I am the worst at picking my own photographs. I think it's because I'm too emotionally attached to the photos and the clients in them. I remember the moments I clicked my camera and what the couple was doing. So I'm taking this out of my own hands and leaving it up to the readers of my blog.
Vote for which photograph will be used in my half page ad in CS Brides in June.
Poll to the right.
Selection 1
Selection 2
Selection 3
Selection 4
Selection 5
59 comments:
Oooh, that's a tough one, they are all gorgeous! I chose #3 because I think that would catch my eye the most in a mag... and it looks like the other voters feel the same way!
number 1!
Got to go with 5
Dennis all of your photo's are wonderful. Number 1,4 and 5 show off your talent best. I can't help but think number 3 looks a tad photoshoped. Any of the above 3 would be a great choice.
Dennis, I believe brides will be drawn in by the love and tenderness expressed in #5.
I can 100% promise you that photo #3 is NOT photoshopped. The weather that day was amazing, and those colors are all true-to-life. It was Dennis' idea to go on that grassy knoll in front of the fountain, and it produced an AMAZING photo that would be visually stunning in a magazine. That is how everything truly looked, and Dennis produced a beautiful photo on a lovely day with a very happy couple. It is certainly eye-catching!
What are the blurry things on the right edge of photo number 3? That looks out of place. Colors look quite artificial, any good photographer knows how to use photoshop and/or lightroom.What are the blurry things on the right edge of photo number 3? Someone needs to use the clone tool!
I must say, I love the couple's interaction on number 5, so genuine. Fabulous dress as well, girlfriend!
I apologize, I meant left edge*
Hey everyone thanks for the comments and thanks for taking the time to vote. Just wanted to clear up a few things.
The bottom button of the vest in #5 should be buttoned. It's a shorter vest with five buttons. Typically in a regular suit or tux vest with more buttons the bottom is left undone. It's more about tradition than any rule. Back in the day vests and jackets were longer so the bottom button was often left undone to make it easier to move. Also, I think some Britsh king or someone started the trend.
The colors in #3 are totally real. Anyone in Chicago can see that location. Shooting late afternoon with the direction of the light produces much more saturation. There is no color cast in the blacks of the tux so there was no increasing or manipulation of the photo. Actually, if you look close, just above the fountain's water, you'll see a street light wire, that I'll have to actually photoshop out in the final version as well as the bush blowing into the frame on the left.
Thanks all.
To all the "anonymous" haters of photo #3, if you've ever seen this location, we are on a grassy knoll where there are bushes and trees all over. What you see in the bottom left of the photo comes from the trees/bushes that Dennis is standing behind when we took this photo. If you had any idea of the circumstances behind this photo, too, the bride and groom are sharing a very private, loving moment. There's no need to be rude and bash other photos. Dennis does beautiful work all around, and we were proud to be a part of it.
I really love photo #5. It's the best work you've done Dennis. It looks so natural. As a photographer for nearly 35 years I must congratulate you on the fine work you do. I really believe that in #5 the work is less than par and even though you didn't photo shop it the photo lacks the technique that I strive for in a none posed photo. Photo #5 looks as if the couple has tried there best to look too happy and lack the realism that we as photographers strive for in a good photo. Photo #5 is too contrive and below average!
I love your work Dennis. It's really hard to decide on the best one. I love the 5th photo and also photo #1. I think I'll go with #5. Keep up the good work. I hope you're available when I get married. Much luck in you artist endeavors.
I like all of the photos, but I think that Photo 3 is the best suited for a magazine ad, especially a Chicago magazine. It captures not only the emotion of the couple but it is also set against one of the most classic Chicago backdrops.
I love #5!!
Although I personally know a couple in one of the OTHER photos up for vote, I have to secretly vote for Number One. That photo is just so fun! It captures so many emotions of a wedding day - love and tenderness in the couple, happiness and joy felt by others, and on and on. It not only makes a viewer go "awww," but also kind of chuckle at the older women looking on. It's obviously a very real moment that was captured. It's the kind of photo that would capture my eye in a magazine, because it's different and exudes personality... the others, while beautiful, are just missing the something extra this photo has. (and I'm surprised the bride in number 3 is being so defensive - I can't imagine anyone would take this competition personally.)
