PH Massive - What do we think of this wedding photography?
Discussion
Comrades,
As a very amateurish photographer with a reputation for some OK-ish (i.e. better than the usual facebook tripe) holiday snaps I've been asked to comment on a potential wedding photography candidate:
http://www.phunkdphotography.co.uk/p40406421
Two questions:
What does the collective think?
What would the collective tell her?
Many thanks!
As a very amateurish photographer with a reputation for some OK-ish (i.e. better than the usual facebook tripe) holiday snaps I've been asked to comment on a potential wedding photography candidate:
http://www.phunkdphotography.co.uk/p40406421
Two questions:
What does the collective think?
What would the collective tell her?
Many thanks!
Looks and feels like Lightroom templates with the desats and I'm unsure if the colour spaces used are accurate, though that could be the hue'd colour shifts. I cant tell. The reds feel that they have too much orange in them, as if the hue was moved up +5 across the range and the saturation lowered
Dont have a problem with wide angle, it's obviously going to distort faces close the the edge of the frame, but I'm not particularly CameraClub about it. Colour pops, not really my thing
I get the feeling that this is someone fairly experimental, possibly someone less concerned with technical aspects but still working out their settings looking at some of the expressions of the subjects (bridesmaids)
I'm not sure whether I could better it, I've never really tried tbh, other than with people I already knew.
Website wise, I think there's too much text at the top of the page linked, the images appeared after the fold on my laptop, and the gallery wasnt intuitive to me, but I liked that I didnt have to click in the image for the Next
I think the only thing I could offer would be 'keep going'
Some nice feelings/expressions going on in other photos, I'ma sucker personally for blown out backgrounds and contre jour, especially with narrow DoF.
What did you make of it, seeing as your opinion is more important to the person than mine
Dont have a problem with wide angle, it's obviously going to distort faces close the the edge of the frame, but I'm not particularly CameraClub about it. Colour pops, not really my thing
I get the feeling that this is someone fairly experimental, possibly someone less concerned with technical aspects but still working out their settings looking at some of the expressions of the subjects (bridesmaids)
I'm not sure whether I could better it, I've never really tried tbh, other than with people I already knew.
Website wise, I think there's too much text at the top of the page linked, the images appeared after the fold on my laptop, and the gallery wasnt intuitive to me, but I liked that I didnt have to click in the image for the Next
I think the only thing I could offer would be 'keep going'
Some nice feelings/expressions going on in other photos, I'ma sucker personally for blown out backgrounds and contre jour, especially with narrow DoF.
What did you make of it, seeing as your opinion is more important to the person than mine
They have a certain style which might be attractive.
Not sure about the framing, chopping off the top of people's heads or the back of their heads. It's OK on the odd close up shot but on the majority of shots I'd prefer to see the whole head. I've no idea what the professional view is but I tend to bin my shots if the framing isn't right.
Not sure about the framing, chopping off the top of people's heads or the back of their heads. It's OK on the odd close up shot but on the majority of shots I'd prefer to see the whole head. I've no idea what the professional view is but I tend to bin my shots if the framing isn't right.
Hmm. She's not going to notice hue shifts or colour accuracy, I think it's more a case of whether or not she likes that post-processing 'look and feel' or not.
I'm not a fan of some of the compositions to be honest. There's a fair bit of pushing the subject right towards the edge (or even outside) of frame to make room for a lot of empty or ugly space that's not really adding anything. In some of these a very narrow aspect ratio is chopping off large parts of the subject (like half a body in the vertical) in a way that is leaving a lot of not very interesting empty space. Large bits of head are also regularly being chopped, with eyes right in the corner of shot done in a way that's not really adding anything.
I don't like 'slightly out' horizons/verticals (perspective not withstanding). Either make it an angled shot or do it properly. For example the bride + groom outside the church door shot - not quite vertical, not quite centred but not purposefully composed in another way either. Plus half an ugly lamp and some other rubbish. I think the symmetry could have been used here, or she could have done something else.
The car number plates are hideous, especially the brushed-on with photoshop text and yellow over-spray on the dress in one of the taxi shots.
Lots of black and white. I like that done creatively but sometimes I think it's used as a cop-out to save an otherwise dull shot - a la Instagram.
