This is at the Vizcaya gardens in Miami, which has been shot to death around here, but it has such fabulous (did I just say that?) coral walls and foliage - you really can't wrong.

Robert spoke as much English as I did Spanish (read: not much) so Priscilla helped us along. I think something that happens when I shoot couples like this is that I begin to cut the scenery out and get close - but sometimes I want more environment at the same time. Maybe I need to try something really wide...

1

SmugMug's down.

They look good as usual Techno...Not too sure about the gate ones, maybe it's just me. Interesting idea for sure, but seems "awkward jail gone bad" but then again that's just me. Keep posting!

Ok, looks like smugmug has regained consciousness.

1: well composed but watch out when posing a woman head-on, I'm fairly certain she things she looks too wide. (Maybe a little liquify in PS?)
2: Watch out for double chin.
3: Great texture. Might have come out better with her opening her eyes but maybe not.
4: Very nice. Might have been a good spot for some strobist action--a little fill on the front, underexposing the arch and having one or two flashes behind them.
5 & 6: Really great shots and positioning. Green in the back complements it perfectly. I think I prefer 6's framing, though. The off-balance framing works well if there aren't too many straight lines but in this one I don't think it suits it.
7 & 8 & 9: I prefer landscape shots over portrait, usually, but here you sucked out the life (color) from the landscape one. Other than that, they're excellent shots. I'd be embarrassed if #9 was of me but if I was the guy, I'm sure I'd think it was tender.
10: PERFECT.
11 & 12: I think 12 looks better here, mainly because of your off-balance orientation in 11 that makes it look like they're about to fall.
13 & 14: Don't like these much. He's too shadowy which makes her look pale in comparison.

Great set. These are just my picky thoughts, I'm sure the couple loved them. Where is he from? My guess is Peru or Venezuela.

David, thank you for your comments.

1: You're right on the head-on part - throughout the session, I was shooting her "with a twist", but I loved the expression in this one and didn't even notice...
2: Didn't see that either...
3: There were some open-eyed ones, but this had the best characterization for me.
4: I was shooting by myself and pressed for time (we only had an hour before they closed) and would have loved to do some more things with lights. That shot is a good example.
5/6: Thanks. I have a natural tilt to the left when I hold the camera, and I like how it worked there. But I have to straighten it out most of the time.
7/8/9: This series isn't exactly like I wanted (I should have moved her eyes within the gate in some places), but I do think 7 has great impact. I went black/white on 8 because I wanted to draw the gate more into the picture. I wish I had gotten more shots like 9 for a better expression.
10: I think I like this one the least!
11/12: Agreed.
13/14: Looking back, I should've shot these with the 85 (instead of the 35), but I had already packed it up. Agreed on the shadows.

I believe Roberto is from Ecuador. I did get a reply back from Priscilla today: "OH MY GOSH! I love them."

technocraft wrote:
10: I think I like this one the least!


I meant composition/location-wise. It almost looks a bit forceful in his stance but there's something about the colors and textures that looks very abstract, definitely not something you see in the States very often. Almost reminds me of a few places in Morocco.

David Harpor wrote:
technocraft wrote:
10: I think I like this one the least!


I meant composition/location-wise. It almost looks a bit forceful in his stance but there's something about the colors and textures that looks very abstract, definitely not something you see in the States very often. Almost reminds me of a few places in Morocco.

I think I have a lot of abstract intentions when shooting. I like (now that you make me look at it again) the way that his straight leg is an opposite angle to the line coming down the stairs. Thanks.

I was there last month, beautiful place! I live in New York right now but I am hoping by the end of the year I will be living in Miami. =)

I tend to the same thing also of shooting to close. So, it has been my mission to get wider shots. You can get some great wide shots at Vizcaya too. Either way you have some sold stuff.

Thanks Jimmy.

As for wider, maybe the 24L?

hmmmm....In number 7
If you'd move her head one up and one to the right, you'll see a heart shape in the fence/gate. Very useful

If you don't see it...turn the picture (7 or 8) upside down...then her face is setlled in a heart shape.

technocraft wrote:
Thanks Jimmy.

As for wider, maybe the 24L?


Yeah, that 24L would have been real nice!

Thanks Swampcat, I didn't see the "heart" in the gate (forrest for the trees?). I'll have to remember that for next time.

Jimmy, I might have to give that a try. Have to recover from my 1D3 purchase first...