I too love your work Dennis it's just so lovely. I think the girl named Jacyln is so uncool in her comments. I understand that she wants to win but your beautiful #5 photo is a winner! Keep up the great work!
Number III....no contest!!!!
Number 1. It's like a story in one picture.
Gotta love the snickering, cute old ladies in the background of number 1!
Number 1 is too underrated. There is so much warmth and charm in that photo. . .you just want to jump in and giggle with the old ladies! Such a great moment.
All the others are nice too, but I think your talents are most on display in 1.
Hopefully number three won't take personal offense. ;)
Dennis what can I say that hasn't been said about your lovely photos! You are a great talent and you shouldn't waste it on wedding photos. YOU should be in a gallery just like Ansel
Adams! There are a lot of haters out there so beware. I think that all but #3 are wonderful. Number 3 is blurry in the background and the groom seems like he's uncomfortable with his bride! Such a bad feeling about this photo! The bride has a funny stance and the gown is just right. The other pictures are so much better!
I am simply appalled at the comments left on here. I am an elementary school teacher, we have one simple, yet very important rule that most of you forgot “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say it at all”. All of the pictures are very nice and unique, but I LOVE the location of picture number three AND the couple looks truly happy! 3 has my vote :)
Your photographs are beautiful but I have to vote for #5. :)
It is unbelievable how rude some of these comments are. Regardless of which photo you think is best, there is no place for the judgmental and condescending attitude towards Jaclyn or any of the photos. All of Dennis' work is amazing- Jaclyn was simply defending his photo from some unfair (and rude) criticism. To then criticize her is completely uncalled for. Way to take a fun contest and ruin it, people.
I don't know any of these couples but I have one word for photo #3...
PERFECT!
I <3 #3. it's gorgeous. too bad that hunk of meat in the photo is married. he looks dreamy. hubba hubba.
Wow. Dennis must be such a saint for dealing with all the personalities and pushiness that come along with the occupation. Congrats on some fine work.
Very nice photos. You work wonders with your camera. Especially with numbers 1 & 5.
As a mother of a bride, I thumbed through far too many magazines with my daughter. Number 1 has so much potential-even to be in a national magazine. I love the genuine quality, it really puts a smile upon my face since I would be one of those silly old ladies on the bench! ;)
Photo #5 would have been better if the groom, hubba hubba, looked happier when he was looking at the bride. He seems bored and the bride looks so happy!? He should of smiled.
Good work Dennis. Especially with # 5. Piece of photo art.
As a bridesmaid at 3 of the weddings you've photographed, the second best day besides the wedding is the day the photos come out it even tops rehearsal dinners showers and bachelorette parties. You get to relive a day and night that always goes by too quickly. Thank you so much for all the moments you've captured of some of the best days I've spent with my friends and family. You could pick a photo at random from your collection and that one would be just as perfect as any of these 5. Regardless of the picture that goes into a magazine all of these brides are lucky to have such wonderful shots for the rest of their lives...(they will love to look back on them when they are the age of the lovely ladies on the bench in the first photo)
Number 5 looks the best. I think #3 is to much a cliche. Feel like Ive seen it in a million other wedding albums.
Wonderful work Dennis love #5 and #1. Just marvelous photo work.
An amazing pic of an amazing couple,whoa! Way to go Mr. Lee!!
Dennis you do such great work. I agree that #3 is the sort of photo you always see from other less talented photographer advertisements. I think all the other photos are fine but, I have to go with the best....NUMBER 5!
Dennis I also believe that your photography is artistically stunning. But I also believe that the blog about re-educating the elementary teacher about OUR first amendment rights was right on. Jacyln had the right to express her comments and her opinion on her photo shopped photo. We're all adults and should be able to take criticism. Your blog should include all comments about what people think. This is America!
Thank you all for the wonderful comments and compliments.
I find it funny and odd at the same time that my blog, written and administered by one person here at Dennis Lee Photo International World Headquarters as my assistant jokingly calls it, has gone to discussions about freedom of speech and first amendment rights. That's something I never would have expected, but thought it needed a quick mention.
