Here's a couple shots I did at the beach yesterday. I'm trying to change what I"m used to, and not use my flash. What does everyone think? I'm open to criticism.

I like it, but did you try any where you exposed for the couple?

I like the idea of doing something different and new!!! But, in this case, I'd say, either toss the flash back on just for a few shots (maybe mix it up by slipping a gel over the flash to warm things up) or find some other way to keep an exposure on the couple while balancing with the sunset. It's too beautiful of a sunset to let go... Did you do any with flash?

Yeah, I did some exposing for them instead of the background. But because of the time of day, it almost blew the background out entirely. They still look fine, though. There were actually very few shots like the two I posted above. Those are just what I was experimenting on. I also used my flash for some to get a good balance of everything. But I know those are fine, because that's what I always do. I just wanted feedback on what I'm not used to doing. I'll post a couple of the shots that I exposed for the couple, and await feedback on those.

Thanks for your input.

The odd thing about that particular setup (and we've all done shots like that) is that I just don't think it looks great when you throw flash into that type of situation. Your eyes know that in the real world it wouldn't look like that, so it's hard for me to throw flash in there and expose for them. I like it just the way you shot it personally, but maybe would have gone a bit darker and completely silhoutted them. You can still see some detail there.

I would just do a majority of shots where the sunset is to your back and you properly expose the couple rather than try to expose for the couple in a situation like this.....

Here's a similar situation that I think just looks better dark. I don't think it would have worked the other way.....

I'm in agreement with the music man here. I personally like the silhouette shots, and don't know that fill flash would have done justice to that sunset. Kills the romance of the moment.

I believe you mean the artist formerly known as the music man....

Correction, "The Artist Formerly Known as The Music Man".

Y'know Chris, I get confused as it is when people are referring to you/your posts, in a thread where I've contributed as well. LOL. Now it's just going to get worse. LOL.

Chris I agree with you. Chris I don't agree with you. You figure out who I am talking to!

Ryan,

I love the sunset in those pics. What a beautiful day it was. Keep up with the expermintation. I think the shots look really good, but I do agree with Chris about completely darkening the couple.

I bet they are going to love those pics.

Yea... I personally like the silhouette vs. the flash...like Chris said it usually weirds my eye out if fill flash is used...and something I've recently started doing more of is using the Pocket Wizards to get a little directional light to add in from the side and help give a little more depth to shots like this and provide a bit of detail too.

One thing I've noticed with silhouette shots is that the focus is changing from being on the couple to being on the composition and the forms in the image... so one thing I've found helpful is to go back to some landscape rules like the rule of thirds...otherwise you'll end up with many competing elements in the shot....I actually think about this "rule" a lot when I'm shooting and here's a better desctiption of it - click here!

LOVE the pictures!!!!!
What an awesome sunset!!!!
Totally agree with DJ....pocket wizards are amazing!!!!!!

DJ/ Sarah,
What would you recommend with the PW? Just using it with a 580, or getting a QFlash with it? I agree that it would add something dramatic to the shot.

This shot looks a little flat. Try shooting with a little tilt. Also try having the couple facing you a little more, this willl flatter the couples noses a little. Maybe instead of all vertical try some horizontal. Would have been nice if you shot from a lower angle as well.

A 580 is perfect!

one thing to keep in mind when shooting this type of shot is that the form is what is important, and of course the composition. you can still capture a moment in a silouhette. try separating the couple so you have some space between them (that way they don't look like just a lump of shadow). also, these aren't dark enough because to much sand and water was metered, so you would have to intentionally underexpose or just shoot from a lower angle to achieve a true silouhette. hope this helps.