1st Engagement Session

[Clawed]

I had my first engagement session recently, and I thought I would share a few photos. Lucky enough to have a beautiful couple, and even a nice Arizona sunset.

Let me know what you think!

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Thank you for looking!

 

[SrBiscuit]

nicely done!!

be careful with her hair on #2...seems to be getting close to lost in the BG.

 

[DC-Photog]

A lot of great concepts here.

#1 - too many hotspots on the bride's face.

#4 - I like how the light hits the ground behind them, but maybe a bit too much detail blow out on the back of her head.

#3, #7, #8 - Great light. Really like it.

Overall, fabulous job.

 

[Mustlovedragons]

I really like most of these. Very nicely done!

 

[Clawed]

Thank you for the input so far, you guys. Fair enough assessments. I actually removed the speculation from the bride-to-be's face in 1 (but you might notice I did not in pic 5, for comparisons sake).

To be honest, the thing I struggle with most is posing. However, I feel like this was a success in terms of finding and using the very best locations and then either using the existing light or using a flash to accurately compliment natural light (I gelled with 1/2 CTO, I believe).

Oddly enough, the couple primarily wanted a really nice shot for their "Save the Dates," but chose a picture that I did not display here (they had about 45 pics to choose from). I didn't display it, because honestly, it's not even a very good shot. Does anyone else have that happen? They literally chose one of the worst shots of the day... oh well, you never know what people will end up liking, I guess

 

[DC-Photog]

Yes, that's common. Couples often pick the most simple photo in the bunch. I don't call it my worst photo.

They seem to prefer "safe" images instead of anything too edgy. Other times, it may be only photograph that perfectly fits their "save the date" template.

I show couples the images throughout the shoot, and I watch their faces. If they get excited about a simple photograph, I'll work through the same concept again, and I try to liven it up a bit more.

RE: Posing

My posing is advice is not to pose them. Pick up your 80-200 (or whatever good telephoto you use). Walk a good distance away from the couple, and tell them to make-out. It usually gets a laugh, and they look at each other - not you - and start interacting. They tend to get into their own thing - because you're not on top of them - while you can move around and discover the shots.

 

[njw1224]

Holy crap! This is your first engagement shoot? I'm not saying they're technically perfect in all respects (as some posts have pointed out), but they look like the work of a photographer who's been at it for many years. Kudos to you. I'd never have expected these to be shots from someone's first attempt. You're on your way!