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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
My first Ever Engagement Pictures

 
 


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 27, 2005, 11:23 PM

Post #1 of 18 (1847 views)
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My first Ever Engagement Pictures Can't Post
This couple hired me from out of state and today was the first time I met them. They drove 2 hours for me to shoot their engagment pictures and their wedding is next week! He is a Marine and has to head back overseas soon so they moved the wedding up. They were an extremely good looking couple and lots of fun!






























_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________

(This post was edited by Storm Crow on Dec 27, 2005, 11:23 PM)


Jeko
Enthusiast


Dec 28, 2005, 11:35 AM

Post #2 of 18 (1821 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
The pictures look great Storm. That is a good couple to use for demos too! I especially like the puddle reflection and the simple brick back ground. They do look a little cold in a few (due to his red nose I think), but it is just that time of year... I am setting up a little area and backdrop in home for the few I have upcoming. I'll do a few indoor before we go out and about.
But basically, mission accomplished: You've given them several good options to choose from.


What is your deal for production now? Are they wanting a large portrait, small prints or just image files??

Since my primary result is a hardcover coffee-table book and just a few prints included in my base packages, I allow my clients to print directly themselves from full files (which I furnish). I've just recently completed a simple display showing local (lightjet and D-lab) and internal (my gear) printing results for a single reference image. I am letting clients choose (with various prices factored in) which output they would like. It lets them see how each service can do...

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 28, 2005, 11:58 AM

Post #3 of 18 (1816 views)
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Re: [Jeko] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
The pictures look great Storm. That is a good couple to use for demos too! I especially like the puddle reflection and the simple brick back ground. They do look a little cold in a few (due to his red nose I think), but it is just that time of year... I am setting up a little area and backdrop in home for the few I have upcoming. I'll do a few indoor before we go out and about.
But basically, mission accomplished: You've given them several good options to choose from.


What is your deal for production now? Are they wanting a large portrait, small prints or just image files??

Since my primary result is a hardcover coffee-table book and just a few prints included in my base packages, I allow my clients to print directly themselves from full files (which I furnish). I've just recently completed a simple display showing local (lightjet and D-lab) and internal (my gear) printing results for a single reference image. I am letting clients choose (with various prices factored in) which output they would like. It lets them see how each service can do...

Thanks Jeko! They do look a little cold in the pictures but I can play with them in PS and adjust the colors and such (I've already played with a few) to get them where they should be. With the exception of the two all are straight out of the camera. We shot for 1.5 hours (they were an hour lateUnsure) and when we were near the river the fog and the humidity from the river was that kind of cold that goes right through your finger tips. I took 220 images in this time and feel I got many suitable images for their purposes. Since this was my first and I'm still trying to build a portfolio I really wanted to shoot this and their actual photographer wanted $500 to do this. I am doing this one at cost and only have to provide them with an 8x10 of their selected shot (their choice) and then a few other images too. After that I'll make them order them with me making some money. I agree that they make a great demo couple and hopefully I can get to shoot many more of them. I would love to do some glamour shots of her for him to take overseas when he leaves next month and feel she would make an excellent model as would he. She did ask me if she could get my permission to have her programs printed at Staples and i told her that I was not copyrighting these images since they trusted me enough for my first time out and it really helped me out too. I know I need to polish up on the business end of this because my kids are always telling me I'm too nice and give too much... thats just me.Blush
_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


Xray
Veteran


Dec 28, 2005, 5:01 PM

Post #4 of 18 (1802 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Storm,
Sweet pictures.

I will not comment the technical part since this should be left to Jeko and the crew but I’m curious how did you handle the logistics considering this was your “first time”. Did the couple pretty much know what to do… did they simply interact, with you taking number of shots… or did you specifically instruct them before each shot?

Marcin
_______________________________________________________________
If it's sent by ship then it's a cargo, if it's sent by road then it's a shipment.

