I agree with the comments about the photos on the site. The enviromental portraits are tremendous. The wedding site also is great but the music made me scramble to turn the volume OFF. O/w great site and portfolio.
Just wanted to say thanks Spencer for a great birthday surprise. Although I'm biased about Amber's beauty I think these came out awesome regardless. As Randy pointed out these pictures would have been far less cool if she was bubbly and smiling. You went for a look and scored.
