first wedding of '09 (hiya strangers!)

urbanaries · May 30, 2009

After a verrrry nice 5 month break, I shot Katy and Brandon's beautiful wedding last week. I've missed you guys around here...I started a new job that keeps me hoppin all week long!

1.

2.

3. I know, I'm posting a lot of details, I normally don't like my details shots very much compared to others.

4. I rented the 14mm 2.8 L ($2100 lens...yikes!) and on the 5D, the wide angle performance is unbelieveable!

5. The bride's daughter, singing mommy a song while she gets her makeup on...so sweet!

6. All done!

7.

8. (oh sheesh at the rate I'm going this is going to be a long post.)

9. don't like how dark her face is but this was sooo impromptu, my flash & lightstand were on another floor --oops!

10.

11. So cute they exited together...

11. ...and entered together (this shot brought to you by Radio Poppers

13. But the new couple did have a few minutes alone...their joy was just palatable all day.

14.

15. Not a dry eye in the place as little girl and her new stepdad took the floor together...

16. Don't think I've ever had the pleasure of getting this shot before!

17. Fave expression here...I love primes, but sometimes you hate that they don't zoom!

I'll stop there for now

C&C welcome as always, nice to be back! Hope everyone's doing well and I'm going to peruse what everyone's been up to now!

jeffreaux2 · May 30, 2009

Sheesh.....Lynne....you have become so incredibly good at this....

Im sure you think about it, but honestly, there are many....MANY...full-time wedding photographers out there that could NEVER pull off shots this well done. You do this consistantly, without pause, and if you arent booked every friggin weekend I honestly dont know why not. You deserve it.

I have been at a crossroads in wedding photography....for two years(

) not really sure of wether I wanted to do it really. The photography itself is interesting, but the business of it (as you well know) can be a drag at times. Watching the direction my latest work has taken......and then seeing this set is inspiring. I counted two shots in this series (really) that I consider "posed". The brides frame filling headshot and the shot of her alone at the window. The rest constitute the journalistic style that I find very attractive.....and you do this so well....mixing a few posed shots.....with the outstanding pj shots as well. Very nice all around.

1,2&3
Phooey. Youve always done this well, but the lighting here...in all three is really sumptuous. The DOF in 2...and even more so in 3 really adds to the tone of the images. Very nice.

4-Nicely captured quiet moment. Perhaps an unobstructed view may have been better.....but I like the "fly on the wall" feeel of it.

5 Cute

6 What a beautiful bride....skin tones like candy.....and nice lighting....

7 This is fun....unrehearsed.....candid......a keeper.

8 This seems a bit bright on this (uncalibrated laptop...Im vacationing at the beach) but I like the substance.

9 Yup her face is dark but....I am thinking that if it were lit she may have blended more into the light coming through the window. The contrast makes for a nice sillouette. Very well done....and a good catch even if your gear bag was a floor away.

10 Maybe my favorite of the set. I like the emotion. I like the warmth in the background. I like the composition. Excellent photograph and maybe the best of a father and daughter in the aisle that Ive ever seen.

11 Yup...that IS cute.

12 Radio Poppers......mmmmmmm

....I have a wedding in December that will more than likely REQUIRE radio triggers and I am definately going radio popper. I like you positioning here.....I wonder though...did you have an asistant shooting from the other end of the aisle for "those" shots that so many brides expect....or did you get creative license?

13 Awesome. Nuff said.

14 wow thats some WARM ambient in there. I like that you kept some of that warmth, but can easily discern that the one "un-orange" spot on the ceiling is yours. A panorama crop would get rid of it.

15 This rivals the father and bride shot earlier.

The guests in the BG also add much to the image.

16 Man...that is one beautiful photograph. Stunning really.

17 Maybe my least favorite of this set....but yes...her expression really is priceless.

18.....wait there is no 18......and I feel cheated...What are you holding back Lynne?

Seriously....you just get better and better at this....and I am oh so jealous of the venues. Im glad you took the time to share them. I would say it was worth the wait (they are that good)...but Id rather you visit more often......we miss ya!

divamum · May 30, 2009

I'm not sure whether I'm more bowled over by such consistently gorgeous photos (and processing! I wanna process like you when I grow up) or the sight of that little girl in that beeeeYOOOOtiful dress.

What a stunning wedding.... with photos to match

They're all gorgeous, but 11, 15 and 16 seriously float my boat.

heatherfeather · May 31, 2009

Oh man! I am blown away by your detail shots! Lovely lovely!

#13... simply contageous smile. Love that shot.

Simply gorgeous work! Love pretty much every photo!

(Glad to see you back!)

