[PIC] Couple, at sunet - help needed

[majic]

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding" pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--

Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[Derrel87035]

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves.
your thoughts please!

majic,

I think it's a nice pose of the two of them,and the figure/background attachment does not bother me all that much in this case. I think her overlapping the tree actually portrays the depth of the scene. I'm not sure what the help you seek is, but maybe you could bring down the highlights on his shirt a bit,and make it look more like the very late afternoon time period. But overall, I think it's a nice pose,and I do like the feeling of evening light. The inclusion of the water in the background adds a lot to it for me.
--
Happy Shooting!
Derrel

 

[majic]

Derrel,

Ah that is because I removed one section - this picture caused quite an "uproar" of dissaproval on my regular dutch photo forum ...and it made me wonder why (since the comments I received there were not exactly helpful)

 

[Venicia L]

majic,

I agree with Derrel. I do not find anything seriously wrong with this portrait. As an environmental portrait it succeeds on many levels. It is certainly a charming image with great personal meaning to the couple. The lighting is beautiful. The various lines in the image formed by their arms and bodies are very interesting. They are intimately involved with each other, yet simultaneously engrosed with something on their property, out of camera view.

I can understand various critiques based on other photographers' preferences for setting up a scene. The image is not perfect, but nothing is. But I can't understand why you got such a strong negative reaction about this image.

VL

 

[Benny Davenport]

Hi Majic,
I like this shot!

Couples (Best friends) do a lot of things to express love. Like enjoying passing time together. This photo illustrates them enjoying each others company, and by there faces really enjoying together what ever they are watching.

Even pre- wedding or engagement pictures (like wedding) are usually a series covering some themed events.
Perhaps you were wanting a more formal style portrait.
I'm not offering help here, just defending your picture
It is a very nice capture!!!
-Benny

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[mazster p]

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[majic]

Thank you Venicia,

I'm very glad that you exactly say what I was intending with this picture. Although its not only me - the male model from the two is a photographer as well and was very helpfull in creating the "mood" we were looking for .

majic,

I agree with Derrel. I do not find anything seriously wrong with
this portrait. As an environmental portrait it succeeds on many
levels. It is certainly a charming image with great personal
meaning to the couple. The lighting is beautiful. The various lines
in the image formed by their arms and bodies are very interesting.
They are intimately involved with each other, yet simultaneously
engrosed with something on their property, out of camera view.

I can understand various critiques based on other photographers'
preferences for setting up a scene. The image is not perfect, but
nothing is. But I can't understand why you got such a strong
negative reaction about this image.

VL

--

Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[majic]

Benny,

Actually I was looking for this type of photo exactly, it came out better than I expected - usually I shoot landscapes and nature-related things so not my regular cookie.

Thanks for your input!

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

--

Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[John Fulton]

Nice Capture !

I would think they like it also.

JHF

 

[Michael Demyan]

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

Hi majic:

I took the liberty to download your image and create two variations of it.

This first one is just darkened a little with one layer on top of the background set to multiply, 50% opacity.



This second one uses a selection on top of the above image with a drop shadow, using the original lightness of the image to set off the couple.

A little different approach. This makes the background fade while the focus is on the couple, still letting the setting sun color the image.



What do you think??

Regards,
Mike
--
Mike Demyan
S-2
http://www.pbase.com/mdemyan
http://www.mikedemyan.com

Fuji S2 Pro for Dummies
Knowledge shared is a gift only you can give.
Knowledge kept, goes with you - 6 ft under.
PBase Supporter.

 

[Artichoke]

I agree with the others that this is a good atmospheric couples portrait ...the evening sun works very well with the subject's faces turned away from camera & towards it

the only problem that I see with the photo is the bright & featureless sky in the background ...this shouldn't be too difficult to fix in PS
--
pbase & dpreview supporter
Fuji SLRT forum member since 5/2001
http://www.pbase.com/artichoke

 

[majic]

Demyan,

Thank you for spending some time on the pictures, first of all.

However you must know for the second picture that I am a Euro - from Holland to be precise, and "sections" in photos are "not-done" here hehe. So that is not to my liking, unfortunately.

The darkened picture looks way too dark on my monitor which is calibrated to match the local printhouses output in terms of print colors and contrast. I'm not sure if you have your monitor calibrated in any way ?

Kindest regards

• michael

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

Hi majic:

I took the liberty to download your image and create two variations
of it.

