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

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?

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.

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

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!

how did you light the last 2?

mrpeepers wrote:
how did you light the last 2?

Off camera flash.

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 :-)

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

Just want to say

Melanie,

As always, you did an amazing job capturing the couple. You composition and toning are spot on.

Maybe it's because I'm taking a course in disabilities now, but for whatever reason, your post stuck with me. I understand you saying that you would have liked a heads up on what to expect from the bride, however, it shouldn't be like that. Kudos to the bride for being comfortable enough with herself to not even mention anything to you. We, as photographers and as people, shouldn't be uncomfortable with the way anyone looks. You get there, you start shooting. There should be not elephant in the room just a joyful bride and an eager photographer.

I'm not saying you did anything wrong, I'm merely getting on my soap box to say that we shouldn't expect anyone to reveal exceptionalities. You wouldn't expect a bride to say, "oh, by the way, I'm blonde, 5'10" and a knock-out." Why should the girl whose not be expected to do the same thing?

I really hope this makes sense.

I am not a photographer, but have a camera and am learning.
I _am_ a people person though, and wish to record my gratitude to you for honouring these two young people as they really are.
I read so much here, and look, and look again, at the photos and soak it all up ... nothing has been more confirming of what I value (and hope to emulate) AND more refreshing, than this thread.
Thank you.

wow. dope.

europedreamer wrote:
Melanie,

As always, you did an amazing job capturing the couple. You composition and toning are spot on.

Maybe it's because I'm taking a course in disabilities now, but for whatever reason, your post stuck with me. I understand you saying that you would have liked a heads up on what to expect from the bride, however, it shouldn't be like that. Kudos to the bride for being comfortable enough with herself to not even mention anything to you. We, as photographers and as people, shouldn't be uncomfortable with the way anyone looks. You get there, you start shooting. There should be not elephant in the room just a joyful bride and an eager photographer.

I'm not saying you did anything wrong, I'm merely getting on my soap box to say that we shouldn't expect anyone to reveal exceptionalities. You wouldn't expect a bride to say, "oh, by the way, I'm blonde, 5'10" and a knock-out." Why should the girl whose not be expected to do the same thing?

I really hope this makes sense.

You know, I totally understand what you're saying... and maybe it's because of having a disabled sister that I see things from a different view. I can't imagine Maureen NOT having told someone that she was wheelchair bound... or that she lost her leg to cancer... it's part of who she WAS, yes... but it's not the norm... and it's understandable that someone coming in to do something as intimate as photography be more in the know to the whole picture. I think everyone might come at these things from a myriad of different angles... and more than a few of them can be spot on, depending on who you are and what you're trying to do.

WOW!!! wonderfull shot! Nice photo with a good idea and creativity. You know to handle the situation....congrat!!! The output are great. For sure your client will satisfy with your picture...

wow, your pictures of her brought tears to my eyes. simply beautiful. she and her groom will be so happy

I have to say I am very impress about the photos. And they are beautiful.

I think you did a wonderful job. I would be proud of any of these shots and they show that you were very adaptive and creative. Very nice.

these are really well done (as you usually do)

You (& Jeff) are truly an inspiration, Mel. I really enjoyed the shots/story. Have the bride/groom seen any of these photos yet? If so, what was their reaction? I imagine they will be thrilled.

~Chelle

seechelle wrote:
You (& Jeff) are truly an inspiration, Mel. I really enjoyed the shots/story. Have the bride/groom seen any of these photos yet? If so, what was their reaction? I imagine they will be thrilled.

~Chelle

Thanks Chelle! The couple LOVED them. The images I posted on my blog were her favorites, too. I got the BEST comment there from her older sister and it made me all teary!

unblinkable wrote:
seechelle wrote:
You (& Jeff) are truly an inspiration, Mel. I really enjoyed the shots/story. Have the bride/groom seen any of these photos yet? If so, what was their reaction? I imagine they will be thrilled.

~Chelle

Thanks Chelle! The couple LOVED them. The images I posted on my blog were her favorites, too. I got the BEST comment there from her older sister and it made me all teary!

Mel, you have a blog? J/K

Sam Hassas wrote:

Mel, you have a blog? J/K

Shocking.

One for work and one for ME.

I couldn't be more moved... both by your story and your photographs! Great job!

First of all great pictures...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The couple and there family are used to her as she is. So don't hide it.
Personally I would add some more close ups or crops in the album to complete the set.
You did a great job making het wedding day a fairytale.