ChatKat · May 31, 2009

Wow!
Wow. These are stunning. The 5 months off got your juices going. I love the width of the 14 lens - I might have to look at that focal length myself!

When are you raising your prices?

zoomer · May 31, 2009

Really first class work.
Love them all
16 is a mind blower....

ssimmonsphoto · May 31, 2009

I want to be you when I grow up. I would have farkin' died if I got shots like that at my own wedding. And I would have a heart attack if I was actually taking them.

JulieLawsonPhotography · May 31, 2009

Lynne, these are fantastic and really there isn't anything else I could add that others haven't already said.

Darren Troy C · May 31, 2009

Just superb!

Llywellyn · May 31, 2009

Lynne! We've missed you! And, boy, do you ever make a comeback.

Simply gorgeous as always, from details to candids. But I especially dig those details.

saurora · June 1, 2009

urbanaries wrote:

After a verrrry nice 5 month break, I shot Katy and Brandon's beautiful wedding last week. I've missed you guys around here...I started a new job that keeps me hoppin all week long!

Lynne, I think you should cut back on your new job and do more weddings!!! These are fantastic! Great detail shots and 2 of the best 'aisle' shots I've seen in quite a while. Love #13 and #15...wow!

Agnieszka · June 1, 2009

YOu did SUCH an awesome job! Beautiful set.

If I could pick my favorites, they would be:

#1. WOW ... in theory just some shoes on a couch (?) ... but holy cow do you make everything, and everybody look good!!

#10. (coming down the isle) Beautiful.

#13. (posed, foreheads together) GORGEOUS!

#16. (dancing) Now I'm jealous

#17. (garter). Haha, perfect timing!

Swartzy · June 1, 2009

Fabulous variety, blends of post work and compositions. The dance shots are killer and I love the one with the bride spinning....portfolio material! Nice to see you around Lynne

Shima · June 1, 2009

Nice to see you back!

nice shots and as always I love your processing.

the detail shots are superb... and #15 I can just feel the emotion pouring out of every inch of that photo, it's probably my favorite in your whole set here

I also really dig 6 and 11

Great job! Looking forward to seeing more from you this summer!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Sheesh.....Lynne....you have become so incredibly good at this....

Im sure you think about it, but honestly, there are many....MANY...full-time wedding photographers out there that could NEVER pull off shots this well done. You do this consistantly, without pause, and if you arent booked every friggin weekend I honestly dont know why not. You deserve it.

I have been at a crossroads in wedding photography....for two years( ) not really sure of wether I wanted to do it really. The photography itself is interesting, but the business of it (as you well know) can be a drag at times. Watching the direction my latest work has taken......and then seeing this set is inspiring. I counted two shots in this series (really) that I consider "posed". The brides frame filling headshot and the shot of her alone at the window. The rest constitute the journalistic style that I find very attractive.....and you do this so well....mixing a few posed shots.....with the outstanding pj shots as well. Very nice all around.

1,2&3
Phooey. Youve always done this well, but the lighting here...in all three is really sumptuous. The DOF in 2...and even more so in 3 really adds to the tone of the images. Very nice.

4-Nicely captured quiet moment. Perhaps an unobstructed view may have been better.....but I like the "fly on the wall" feeel of it.

5 Cute

6 What a beautiful bride....skin tones like candy.....and nice lighting....

7 This is fun....unrehearsed.....candid......a keeper.

8 This seems a bit bright on this (uncalibrated laptop...Im vacationing at the beach) but I like the substance.

9 Yup her face is dark but....I am thinking that if it were lit she may have blended more into the light coming through the window. The contrast makes for a nice sillouette. Very well done....and a good catch even if your gear bag was a floor away.

10 Maybe my favorite of the set. I like the emotion. I like the warmth in the background. I like the composition. Excellent photograph and maybe the best of a father and daughter in the aisle that Ive ever seen.

11 Yup...that IS cute.

12 Radio Poppers......mmmmmmm ....I have a wedding in December that will more than likely REQUIRE radio triggers and I am definately going radio popper. I like you positioning here.....I wonder though...did you have an asistant shooting from the other end of the aisle for "those" shots that so many brides expect....or did you get creative license?

13 Awesome. Nuff said.

14 wow thats some WARM ambient in there. I like that you kept some of that warmth, but can easily discern that the one "un-orange" spot on the ceiling is yours. A panorama crop would get rid of it.

15 This rivals the father and bride shot earlier.
The guests in the BG also add much to the image.

16 Man...that is one beautiful photograph. Stunning really.

17 Maybe my least favorite of this set....but yes...her expression really is priceless.

18.....wait there is no 18......and I feel cheated...What are you holding back Lynne?

