First Engagement Shoot

TGphoto

TGphoto

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Tom
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Hi all,

Had my first experience of doing an engagement shoot - completely FOC for a friend of mine and his fiancé. I really enjoyed the shoot and feel that I learnt a lot.

They aren't the most affectionate couple so getting them to show this was quite challenging at first, but they relaxed into it after a short time.

I realised that I want to try shooting with primes as well, I didn't like using a zoom for this kind of shoot so will probably invest in a couple of primes.

It was a pretty dull day but we were lucky to still have nice autumnal colours around. I found getting the WB right quite difficult given the array of colours around.

I was a little cautious with the aperture as I wanted to make sure both subjects were in focus, but it was all good experience!

Happy for constructive criticism on this selection of shots.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/NTEs52]DSC_6210 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2cDUjxp]DSC_6464 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/29ThBQS]DSC_6524 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/NTEzQ2]DSC_6685 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Qw6j1d]DSC_6693 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2bxRsvG]DSC_6739 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/2cDUhjr]DSC_6362 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]

[url=https://flic.kr/p/29ThDR5]DSC_6623-2 by Thomas Green, on Flickr[/URL]
 
shots seem not to bad
did you shoot in raw as you can adjust wb easily enough
 
That's a nice set of shots for sure!

I'd maybe consider just a dab of fill flash in light like that.
 
holty said:
shots seem not to bad
did you shoot in raw as you can adjust wb easily enough
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Yes I did shoot in RAW, found it quite difficult to get a well balanced target.

**Will always have a grey card with me from now.

-Oy- said:
That's a nice set of shots for sure!

I'd maybe consider just a dab of fill flash in light like that.
Click to expand...

Thank you.

I agree - I am still learning how to use flash so thought I'd leave it away for this. Will use it in future.
 
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not bad, when its over cast like that i shoot in the cloudy setting. I find it gives a better WB than AWB. also try warming the up to really emphasis that autumnal feeling.
 
Nice shots, I agree that some FIF would lift the subjects nicely.
 
Yesterday was pretty dull with flat light so I think you’ve managed to find the best light available :) I know you’ve said you played it safe with aperture but the ones shots wider open seem to have more appeal to me personally. Pose wise I think 7 gets it for me, just try to keep an eye on that background, half a step to the right would have been spot on.

You’ve caught some of their interaction well though, and that’s what it’s all about so a good first shoot in my opinion :D
 
Once you've got a white balance for one shot, I imagine they'll all be the same

The second shot is noticeable cooler.
2,3,4,7 shots seems a little underexposed
Sixth shot has some tonal issues the midtones are burned (I think that's how to describe it)

I like the tonal range in 1&5, the whites a little brighter which helps draw attention to the face.

I'd personally prefer consistency with format ratio of shots if you can - the portraits have varying widths - personally I've grown fond of 5x7 makes the portraits not too tall.

Compositionally the first shot could maybe do with a left trim

I feel the last black and white, with so little variation in light levels, the subjects don't stand out from their environment, it creates a bland overall tone.



Well-done for getting the interaction, I think you could polish the set and fix the points I've mentioned (if you agreed).
 
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dancook said:
Once you've got a white balance for one shot, I imagine they'll all be the same

The second shot is noticeable cooler.
2,3,4,7 shots seems a little underexposed
Sixth shot has some tonal issues the midtones are burned (I think that's how to describe it)

I like the tonal range in 1&5, the whites a little brighter which helps draw attention to the face.

I'd personally prefer consistency with format ratio of shots if you can - the portraits have varying widths - personally I've grown fond of 5x7 makes the portraits not too tall.

Compositionally the first shot could maybe do with a left trim

I feel the last black and white, with so little variation in light levels, the subjects don't stand out from their environment, it creates a bland overall tone.



Well-done for getting the interaction, I think you could polish the set and fix the points I've mentioned (if you agreed).
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Thanks for taking the time to comment Dan.

I agree with what you’re saying. Particularly with the ratios. I’m going to have another play around with them and apply the changes you mention. Cheers
 
Hi Tom,

good to see these. well done for giving it a go as i know you had been looking to get into portraiture/weddings.

1. like this, well framed and good location.
2. nice natural expression. its seems a bit flat though so perhaps some flash or upping the exposure a little? Skin tones look a bit cool.
3. see above.
4. doesn't look like the are holding hands properly.
5. nice.
6.7,8 see comments from number 2.

i think you can be pleased with these and that you have probably learnt a lot from it. getting a couple that arn't that touchy-feely can also be a challenge.
imo a set like this need consistent colour/tones so something to keep in mind perhaps.

well done though, nice set.
 
addicknchips said:
Hi Tom,

good to see these. well done for giving it a go as i know you had been looking to get into portraiture/weddings.

1. like this, well framed and good location.
2. nice natural expression. its seems a bit flat though so perhaps some flash or upping the exposure a little? Skin tones look a bit cool.
3. see above.
4. doesn't look like the are holding hands properly.
5. nice.
6.7,8 see comments from number 2.

i think you can be pleased with these and that you have probably learnt a lot from it. getting a couple that arn't that touchy-feely can also be a challenge.
imo a set like this need consistent colour/tones so something to keep in mind perhaps.

well done though, nice set.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments Jonathan - cheers for spending the time commenting on each, that's a real help.

Yes, learnt a great deal from it and the comments above give my stuff to work on both next time and with re-processing these.

Looking forward to getting out doing more!
 
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I think you did really well and succeeded in capturing their love for each other in spite of you saying they were "not the most affectionate couple". She looks as if she is from a 'foreign' (not English) cultural background and consequently has been brought up to behave more modestly in public - A pity there aren't more people like that. They look very happy and not over posed.

Were they happy with your pictures?
 
RedRobin said:
I think you did really well and succeeded in capturing their love for each other in spite of you saying they were "not the most affectionate couple". She looks as if she is from a 'foreign' (not English) cultural background and consequently has been brought up to behave more modestly in public - A pity there aren't more people like that. They look very happy and not over posed.

Were they happy with your pictures?
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Thank you - your assumption is correct, she has a parent from India.

They haven't seen them yet- I will be sending them over today so shall report back!
 
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Tom Green said:
@dancook

I have made a number of the changes you mentioned here. Made them all 5 x 7 as well and I think it works much better.

Thanks again.
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.... Definitely works much better - They look much fresher but still natural and not over processed.

Your friends/client should be much more pleased with these.
 
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