Say Cheese!!!!

[pvoices1971]

I just had to share this special moment from a wedding I filmed yesterday. I actually do wedding videography, but I take along my DSLR for some candids for a photo montage that is part of our package. Anyway I was thrilled with the result on this one. You can see the full set here if you are interested (Tony & Michelle). http://www.preciousvoices.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=61
I'm not a photographer, and this is clearly explained to the customer, so if they look a bit dodgy, they will understand.

[Ausnapper]

Darren

You underestimate yourself, I had a look at your albums and they are head and shoulders above many so called wedding photographers. If you are not so confident about the photos I can only imagine how good your video is.

The colour and saturation plus DOF and sharpness is something I can not reproduce and I have a similar setup.

Do you have a set PP work flow or what is the secret ?

Well done and let us see more truly fine work.

[Saintsgirl]

That is a gorgeous picture... I am yet to see your link, but going there now...

[pvoices1971]

Firstly Aus

Thanks for the compliment, I've only been shooting stills since November, so to get that sort of feedback is a big boost. As far as PP goes, I shoot RAW, process in Lightroom, I do tend to shoot fairly low aperture, I'm a bit crazy for the dof thing. Colours are pretty standard, althought with sky shots I will using reduce the luminance of the blues, same with any colour really if it is a little blown out, and I don't really do too much sharpening. If you are fimiliar with lightroom, I do lift the lights and drop the darks a smidgen to create a bit of an "S" curve. Then only use Photoshop if I need to clone anything out pretty much. Pretty simple workflow, but it does get some nice results from time to time. I guess I have a reasonable eye for composition from the video work I do, so that was a bit of a leg up to start with. I am really enjoying this photography thing. Anyway thanks again Aus, good to know I'm on the right track!

[Scott Jay]

I agree with previous comments that this is a great looking shot and your albums are quite good to, it seems that you are well placed to go into still wedding photography as you are already quite experienced with the 'moments' that need to be captured from your videography, nice work!

[trigger]

Looks good! its the candid ones that are the best (natural).
Posed shots are overrated :D

Just a few things maybe try?

1. The composition was good in this but you added heavy vignetting to this. I think it will look better without it as there is only one subject i this photo and no need for it.

2. Add a bit more punch to it to with the blacks slider. The curve doesnt "have" to be a S to create a compelling image. Try to clip some of the blacks

3. Could also try in (LR2?) expose maybe +0.3EV with the brush up the face?

Good work! I personally think videos are harder to shoot as you'd have to keep it rolling and no time to "think" about the composition.
Last time i shot some videos for my friend she said it was like Blair witch. :mad:

[pvoices1971]

Thanks trigger for the feedback.

Thanks for the tips, I tried it without the vignette and your suggestions and yes it looks good. I have been experimenting with styling and possibly the vignetting is a little overdone.
Video in my opinion can be more difficult to deal with as it is a constant picture with lots of constantly changing variables (not to mention audio, that's a whole other ballgame) and in reality to apply the post processing that can be done with photos would kill the rendering time, possible but not always practical.
I am really enjoying the photography and I guess that may be in part to the fact that it is an extra and not the focus of my work, so there is no "critical" need for me to perform (although I like to think I can). Either way, photo or video, weddings are a tough gig!!!

[pvoices1971]

Thanks Scott Jay for your encouraging comments.

I love taking the camera with me but hoping to keep it more as a hobby for the time being, well maybe try and make a few $$$ to buy some more gear.

[vqscorpions]

nice one

but the lay-out is not good.
the line behind the neck of the girl should be under her neck, may be at the middle of her body, it will be fine

so dark there.
but no matter what dark is

[pvoices1971]

Thanks Salina,

I know, looking back on the image it was too dark, I have since adjusted but have not bothered to repost. It was just one of those moments that I was lucky enough to catch.