So I just recently started getting into photography about a month ago (god it's an expensive hobby) and was asked by my buddy to take some engagement photos. I let him know that I would have practically no idea what I'm doing (to lower his expectations), but agree. "Awesome bro... blurred background and us in focus is all you gotta do!". Oh great.... haha. She wanted both of them to wear white shirts, even after I pleaded for them not to. I read somewhere on here that it helps if you shoot RAW with PP when your subjects wear white shirts, so I did.
So I look up some examples of engagements photos and take note of the ones that I think they would like. I learned a lot of things, such as it's sometimes difficult to tell people what you're looking for unless you actually do it yourself. This is one of the advantages to working with close friends, is they don't feel uncomfortable when you put your arm around them, or other similar actions.
Aaaanyway, I'd appreciate some criticism and comments on the photo's them selves and what I should being doing with photoshop. They are pleased with their photos, but I know I have a lot of room to improve. Please keep any vocabulary you use easily "googleable". Gear in profile sans 70-200 (just got it today!).
My notes:
1) I absolutely hate myself for cutting off their feet.
2) I had to crop this one a little from the original, because I tend to include too much sky in my pictures, so I more room to work with if you think I should set up the photo differently.
3) Kinda bummed out that I cut off the fingers on the bottom, but she really liked it and didn't mind the fingers.
4) I think I like this one the most, but she is squinting a little bit.
5) This was taken in the shade with a bright background, so the were really underexposed. I did what I could, but my PS kung fu sucks.
6) Cropped some off all sides but the bottom. Shirts pretty bright and I'm considering bringing them down a bit. The shadows on her eyes is pretty much a totall bummer, but I don't have any reflectors/flash to help with that. Also probably going to take out some of the bird shit.
I think you're off to a good start. As far as PS goes, I stopped using it much at all once I got Lightroom. I love LR and if you're going to do this on a regular basis, you may want to think about it. It's very easy to get more pop out of your photos. I only use PS for major edits, but find that LR does about 99% of what I want to do.
It sounds like you've already given yourself some good critique. One thing you may want to consider, if possible, is shooting later in the day. We've been doing ours at about 3:00-5:00 p.m. here in Southern California so that the sun is starting to give some nice light rather than harsh like you had on this shoot.
A big reflector would be nice, and maybe some subtle fill flash so you could have them not facing into the sun and squinting.
You seem to have critiqued yourself pretty much right on target. I like #3 if the fingers weren't clipped. I'd only add that you lighting seems very direct and harsh. Highlights appear blown in the ones with direct lighting. You'll get results you are happier with when you invest in reflectors/lighting. (you are right, photography is not cheap!) For now you could make a cheap reflector with cardboard and crumpled aluminum foil to get light into your subjects eyes (catchlights). Expose for the highlights and use your reflector to fill. You have a good start, keep shooting.
These are very good even with the white shirts ! In fact, I think these shirts are really effective in your first one. You obviously know what you are doing, or what you would like to be doing, from reading your self criticism.
A nice start to your photographic journey. Yeah, the lighting looks like it was pretty tough to deal with, but you're aware of that. Keep readin and shootin!
we all learn as we go man, those mistakes you pointed out are easily fix if you just notice it before you got home. That comes with experience, everything will come together in time. keep shooting my friend
Nice work in tough conditions. You are aware of your clipping of extremities, so change your habits as you look through the viewfinder - look at the edges in more detail.
with the kiss though... line things up, focus... and wait until they are done... just as they pull way from each other, they have that face-smile thing going on... that's when you shoot... not the kiss itself, but the immediate post-kiss...
Your off to a great start, only advise I have is shoot vertical that first image would be great vertical. You did all the CC'ing for yourself not much to add besides. You could try using the clone tool on the bird poo in the last one.
I recently started using Lightroom 2 instead of PS. Is there a way to add a slight gradient to the border much like he has done in a couple of his pictures?
I ask Strat, but I'd welcome an answer from anyone.
If that was my location, I would have definately turned the sun around. You're shooting late afternoon or early morning. A huge part of portrait photography is the eyes and you've put the sun right into theirs.
Strong backlit photos aren't a walk in the park to take but I'd much rather shoot into the sun, dropping my ambient down and filling in with flash and reflectors.
