[QUOTE=David Schilling]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

Well the thread has jumped around from lighting to poses but it is all good stuff. We all have to keep a watch for unplanned Leaners and wall huggers. However, I followed up on Davids URL and obsereved some interesting poses with the Bride and Bridesmaids. David, in your group (living room) shots, it would appear you have each of the Ladies step up to the plate, "strike a pose" (twice) as the main focus, while still in the group shot. It looks like a great way to capture some good candid shots, promote a relaxed atmosphere and bring the "FUN" aspect of your above comment to life. Good on you.
Request permission to adopt this technique and in return I will refer to them as the schililing shots. Quid Quo Pro, Paul

Good eye Paul, that's how I set up those shots and they are alot of fun. As much as I'd like to take credit for the concept, I actually got it from Parker Pfister who is my all time favorite wedding photographer. To really appreciate his style you need to watch how much fun he injects into the day. You put that on top of his sense of fashion and fine art shooting and you have one incredable talent!:cool:

Hi Jason,
I am so sorry I've been so long getting back to you. I took a look at your blog. I like you work. Generally I agree with Ryan

QUOTE:
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.

. However, not knowing the ambient light reading it is difficult to say whether the light is there for the background or if you would have needed to add light. As for touch up suggestions, there are people on the forum a lot better suited than I to give that kind of advice. Check out Suzette Allan's articles for some tips on touch ups.

Hi Arved,

QUOTE:
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?

The lean doesn't bother me. In fact, I think it gives the photograph movement. Having said that, being an older fart, I would also include a more traditionally posed shot in the series, too.

Hi David,

QUOTE:
More of this wedding here: http://dwesleyportraits.smugmug.com/...256086#P-36-12

After viewing your link above it made me think of something that has always bothered me. It is the shadows that invariably occur in alter photographs by objects in the background set close to the back wall. I'm I being too much of a perfectionist? Have you ever done anything to try to eliminate the shadows and if so what have you done? I ask this question not to be critical of you but to learn and understand if I'm being too critical of myself and being bothered by something that nobody else notices.

I kind of do a mix of Al Gordon's method of lighting in the church and how I light sports team photos.
Pick your preferred aperture for the formals and set up a flash behind you, pick your ISO and set you flash (I usually go for around 5.6 but have shot as open as F4) I use a 300ws monolight and 2x2 softbox.
I then take an ambient reading at the subjects position using the ISO and Aperture from the flash setting.
With an IS lens I don't bother with a tripod unless the shutter speed gets below 1/20 to 1/30th range.
I find I have more issued with shadows when I use an umbrella, and a speedlight is too weak if it's anything but direct.

So this was shot at 1/20, (handheld 17-55 IS lens) at F 5.6 @ ISO 400




Here is another - the back wall was SHINY wood and I found no solution to avoid it in the time alotted. Here I was a bit too slow/unsteady handheld -the subjects are fine, but the BG details have blur.
Note: There are almost no shadows from the candles and such on the wall - I attribute this to dragging the shutter but really have no idea - it just works!