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I'm shooting a friend's wedding at the weekend (my first paid gig) and I've done some test shots of their wedding rings. I'd be interested in comments on whether these shots look OK or are shit. I'm a little undecided if the flower dominates the rings too much.

I have a small window to reshoot these on the day if needed.

For the technically inclined these were all shot using my D2x with SB800 and 50/1.4 lens. In each I've used a vignette blur to differing degrees to try and accentuate the rings more.

Peter - of the 3 my thoughts lean towards #3. Less distrations and the rings show up nicely

Stubbsy, bounce the flash off a wall or hold a piece of paper above your head and bounce the flash off that. It will give you a softer and more even light than what you've done.

Also go in for a closer crop and maybe from a different angle. I think the 3rd shot is probably the strongest and more appealing out of what you've posted. Just needs to be more natural and softer - note the reflections on the rings.

Scout the location for the wedding and if you can, shoot it in available light that's diffused through a window. I'm not sure what the location is so can't comment further.

1 or 3 - #1 does it beautifully.

Hi stubbsy,

To tell the truth, I do not like them.

Maybe use a macro lens? and maybe use natural window lighting?

Or try something different eg put rings on your keyboard, so if the B&G initial is "D & G" you place theirs rings on the keys D and G

Vince

Peter - I agree with what Chris has said, #3 as it isolates the rings and shows decent detail.

Is that flower going to be in the bridal bouquet? If not don't use it. If so then I think you need to decide if you want the emphasis on the flower or the rings. This will determine how close you get. Either shot 1 or a tighter version of shot 3.

The lighting needs to be softer and more natural looking.

One point to note, make sure the 18ct engraved on the inside of the ring is not visible

Just my humble opinion...

Stubbsy, 3 for me but really I don't think any of them meet your normal standard. I would personally can the lot. I can lend you a macro lens. I would be adventurous for a few minutes with this (knowing you will be busy on the day) but wouldn't rule out copying some of the great ring shots we have seen on this very forum, as back up.

Thank you all for your assistance. I think I'll reshoot these. They are having troubles getting the flowers so have decide to go with roses instead so this flower is now out.

Glen thanks for your kind offer, but I think I'll make do with what I have.

I like 3, but find the fuzzy foreground distracting. I would have tried pulling focus a little so that the foreground is sharper and you lose focus just behind the rings. After the horse and all that

moz wrote:I like 3, but find the fuzzy foreground distracting. I would have tried pulling focus a little so that the foreground is sharper and you lose focus just behind the rings. After the horse and all that

Thanks Moz - the fuzzy foreground was done in PP. The flower and rings are both sharp in the original file

rings up front ...... flowers in the background a little soft........ use bonce lighting off white card maybe a small mirror reflecting some highlights on the rings........

Hi Peter

I actually think that the flowers are destracting in regards
to photographing the rings.
May I run a thought past you:
If you have a light tent and also have access to THE wedding cake or A wedding cake, place the rings on the white icing and take the photos.
Also a white satin or silk handkerchief as background for the rings could work.

Regards,
Christian

#3 is the most pleasing here Peter. I also think the foreground mauve matting in #2 is unappealing IMHO and tends to detract from main subject.
Have you thought of setting this up in a light tent? The effect would be a lot more diffused and perhaps add a different sort of appeal to the original shots.
cheers
marco

Number three for me mate......like the crop and its made the rings more of a focal point.

Dan

Peter, #3 is best out of the bunch, but still lacking some touch. The flash you fired off created a highlight in the rings right on the front view and it looks quite dull from this. You also covered up some of the finer details on the inner side of the ring which I can see a little bit but not very clearly defined.

Maybe try another approach at lighting? Using more ambient light and less flash? Or no flash at all, let the diffused window light as Vince mentioned should work cool, with the rings in focus and flower on the OOF areas?

Just a thought...

I think the flower is to strong for the rings.

I'd ditch the flowers and have a more neutral background, ie If you're looking for something to connect the rings to particular people you could use their name cards on their table at the reception or ceremony order of service or something like that.

Number 3 seems to be the winner! The rings are sharp and big enough and the flower provides a soft background. I guess what matters in the end is that the happy couple likes it.