As a member of the National Press Photographers of America, I believe that freedom of speech is one of our most important rights and one I take an active part in defending. Freedom of speech gives any person or organization, like the Tribune, the right to voice and promote their opinions. Freedom of speech also gives any person the right to voice their dissent to those same views. Yet, freedom of speech does not mean that the Tribune must publish all or any of those opinions.
Lastly, freedom of speech is too important of a right to be used as an excuse for lack of decorum; it's a means to a great end, not an excuse.
Let's just get back to having fun and looking at pictures.
Currently, I'm in graduate school for art, and let me tell you- these critiques are certainly not brutal. Just sit in an art critique, and you'll see some truly brutal behavior. If anything, honesty and constructive criticism is what does matter to make Dennis grow into a better artist Thank g-d, Dennis isn't defending each picture-that really shows a mature artist.
I must say, I really favor number one. It's really fresh and tells a story, and I love how childish the elderly women are acting (sort of a play on the roles of how they should be the mature ones). Number two doesn't show much of the brides face-which would be nice to see if it's placed in a magazine. I know she's flashing her ring, but it reminds me of "awkward turtle." Number three is cliche for a Chicago magazine since that magazine is going to be bustling with photos of Chicago. I like the symbolism of number four being the light at the end of the tunnel. Number five is nice because it's urban for a magazine, but not smacking Chicago in your face. It also depicts a nice moment between the couple.
number 1.
You are an artist with a camera. Great work.
Number 1 is timeless- like the classic American Girl in Italy shot. Well done, on all.
Dennis take the absolute best photographs of weddings. All the pictures are lovely. Keep up the good work. I voted for number 5.
Dennis love #5 and #1. These are two of your best works. God bless you always.
I'm from the City, A City magazine
Should have a city shot!
What a outstanding picture in front of a landmark.
You captured a natural look on a beautful day! Beautiful couple on a gorgeous day
# 3 all the way
I voted number 5. Because you really captured the way the couple was feeling on that day. All your pictures are amazing... number 3 seems a little over done for a Chicago wedding.
Wonderful photography! Great technique! Great photographer!
Looking at all photos makes me want to get married. I would love be as happy as couple #5.
From Mike Z. To much sky in #3. I feel there is too little depth of field in #3. Looks fake but probably is not. I like #5 the best which looks much more realistic and not postcard like.
Dennis you're photos are trey sheik! I really love them! You are such a wonderful person and an exceptional artist! Best luck always! I like and voted for #5.
I really like photo #5 because it shows how loving a bride can be and additionally how protective a groom can be. Photo in number #3 shows the bride having fun but the groom looks uninterested and too far away from the bride and just not into the joy of wedded bliss. Number 1 is a great photo and should be in wedding magazines as an artist piece. GREAT WORK DENNIS!
Dennis, I also agree with my husband, Giovanni, that in photo #5 the husband gives his new wife a sense of security. Which to me is what I wanted in a man when I got married. The photo gives a real sense of closeness and love for one another. My only wish is that my wedding album would of had the artist look of your photographs.
Dennis your photos are lovely. You should really consider doing gallery work. Best wishes in all of your artist endeavors.
When a bride is looking through a bridal magazine she is most often drawn to all the beautiful wedding gowns. The dress the bride is wearing in photo 5 is just STUNNING! You are sure to get noticed with this picture!
I really love all of these photos! I wish I had more than one vote because Number 1 and 5 are both beautiful photos full of emotion! I do not like how the bride and groom do not have any physical contact at all in photos 2 or 3, had photo 3 been shot without that gorgeous background, the couple in the photo would seem a bit awkward to me.
Great photos Dennis! I agree with last person that commented. The bride in photo number 3 does have an awkward stance!
Aw Dennis, I love your work. I vote for #1 :)
#1!!!
In my contrey in Pakistan we love good fotography. We woould love to have Dennis take picktures of are wedding. You are very very good at whaat you do. Excellant picktures I reely like your number 5
They're all amazing, but I like #1 the most! :)
Is it too late now? I just noticed this voting thing... I vote for #4 or #1. #4 is my favorite because it is different than other ads in the magazine... Plus, it goes well with your LOGO! I love #5 but I think it might blend in with the other ads of the magazine.
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