(This post was edited by Xray on Dec 28, 2005, 5:02 PM)


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 28, 2005, 5:19 PM

Post #5 of 18 (1796 views)
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Re: [Xray] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Marcin, Well to do this I drew from my experience of putting together montages and see all the different styles of engagement pictures that I include in these montages. This couple just did what I instructed them to do as we went to 8 different locations all within a mile of the original location shoot. I wanted to make sure that I had plenty of images to cover my butt and with different styles too. I asked them to bring some different clothes too to chage for each location but they did not do that so that is why they are in the same clothes for each. When I asked them if they had any creative ideas that they wanted me to try out they just looked at me with blank stares and said....no, lol! Wink


_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


Jeko
Enthusiast


Dec 28, 2005, 9:01 PM

Post #6 of 18 (1786 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
I have often drawn ideas from a simple place... the Knot.

Just think about it. They candidly discuss what they like/dislike with examples. It really is handed to you... just check out this sample bio: http://www.theknot.com/...ofilename=nyc3/19/05

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.


rodovideo
Enthusiast


Dec 29, 2005, 3:00 AM

Post #7 of 18 (1764 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Some really nice shots Storm...
You are my inspiration for trying to adding photography to Rodo Video and Multimedia Wink

Does look cold... what was the temp?

Thanks for posting.


Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows

sample images from RODO PHOTO

Rodo Media BLOG


rodovideo
Enthusiast


Dec 29, 2005, 3:02 AM

Post #8 of 18 (1763 views)
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Re: [Jeko] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Jeko... great link
Copied that one to my hard drive....Tongue
lots of good suggestions... sometimes it's hard to think of shots...

Thanks


Look toward the Son, and you will not see the shadows

sample images from RODO PHOTO

Rodo Media BLOG


JesseR
Enthusiast


Dec 29, 2005, 5:30 AM

Post #9 of 18 (1755 views)
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Re: [Jeko] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I have often drawn ideas from a simple place... the Knot.

Just think about it. They candidly discuss what they like/dislike with examples. It really is handed to you... just check out this sample bio: http://www.theknot.com/...ofilename=nyc3/19/05

What's funny about this link is the person does not give credit to the photographers who created many of those images....
Jesse R
www.Take5Video.com
www.JesseReich.com


JesseR
Enthusiast


Dec 29, 2005, 5:42 AM

Post #10 of 18 (1754 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Storm, I don't want to be harsh, but I do want to share my thoughts. Considering the weather I think they are just fine. I would suggest you use some fill flash at all times. The couple is looking at the camera more often then not which isn't natural. The image with the couple walking away from the camera would look better if the couple were in the upper left corner thus following the rule of thirds. The right side of the brick wall shot is distracting from the image, I would suggest you crop this one. The very last image would be better if you had instructed the groom to direct his head and not just move his eyes. In addition a different facial expression on the groom could help the image as well as possible Sepia or BW.

When working in snow I would encourage the couple to wear more color. Grey, black and blue doesn't give much to make the image POP. You can help to make the images pop by working with curves or channels. I would also check into some facial enhancement actions to help smooth skin and brighten the eyes and teeth.

Regards,
Jesse R
www.Take5Video.com
www.JesseReich.com


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 29, 2005, 10:41 AM

Post #11 of 18 (1746 views)
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Re: [Jeko] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
thanks for that link Jeko, some very nice ideas there and it is now saved to my HD also.
_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 29, 2005, 10:49 AM

Post #12 of 18 (1743 views)
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Re: [rodovideo] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks Rodo. There are others out there doing just what we are doing or are in the process of doing. We have Sparky down in mid-southern IL doing the same thing I am trying to do but I believe he is further along. I still need to get more lenses and memory and it would be nice to have a back-up camera too. That is why I'll be saving for the 5D Wink It was around 38 degree's outside but it was foggy and the fog made it feel much colder. It was that kind of cold that just totally bites your finger tips. I will be doing some adjustments to the pics to remove some of the blueish from his face especially. I do find myself enjoying the photo side of this business more and more and it is less stressful because the backlog of video just wears you out!
_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 29, 2005, 11:19 AM

Post #13 of 18 (1731 views)
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Re: [JesseR] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Storm, I don't want to be harsh, but I do want to share my thoughts. Considering the weather I think they are just fine. I would suggest you use some fill flash at all times. The couple is looking at the camera more often then not which isn't natural. The image with the couple walking away from the camera would look better if the couple were in the upper left corner thus following the rule of thirds. The right side of the brick wall shot is distracting from the image, I would suggest you crop this one. The very last image would be better if you had instructed the groom to direct his head and not just move his eyes. In addition a different facial expression on the groom could help the image as well as possible Sepia or BW.