Seriously....you just get better and better at this....and I am oh so jealous of the venues. Im glad you took the time to share them. I would say it was worth the wait (they are that good)...but Id rather you visit more often......we miss ya!

Hi Jeff...really have missed you and your unwavering willingness to give thoughtful critique on my lengthy posts!

Thanks for all the kind words and thoughts. I did have a 2nd photog for #12 but I had a premeditated vision for that shot....don't think I would have done anything different had I been by myself. I may not be doing it full time but I am getting to where I'm taking creative license without much apology or explanation

Agreed on 14, will crop it....I got a little carried away with the 14mm!

Thanks on 10. I wish there wasn't such a light temp difference btw the window lit subject and tungsten lit background...whaddaya do. I was so thankful to shoot no flash on the processional...the 5D + 50 1.4 worked beautifully (although...still struggle with sharp focus on many others during the processional...what is my deal!).

I'll have to go poke around and see what you've been up to....:D

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

divamum wrote:

I'm not sure whether I'm more bowled over by such consistently gorgeous photos (and processing! I wanna process like you when I grow up) or the sight of that little girl in that beeeeYOOOOtiful dress.

What a stunning wedding.... with photos to match They're all gorgeous, but 11, 15 and 16 seriously float my boat.

Thanks Divamum! I was blown away by that little girls' dress, too....I just thought it was stunning! She really was the sweetest, cutest little girl EVER! Thanks for commenting!

For the most part, these are barely processed....although the dress shot I pulled into Photoshop (er, and the closeup headshot), the others are processed in LR. Other than the obvious BW conversions, the majority are SOOC with some minor cropping/adjustments. The 5D has proven to be SO much more accurate with colors for some reason...and I tend to get much more consistent exposures since getting it, so it has cut down on my editing time a TON!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

heatherfeather wrote:

Oh man! I am blown away by your detail shots! Lovely lovely!

#13... simply contageous smile. Love that shot.

Simply gorgeous work! Love pretty much every photo!

(Glad to see you back!)

Hi Heather!!! 13 is one of my faves too....one of those ISO 3200 shots (man it got dark outside quick...eeek!) that without the 5D I just wouldn't have pulled off. I have always wanted to get that level exuberance out of my clients on their wedding day so I am very happy with that photo!!! Thanks for your comments! hope you're doing well...loved peeking at your CA shots in the other forum.

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

ChatKat wrote:

Wow. These are stunning. The 5 months off got your juices going. I love the width of the 14 lens - I might have to look at that focal length myself!

When are you raising your prices?

I shot this wedding very differently than any other... with one body and all primes (except a 15 minute period outside with the 70-200, eg #13). It was somewhat limiting (esp when I had the 14mm on, lots of scrambling!) but I feel like the images I did get are so much better than with zooms. That said, I need to get a 24-70L...just too many times I need that focal range. After that I thought I'd get a 135L but that 14mm is yummmmy. Luckily I can rent it for $35/weekend until then!

Pricing....ugh, don't get me started!

At my current pricing for every qualified lead who says I'm about half of what they expected, three more say that they had no idea photography was so expensive and are looking for cheaper alternatives. It's a weird market out there!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

zoomer wrote:

Really first class work.
Love them all
16 is a mind blower....

Thanks Zoomer...I've always loved your work so heartily appreciate your kind words. I thought 16 was kinda neat but didn't expect it to get such a response! Thanks for your comments!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

ssimmonsphoto wrote:

I want to be you when I grow up. I would have farkin' died if I got shots like that at my own wedding. And I would have a heart attack if I was actually taking them.

Farkin died....love that! But we couldn't have any of that now could we!!!

Sometimes, venues make photographers look more talented than they really are.....these shots wouldn't look so cool if they were in a church basement!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

JulieLawsonPhotography wrote:

Lynne, these are fantastic and really there isn't anything else I could add that others haven't already said.

Aw, thanks Julie!!! Sorry we didn't hook up earlier this month (I ended up having two e-shoots that day!) but one of these days we're going to have to tag team!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

Idlewild wrote:

Just superb!

Why thank you!

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

Llywellyn wrote:

Lynne! We've missed you! And, boy, do you ever make a comeback.

Simply gorgeous as always, from details to candids. But I especially dig those details.

You're too kind, Kerry! The venue makes the detail shots so much easier....the place is just so darn aesthetically inspiring! I thought of you several times when I was shooting this one. I even contemplated replicating your famous balcony shot but I refrained...

