I shot a wedding this past weekend for the daughter of my best friends. Sometime on Friday I envisioned this image as a way to showcase her wedding rings with a slight twist from the normal. I made the mistake of only taking one image and not a technically good one at that. So, during post processing, I adjusted the clarity on the entire image then sharpened and brightened the area around the rings. Let me know what you think.
As many of you know I don’t shoot many weddings as that’s not where my interest is. However, I chose to photograph their wedding as they both seem more focused on the marriage than they were about the wedding. They planned, worked hard and put in the money for their ceremony but when the date arrived they were open to let it all just happen. I have never seen a bride and groom as relaxed and comfortable as they were. Congratulations Kyle and Danielle.
8 Comments
Cedric Canard
I saw this image on my RSS feed on my phone and had to fire up my laptop to see it better because I liked what I saw. I like what you did with the composition, the pose, the wink, the tones, it all looks nice.
As you are after feedback I will say that the only thing that is not quite right to my eye is the depth of field. It is either too shallow or not shallow enough. What I mean is it should have been either shallower so that only the hands were sharp and not the back of the grooms head as well, or, it should have been deep enough to have the bride’s face in sharp focus as well.
But really, this is a sweet shot and the DoF doesn’t detract from that in any way. I’m willing to bet that the happy couple love this shot just as it is.
May I also add Monte, that you have my sincere respect for taking on a wedding. You are more courageous than me 🙂
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Cedric. I was really disappointed in the technical quality of the raw image, I messed that up. I shot is at 1/60 of sec, so the lack of detail could be me or them. Wish I had taken more than one shot, that’s a lesson learned. I also tried as you suggested and worked on it in PSE6. I created a layer and added the blur but then tried to focus only on the rings. I did not like what I got from that. My lack of skills with PS failed me but someone who knows PS probably to make this much better.
As for courage, I pray for that every day because I feel lacking in that area also. 🙂
Paul
Hey, Monte. Big time wedding photographer, now, eh? 😀 I’m with Cedric. I I like the photo, but the DoF is a bit ‘in the middle’. Also, I found the white collar to be a little bit ‘hot’, and distracting. Maybe if the collar were turned down a bit and the hands lightened, slightly, it would draw more attention to the hands. I find my eye getting stuck on the collar.
Monte Stevens
No, I’m not a big time wedding photographer and don’t plan on being one. It is very difficult to work with a technically poor image. I really did learn a few things with this image. I like the concept but I did not take the time to work the shot. If I was to every attempt it again I would approach it differently. Thanks for mentioning the hot collar as I never saw it before. Now that’s all I see. 🙂 The only way we get better at our craft is to practice. Thanks, Paul.
ingrid
As mother of the bride and best friend to the photographer-this photo is amazing. He really brought out my daughter’s personality.
Thank you Monte-you rock!
love ya, Ing
Monte Stevens
Only a mother would say something like this, Ing. I did enjoy shooting the wedding and watching the kids exchange their vows. Love you guys!
Mark
Sometimes the moment overpowers any technical flaws, and I think you have certainly proven that with this one Monte. I bet they love it.
Monte Stevens
Probably so, Mark. The brides mother has already posted just above your and thinks my technical flaws still allow me to “rock.” 🙂