First wedding, please C & C

[ecphoto]

I offered to do their wedding free because said student was going to charge a lot for worse results than mine.

I know you are generous and helpful, Ernesto, but you need to be paid for this. As you said, the other photog was going to do much worse.

I don't agree with this. I do not think that Ernesto should be charging at this point in their photographic journey. I think it's great to build experience by shooting events for free, and he won't have to worry about any potential legal repercussions due to money being exchanged. It's happened before to amateurs, and seemingly never ends well.

You bring up a valuable point, I think I'll follow your advice.

The question is, do you want to consistently live up to the expectations of the bride, groom, and inlaws? Or do you want to live up to the expectations of seasoned photographers so that you can improve your craft? I would suggest the latter.

Of course I want the latter Tyler, I want to become a better photographer. If I didn't want to do better I would not have put my self out here like this.

You received a lot of feedback here, some rather blunt. Kudos for not getting offended. Now, extract some utility from this experience and improve you skills. Let's end this thread on a high note for a change.

I think that's a great idea, lets do that.

On another note, my father in law was so appreciative that he cut me a check for $250 yesterday to show his gratitude. I was able to go upgrade from my cheap 50$ ebay flash to a 430ex II

 

[o hey tyler]

I know you are generous and helpful, Ernesto, but you need to be paid for this. As you said, the other photog was going to do much worse.

I don't agree with this. I do not think that Ernesto should be charging at this point in their photographic journey. I think it's great to build experience by shooting events for free, and he won't have to worry about any potential legal repercussions due to money being exchanged. It's happened before to amateurs, and seemingly never ends well.

You bring up a valuable point, I think I'll follow your advice.

Of course I want the latter Tyler, I want to become a better photographer. If I didn't want to do better I would not have put my self out here like this.

You received a lot of feedback here, some rather blunt. Kudos for not getting offended. Now, extract some utility from this experience and improve you skills. Let's end this thread on a high note for a change.

I think that's a great idea, lets do that.

On another note, my father in law was so appreciative that he cut me a check for $250 yesterday to show his gratitude. I was able to go upgrade from my cheap 50$ ebay flash to a 430ex II

Good choice! You'll like the 430EXII. I have a couple and they serve me well.

 

[DiskoJoe]

I dont think there is really anything else to be said. Lots of good advice. Now go use it.

 

[ecphoto]

I cleared all the adjustments in lightroom and started from scratch. I got a lot of helpful advice here

sent from mobile

 

[ListerPhotographic]

Well done for your first wedding! I'm just in the same boat myself! Stressful isn't it? Hah!

Personally I'm not too keen on the 'selective colour' shots, for me I'd choose one colour to highlight and only one.

I'd also look at working with ambient light and flash together, even getting a speedlight/off camera flash - it's a pain to start with, but you can get some beautiful results with a bit of research and trial/error.

Composition wise, again needs work, but it comes with time and experience. I studied design for a few years, and always have this natural 'Golden Section' grid built into how I compose shots. Maybe that will help you (see below image).



But overall be proud of them, work on certain aspects and make the next set better!

 

[Majeed Badizadegan]

Holy $%@^! A "first wedding thread" that didn't end in a train wreck. I'm proud of you TPF and OP!

 

[geaclaesson]

Kudos for taking the criticism, really.