Wedding Portrait

[Caleb]

I like this shot but wondering what others may think. I think I would really like to try to blacken the background or something to get rid of the door and whatnot behind.

[JimM]

I find the veil cutting through her face very distracting. I like the concept, but I would like it to either be high enough to see her eyes clearly too, or low enough to cover most of her chin.

Did you have any kind of diffuser on the flash?

[Caleb]

I find the vail (did I spell that right in this case?) cutting through her face very distracting. I like the concept, but I would like it to either be high enough to see her eyes clearly too, or low enough to cover most of her chin.

Did you have any kind of diffuser on the flash?
I am using the built-in flash; no diffuser. Am wondering if others see the 'veil' (only because you asked) as distracting? I really appreciate how others can help you to look at something from a different perspective; probably one of the greatest strengths of this site. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[JimM]

I think you might want to look to diffusing the flash. I think I read somewhere someone suggesting taping a white napkin over a built in flash. Softer light is much more flattering on portraits.

[pathfinder]

I am using the built-in flash; no diffuser. Am wondering if others see the 'veil' (only because you asked) as distracting? I really appreciate how others can help you to look at something from a different perspective; probably one of the greatest strengths of this site. Thanks for taking the time to comment!


Yes, I think the veil is distracting too. Her eyes are diverted to the left of the frame and hard to see through the veil also. In the left upper corner is a light tan door frame - this is not an assett to the image either.

The built in camera flash is just about the last light source you want to use for a lovely bridal portrait. Get some nice soft available window light, or light coming through a window screen even. You might use the flash for a little fill flash, but not for the main light - it is just too harsh. Vignetteing the corners with a dark gradient might help darken the corners of the frame and help keep the viewer's eye on her face. But raise the veil so we can see her better too.

[wxwax]

I agree, the veil's distracting. And given that she's looking to the left, the space to the right makes the shot unbalanced. And the right side space is also too bright, which adds to the distraction. The best hope for this shot is a tight crop on the right side, and maybe play in PS to bring out her eyes.

[nillaismydog]

I agree, the veil's distracting. And given that she's looking to the left, the space to the right makes the shot unbalanced. And the right side space is also too bright, which adds to the distraction. The best hope for this shot is a tight crop on the right side, and maybe play in PS to bring out her eyes.
I agree that cropping it would balance it a little more and get rid of your background. I think the veil is a bit distracting also. I think eyes are the most important focus of any portrait. I love the red lips though!

[ScottMcLeod]

Regarding diffusing the flash, get yourself a Rosco or Lee Swatchbook (free from most theatre lighting & equipment rental stores) and cut a peice out of the diffusers taped to your onboard flash.

Works wonders :-)

[Caleb]

You know.....back when I had my 35mm with flash bracket, external flash, etc. I actually knew about diffusion techniques for the flash. Duh!! I guess I just never gave it much thought re: a built-in flash. I am hoping to get an external flash again but will play around with trying to diffuse the light on this thing.

Thanks all for taking the time to comment.