So I think these pic's are good...but where is the wow!!! How do I get myself to the next level. I see so many of you amazing OSP-ERS...with all the lens flare and the fun and sexy and the ultra out of the box shooting and amazing post processing!!! Ahhh....someday...
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They look pretty good to me, Govinda! Maybe look for light that's not so flat to give them some more depth, but I'm sure the couple will be very happy with these! Good job!

Just take a few more shots with your camera tilted at an angle -- that adds some great variety and can give some WOW to some shots.

Eric

And if looking for lens flare, shoot with the sun just on the edge, or just outside the edge of your frame. Shooting the couple with the sun directly behind their heads (from below) can make some super sexy light, just some ideas

Govinda, I think that you have great pictures. I am not sure what you are looking for exactly, but I think a slight curve adjustment and sharpening will give them the WOW effect that you are looking for. Also, maybe process some of them in different tones (b&W, sepia, etc.). Here are a couple of yours that I took the liberty to adjust, and I think that they are great:
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment

Govinda, I'm no phenom, but some things we've been doing lately have really punched up some of our work.... Off camera flash, painting with light (Which I teach, if you can call it that), drastic angles, polarizing filter, shooting into the sun but filling with flash. I agree with angles just don't over do any of these ideas. I saw one post where it was angle over kill and flash over kill. Just take the time to experiment with new techniques.

Thanks Matt...the couple does like what they have seen so far on my blog and are very happy. I guess I want to not only wow my clients but also myself. You know? Thanks for the compliments and suggestion.Thanks Eric...I always forget to do the camera tilt...thanks for the reminder. It does add some interest in the image sometimes.Thanks Jacob...lens flare can be sexy...step out of the shade Govinda!

Hi Elena...what I am looking for is personal growth in my shooting. I tend to go with the safe. The locations and light I know. Thanks for the suggestions.Hey Mark...yes...I just ordered my canon ste-2 and radio poppers. I can't wait to start playing...I am very excited...and a bit nervous. Thank you for the suggestions!

I think you did a great job of capturing these two... Lovely images.

session looked fun; lovely images!

Hey Govinda,

I like these... the processing is very nice.

On the first one, my eye desperately wants to see the couple in that opening. I think a lower angle really would have led us right to their heads, but would have kept the great depth in the shot.

Maybe someone else already said this (sorry, I'm in turbo-read mode today)...but it looks like you'd do well to find some directional light to add emphasis to the couple. Sometimes just using a reflector will help brighten the subjects in the foreground enough that you can darken the background by 1/2 to full stop. Even a touch of subtle vignetting in post will help as well.

well i've got an e-session in capitola this weeked...i'm excited!!! i'm gonna be creative and use light to enhance!!! good luck to me!!! thanks for all your response guys!!!

Please post when you return - I wanna see you take all these great ideas and put them into practice.

Post! Post! Post! (oh, and have fun, too!)


ERIC

I think these are great.

Hi Govinda,

I like the feel of the overall session. I can understand that you are looking for the 'wow' factor. I can get this way at times as well.

Might I reccomend changing the time of day? this session looks like it was shot in broad daylight like anywhere between 11am and 2pm. I always try and get my e sessions to go more like 4-6 in the afternoon.

Also locations have alot to do with it. your avatar says your from chico, and Im assuming that this was done on campus at chico state or near there? I don't know, because Chico is a ways from me. I know you have a ton of almond orchards and other types of orchards around to use.
What about taking the couple out of town a few miles to some interesting areas.

Also, switch up the posing a bit. I realize that there are 'must have' shots that come with an esession, but get those out of the way first! I always do. I call them the "sappy" shots. once you have done those, you are warmed up, the couple is warmed up, and It can give you the potential to unlock that creativity that is at the tip of your tounge

Post processing might have a little to do with it, but ultimately, for me, I try and minimize that. I strive for a kick @$$ shot out of the camera. (don't get me wrong, there are some AMAZING actions and shots done in post processing)

I see your flirting around with a few angles. So far so good...

try laying down on the ground and shooting them. try putting them at the very bottom corner of the frame, blah, blah, blah...... see once you have those 'must have' shots out of the way, then you can say the heck with it and go for it.

whoa... Im rambling... sorry about that. YOU inspired Me!

-Griff

I think these look great!!!

oh my gosh!!! thanks everyone!!! yes i will be posting pix from this weekends shoot...i did better than before...so yay!!!

stay tuned...............

Hey Govinda! These are really great, don't worry, all of us go through what you are going through at some point or another. Sometimes I get unsure about whether I am doing something "right" when it's really about what you like. All the suggestions here are wonderful and i'll be using them too! OSP is awesome!

thanks lauren...what a nice comment. and i agree...the advice from osp is a great learning tool.

NO WAY! This is Heidi! How crazy. I know her.

She and I were in a mutual friend's wedding together.



I do have one suggestion. In bridge, bump up the fill light quite a bit (around 25%). Then bring up the blacks to balance out the pictures. Warm the shots up very slightly. Take to Photoshop, dodge and burn.

If you have Lord of the Rings Everyday (Kubota) action, batch process the action on all the pics as a final touch (using Image Adjustment in Bridge's drop down menu). Then mask out the glow/blur once the action is run.

I'd be super interested in connecting with you somehow...

M@

Hey Govinda,

I ask myself about the "wow factor" all the time. I think part of it is
knowing your couple. Find out what they like, what makes them laugh, take minute to get to know these details. This helps me visualize the types of shots and locations where I think my couples will look and feel their best. You may also want to try giving them some distance during the shoot. I get the sense that you tend to shoot within 10-15 feet. That may help.

Truthfully, the technical stuff should always work to support the feeling and emotional connection driving the work. For fun, I would suggest getting some buddies and shooting some nice sexy outdoor, sessions. Mix it up, wear cool dresses and treat them like your ideal clients. Perosnally, I have to shoot at least one project for myself every month or I feel a bit drained. Thes are just suggestions. Take what works. Leave the rest.

Peace,
Parris

the images rock, dont see whats wrong about them, id be thrilled to have images to turn out like that

I think what Govinda is hinting at is the same spark that drives many artist, the need for self exploration and creative expression. Most of us have an internal compass that knows "I did my best" or "I think I can do better". The need to improve and build on your skills is at the core of creative expression. Maybe I'm taking a shot in the wrong direction but....that's my .02 cents.