engagement pictures

[morgan]

These are a few pictures from my first engagement photoshoot. I love feedback, so anything constructive is welcome.

This couple volunteered to be my guinea pigs. We plan on reshooting their engagement pics at a later time as I learn more about photography.

1 http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/morganleighbomer/ohsnapIMG_9799.jpg

2 http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/morganleighbomer/sunglowBLCIMG_9567.jpg

3 http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p148/morganleighbomer/magicalBWIMG_0208.jpg

[tirediron]

A good start, however a couple of thoughts. The poses are all remarkably similar, that is, in all three images they're holding each other and looking at each other. Variety is key; try different poses, and in at least some of them, have them look toward the camera.

In #s 2 & 3, you've got too much DoF, that is, the background is focused enough that it's quite distracting. Consider shooting from a greater distance with a longer lens (telephoto = less DoF, Wide Angle = more DoF) so that your background is much softer and less noticable.

The mono treatment of #3 could use a little work; overall it's very mid-tone rich, and lacks any real white.

Good work, and keep at it!

Just my $00.02 worth - you milage may vary.

~John

[morgan]

thanks for the ideas. i must really like the "holding & looking" because these were the ones i picked to share. but, i did take a variety of things.

here are more (if anyone is interested)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/morganhenderson/sets/72157607061552950/

i only have a 28mm & 50mm lens. i shot with my 28mm. I can open up my aperature more to get less DOF. i was nervous on my first shoot & switched to program mode for a large amount of the time.

I'll play around with the post processing on #3.

I am really anxious to do some more. I feel like i've learned so much since doing these.

[tomorrowstreasures]

To add - being really nit picky-the top photo needs a wee bit of straightening - the lines of the columns are a bit tilted.

[Travis]

i only have a 28mm & 50mm lens. i shot with my 28mm. I can open up my aperature more to get less DOF. i was nervous on my first shoot & switched to program mode for a large amount of the time.



The biggest way to improve these shots is the use of a reflector ... especially in shot 2... you shouldn't be afraid the experiment (especially using shallow dof) on portraiture shoots... if you are afraid of missing a focus area i'd start in aperture priority on your most open setting and keep your finger on the wheel... close down the aperture three stop (one stop per frame) for each pose... it doesn't take very long once you get the hang of it.... and keep your eye on the histogram...

[morgan]

thanks for the tips. i have been thinking about buying a reflector. is it hard to use a reflector alone? do you need a 2nd person?

[malechi]

thanks for the tips. i have been thinking about buying a reflector. is it hard to use a reflector alone? do you need a 2nd person?

It is hard without an extra set of hands but you can buy a stand to hold it for you. Try this

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272945-REG/Impact_3218_Multiboom_Light_Stand_Reflector_Holder .html

I have one and it's great