Opinions

[hacksaw35]

I am fairly new to photography (bought my camera in January) and had the opportunity to take pictures at a friend's wedding rehearsal dinner. I posted some of the photos below.
After seeing some of the photos a friend of mine sent me this email....
I was just wondering what some of your responses would be.
Thanks.

Don't do this:
black frames?
sepia tones (unless film)
black and white (unless film)
dutch tilts

Thanks
the photography community

 

[The_Traveler]

"friend"?
Ignore them.

 

[Rusty_Tripod]

All in all the images are decent. For whom did you take the pictures? Yourself? The critics.

Everyone has opinions on photos. Sometimes we keep them to ourselves. Sometimes not. There are many factors.

For a photographer, I think it best to ask yourself:
1. Why did I take that particular photograph?
2. What was my intent? Did it work?
3. Has anyone said anything that might be remotely helpful in printing my pictures or that would benefit me next time around?
4. What would I do differently?

People don't stop being friends just because they are being observant and critical of my photographs. They are just doing what society seems to promote. Thus, my responsibility is to take comments in stride and go with my gut.

Rusty Tripod

 

[Garbz]

Why only black and white if film. Your friend should learn to properly expose for highlights and he/she will get some fantastic results from digital too.

I'd say don't do any desaturated photos, but that is a personal opinion. I find it works rarely, and like black and white better.

 

[The_Traveler]

A more considered response:
While I like a couple of these more than the others, generalized advice like your friend gave is almost always wrong.

(I think #s 1 and 3 are really, really great grab shots and will be treasured keepsakes for those pictures and the people in the party.)

A little shadow/highlights to pop the face a little

 

[Peniole]

There are some very nice shots here, don't be discouraged. I agree with garbz, you can get some stunning results in b/w from digital, if you know what you're doing. Your friend obviously doesn't know how to.

As for the dutch tilts, I actualy like the moment you captured tilted, spontaneous and I'm sure the bride will love the expressions, and would remember what was going on at that particular moment (which by the way seems happy). Isn't that what this whole business is about anyway? So people can remember happy moments?

I also like the lantern shot. In a proper wedding album I'm thinking that would be a nice background to one of the pages, if not a stand alone picture in and of itself.

 

[hacksaw35]

Thanks for all the comments guys.... by the way the couple really loved the pictures (and they should, they were free!)

 

[Mike_E]

Don't sweat it! People told van Goh he was holding his brush wrong but hey...



mike

 

[ksmattfish]

There's only one good rule for art: don't pay any attention to those who feel the need to make up rules for art.

 

[panocho]

agree with ksmattfish: don't pay attention to those who tell you not do do this or that. just follow your own taste. personally, I don't like the black frames either, but would never tell anyone "never use those"!

#1 is a great shot, in my opinion