This first one is just darkened a little with one layer on top of
the background set to multiply, 50% opacity.



This second one uses a selection on top of the above image with a
drop shadow, using the original lightness of the image to set off
the couple.
A little different approach. This makes the background fade while
the focus is on the couple, still letting the setting sun color the
image.



What do you think??

Regards,
Mike
--
Mike Demyan
S-2
http://www.pbase.com/mdemyan
http://www.mikedemyan.com

Fuji S2 Pro for Dummies
Knowledge shared is a gift only you can give.
Knowledge kept, goes with you - 6 ft under.
PBase Supporter.

--

Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[Babe]

I like the pose. It's relaxed, it's genuine looking and I like the proportions. The only small quibble I have is the very bright white on his right shoulder or is it my eyes? It's nice, don't beat yourself over it. Tones are good, don't change it.

babe

My aim in life is to have one. LIFE ON THE FLY.

 

[Babe]

may be could use a little transform rotate to level it a bit.>

My aim in life is to have one. LIFE ON THE FLY.

--
My aim in life is to have one. LIFE ON THE FLY.

 

[Devster]

We surely like it a lot!

Nice Capture !

I would think they like it also.

JHF

 

[JamesL129577]

Hi majic,

I love this picture. I wish my wife and I were able to get some engagement pictures like this.

I added a curves adjustment to tone down the red channel and added a little blue to the sky. I would do a better job on the sky with more time, but at least you get the idea of how I would edit the photo.
Hope the suggestions help.
;-)

James

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[JamesL129577]

I love this picture. I wish my wife and I were able to get some
engagement pictures like this.

I added a curves adjustment to tone down the red channel and added
a little blue to the sky. I would do a better job on the sky with
more time, but at least you get the idea of how I would edit the
photo.
Hope the suggestions help.
;-)

James

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

--

 

[Michael R. Conder]

I am not sure I like the pose. Looks like here head is growing out of his.

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

 

[JamesL129577]

One more thing I noticed ...

It would be nice if you took a few steps to the left so that the road provides a nice diagnal between the subject and the tree ... just a thought.

;-)
James

I love this picture. I wish my wife and I were able to get some
engagement pictures like this.

I added a curves adjustment to tone down the red channel and added
a little blue to the sky. I would do a better job on the sky with
more time, but at least you get the idea of how I would edit the
photo.
Hope the suggestions help.
;-)

James

I shot this picture of a couple, who wanted some "pre-wedding"
pictures of themselves. Something that expressed their love for
each other, however not in a very "soft" manner, but more like very
good friends, like "buddies" .

Quite soft tones due to sunset-light, and the location was chosen
because they felt the most relaxed here - farmers country ;-) .

I'd have liked to chop down that tree in the background and place
it to the right, but that was not possible unfortunately

your thoughts please!



--
Fuji S2 Pro ~ 24-120VR ~ 70-200 VR AF-S F2.8 ~ 50 mm 1.8 ~ 14mm
Sigma ~ http://www.majic.nl

--

--
Fuji S2
Nikon 70-200VR
Nikon 24-85 G
Sigma 15-30
Sigma 180 Macro
Nikon SB-80DX
Heliopan Filters
TC-20EII
http://www.pbase.com/jamesseif

 

[Michael Demyan]

Demyan,

Thank you for spending some time on the pictures, first of all.

However you must know for the second picture that I am a Euro -
from Holland to be precise, and "sections" in photos are "not-done"
here hehe. So that is not to my liking, unfortunately.

The darkened picture looks way too dark on my monitor which is
calibrated to match the local printhouses output in terms of print
colors and contrast. I'm not sure if you have your monitor
calibrated in any way ?

Kindest regards

• michael

Hi majic:

Thanks for the feedback.

My monitor is calibrated for the local digital lab - calibrated for the Fuji Frontier and Kodak photo printers. My reason for darkening the image was to project and/or emphasize the mood of "fading light and a golden sunset". My 2 pix.

I am aware of cultural preferences, and respect your judgement. I saw this technique on a NAPP video training tutorial and thought it would look nice on this image.

Regards,
Mike

This first one is just darkened a little with one layer on top of
the background set to multiply, 50% opacity.

--
Mike Demyan
S-2
http://www.pbase.com/mdemyan
http://www.mikedemyan.com

Knowledge shared is a gift only you can give.
Knowledge kept, goes with you - 6 ft under.
PBase Supporter.