College friends wedding

College friends wedding · Posted by jshurak, 06-22-2008, 07:13 PM

Two of my college friends got married yesterday. I managed to snap a few good ones (at least I think!) Not so satisfied with the dancing shots I took. But here's two that I liked from the ceremony.

rjburgos · 06-23-2008, 07:16 PM

dramatic shots u have...nice set.....

JCSullivan · 06-24-2008, 06:17 AM

Jeff, I'm surprised others have not commented especially on the second shot which I like.
Oh well, it HAS been busy here in the last few days.

jshurak · 06-24-2008, 07:36 AM

well thanks guys. Its true! The photo galleries have been flooded with great shots lately!

mtnbearhug · 06-24-2008, 12:00 PM

Jeff,

I love #2.. it is beautiful.. with the little hint of a smile and the softness..

Excellant picture!!!.. Thanks for sharin.. Kim

*LaRee* · 06-24-2008, 01:51 PM

Both are nice Jeff. But I feel like your teasing me.

Do you have any more uploaded somewhere to link to? I'm shooting my oldest son's wedding on Saturday and I'm a bit nervous. Although I've been researching wedding photography for a least 6 months to prepare. Never can view too many wedding shots for ideas though. Thanks for sharing.

JCSullivan · 06-25-2008, 05:23 AM

@LaRee, I would be too close to the action to be able to shoot a son's or daughter's wedding. I don't know how you can do it.

*LaRee* · 06-25-2008, 07:58 AM

Originally Posted by JCSullivan

@LaRee, I would be too close to the action to be able to shoot a son's or daughter's wedding. I don't know how you can do it.

I know, but what ya gonna do?

I do have two friends that have shot a couple weddings and they called last night and said they will help. That takes a LOAD off of me. I may just hand the group shots off to them, so I don't have to set my tripod and jump into the shot as I had planned!

But then I think, I couldn't sit at my son's wedding and not take photos so I'd probably drive a professional wedding photographer NUTS. And I'm not sure I could trust all the photos to anyone else. I've seen enough really BAD wedding albums. Not to mention the cost of a good wedding photographer is absolutely out of the question for our family right now. When I look back on my own wedding album (we're coming up on year 25) and they are not the best compositions (my feet were cut off in a LOT and yet not tight portraits!) Lots of blurry photos etc. and I still enjoy looking back at the guests etc that attended. So I know that no matter what, the photos will hold value over the years and I take comfort in that at least.
I went to the church yesterday with a friend dressed in black and white so I could see how the light would be at 2pm. I took some shots to dial in my settings with the two lenses I'll use for the church shots and played a bit with fill flash. If we get a day like it was yesterday it will be absolutely beautiful in the church. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. This is a big day! It's not likely I'll see my other two sons married for a long long time, if ever!

jshurak · 06-25-2008, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by LaRee

Both are nice Jeff. But I feel like your teasing me.
Do you have any more uploaded somewhere to link to? I'm shooting my oldest son's wedding on Saturday and I'm a bit nervous. Although I've been researching wedding photography for a least 6 months to prepare. Never can view too many wedding shots for ideas though. Thanks for sharing.

Here's a few more

I was a guest so I was confined to my seat. A few things I was able to take away from the evening were: 1. watch composition, especially in regards to peoples feet. 2. pick an aspect ratio, landscape or portrait. Not in between. A slight angle maybe ok, but a completely diagonal angle can kill an otherwise ok shot. (see example in link!!) 3) converting to B+W can do wonders for high ISO noisy shots. (there is an example there. An underexposed ISO 800 shot. Auto toned in Lightroom. Wonders!) 4. go wide for the reception.

*LaRee* · 06-25-2008, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by jshurak

Here's a few more

I was a guest so I was confined to my seat. A few things I was able to take away from the evening were: 1. watch composition, especially in regards to peoples feet. 2. pick an aspect ratio, landscape or portrait. Not in between. A slight angle maybe ok, but a completely diagonal angle can kill an otherwise ok shot. (see example in link!!) 3) converting to B+W can do wonders for high ISO noisy shots. (there is an example there. An underexposed ISO 800 shot. Auto toned in Lightroom. Wonders!) 4. go wide for the reception.

Thank you kindly Jeff. I appreciate seeing the images and getting the tips.
An acquaintance of mine had a wedding photographer take ALL of their photos tilted. It was awful, really BAD. I'm all for a creative slant or two, but after viewing this particular album of all tilted shots I began to suspect the photographer couldn't hold a camera level. Beach shots of the happy couple and each was deliberately tilted (with no artistic bent that I could see). Tilted wide angle shots of the beach just did not work for me. I guess she thought this was her *style* but it sure didn't work at all for me. I couldn't believe the whole wedding was shot like that.
Again, than you for the link to more images and your tips. I'll have a lot to keep in mind that is for sure!