Shot from first wedding shoot

Here's a shot from my first ever wedding shoot. What do you guys think?

Do you want brutal honesty or confidence building fluffy replies?

I'm not very good at fluffy, so apologies in advance

I'm not so keen on the crop. His left hand has been cut off halfway, and their heads are too close to the top edge. The plant on the far right, and it's shadow, is a bit intrusive as well.

The off-camera flash is good, but the flash shadow on her dress and right arm are quite harsh - perhaps some kind of diffuser next time.

I would also have cloned out the green plant tendril across his jacket, the white strands right next to his head, and the white bits on the far left edge. That might just be my personal nitpickiness showing through

Finally it seems ever so slightly soft, especially around her face and shoulders.

Having got all the nasty stuff out of the way, I like the pose, it's fun and shows their friendship nicely. The only quibble there is the knife could have been twisted 90 degrees so we could see more of the flat of the blade.

Congratulations on the first shoot, by the way. I don't think I'd have the courage to be a wedding photographer!!!

I can see the idea, but I'm not sure that even mock threatening with a knife is a good way to go. I wouldn't have done that.

Technically a little harsh, losing detail in the dark suit and washing out the dress.

But the idea of doing imaginative different shots is excellent and if you keep an open mind and take advantage of situations as they arise you should develop a nice style that people will like.

Ok, everyone else is being honest so here goes.

I agree with thoughton about most points, especially the harsh shadows caused by the flash. Also the croping which has put the heads so close to the edge of the frame.

The whole shot is a little too busy for my liking with little bits of flowers poking into frame everywhere, i would try cloning at least some of them out.

If this is the shot you have chosen to post, does that mean its the one you like the most? I would be intersted to see a few more from your first wedding.

I'm open for any critiques at all. How will I improve if people just tell me I am great.

As for the crop. It isn't cropped at all. That is as shot,but I agree that heads are too close to the top of the frame.

Also I agree that it is a little harsh, maybe another flash from the left would help on that. I haven't got another though.

I don't really go into all that cloning lark. However I can see how it is busy and how maybe some items could be removed.

To be honest the whole day was a bit of experimentation. Totally a new thing for me. Though the bride, a family friend is very happy with them.

That great that the family like them and they are paying for them

James

Only one flash, Bounce it of the ceiling

Thanks Pink. I tried bouncing flash of the ceiling. It was really tricky as the ceiling was panelled wood. There wasn't a lot of light bouncing back from it.

When I saw the pose and the lighting I assumed someone else was being paid to take the pictures and you were being opportunistic. I dont think weddings are the place for 'experimentation' but if the bride is happy then 'job done'.

Very true

If you know the image will look better cropped, then crop it

Good luck with the not cloning lark, do you think all photographers get their images perfect out of the body??

That is all that matters at the end of the day

Mike, every one here wll have a different opinion of your photo. The only thing that really counts is the customer. I am sure the thingse mentioned here could be an improvement the real test is if you can sell it.

Steven

Sometmes, the expression on the face is priceless.

Sent you a PM with some notes on your images.

Hello mike,

I did many weddings both as a restaurant manager and maitre chef over the 40 odd years in the industry,but none I was responsible for until I had learned from my mentors.It is a great responsibility , and like photographing the day , no real way of turning back the clock to "do it over".
I have only photographed two weddings,my daughter`s best friend`s at which I had my *istD,3 lenses,tripod,flash and the MZ5n loaded with b&w Ilford 400 ( Emma,my daughter was also "on duty" with her MZ50 loaded with b&w film ).The bride was overjoyed with the edited dvd of over 350 shots ( the local processor would not handle it as they thought it was a pro job and would be under copyright - tee hee ! ).Last July I took 450 shots of my own daughter`s wedding - I was a guest not the official pap - these have been edited down to about 300 and sent with love.
The risk of bu**ering up the day is too great to be experimenting or even learning on the job - go as an observer and watch a pro in action at least and develop your style without the risk of catastrophe.

Tony