Focus - Not that much creative or accurate DoF. There are some ugly backgrounds that I'd probably want blurring a bit more. Some of the shots are just out of focus, or softened with photoshop in a way that makes them look a bit naff. There's one in there with photoshop faked shallow DoF, except the only bit that's sharp in the shot is a small amount of ground. One of the balcony shots has got heavily distorted bricks and paving - dunno what was going on there.
I also think people are more interesting from the front than the back. If it was my site I'd only put what I consider to be my best work on there - after all the purpose is to sell my talent is it not?
Edit - Didn't see George111s post before writing this so it looks like it's not just me that has issues with the framing. Thanks!
I'm not a fan of some of the compositions to be honest. There's a fair bit of pushing the subject right towards the edge (or even outside) of frame to make room for a lot of empty or ugly space that's not really adding anything. In some of these a very narrow aspect ratio is chopping off large parts of the subject (like half a body in the vertical) in a way that is leaving a lot of not very interesting empty space. Large bits of head are also regularly being chopped, with eyes right in the corner of shot done in a way that's not really adding anything.
I don't like 'slightly out' horizons/verticals (perspective not withstanding). Either make it an angled shot or do it properly. For example the bride + groom outside the church door shot - not quite vertical, not quite centred but not purposefully composed in another way either. Plus half an ugly lamp and some other rubbish. I think the symmetry could have been used here, or she could have done something else.
The car number plates are hideous, especially the brushed-on with photoshop text and yellow over-spray on the dress in one of the taxi shots.
Lots of black and white. I like that done creatively but sometimes I think it's used as a cop-out to save an otherwise dull shot - a la Instagram.
Focus - Not that much creative or accurate DoF. There are some ugly backgrounds that I'd probably want blurring a bit more. Some of the shots are just out of focus, or softened with photoshop in a way that makes them look a bit naff. There's one in there with photoshop faked shallow DoF, except the only bit that's sharp in the shot is a small amount of ground. One of the balcony shots has got heavily distorted bricks and paving - dunno what was going on there.
I also think people are more interesting from the front than the back. If it was my site I'd only put what I consider to be my best work on there - after all the purpose is to sell my talent is it not?
- Caveat - I know naff all about photography, all things considered.
Edit - Didn't see George111s post before writing this so it looks like it's not just me that has issues with the framing. Thanks!
Edited by TheFive on Friday 1st March 20:44
TheFive said:
Sorry Mr. Elderly but I didn't understand any of that!
Am I being thick?
No, you are not being thick; and it's not too helpful to you - sorry.Am I being thick?
Simpo Two is a respected wedding photographer and probably the most
prolific poster on PistonHeads - he will no doubt be along shortly
.TheFive said:
Hmm. She's not going to notice hue shifts or colour accuracy, I think it's more a case of whether or not she likes that post-processing 'look and feel' or not.
I'm not a fan of some of the compositions to be honest. There's a fair bit of pushing the subject right towards the edge (or even outside) of frame to make room for a lot of empty or ugly space that's not really adding anything. In some of these a very narrow aspect ratio is chopping off large parts of the subject (like half a body in the vertical) in a way that is leaving a lot of not very interesting empty space. Large bits of head are also regularly being chopped, with eyes right in the corner of shot done in a way that's not really adding anything.
I don't like 'slightly out' horizons/verticals (perspective not withstanding). Either make it an angled shot or do it properly. For example the bride + groom outside the church door shot - not quite vertical, not quite centred but not purposefully composed in another way either. Plus half an ugly lamp and some other rubbish. I think the symmetry could have been used here, or she could have done something else.
The car number plates are hideous, especially the brushed-on with photoshop text and yellow over-spray on the dress in one of the taxi shots.
Lots of black and white. I like that done creatively but sometimes I think it's used as a cop-out to save an otherwise dull shot - a la Instagram.
Focus - Not that much creative or accurate DoF. There are some ugly backgrounds that I'd probably want blurring a bit more. Some of the shots are just out of focus, or softened with photoshop in a way that makes them look a bit naff. There's one in there with photoshop faked shallow DoF, except the only bit that's sharp in the shot is a small amount of ground. One of the balcony shots has got heavily distorted bricks and paving - dunno what was going on there.
