C&C Please. some are natural light Some have a shoot through umbrella off camera. Wish I used more light.
I feel lost when it comes to posing so any suggestions on how to improve or awkward elements in my poses let me know Thanks!
1

Howdy,

First...my standard intro to anyone "new" to me on this forum...
My comments or suggestions below are not a criticism of you, your model, your talent or skill. I offer them in a friendly tone of voice and with the sole intent to help you with a second POV and set of eyes. If you read sincere questions and simple suggestions as "criticism" of you, then you will miss how I am trying to help you.

Of course this may be your own "style" or your own "vision" and I suppose we can assume that the images look just like they do because that is exactly how you like them. That is OK too. It just shows that there are differences of "opinion" on what looks good. IF these are exactly what you want and like, then by all means continue making your images look like that and have fun doing it. I can only speak for myself and what I do or do not find appealing in the posted photos. As I always say: "Follow your own muse."
_________________

Some Observations:

(NOTE: the numbers below are for my observations, not the image number)

1. In general I think you should get closer, as most of these shots are taken from distance

2. In general, I think most of the photos are not flattering to the woman, or her face is not shown well because of your POV or moment or her pose

3. In general, it appears that you put a lot of emphasis on the location and leading lines and "frames" for the couple, but not enough to the people (see point 2 above). Example, see images 5, 7, 8, 10 and look at the woman's face in those images. Notice what we see or don't see of her face.

4. The brightly colored leaves draw my eye away from the people

5. Some shots are so distant to the couple that it looks like you are avoiding getting close to them (images 5 and 8 for examples)

6. Several shots have an obvious TILT to them (I don't care for it as shown here)

7. There is a bike tire in foreground (very distracting element in the image)

8. In one image there is "too much wall, too little people).

9. There are distracting visual elements in several images (see image 6, and notice the man's face, what little is shown of it) that overpower the people (the gate design above their heads).

10. What do I like in these images? I like the figures (how her figure is shown) in image 9 and how the faces are shown in image 11.

11. IF I had to pick one image from this set, I would pick image 11.

I hope these comments help you.

I would suggest doing some tighter shots for variety. This would focus more on the subjects than the backgrounds. In #4 what does the foreground stairs have to do with the couple. Answer is nothing so why is it in the final crop of the photo. Crop or better yer shoot it close so it is croped at the edge of the hands but keep all fingers. Also crop close or an inch into the hairline. This will bring 100% of focus to them. Same in #1.

Look at all the shots and see which could be more personal with a tighter crop. That might help give the look you feel your pose is missing. Don't feel required to shoot feet in a 'full length' shot, unless selling shoes. Make it a 1/2 to 3/4 for more impact.

I agree, get closer or crop tighter, I'm not a fan of the "tilt" shots, the poses don't look very flattering for the woman, the background is distracting

7 and 11 wins my vote for this set. I'm new to this stuff but my suggestion would be to aim for simplicity and I think your images will have a stronger impact. There are too many distractions on some of your images.

ive seen the term "e-session" bandied around on these forums.. what is an e-session?

killersnowman wrote:
ive seen the term "e-session" bandied around on these forums.. what is an e-session?


engagement - before the wedding !

I have not been to Piedmont Park in years. I have read that crime was rampant there...not true? I used to visit Piedmont often. Pictures are great.

I love Piedmont Park!! Many Sundays spent there watching the Allman Brothers Band play there.. If these are the only images there needs to be a few more tighter shots of the couple.. I need more connection between them.. and 6 (his) & 7 I would have liked to have seen the feet.. favorite is 11..

Just a guy who mostly takes photos of family, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt.

General thoughts. Good work on the lighting, WB, and exposures. The PP is solid and looks good. Posing is good in spots, but women rarely look their best squared up to the camera.


1. I like the pose and the interaction feels genuine. The tilt on a low angle shot is very common and always bothers me, makes me feel like I’m falling . I would prefer the comp if you had moved a bit to your left to remove the intermediate leafless tree from his head.
2. Nice comp and interesting angle. The oof trunk on the right is a bit distracting and he feels a bit in limbo… not super comfortable with the pose and not sure whether to look all the way away or at the camera.
3. I like that you’re getting different angles, but this one isn’t flattering to her. Maybe switch they’re spots?
4. Nice moment
5. I like the comp but maybe a step or two back so they’re on the ground, or a couple steps up so they’re on the landing. Could use some dodging/burning to help them stand out.
6. Nice.
7. My favorite of the set. Nice composition and control of lighting.
8. I really like the idea, but think it would be improved by moving them to the right (into the open area) and cropping off some of the foreground. Also remove the intruding branches on the right.
9. Nice use of leading lines. Her shadow from OCF on the pillar is a bit distracting.
10. Feels like there are too many geometric things going on here. Also, she gets a bit lost in the pillar behind her.
11. Maybe it is supposed to be, but just in case, the pose feels very maternity-ish. Exposure’s a bit hot, but nice use of light on them.
12. Not your best
13. Cool diving board thing.

Thanks for sharing.
Dave

Posing is hard.

I have only really been posing people for about 10 months so I know what its like to stand there and try to either a) get a pose idea or b) articulate it to the client.

When in doubt just keep it simple. 1,2 and 4 feel the least natural to me. 11 and 13 are real close to being very good (ie. they are good )

With 8 I just want something more from them. I agree moving them a little to the right, but perhaps an embrace, or a kiss with a little leg up would work as well.

Also, while tilt is a tool to be used IMO I think it is most effective when used sparingly

Solid for your first E session

Thanks for the tips some very good advice and a few things I didnt consider. I did shoot tighter for some images on the blog but not nearly enough. I think I was just caught up with the chance to shoot somewhere cool and wanted to work on scenic shots. It's important to remember to balance so hopefully next time I get a good mix of both.

#7 is my fav but with the sky was a tad darker.