A few more shots...

[dawssvt]

Here are a few more from my last wedding.

C&C welcome...

I wasn't sure about this one, but I saw this idea when I was in a portrait place recently and I wanted to try it. I think it turned out decent...

1
http://joshhunt.smugmug.com/photos/473943060_NJKoh-L-1.jpg

2
http://joshhunt.smugmug.com/photos/474507036_yTTe8-L.jpg

3
http://joshhunt.smugmug.com/photos/473945041_6HYdk-L.jpg

4
http://joshhunt.smugmug.com/photos/473953316_dJCax-L.jpg

[Scott_Quier]

In my book, #1 is not a winner. I probably wouldn't have even processed it.

The rest - those are all winners and very well done:thumb - again, just my opinion FWIW.

[dawssvt]

In my book, #1 is not a winner. I probably wouldn't have even processed it.

The rest - those are all winners and very well done:thumb - again, just my opinion FWIW.

Yea, #1 definitely isn't a very strong shot. I just would like some comments on it. Is there anyway to make this shot better next time?

Thanks for the comment, Scott. :thumb

[Scott_Quier]

Yea, #1 definitely isn't a very strong shot. I just would like some comments on it. Is there anyway to make this shot better next time?

Thanks for the comment, Scott. :thumb
First a disclaimer: My sense of the artistic is not well developed - so take what I say below with a huge grain of salt. But, maybe you'll find a grain of "photographic truth" here that can be helpful.

Some things that might improve this image:

Attention to detail - with the bride's mands turned from us, the only thing we have to see is the bow of their sash. I would think re-working these sashs so they appear more uniform would be a good thing. Same for the way they ride on the waist/hip of each of the ladies. One of the ladies has her's all twisted. Necklaces, two of the ladies (aside from the bride) have them, one doesn't (OK, I agree, that's just a nit :D).
The background - two of the ladies have bright buildings growing out of the side of their heads. The third has a tree growing out out of her's. The horizon is running through all of their heads. The background is busy and detracts from them. The two blocks of blue sky further draw attention. OK, that's the down-side - how to fix for next time ... shoot with a background that's not busy.

One thought - a hallway with them a little distant from the camera. The walls will lead the view to them. If done in a hotel, the lights on the walls of the hallway will add to this effect.
Another idea ... Putting some distance between camera and subjects, a VERY large plain wall behind the subjects but not right up against them. This may make the image a bit more abstract and the negative space (of the huge wall) will force the viewer's attention to the subjects.

The slope of the hill - normally, a diagonal is a good thing, but only when it supports the composition. I don't see it doing so here.
Normally, talk about the models/people in the shots is frowned upon in the forums - we want to limit our discussion to the shot itself. But, you asked how to make this better. You have to pay attention to the people in the shots and work to create flattering images. Shooting any woman square on is usually not a goodness. Doing so with a plus-size woman ....
After working on how to make this a better shot, I think I see what is being attempted. With the bride's maids turned from the camera, the viewer's attention is drawn to the bride's face - it's only natural as it's the only face in the image. The black of the bride's maids gowns further moves one's attention to the bride. I think this effect can be strengthened by increasing the distance between the bride and her ladies, but only by a step or two. This will, conincidentally, increase the depth of the shot as well.

[WingsOfLovePhoto]

From a female point of view... the reason #1 doesn't work well is that we females don't like back fat!! and... the first thing that we will see is not the bride but the fat that is flowing over the strapless dresses and making them look very broad shouldered. And.... theses women aren't even fluffy! I love the rest though! The only other thing I might do is soften the creases in the brides chest area. Not the cleavage mind you:wink but the ones to the side :D