First Engagement Shoot

[savona]

A couple friend are getting hitched and they asked if I would do their engagement shots. This is not really my forte but I agreed to do it. I also did this for free but I hope I did a good job for them. Anyway here are my first few images, I would love honest opinions.

Oh did I mention mid afternoon sun and white shirts!

[Hikariphoto]

Mid-afternoon with white shirts... UGH. I feel your pain. The main thing is that they look fairly stiff. I'm sure they'll love the photos, and your exposure and sharpness are good, but the stiffness does it in for me. He seems a LOT taller than she is, so play with that a little. Let him give her a piggyback ride. Have him pick her up and swing her around. Play with light and shadow. Help them to make it look like they're in love and loving being in love, rather than going to the prom.

I'm by no means a master e-session photographer, and some couples are difficult to bring out of their shells, but I think if you had them actually interact with each other, they would loosen up a lot and you would have a lot of fun. They're a very good-looking couple and I'm sure their wedding will be lovely.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

That's the only thing that's missing to me. They're into the camera instead of each other. Get 'em all lovey!

[savona]

I wish I would asked you guys before I did it. Anyway, So far she said she likes them, but she dont like her double chin, and her nostrils.

[Hikariphoto]

I wish I would asked you guys before I did it. Anyway, So far she said she likes them, but she dont like her double chin, and her nostrils.

Yeah... When she smiles she pulls her chin back; many people do that and it's not noticeable until you see the pictures. I usually tell brides that the secret word is "turtle" -- to stick her chin out a little more than normal, like a turtle coming out of its shell. Then I watch for the double chin and when I see it starting to creep back, I will say "turtle!" and the bride knows immediately what's happening. Works every time.

[savona]

Yeah... When she smiles she pulls her chin back; many people do that and it's not noticeable until you see the pictures. I usually tell brides that the secret word is "turtle" -- to stick her chin out a little more than normal, like a turtle coming out of its shell. Then I watch for the double chin and when I see it starting to creep back, I will say "turtle!" and the bride knows immediately what's happening. Works every time.

Thats an awesome tip... Well I guess I will have to be out of my element before I can master the element! It was a fun shoot I just wish she was a little more happy with them. Not that it is a big deal or she hates them, I just like to please people. Ohh well, next time.

[teardr0p1204]

hey savone... these aren't real bad at all. the exposure is perfect but I did notice the double chin as well.
hikari, the turtle tip sounds cool!!! im sure a lot of folks here in the forum could have some use for it an one point. I most definitely will!

[slammer]

Wow, I think you did a good job for a first try. I may faint if I get results like this on my 1,000th try!

[SNAPaPHOTO]

The other thing you may want to consider is getting a little taller platform to shoot from looking down slightly at the girl, if her head is tilted back or your camera is little lower than her nostrils it will give that look.

Good exposure, hate white shirts, and shooting in the middle of the day is tough. Did you use a reflector or flash while in the gazebo?

[Adaptive]

Looks to me like these pics seen a lot of post processing....

Steve what happened I know you are good at shooting people in broad daylight...
I think you got nervous on this shoot. Just expose for the highlights (shirts) then fill with flash and you got it brother!