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

saurora wrote:

Lynne, I think you should cut back on your new job and do more weddings!!! These are fantastic! Great detail shots and 2 of the best 'aisle' shots I've seen in quite a while. Love #13 and #15...wow!

Thanks Susan!!! I did have a lot of fun! Who knows what can happen....

thanks for the aisle shot recognition...for me they are the ones I always blow so I'm glad those two turned out so well!

jeffreaux2 · June 2, 2009

urbanaries wrote:

Agreed on 14, will crop it....I got a little carried away with the 14mm!

I think a pano crop will enhance....not detract from the WA goodness!

Thanks on 10. I wish there wasn't such a light temp difference btw the window lit subject and tungsten lit background...whaddaya do.

I dunno. I recently covered a reception during daylight hours with large windows ringing the room, yet it was such a large room It wasnt completely lit by the daylight. The ultra high wood ceiling had some sore of chandeliers that produced very little light of their own. In that case, I chose a daylight WB and used ungelled flash for help. I did one last year in a church with large windows. For the shots in the areas of the church that were lit well by the windows I used AWB, but up nearer the altar...where the lighting was concentrated....I had to use a CWB that I had stored prior to the ceremony.

I was so thankful to shoot no flash on the processional...the 5D + 50 1.4 worked beautifully (although...still struggle with sharp focus on many others during the processional...what is my deal!).

Ive had mixed results on processionals as well. I can't stand using AV Servo as a focus method, but usuall relent and use that mode for processionals and recessional. At my first wedding, I had everyone stop...pause...at a predetermined spot as the came into the church. The shots were in focus, but were lacking in....motion?. I gave that up quick. You will find comfort in knowing that I also get mixed results on processionals regardless of the focus method or anything else Ive tried. My last wedding was at 2pm outdoors near a lake. I had the gift of nascar stopping shutter speeds.....I could locate myself anywhere I wanted......all the planets lined up and....I got mixed results on sharpness. I had keepers of everything I needed, but cant figure out why (all else being equal) a rapid fire of 6 frames of the same pair of people might give me 2 REALLY sharp pics and 4 that are so-so. If you develop a method here....please share.

I'll have to go poke around and see what you've been up to....:D

Poke away, but if you are expecting them to look this good you will be sorely disappointed.

urbanaries · June 2, 2009

jeffreaux2 wrote:

I think a pano crop will enhance....not detract from the WA goodness!

This is pretty much SOOC...I really haven't experimented much with enhancing this shot, I was just so excited to get it! I love love love first dance shots and think the UWA is going to be a must have. (Can anyone recommend something cheaper than the >$2000 14mm L on the 5D?)

I dunno. I recently covered a reception during daylight hours with large windows ringing the room, yet it was such a large room It wasnt completely lit by the daylight. The ultra high wood ceiling had some sore of chandeliers that produced very little light of their own. In that case, I chose a daylight WB and used ungelled flash for help. I did one last year in a church with large windows. For the shots in the areas of the church that were lit well by the windows I used AWB, but up nearer the altar...where the lighting was concentrated....I had to use a CWB that I had stored prior to the ceremony.

Yeah, this was shot with no flash (don't hate me...!) so I figured what the eye really saw was ok...? Gelling flash to compensate wouldn't have really worked (would it have?) as the ambient temperatures were already so disparate...?

Ive had mixed results on processionals as well. I can't stand using AV Servo as a focus method, but usuall relent and use that mode for processionals and recessional. At my first wedding, I had everyone stop...pause...at a predetermined spot as the came into the church. The shots were in focus, but were lacking in....motion?. I gave that up quick. You will find comfort in knowing that I also get mixed results on processionals regardless of the focus method or anything else Ive tried. My last wedding was at 2pm outdoors near a lake. I had the gift of nascar stopping shutter speeds.....I could locate myself anywhere I wanted......all the planets lined up and....I got mixed results on sharpness. I had keepers of everything I needed, but cant figure out why (all else being equal) a rapid fire of 6 frames of the same pair of people might give me 2 REALLY sharp pics and 4 that are so-so. If you develop a method here....please share.

I do feel better actually, because one of the hallmarks of your work is sharpness....not so much mine! I always have trouble even when using flash that should freeze the subject. I think part of the culprit in this past set is some focus issues with my 50 1.4. I think I'll try AI Servo next time, too

Poke away, but if you are expecting them to look this good you will be sorely disappointed.

Modesty is another hallmark of yours....I think I saw some pretty rockin' dance shots of yours in another thread I need to respond to!

jeffreaux2 · June 2, 2009

urbanaries wrote:

This is pretty much SOOC...I really haven't experimented much with enhancing this shot, I was just so excited to get it! I love love love first dance shots and think the UWA is going to be a must have. (Can anyone recommend something cheaper than the >$2000 14mm L on the 5D?)

