Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Nicole Butterfield on April 4, 2009 at 9:12am

Thanks Janna! I shoot with a Canon too, but not a super fancy one like you! =)

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Permalink Reply by David Curneal on April 11, 2009 at 7:39am

Just looked at your photos.

I also like the Elevator shot uniqe. The ladder looking down shots are nice but possibly a bit outdatted. I was doing shots like them in the 80's but they do still hold appeal. The one with the ducks show personality of the couple.

When I do shots for engagments I try and learn as much about the folks and try to put their personality into the photos. Like the vegas style invite. I liked that as well.

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Permalink Reply by David Curneal on April 11, 2009 at 7:42am

Bridals very nice. The one in the building in the archs. I think a sharper focus would be better. The others are nice thats for sure. I find you have a good eye for tis stuff. Keep it up.

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Permalink Reply by David Curneal on April 11, 2009 at 7:43am

Wedding day 012 now thats what I am talking about!

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Permalink Reply by Brad Sharp on April 27, 2009 at 12:02pm

Hi Janna,
I don't know that I can give you a great critique, but I'll try - at least it will be a critique. Rather than critique each individual photo (that's already been done enough to give you some ideas), I thought I would give you my thoughts on your overall style. Remember that while my tastes may be different from yours, great photography can be appreciated by everyone, even if tastes different.

I am writing this review without seeing your photos for a few days, so this is just what sticks in my mind. My thoughts on many of the images in the three examples albums you shared with us, was that the photographic style became the focus of the photo rather than the subject. In other words, the style in some of these, while they look great and are different and unique, it draws away from the subject. When you look at wedding photos in particular, you want to come away with how happy the couple looks, or how much in love they are, or what a great time they are having, or some quiet, thoughtful moods. Instead all I think about is how bright the colors are, and how high the contrast is, and how many of the photos have areas that are blown out, and how many distractions there are in the photo.

For example there was one photo where the brick wall in the foreground was in focus and the couple kissing was blurry. I shouldn't be remembering the wall, but should have remembered how nice the kiss was (photographically, not literally - keep it clean). Another shot was of a couple sitting inside a barn? The floor and walls were bright red. That's all I remember - not what the couple looked like. And while a lot of comments indicated that people likes the photo - I think they forgot the purpose of the photo. The other one where I think the concept didn't work was the tulips. It again showed a couple kissing in the background, but the couple was blurry and the tulips were over saturated to the point that they began to loose detail.

I think this style of photography (bold colors, high contrast, different angles), would be great where you want to show your photography skills as a creative artist. But when it overpowers the purpose of the photo shoot, I personally think it distracts. Try to think of some great wedding photographers and analyze what makes them great? Is it the style, or the people int he photos? So my advice is to stay creative, but be careful. And remember - the client is the ultimate judge.

We both know that my opinion means nothing. And for that matter neither does yours. The only opinion that matters is the client's - and in most cases, the client's mother. So if they like it, there is no reason for you to be asking us - just kidding.

I also looked at your website. To me, the photos that you have there are much better - and I get the sense of controlled creativity. I liked them a lot, with very few exceptions. And just so you know, I won't ever photograph a wedding - for all the reasons I have stated. It's very difficult to capture the heart and soul of people, especially when working with people at such an emotional time. So kudos to you for taking on such a difficult job.

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Permalink Reply by Janna/ newline phOtography on April 27, 2009 at 3:21pm

thanks

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Permalink Reply by Brad Sharp on April 30, 2009 at 2:42pm

It seems my critique was a little harsh. The main point I was trying to get across was that the subject comes first. If you like it, and your clients like it, that's all that counts. Here is an article that talks about, and demonstrates your type of photography. http://www.pcphotomag.com/how-to/shooting/the-gritty-portrait.html

Remember, mine is just one opinion, and obviously one that nobody else shares, so take it for what it is worth.

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Permalink Reply by Tim Walter on April 30, 2009 at 5:18pm

I would agree its about the couple being first and foremost. It seems that everyone wants to be the one that is thinking outside the box and fresh to keep themselves relevant in an overcrowded field. The actions, filters, textures , frames and collages that recieve heavy use are used by everyone so what it all comes back to for me is showcasing the couple and emotion first , then maybe dress it up a little.
I like this quote as I feel it applies to photography "I invent nothing, I only rediscover"

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Permalink Reply by Janna/ newline phOtography on May 4, 2009 at 12:33am

I wasn't offended in any way so don't feel bad at all. I've always found it easy to take critique, I think that's why I miss school so much.

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