[Kombisaurus]

I did my first proper wedding shoot recently (I wasn't actually told I was supposed to be the primary photog until the day before, but that's another story...).
Among the 1500-odd photos I took throughout the day was this shot at the reception of the traditional toss of the bridal bouquet and ensuing battle among the single girls to catch it.

I am both very happy with the shot yet also very frustrated with it at the same time. I'm happy that I managed to catch the moment as I did and love so many of the elements in it (including the condom tucked away in the bouquet as long-standing joke that refers back to a story of how the bride and groom first met), but am frustrated because I can't seem to turn the shot into an aesthetically pleasing image without it losing its integrity. That ceiling is just hideous and there isn't quite enough of the girls filling the shot, plus having one of them looking away is distracting. I think it makes a great documentary shot, but that's not always the same as a good wedding shot! arrrgh!

I've tried numerous things to try to improve it, and nothing short of blatant cloning seems to help much. I'm not against using a bit of cloning, but I want the image to remain congruent with people's memory of the actual event (so big things like removing the ceiling altogether aren't really an option).

I'd be interested to see if some of you can come up with ways of improving it.... please?

Thanks
Adrian



or a sepia version:



Settings: EF-S 17-85 IS lens @ 17mm, 1600 ISO, f/4, 1/45th sec (Av mode) with EX-430 flash bounced upwards through a diffuser.

[EnglishBob]

I really like the original color version, the 3 girls in black, red and blue are positioned wonderfully. Tack sharp where it matters

[Petographer]

I also like the colour version. That fact that I need to scroll side to side to see all the image is frustrating. This is something I think we need to change at the admin. level. My very first impression of this image was "Look at the size of that bouquet". It looks like it's stuck to the ceiling. As far as photoshopping, I think what you've done is about the extent I'd go. Like you said, you want to keep things as original as possible. It is a good shot.

[Russt]

Kombi, I think you are being too hard on yourself.......its a great shot. I am sure they will love the moment. The distractions you notice is only because you took the shot. For me its only the light fitting near the bouquet and as for the girl looking away I think her expression adds to the shot. I agree with the above I like the colour one best.

I tried to clone out the light fitting and have decided after my attempt its best left in!
Maybe tone down the light at the left back. I do like the ceiling better in the B&W the yellow is a bit strong.

here is what I was thinking.........

[Schellamo]

I'm not at a computer with photoshop installed right now, but I will have a try later.
I'm thinking a bit of burning to lessen the distracting light fitting? and perhaps the men in the background (under the bouquet) so that they are less distracting. I agree that it is a great shot, and the bride and groom will be aptly pleased.

[Toad]

Well - I am not a natural photo kind of guy - so take this with a grain of salt..

I like the photo - the expressions and posiitons, lighting, exposure etc are all right...

To really "capture" the moment any better than this - you need to fake it. Select the flowers, roatate them, scale them slightly and move them closer to the girls - mess with the background as required. This is a great shot - but the flowers look like they are glued to the upper left corner. By moving them "closer" into the action, you would increase the impact of the shot.

Is this bulls**t photoshopping? Of course - but it makes the picture work. My advice - don't tell anyone - just do it.

[Kombisaurus]

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who is a bit stuck with this one - although your version Russ is a definate improvement thanks

I'm starting to get a few other ideas based on people's comments of the flowers. The huge shadow they case on the ceiling doesn't help, and perhaps a bit of selective motion blur might help emphasize the fact they really are flying through the air.

But then again, the fact that it is a more documentary-style shot makes me think I should pretty much leave it alone.
<sigh>

Incidently, I made a gallery for the rest of the wedding photos at http://kathjustin.digitalkinetics.smugmug.com if anyone is interested.

[smarti77]

Adrian - How about some selective colouring on this one. A bit of a cliche maybe but you might find a middle ground you are happy with...

I hope you dont mind I had a quick go.



Also removed light and some people on the left.

[Russt]

Also removed light and

smarti, good job on that..........you should have see mine (ugly) I think I would have liked to see the green in the bouquet as well hmmmmmmm :/

[Don Schaeffer]

I love the original for the wedding clients. However the sepia version has the look of an old Life Magazine moment. You should keep that too.

[NT73]

If it had been my wedding I would like the first version. The yellow glow from the door at the back, and reflected light on the ceiling, give a wonderful warmth and reality to the photo. The other versions (sorry guys) are excellent as exhibition photos but not for a wedding album.
Again, like most opiniions, the duct in the ceiling is a bit yucky but it was there. The bride and groom may have a memory of it. And that is what you are offering! A memory of something in the past.

[Wedding Shooter]

Kombi,

The photo is fine - it is an action shot of the bridal toss and that is what it shows. You may just want to do a little shadow recovery in PS, but overall I think it will be ok.

Your photos from the wedding look good - well done on a great effort, especially with such little warning. Reminds me of my first wedding I photographed officially - same deal (one day's notice).

[shuttertalk]

I second that - I think this photo captures the moment brilliantly! I like the subsequent versions too, but I think the original was very good to begin with!

[Kombisaurus]

Thanks all for the suggestions and support.

Its interesting to hear such a range of opinions... I'm glad its not just me. Every time I look at it I seem to change my mind about it.
But... in the end maybe I should follow the "if in doubt, leave it alone" rule and move on!

...ooo.. but then again maybe I should just get rid of the light from the ceiling!

[NT73]

I had a little try and it is not easy believe me. You cannot clone easily. And you would have to do some artwork in it as well. :/