Red Mustang

[alexindiana]

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

Selective color rarely ever works aesthetically.
Problem is, what's in color is where attention is drawn, but the subject is rarely what's in color.
We're drawing attention AWAY from the subject. The image is conflicting.

I'm not knocking the process. You just don't see many higher end pros doing it. It's a process more relegated to the lower end of the market.

I agree with all of this.

Except...in both the top image and my image there's a strong argument that the coloured item is the subject (that matters to the client at least) - the car and the wellington boots.

In my image, I actually showed the client 3 versions - colour, b&W with the boots only coloured, and all B&W. Client wanted the flowers coloured as well. We talked about it, but ultimately it's going to go in their album not mine I like the version with the boots coloured, because they are funky boots and said something about the bride's fun personality. In both B&W and the all colour versions they just weren't as obvious..

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

I'm not knocking the process. You just don't see many higher end pros doing it. It's a process more relegated to the lower end of the market.

Hmm. I think actually you were knocking the process - at least a bit As for the higher end - well unfortunately most of us don't inhabit that space and are trying to keep clients happy and bookings up.

I have one album (out of maybe eight) that I show at bridal fayres that has a page with spot colour in it. I personally don't like it any more. I always use it as a talking points with brides by asking if they like it as it's a "polarising" photo. Probably 1 out of every 100 doesn't like it.

By the way, I exhibit at some very high end shows

[Mark McCall]

The car is the subject of a wedding image?
OOOkkkkk

Originally Posted by alexindiana

I think actually you were knocking the process - at least a bit

That would be incorrect.
What I did say was that it doesn't work aesthetically and that few high end pros use the technique.

There's a saying. "You sell what you show".

[alexindiana]

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

The car is the subject of a wedding image?
OOOkkkkk

Lol. And I thought only Brits did sarcasm. I did say, "that matters to the bride and groom". In the car shot clearly they felt (wrongly, imho) that they car needed to leap out at you and be more the subject than they were. I'm not saying they are right. (And wasn't before, by the way..)

That would be incorrect.
What I did say was that it doesn't work aesthetically and that few high end pros use the technique.

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

There's a saying. "You sell what you show".

Mark, you were a great inspiration to me when I joined this board a few years back, and I really found your marketing and lighting tips etc to be incredibly useful - but that statement is glib and has no relevance to what I said at the end of my last post. It might generally be a truism but not relevant to this thread. (imho)

Anyway that's my last comment on this thread so feel free to have the last word

[KellyL]

I have to agree with Mark. The couple may like the image, and that is good. You have met their needs. You need to meet the needs of your client, however, you will also attract the type of client by the work you present.

[E]

I think we can all agree that when using this technique the eyes are drawn to the color. Witht he car being split by the couple it really splits the attention. I think the shot of the boots & flowers works because they are both tied to the bride where as there's nothing that ties the car to the couple. Sure on the boots/flower shot you attention is split but I feel in that situation it's adding some dynamic tension for the viewer.

[Mark McCall]

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

"You sell what you show".

Originally Posted by alexindiana

that statement is glib and has no relevance to what I said at the end of my last post. It might generally be a truism but not relevant to this thread. (imho)

Not relevant to the thread?
Your the one who brought it up in post #11.

Originally Posted by alexindiana

I have one album (out of maybe eight) that I show at bridal fayres that has a page with spot colour in it. I personally don't like it any more. I always use it as a talking points with brides by asking if they like it as it's a "polarising" photo. Probably 1 out of every 100 doesn't like it.

If it's selling brides, don't stop doing it.

[alexindiana]

I think I was a bit grumpy the other night - after a day with a toddler with diarrhoea *eek*) Sorry

Anyway the sell what you show - I think we may have misunderstood each other - or at least me you. When I said your phrase wasn't relevant, I meant because the spot colour photo in my albums that I show at bridal fayres is one page out of 30, in one album out of eight, and the other 7 albums have between 30 and 50 pages in each....so I guess I don't see that one page being so bad/good/influential that it either aids/spoils/detracts from the other photography I have on show.

The page in question is this one (below). I'd honestly not have the album on show any more, but I do find it useful as a means of engaging brides in a chat about what they like and are looking for...



Interestingly, looking at it online I really dislike it. Hmm, maybe time for a re-think.

[haring]

Originally Posted by kameraman50

Here is a photo that was taken at my last wedding. This was their ride and was special to the couple. This was an awesome couple who were so in love it showed in their photos.

I want that car!

[kameraman50]

Originally Posted by Mark McCall

Selective color rarely ever works aesthetically.
Problem is, what's in color is where attention is drawn, but the subject is rarely what's in color.
We're drawing attention AWAY from the subject. The image is conflicting.

I'm not knocking the process. You just don't see many higher end pros doing it. It's a process more relegated to the lower end of the market.

I am not high end but this couple was high end. I like it because I am redneck I guess. The couple was very excited about this process and maybe the high end folks would do well to listen to the client and do what they like and worry less about their image and their artistic expression. These were well educated people and know what they like. A side line is my wife does not like it either but I was not doing it for my wife or me but my couple.

[ksgal]

Hmmm.. you did a good job giving them what they wanted. I'm wondering though.. if you could have left the couple and the car in color.. and desaturated the background.. how would that look?