First attempt at wedding photography

[bigsarg7]

Hi folks, its been quite a while since i last posted, I have been very busy with kids and starting my own business (not photography unfortunately). But i had an incredible opportunity to photograph my close friends wedding for them. I have posted 2 shots on here, One of them walking off down the farm driveway in the late evening, and the other of the bride and groom having a moment. I would love some advice/critique on how they may have been improved, composition, light etc. I have only edited the shot of the moment the one in the driveway is pretty close to the way i shot it.

Thanks for looking and I would love some advice so i can continue to improove for future experiences.

[Reschsmooth]

I am not an expert on wedding photography, so add the appropriate weight to my comments.

The first shows you had some great light to work with and a nice scene. I think, however, the lighting on the couple looks a little flat. It doesn't look like there is much of that wonderful late afternoon sun was hitting them from side on. If you could have arranged this (by waiting till they walked where there was a gap on the right hand trees letting in sun-light), this would add some depth to the image. Also, I think taking a shot from a higher perspective (ie, stand on something that may be available) would give them a destination in the image.

The second image again shows some great light, as you have the sun shining from behind them, providing a nice hairlight. I am not sure about the partial de-sat. I would crop in much tighter - from just below her hand holding the bouquet, just on the inside of his right shoulder and just above their heads will make it a more intimate shot. I think, timing wise, waiting till they actually kissed may be better - he has a bit of a funny/awkward pose about him as he moves in for the kiss. Her look, however, is great.

[tntman]

Hi..

IMO:

1. The bride and groom should have been looking at each other instead of straight ahead... use a longer zoom, say a 70-200mm to compress the back ground a bit more... blurs it out as well....

2. Behind the groom's head is a thick branch.. be careful at what is in the background! That is the most distracting item in that pic... the best moments captured are when they are about to go in for a kiss... the emotions and eyes say it all.. capture eye and facial detail, that how I capture wedding moments!

[bigsarg7]

Thanks for the comments, i have noted them down for future reference!!

Reschsmooth - I have actually got the shots of them kissing as well, i really liked this shot as it seems to show some emotion and excitement about the upcoming kiss, the kissing shots are great as well.

tntman- I did use another lens, and it was a very different looking shot, unfortunately i did it portrait instead of landscape so the shot got more of the tree's above them which really took away from the bride and groom themselves, but lesson learnt. hehehe I do agree about the background being a major factor, but as this was my first wedding ever, an exciting experience it was, but i have learnt a lot from it especially paying attention to minor detail, like positioning of the bridal party in order from Maid of honour to 4th bridesmaid, and like wise with the groomsmen and best man. Etc.

But thanks for your comments, as i said i have noted them down for future reference.

Have an awesome day.

Kristen