When working in snow I would encourage the couple to wear more color. Grey, black and blue doesn't give much to make the image POP. You can help to make the images pop by working with curves or channels. I would also check into some facial enhancement actions to help smooth skin and brighten the eyes and teeth.

Regards,

Jesse, great suggestions and all right on with no ill will at all. I will keep them all in mind for future shoots. I do plan on playing with these pictures more as these are just the straight out of the camera shots except for the BW and the selective coloring shots. As for the color of the clothes I take the blame for that as I told them not to wear red and to try to stay with earth tones. This is what I always tell couples when shooting Love Stories because with reds it is so easy to blow out the color. Thanks for all your great suggestions!
_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


jt53787
Novice

Dec 30, 2005, 5:56 PM

Post #14 of 18 (1670 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Great job Storm. I totally love the reflection shot!


Storm Crow
Veteran


Dec 30, 2005, 9:30 PM

Post #15 of 18 (1659 views)
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Re: [jt53787] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
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Great job Storm. I totally love the reflection shot!

Thanks Jefferson! That means alot coming from you. You do great work. I played with this one a little and like it alot!


_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


TimK
User

Jan 6, 2006, 2:15 PM

Post #16 of 18 (1576 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Not bad for your first time, but I'll point out a couple more things.
There really isnt much to distinguish these as portraits by a professional compared to candids. This is due to the following reasons:
Lack of lighting to enchance the subjects. This is very difficult on a dreary day. I know their particular schedule was rushed and you didnt really have a choice here, but in the future go for sunny days even in the winter. Everything Jesse said particularly fill flash is imperative. You dont need much, but it will fill in the dark areas around their eyes and add catchlights to their eyes. The girl is really, really dark around her eyes. Eye detail really brings out the personality of a portait. You want the couple to stand out from the background some how. It looks like you did use flash on some, but there is slightly too much flash causing that candid feel-again extremely difficult on a dull day.

When posing, you want the couple to be involved in the same thing. One should not look at the camera while the other doesnt. Either they both look at the camera or neither. If they are interacting, like when he is kissing her, she should not look at the camera. When she is leaning on him with her eyes closed, he is staring off into the distance. Both of these disconnect them from each other and give the feeling that one of them sees something more important than their partner.

Another thing to distinguish from a candid feel is effects. Try some soft focus and high contrast. It was such a dull day, use some Photoshop magic to add some pop.

Since you asked the couple if they had ideas, I get the feeling you were not very confident in your own. I know that feeling exactly. Dont be afraid to flat out copy poses from other photogs as you get started. Nobody is posing anything that hasnt been done before. Sketch ideas in a flip book that you put in your pocket.
I know how tough it is to start out, keep practicing - alot. Get comfortable with some "money shots" and use them every time, but also experiment with something new everytime too. And please dont take my words as criticism but as advice. I certainly received plenty over the years.


Storm Crow
Veteran


Jan 7, 2006, 11:42 AM

Post #17 of 18 (1556 views)
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Re: [TimK] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Thanks for the reply Tim. I definately take your thoughts as constructive criticism and it is appreaciated. I'll defiantely make a note of your thoughts and apply them to future shoots. When I asked the bride for any ideas she might have it was only because she had mentioned that she took photography in College and so I figured she may have an idea in her head that she wanted that I had yet to cover. Every location I took them too I tried to do something different so I could get different feels with the pictures.
_________________________________________________

Good Friend, around these hearth stones, speak no evil of any creature.

Warning: Exposure to the Son can prevent burn!
_________________________________________________


TimK
User

Jan 9, 2006, 10:19 AM

Post #18 of 18 (1510 views)
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Re: [Storm Crow] My first Ever Engagement Pictures [In reply to] Can't Post
Since she had a photography background, you'd certainly think that she had something specific in mind. She must have had full confidence in you - nice job.