Gorgeous Bride - outdoor shots + sunset

[Gallery29]

I did these on Saturday. I got probably 45 amazing shots! She loved them all. Here are a few of my favorites. CC is welcome.

1.

2.

3.

 

[leelorimor]

I love #3 other than the horizon going through her head. Great composition. Must have used a fill flash?

 

[Gallery29]

Thank you! Yes, I used fill flash! I was worried that it might be too bright, which is why I was looking for CC. The horizon going through her head didn't really bother me until you mentioned it. I'll be sure to look for that next time I shoot. Thanks!

 

[Jaemie]

#1 and #2: Nice compositions in both, but arm cut off in #2. Overexposed dress in both, flowers appear really weird (as if oversharpened in PP).

#3: Lovely pose. Horizon is tilted. As mentioned above, horizon/head conflict. I'd clone out the bird droppings on rail. I think your sensor is dirty, too.

 

[Gallery29]

No PP sharpening on the flowers. They're VERY vibrant.

 

[jwbryson1]

#1 and #2: Nice compositions in both, but arm cut off in #2. Overexposed dress in both, flowers appear really weird (as if oversharpened in PP).

#3: Lovely pose. Horizon is tilted. As mentioned above, horizon/head conflict. I'd clone out the bird droppings on rail. I think your sensor is dirty, too.

^^^ Exactly. Well put Jaemie. Good images--could use some minor tweaks. Well done.

 

[Gallery29]

What's the best way to ensure that a bright white dress such as this one isn't over-exposed, but at the same time keep skin tones looking nice? Any good tips or tricks?

 

[fjrabon]

What's the best way to ensure that a bright white dress such as this one isn't over-exposed, but at the same time keep skin tones looking nice? Any good tips or tricks?

underexposing a bit on the original shot so you don't fully blow anything out to where it is unrecoverable, ie make sure your dress tones are just up against the right side of the histogram, but don't 'slam up against it' to where they are unrecoverable, then using burn and dodge to get the right relative balances, then using curves to fully get the contrast to pop correctly.

also, #1 seems a bit cool, like the white balance needs adjusting just a touch to the warm side.

 

[Gallery29]

Thank you for your help fj!

 

[Gallery29]

This was my first time doing bridal portraits so I'm really happy to be getting tips for next time!

 

[topazsol]

These photos are beautiful but you do have sensor spots. You're going to have to clean your sensor.

 

[Gallery29]

Thank you! How do I clean my sensor? Sorry, still learning the ins and outs of all of this!

 

[Gallery29]

I have a Canon 50D if that makes a difference.

 

[bunny99123]

I love #3. She looks relaxed. I take photos and sometimes don't notice something in it until later. Good job

 

[Boney]

Please point out those sensor spots. I went back and looked and couldn't find any.