First Paying Job!

krisbphoto

Thanks to a friend's recommendation, I was hired as the event photographer for Pi Beta Phi's (GW Sorority) formal. This was my first paying job, and also my first event to use a shoe-mount flash. I was pretty pleased with the results, as were my clients. They are also ready to book me for another event this spring!

Here are a few results:

1)


2)


3)


4)


5)


6)


7)


8)


9)



They were all candid. I wanted to show the subjects enjoying themselves. Most everything is at f/5.6, that way I could have multiple subjects in focus at slightly different depths. Some had flash compensation. Most were shot using a Stofen Omnibounce directed at a 14' cream colored ceiling.

Constructive critisizm would be appreciated. I've posted elsewhere, but so far have not gotten much more than "they look like snapshots taken with someone's point and shoot digital camera...," so it's been kind of discouraging. If you guys think the same, I guess I wasn't as successful as I thought...

Thanks.

System

chris-

I think they look pretty good, but what do I know-

hah!-

I've been told my photos are no more than snapshots-

must be some kind of virus-


this is just my opinion, but I think they need a little 'pop'-

there's a tutorial by davidto in the how to section that will help you brighten these pics a little-

looks to me like you did a good job and that a lot of these ladies would be pleased with the photos-

good luck and please keep posting-

krisbphoto

People have been saying that they look kind of flat. I don't know what it is? Maybe my monitor? It's a new, Samsung SyncMaster 20.1", collaborated - they look amazing! I'll have to check someone else's screen to see how they look...

Scott_Quier

Congratulations on a very successful first job.thumb

As has been mentioned above, you have some minor issues with your photos: lack of pop and some have a white balance issue.

Check out these links from the DGrin tutorials on how to inprove the 'pop' of an image:

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1075277
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1086744

Andyman

Don't sweat it, man. I don't have any calibrated monitors, but I did check your photos on three different monitors (2 CRTs / 1 LCD). They do look slightly flat, but if they look good when printed - that's what matters.

I think they just need a little brightness/contrast. I used PS's LAB Lightness channel. I think it works best for 'pop,' just so you're careful to not wash out the colors.







I think the reason people say they look like snapshots is because... they are snapshots. What I meant by that is they are not posed shots - they're in the action. They look good to me, and I think you did a pretty good job with your flash.

krisbphoto

Thanks everyone for your input!
Andyman, your PP looks great! I could really tell the difference one the one with glasses and the girls taking a photo of themselves.

Here's one that I applied some PP to:



Original:

illuminati919

Personally I would stay away from the fake DOF business, its look really unprofessional. If you do it, just do it a tad bit. I like all of your candid shots they just need some pop thats all, more contrast and brighten them up a little.

urbanaries

These are really great. I applaud your angles /compositions and knack for getting unique expressions.

The watermark makes it difficult to critique further, you might try a hidden gallery on your website if you want to post unwatermarked images for C&C.