I’m a bit hesitant to post these. It’s always difficult to put yourself out there, especially if you’re unsure of yourself or if you’re attempting something that’s uncharted territory. I can post things about design and home decor because I live and breathe it everyday. I know it may not be perfect, but at least I know I’m somewhat decent at it. Photography is a completely different story. I’ve been immersing myself in photography for a year or so now (blog stalking, studying, etc), but have yet to try my hand at actually shooting people. Enter Sarah and Matt.
Sarah and Matt are good friends and neighbors that recently got engaged. I soon as I heard this news, I put my fears aside and asked them if they would mind playing models for me in exchange for some free engagement pictures. Luckily for me they obliged and we headed out to some spots I had scoped out around Charlotte and played around for an hour. I had no idea what I was doing, but I figured you have to start somewhere, right?
My first attempt at a photo shoot worked out just about perfectly. It was an overcast day, so I wasn’t trying to figure out how to avoid blaring sunlight at 4:00 in the afternoon. I shot everything manually to really try and challenge myself, though (yay me!). That meant about 60 good images out of 200 something, but hey, I’m a newbie. Oh, and all of us were pretty nervous since we were in a totally new situation – but luckily, nervous laughter looks like real laughter. :)
I found this super sketchy abandoned storage/warehouse near my office that had some pretty fall leaves and just the right amount of rust to create some interest. Matt informed us that the pretty leaves were actually poison ivy. Whoops. They were troopers though and ran with it, despite the risk of itchy skin.
Aren’t they photogenic? I honestly don’t know how photographers get people to look fantastic in pictures, since I am guilty of closing my eyes in 90% of pictures taken of me. Luckily, these two were naturals so I didn’t have to prompt them to look awesome. Score.
Some things I learned in my first photo shoot: posing people is hard, overcast days rule, I love my 50mm 1.8, and I really want a wide-angle lens to get some different perspectives. I also made them a little custom CD for all of the images I took. I’m such a nerd, but I love doing stuff like this, especially when it’s a little humourous with their butts on the back of the case.
Thoughts? Comments? I know I have a handful of photogs out there that read my blog, so I’d love some constructive criticism. You can keep comments like “Audrey, you stink. Quit trying to be like us” to a minimum, though, for my poor little ego’s sake. Gracias. :)
i have no technical knowledge about photography but i think your pictures look great!!
I’m with Erin. I have no photography skills what so ever but I think these are excellent! My favs have to be the fall leaves and then the sketchy building. They both have such great colors! It is just gorgeous! And it doesn’t hurt to have some pretty darn photogenic people in them. Great job, Audrey! I am so impressed! (look at all those exclamation points. I must really like them!)
I love these. What a cute couple! I think the settings you found were great. Why don’t I ever think of things like that? I can’t pick out a favorite.
Pics are great. Proud of you. :)
I think your composition/locations are really nice! :)
I can just hear Sarah and Matt laughing in those first two photos, lol. I love them all, I can’t pick a favorite! I love the leaves, but I also really like the field with the fall colors!!
They all are fantastic, and I know Sarah was SO happy with them!
One of these days I’ll convince Antho that we should be your next guinea pigs ;) Can’t promise we’ll be as photogenic as those two were though!
Amazing Job Audrey! Just looking at them makes me smile so I know how amazed and happy Sarah and Matt must have been! Love the picture of their butt’s for the back of the CD. Classic :-).
@valerie: Thanks! I’m actually dropping off their CD this afternoon, but I couldn’t help blogging before then. Glad you approve!
@candice: thanks so much! that means a lot coming from you. :)
Your photos are great! It looks like you’re off to a fabulous start!
Great job!! Love the BW shot… beautiful!
Wow!!! Sarah and Matt got a deal – the pix are great. I love the cover. I will have to be brag some more about my creative daughter ‘n law………
i like! you did a great job! i think the sketchy abandoned storage/warehouse is my fave.
You did a great job! Very nice work.
I like the warehouse best. Great work.
These are awesome. I like the black and white and the warehouse!
If you ever need a sketchy, abandoned building, the Jesus Saves church by our place might be an option.
These look fantastic! What kind of camera are you shooting with? I have just recently been immersing myself in photography as well. Do you have any great resources you care to share??
@Jana: I shoot with the Nikon D40 and these were all shot with my 50mm 1.8 lens. As for resources, I am a bonafide photographer blog stalker. :P I pour over question and answer posts on lots of blogs (some of them on my side bar) as well as read articles written by photographers (Pro Photo Resource is a good place for those). Hope it helps!
the most noteable thing for me was that your subjects look genuinely happy and comfortable in these pictures. and that’s a huge feat. you are a natural, my friend. :) you’ve got a great eye (duh) and these pictures show it. loooove ‘em! (and again, what a delightful lens…) ;)
Love the wearhouse…I’m always looking for ugly places for beautiful photos…and you nailed a great one. Next time charge-you don’t need too much more practice.
I’m just catching up with your blog. These photos are wonderful Audrey! I think my “most” favorite is the third one (after the corrugated wall pics). It looks like such a private moment. You hit it there!