Engagement pictures

[PeterGar]

My sister-in-law asked me to take her engagement portraits, so last weekend I rented a Canon 28-70 2.8L lens and 550EX flash and went to work. Here are some of my favorites. The rest of the ones I selected for her are at http://garabetian.smugmug.com/gallery/711629/. This is my first "official" photo shoot of any kind, so please don't hold back on critique. I know some of them have some lighting issues. Nonetheless, it was very fun!

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081453-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081462-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081477-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081490-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081561-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081580-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081594-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081613-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081651-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081679-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081688-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081691-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081692-L.jpg

http://garabetian.smugmug.com/photos/31081703-L.jpg

[Owen]

Some of them could have benefited from a reflector and/or some more fill flash. Awesome location and you captured the subject well in a variety of poses, which will give them plenty of choices. Overall, a good set.

[mercphoto]

I really like the black and white. The only other comment is that there seems to be a variety of skin tones for the guy. You might want to strive for consistency there. Likely an issue of white balance.

[tmlphoto]

They look really good to me. I agree about the lighting on many of them. Not placing them in areas of mixed shadow & direct sunlight would have made your job easier. You also have to consider how they will cast shadows on each other. A reflector for fill would have helped, but this is difficult without an assistant. Great job under the circumstances.

[PeterGar]

Thanks for the feedback! I actually brought a white foamcore board as a reflector and asked my wife to assist. Let's just say my wife wasn't really into the idea of assisting. Unfortunately, the reflector plan didn't work out. I love my wife with all my heart, but I'll never ask her to be my photography assistant again. The good news is I have another sister-in-law who is a talented graphic artist and very eager to assist me next time.

[sser]

good shots I agree about the sunlight tho but definately the B/W and the 6th one are great shots! It really shows how much they love eachother.

[binghott]

those are just great shots, they'll be very happy.

[Owen]

Edit... it's all in the eye of the monitor. :P