Wedding

Clawed · Apr 10, 2011

Hey there!

Have not stopped by here lately to say hello or post any pics, so I figured I would drop by. Business is still slow for me... but I am just moonlighting anyway these days. Should I give it a go full-time? Let me know what you think about these and if I should probably keep my day job :lol:

Thank you in advance everyone!

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camz · Apr 11, 2011

I don't see a theme. I don't see consistency. I look at the series and can almost say to myself that these seven shots could have been taken by seven different photographers.

You should always storyboard your wedding shots with a theme or signature of your style and the couple's story.

Robin Usagani · Apr 11, 2011

I agree with what cams said although some of these look pretty darn good especially the MGM one.

bennielou · Apr 12, 2011

Lots of great variety for the couple here. I'm sure they adore them.

rehab · Apr 12, 2011

#3 is the only one that rubs me the right way, kinda. However, that doesnt mean they aren't good

kasperjd4 · Apr 13, 2011

I like them all, but like everyone else said, I feel like they could have been from 7 different photographers and 7 different weddings, but I don't blame you, if I saw all that cool stuff I would have shot them in all those different scenes too!

Minga · Apr 13, 2011

keep you day job..

bennielou · Apr 13, 2011

Ah Minga, the voice of reason........... Or a bored teen. Either one.

The reason I really love these shots is because they DO look so different from one another. Tons of variety for the couple to chose from. Lots of different processing to chose from. Lots of different locations to chose from. Interesting angles. Everything from classic to HDR. If I were the couple, I'd love all this wonderful variety. I mean consistancy and storytelling is nice, but I bet the OP is showing options and not the overall story of the day.

For instance, if I tweak a photo, there is always a "clean copy" and a "tweaked copy".

willis_927 · Apr 13, 2011

#1 is pretty cool. I can't say that I have seen that hdr style in wedding pictures before, but I have never looked for it either... I am sure they will love that picture, among the rest of them.

Clawed · Apr 13, 2011

Camz · I totally understand and respect your opinion about the lack of consistency. To me, that's quite a compliment since I cannot do the same things over and over. I am an artist, and I approach every shot with a fresh perspective. I create photobooks for the couples (and individuals) I shoot from the ground up, EVERY book is completely unique (absolutely no templates). The very reason I do this is because I know that every individual is unique, and I get a feel for their style and personality from the time I spend with them. That being said, I have had to take a pretty hard look at my work and make sure that a close series of images has the same look. I can edit 3 consecutive images and my processing is all over the place - so thank you, point taken.

Minga, please tell me why you feel that way. If you do, that's okay, but it does not make any sense to leave a comment like that- as opposed to constructive criticism, which I can learn from and respect.

Thank you Bennie and Willis for the kind words. At the end of the day, the couple did love them, and I have acquired several referrals from them since the wedding (the bride brings her book with her EVERYWHERE). I would like for it to work out for me, but I have pretty bad carpal tunnel, so I have a great deal of trouble shooting and editing anyway.

Bitter Jeweler · Apr 13, 2011

:thumbup: I'd hire you.

RockstarPhotography · Apr 13, 2011

Variety is good. Not everybody has the same taste, so having variety will give them more to choose from. As far as quitting your day job........DON'T........Its nothing against your skill. Its a hard market out there right now. Every tom, dick, and harry thinks that they are a photographer and will undercut you in a heartbeat because they don't make their living at this, they shoot on the side, which I recommend you do. Its really not about who is the better photographer, its about who can market themselves better. If you good at marketing, then by means try it out, and when your demand for it exceeds what you can make at a full time job THEN go for it.

Clawed · Apr 14, 2011

Haha, could not agree more Rockstar. Plan to continue doing this part time. It's kind of sad to see how many 'professionals' there are out there. I use that term loosely since most are just posers with an expensive camera. I will admit that I jumped into wedding photography with little applicable education and experience. The thing is though, I know that I have the eye for it and I care about the 'art' of photography (at least I have a background in that). I go so far above my client's expectations, but it's sobering when I realize that the only reason they probably hired me is because the price was right

I truly feel that I will get there... once I learn to market myself. Just need a legitimate shot at it. Oh well, time for a little hate fuel. Yup, I'm going to peruse some local wedding photography websites just to see how little skill the average one has

wlbphoto · Apr 14, 2011

I totally agree with the fact that it does look like 7 diff photographers took those 7 photos. On the other hand, they are great shots. Like Bitter Jeweler said i'd hire you too

robkelly · Apr 14, 2011

As you have already heard in the thread, there are just too many different styles. However, there's not one shot there that I dislike, each has their own merits. In fact, the last photo is my favourite. It's fantastic.
Most couples will probably like a consistency in their wedding day photos, but I have to say, you could pick any one style and it would work.
As for your day job, my opinion is that you should be doing wedding photography, as long as there is a vibrant market where you live. As RockStarPhotography also said, the marketing is as important as the skill. You obviously have the skill, can you market yourself properly?
If you can, go for it. Good luck. :thumbup: