Hey Jason, I took a peek at your website. Nice work.

I would say bump up your ISO and slow the shutter to 1/90 or 1/60 (tripod). That should bring out plenty of your background.

By the way, I bring dyna light strobes with umbrellas for my formal shots although I almost always just use one behind and above me. Yes, the wires and light stand can be trying sometimes but I've found it really helps with some of the mixed lighting you run into especially in churches.

Good luck with the wedding!

-Ryan

ggivensjr:
Hi Jason,

Unless the location is photographically unattractive I prefer to show the church or wherever the event takes place. Typically the bride and groom chose the location because they liked the aesthetics or it holds some emotional value so they want to be able to see it in their pictures.


Agreed. Shooting loose also gives you room to place additional images when collaging the album pages.

This was 1/60th, f4.5, 400 ISO using a 580EX with Stoffen omnibounce set at 45 degrees.

<img src=http://dwesleyportraits.com/Bunchapics/LindsayPeterBridalParty3.jpg alt=”craig”>

David:

<img src=http://dwesleyportraits.com/Bunchapics/LindsayPeterBridalParty3.jpg alt=”craig”>


I know what I'm about to ask may come off critical, but it's not intended to be so. Am I the only one who's bothered by people who lean into the center of a photo, to try and squeeze into the shot? This might be cute back in the day when everyone had fixed 50mm lens camera, where one fixed focal length had to be the jack of all trades. However, now that everyone seems to have plenty of wide angle reach with zoom lenses, why do people still feel the need to "squeeze in?" You've obviously got plenty of room in the frame for all these people.

I would have tried for a more relaxed pose from everyone. However, I'd still have snapped the shutter just as you did, to get the bride's laugh.

Am I the only one who doesn't get this lean-in/squeeze-in thing? Do I need to get over it?

Again, please don't take this the wrong way. Group posing is one of the things I'm really trying to work on in my own photography, and it's been a real struggle. My intent is to learn - not to bash any one's work.

Also, Will Crocket's "Smarticle" titled "TTL Flash to Ambient "'secret formula'" may prove helpful to this discussion. Basically, shoot flash 1 stop brighter than ambient lighting. If your ambient exposure is f/4 @1/60th, then shoot TTL at f/5.6. Something tells me that rather than Will's complicated procedure of using a flash-meter, there's a way for us Nikon owners to use TTL-BL mode, but further research will be necessary. I think I'm just smart enough about Nikon's CLS to be dangerous!

My cues for the above shot was to "give me a group hug" and it was just one shot out of a series. The aim is to have some fun. More of this wedding here: http://dwesleyportraits.smugmug.com/gallery/3256086#P-36-12

Here's one where the group hug evolved into something completely different:
<img src=http://dwesleyportraits.com/Bunchapics/postBridemaidsFun685.jpg alt=&#8221;craig&#8221;>

And another group hug fav:
<img src=http://dwesleyportraits.com/Bunchapics/AmandaLoveHugPaperToner.jpg alt=&#8221;craig&#8221;>

David:
My cues for the above shot was to "give me a group hug" ....

That makes a lot more sense! Thanks.

David:
The aim is to have some fun.

That's a great idea. Invariably, there are a number of group portraits that have to be made. Mixing things up a bit, like this, helps take the stodginess out of the group shot.

The thing is, I'll get this "lean in" often as a first reaction to the group, when they start assembling for the group portrait, or worse, they'll lean in in anticipation of the shot.

Great shots! Thanks for sharing. I really like this one:
<img src=http://dwesleyportraits.com/Bunchapics/AmandaLoveHugPaperToner.jpg alt=”craig”>

Not only is a great pose, but it's one of the few shots I've seen with "sloppy boarders" that the effect really seems to work on. Outstanding!

Thanks again!