I also think people are more interesting from the front than the back. If it was my site I'd only put what I consider to be my best work on there - after all the purpose is to sell my talent is it not?
Edit - Didn't see George111s post before writing this so it looks like it's not just me that has issues with the framing. Thanks!
What did you like? And is this as a photographer to photographer critique or as a general possible booking? I'm hoping the former, and would suggest some sugar somewhereI'm not a fan of some of the compositions to be honest. There's a fair bit of pushing the subject right towards the edge (or even outside) of frame to make room for a lot of empty or ugly space that's not really adding anything. In some of these a very narrow aspect ratio is chopping off large parts of the subject (like half a body in the vertical) in a way that is leaving a lot of not very interesting empty space. Large bits of head are also regularly being chopped, with eyes right in the corner of shot done in a way that's not really adding anything.
I don't like 'slightly out' horizons/verticals (perspective not withstanding). Either make it an angled shot or do it properly. For example the bride + groom outside the church door shot - not quite vertical, not quite centred but not purposefully composed in another way either. Plus half an ugly lamp and some other rubbish. I think the symmetry could have been used here, or she could have done something else.
The car number plates are hideous, especially the brushed-on with photoshop text and yellow over-spray on the dress in one of the taxi shots.
Lots of black and white. I like that done creatively but sometimes I think it's used as a cop-out to save an otherwise dull shot - a la Instagram.
Focus - Not that much creative or accurate DoF. There are some ugly backgrounds that I'd probably want blurring a bit more. Some of the shots are just out of focus, or softened with photoshop in a way that makes them look a bit naff. There's one in there with photoshop faked shallow DoF, except the only bit that's sharp in the shot is a small amount of ground. One of the balcony shots has got heavily distorted bricks and paving - dunno what was going on there.
I also think people are more interesting from the front than the back. If it was my site I'd only put what I consider to be my best work on there - after all the purpose is to sell my talent is it not?
- Caveat - I know naff all about photography, all things considered.
Edit - Didn't see George111s post before writing this so it looks like it's not just me that has issues with the framing. Thanks!
Edited by TheFive on Friday 1st March 20:44
I guess I'm after opinions from people better informed than I. I'm not making the decision but if anyone has any portfolios they'd like to share then I'll be happy to pass them on.
For me I guess I would want something that captures the memories of the day in the most attractive way possible. So I would want a weighting towards colour over B/W; I quite like some of the high key and/or high contrast looks but the skin tones need to at least look attractive if not necessarily natural (some of the brides in the link look quite ill to me!). There needs to be a good number of shots that show a stunning bride (even if she's not), with sharp, emphasised eyes, teeth etc. and softened skin. I've seen some horrendous close-up shots of pitted crater faces that in real life have pretty good skin, so I can only imagine somebody was a bit enthusiastic with the sharpening on that day...
I'd want interesting composition but not so abstract as to chop out most of the relevant content. For a UK wedding I'd need somebody that can work with dull weather and rubbish backgrounds if necessary. Someone able to spot good 'environmental portrait' opportunities that may not be immediately obvious. Somebody that can really engage with people, relax them and get casual shots of guests that are natural, interestingly framed/composed and in an environment that captures the spirit of the day. I'd also like quite a bit of shallow DoF close-up and environmental work. I think that skilled shallow DoF work is what separates 'wow' photographs from 'meh' ones for a lot of people that know nothing about photography.
That's all I would ask... I think. But I recognise that different people have different tastes...
For me I guess I would want something that captures the memories of the day in the most attractive way possible. So I would want a weighting towards colour over B/W; I quite like some of the high key and/or high contrast looks but the skin tones need to at least look attractive if not necessarily natural (some of the brides in the link look quite ill to me!). There needs to be a good number of shots that show a stunning bride (even if she's not), with sharp, emphasised eyes, teeth etc. and softened skin. I've seen some horrendous close-up shots of pitted crater faces that in real life have pretty good skin, so I can only imagine somebody was a bit enthusiastic with the sharpening on that day...
