Bridals, C&C Please

[KyRose]

This was my first styled shoot and first bridal shoot. Gorgeous model and I think we got a few great shots. However, there's always room for improvement and, as a newbie, I need all the critique I can get!

Natural lighting, edited with PS, soft, pearl-like look is intentional.

Here's one color and one B&W from the shoot.

Thanks for your time!

 

[gsgary]

Shot 1 the eyes don't look in focus, shot 2 the pose is causing loads of folds to her neck , under arm and elbow and her chin and chest blend into the background

 

[D-B-J]

I like the first, but the blown out background is really distracting. And the highlights (white's of her veil and such) are clipped. Maybe try and back this down to pull out some more detail.
The second is nice, but the blown aspects of the background close to her face slightly ruin it, as there is not a clear separation between her face and the background. Also, the weird skin bump on her elbow in the second should be edited out.

 

[KyRose]

I like the first, but the blown out background is really distracting. And the highlights (white's of her veil and such) are clipped. Maybe try and back this down to pull out some more detail.
The second is nice, but the blown aspects of the background close to her face slightly ruin it, as there is not a clear separation between her face and the background. Also, the weird skin bump on her elbow in the second should be edited out.

Shot 1 the eyes don't look in focus, shot 2 the pose is causing loads of folds to her neck , under arm and elbow and her chin and chest blend into the background

You two are right. I noticed the fold on her elbow, but not her neck. I'm always afraid to edit too many personal body details in fear of changing the way someone truly/naturally is. Should I worry on that?

Thanks for the help!

 

[bennielou]

First of all, I like both shots.

However, if I were to nitpic, as I am given to do, I would say:

Photo 1: the bit of hand by her face is totally distracting. I look first at her face, then her hands, then back at her eyes, and then I notice how manly her hands are. Could be the camera lens or angle, but I'd love to see it with either the whole hand, or hand covered with veil.

2. I love the energy in this photo as well as the movement. I also love the processing. The only things I'm not in love with is the back fat on a skinny beautiful woman (I know it's caused by movement, but she won't see it that way), and the armpit.

Again, only nitpicks, but although the photos are strong, these things take it down a notch for me.

Great job and keep at it!