Andy Tippie uses a 12-24mm zoom on a 5D that as I recall "could never part with". We have all seen some fantastic stuff from that lens and a in the limo shot that sticks in my mind often plays in the thumbnails atop dgrin.

Yeah, this was shot with no flash (don't hate me...!) so I figured what the eye really saw was ok...? Gelling flash to compensate wouldn't have really worked (would it have?) as the ambient temperatures were already so disparate...?

Gelling a flash in disparate lighting would have matched the flash to one or the other but not neccessarily "fixed" what you are seeing here. I have found....through trial and error....that Canon's AWB can handle this about as well as anything more troublesome. FWIW, I like it....but then again....I like warmth.

I do feel better actually, because one of the hallmarks of your work is sharpness....not so much mine! I always have trouble even when using flash that should freeze the subject. I think part of the culprit in this past set is some focus issues with my 50 1.4. I think I'll try AI Servo next time, too

The trouble with AI Servo and the XTi is that you are married to the center focus point....which kinda puts a leash on your composition unless you frame super loose with the intent of cropping for composition. This sounds good, but in low light...higher noise...type photos severe cropping can magnify IQ issues. The 50D Im not sure about. I used the center focus point in the one and only wedding Ive done with it in AI Servo during the walk....only because I thought it was like the XTi. Last week...shooting my daughters sr pics on the beach I had her run down the waters edge and used AI Servo. I had a different focus point selected and it did not automatically set the centerpoint. This is leading me to believe that other points can be used with that function on the 50D. If so, that would be a goodness. Ill have to experiment with that and see. I switched to center point on the beach not wanting to jeapordize my shots...or experiment while capturing something important to me. The 5D...I think has a focus system a bit older than the XTi so I dunno exactly what you can get away with....but the 5DII functionality may be more like the 50D....and be able to use a different point than center. And what about the 40D?

Modesty is another hallmark of yours....I think I saw some pretty rockin' dance shots of yours in another thread I need to respond to!

A

heatherfeather · June 2, 2009

I love evesdropping on the two of you... Gleaning is great!

I have to agree that getting sharp photos during the processional is always tricky..

When I met with Scott Q a couple of weeks ago he was telling me about a technique he uses during the procesessional. I'll probably explain this poorly since it is not my deal, but the gist of it is that he makes the auto focus be controlled by the * button and reserves the shutter release soly for the purpose of releasing the shutter. His reasoning: to prefocus on a chair or something, and then when the bride gets to that point to have the focus already nailed and be able to snap the timing because his lens will already be adjusted perfectly and will not have to hunt and peck.

Me, I would be worried about retrianing my fingers to do what they are supposed to. I do something similar, by pre focusing on a chair (the old pressing the shutter release half way trick) and then clicking it the rest of the way home when she gets there. Don't know which is better since I haven't tried the "Quier method." But I can see advantages to his method- for one, your camera autofocus would not attempt another focus in between more than one frame. My method is good for 1 solid shot. I suppose his would just fire away.

It all just means that I am going to have to reread my manual. (again)

jeffreaux2 · June 2, 2009

heatherfeather wrote:

I love evesdropping on the two of you... Gleaning is great!

I have to agree that getting sharp photos during the processional is always tricky..

When I met with Scott Q a couple of weeks ago he was telling me about a technique he uses during the procesessional. I'll probably explain this poorly since it is not my deal, but the gist of it is that he makes the auto focus be controlled by the * button and reserves the shutter release soly for the purpose of releasing the shutter. His reasoning: to prefocus on a chair or something, and then when the bride gets to that point to have the focus already nailed and be able to snap the timing because his lens will already be adjusted perfectly and will not have to hunt and peck.

Me, I would be worried about retrianing my fingers to do what they are supposed to. I do something similar, by pre focusing on a chair (the old pressing the shutter release half way trick) and then clicking it the rest of the way home when she gets there. Don't know which is better since I haven't tried the "Quier method." But I can see advantages to his method- for one, your camera autofocus would not attempt another focus in between more than one frame. My method is good for 1 solid shot. I suppose his would just fire away.

It all just means that I am going to have to reread my manual. (again)

I keep my camera set up that same way....focus assigned to "*". Since I now and then revert to forcus/compose....it helps to grab the focus but save metering for the half shutter press that comes later......this.....for general outdoor people shoots that I do.

cj99si · June 2, 2009

Love the mood in the first few . then 8, 13, 14,and 16. very nice!

first wedding of '09 (hiya strangers!)

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