I'd want interesting composition but not so abstract as to chop out most of the relevant content. For a UK wedding I'd need somebody that can work with dull weather and rubbish backgrounds if necessary. Someone able to spot good 'environmental portrait' opportunities that may not be immediately obvious. Somebody that can really engage with people, relax them and get casual shots of guests that are natural, interestingly framed/composed and in an environment that captures the spirit of the day. I'd also like quite a bit of shallow DoF close-up and environmental work. I think that skilled shallow DoF work is what separates 'wow' photographs from 'meh' ones for a lot of people that know nothing about photography.
That's all I would ask... I think. But I recognise that different people have different tastes...
TheFive said:
I guess I'm after opinions from people better informed than I. I'm not making the decision but if anyone has any portfolios they'd like to share then I'll be happy to pass them on.
For me I guess I would want something that captures the memories of the day in the most attractive way possible. So I would want a weighting towards colour over B/W; I quite like some of the high key and/or high contrast looks but the skin tones need to at least look attractive if not necessarily natural (some of the brides in the link look quite ill to me!). There needs to be a good number of shots that show a stunning bride (even if she's not), with sharp, emphasised eyes, teeth etc. and softened skin. I've seen some horrendous close-up shots of pitted crater faces that in real life have pretty good skin, so I can only imagine somebody was a bit enthusiastic with the sharpening on that day...
I'd want interesting composition but not so abstract as to chop out most of the relevant content. For a UK wedding I'd need somebody that can work with dull weather and rubbish backgrounds if necessary. Someone able to spot good 'environmental portrait' opportunities that may not be immediately obvious. Somebody that can really engage with people, relax them and get casual shots of guests that are natural, interestingly framed/composed and in an environment that captures the spirit of the day. I'd also like quite a bit of shallow DoF close-up and environmental work. I think that skilled shallow DoF work is what separates 'wow' photographs from 'meh' ones for a lot of people that know nothing about photography.
That's all I would ask... I think. But I recognise that different people have different tastes...
feel free to have a gander and send me a message if this your sort of thing. I'm mostly a documentary photographer but mix it up with some posed sets too.For me I guess I would want something that captures the memories of the day in the most attractive way possible. So I would want a weighting towards colour over B/W; I quite like some of the high key and/or high contrast looks but the skin tones need to at least look attractive if not necessarily natural (some of the brides in the link look quite ill to me!). There needs to be a good number of shots that show a stunning bride (even if she's not), with sharp, emphasised eyes, teeth etc. and softened skin. I've seen some horrendous close-up shots of pitted crater faces that in real life have pretty good skin, so I can only imagine somebody was a bit enthusiastic with the sharpening on that day...
I'd want interesting composition but not so abstract as to chop out most of the relevant content. For a UK wedding I'd need somebody that can work with dull weather and rubbish backgrounds if necessary. Someone able to spot good 'environmental portrait' opportunities that may not be immediately obvious. Somebody that can really engage with people, relax them and get casual shots of guests that are natural, interestingly framed/composed and in an environment that captures the spirit of the day. I'd also like quite a bit of shallow DoF close-up and environmental work. I think that skilled shallow DoF work is what separates 'wow' photographs from 'meh' ones for a lot of people that know nothing about photography.
That's all I would ask... I think. But I recognise that different people have different tastes...
https://vimeo.com/56561906
kman said:
Well as a wedding photographer, its not a style to my liking but it is a style which some may well be happy with. Don't like the website at all but I don't wish to comment further.
Exactly what I was going to say, but rather more succinctly put than I would have said it had I not had your post to quote! Weird. Every photograph has a bit of a head missing.
She has a consistent style but her cropping sucks. The happy couple above - half the groom isn't even in it! Nice photo of "Fence in a distance" though.
Black and white - too much of it and too contrasty. She's losing detail in the clothes (eg the wedding dress) by using too much contrast.
Angled shot gets a bit hackneyed. She needs to straighten up.
Spot colour - not no but hell no.
It's all a bit overdone.
She has a consistent style but her cropping sucks. The happy couple above - half the groom isn't even in it! Nice photo of "Fence in a distance" though.
Black and white - too much of it and too contrasty. She's losing detail in the clothes (eg the wedding dress) by using too much contrast.
Angled shot gets a bit hackneyed. She needs to straighten up.
Spot colour - not no but hell no.
It's all a bit overdone.
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