Simple wedding photos needing comments and critiquing please

[gsgary]

Thank you all for the comments, when I get a chance I will read each one in greater detail and use the advice.

However, it does seem that I need to elaborate the shoot a little more.

As for the background, they had a small space in the corner of the backyard set up with this prior to my arrival. It was intended to be an alternative to the traditional "guest book". Imho I think the idea was definitely a nice touch. The "set" included a whiteboard for the guests to sign and take a picture with. As for these shots they were preplanned by the bride and groom.

It wasn't the best location as the backdrop was barely over the 6foot mark and the sun was right at the top for the majority of the time.

I realize these are not "traditional wedding photos" but it is what the wanted.

So, I would love some more insight on how you think the pictures turned out with what I had to work with.

I'm sorry but i think it was a crap touch, i would not have used it, who's the photographer you or them

 

[sm4him]

#5 looks like the kids head is floating

That was the SECOND thing I noticed...after the wrinkled background.

Most of my C&C would be the same as what's already been posted--iron the sheet, different, more romantic poses, etc.
But in #5 and 6, it really almost looks like the sweater was set up in front of the backdrop and then the kid stuck his head through a hole in the backdrop and stuck his arms through the backdrop into the arms of the sweater. Like one of those amusement park things where you have the big hulky guy's body painted on the board with a hole cut for the head, and tourists stick their heads through and take their pictures.

I think it's because he is too close to the background, and you can't see his neck. A little re-positioning would have eliminated this weird illusion, I think.

 

[joealcantar]

Looks like we were going for some kind of Goth looks, but you have to apply some of the basic rules in photography when they put you in a spot like this.
-Pull the subject from the background, that way if wrinkled it will show blurred out if you control your depth of field.
-You are the photographer , make sure they are looking at YOU.
-Watch the posing Heights, if they have to step on an apple box etc. to even out the heights get something.
-Watch your depth of field when you have 3 rows etc of subjects. You may have to pick a center focusing point and see if your depth of field will have all subjects in focus. Some folks forget they have a DOF button on the camera!!!!
-Selective coloring is subjective in my opinion and one needs the right kind of shot for it, so use it wisely.
-Don't overdo the post processing thinking the HDR is going to make a shot better. Process it as a portrait, it is a wedding.
-Good of you to take it on, specially if they did not have someone to take the images. Next time check out the place beforehand and YOU decide where the images will be taken, you are the one dealing with the light to make the subject look best.
-
Shoot well, Joe

 

[MLeeK]

Thank you all for the comments, when I get a chance I will read each one in greater detail and use the advice.

However, it does seem that I need to elaborate the shoot a little more.

As for the background, they had a small space in the corner of the backyard set up with this prior to my arrival. It was intended to be an alternative to the traditional "guest book". Imho I think the idea was definitely a nice touch. The "set" included a whiteboard for the guests to sign and take a picture with. As for these shots they were preplanned by the bride and groom.

It wasn't the best location as the backdrop was barely over the 6foot mark and the sun was right at the top for the majority of the time.

I realize these are not "traditional wedding photos" but it is what the wanted.

So, I would love some more insight on how you think the pictures turned out with what I had to work with.

You should have explained to them the problems with the setup and either moved it or used a little knowledge and ingenuity. A chair would have fixed the height problem when you move them a few feet in front of the sheet. A flash would have fixed the problem of the sun overhead. Yeah, you still didn't do so well with what you were forced to use. You can't expect anyone but another photographer to know that they have set themselves up in a poor situation. They are envisioning "beautiful" and don't know that these problems exist. You do.
You already knew these weren't so hot. Why post them for critique?

 

[Vtec44]

So, I would love some more insight on how you think the pictures turned out with what I had to work with.

IMHO, what you had to work with is irrelevant to most people. People care about the end result, and if it doesn't look good then it doesn't look good.

Things that are within your control in this situation: poses, white balance, and lighting.