I just shot my first wedding on the weekend. Although I have done a few simple portraits in the past I've never taken on a full wedding and for that matter done professional portraiture. I do have vast experience shooting wedding videos back from the 1990's and I worked along side some very talented photographers. I really don't have any practical experience posing people for photographs but I do shoot corporate video and work with actors and talent. Even though I had the revelation that I was nuts to do this just before arriving at the event I am really pleased with how it all went down. We ran out of time to do more intimate couple shots and I really didn't get any individual iso's but all in all I have over 300 images that covers the whole event.
Here are some selects. I'd appreciate advice and criticism.
I think you did a great job! I don't have any particular bits of advice. Probably show everything that isn't totally horrible to the couple and let them choose what they want. Maybe try a couple of monochrome or sepia edits on a few to give them a feel for what can be done with a picture if they'd like - that sort of thing. But really, some very nice work in my opinion!
On Image 9036 I would clone out the pole that appears to be coming out of the ladies head.
Also wanted to say, good job getting them to relax with you, the bride looks very happy in the images - although they seem SO YOUNG - or am I really that old - SMILE!
Yes I plan to do B&W / sepia but so far I haven't been inspired by any of images to do that to. I didn't get enough tender intimate moments with the couple which is the reason why none of the images speak to me that way. The images where they are looking to the camera should stay in colour in my mind. If i had gotten some tenderness then it be monchrome for sure. I appreciate the suggestion though. It will make me look harder for those opportunites.
The Groom is about 19 and I'm guessing the bride is maybe 18 but I never asked. They have been together for 3 years and I think she was 16 then. They are very young and I think the families were concerned but they've been very supportive of the couple.
I used a 900 ws White Lightning Ultra 1800 that I bought from hsteg plugged into a Vagabond Mini power supply and an umbrella. I also used some vivitar 285's with a small softbox later in the evening for the reception and dance / cake shot etc which was all in a outdoor tent. This was the first time using most of that gear so exstensively. I must have been crazy but there is always a first time for everything.
