Hi Steve,

All appreciated, and I'm only trying to suggest something that might help.
You are right you dont want the sun in their faces with all high contrast and squinting that goes with it, which is why I usually aim to put the sun just off centre behind the group. The high vantage point of the camera, coupled with a good, (dust free) lens and a hood will usually sort out any flare and lack of contrast. If you get it right, the sun will kiss the backs of the heads giving a great rim light to the guests.
Its all about practise Steve, and I would say having only been doing weddings for 3 years, I syill have lots to learn.

The big group is always a difficult one, as you have to work fast to keep everyone interested, and its more about handling the people not just the camera. You didnt do bad in the end, but I think with time and practice you will learn you wont need 3 speedlights on such a beautiful day and you will get to find the light you need.

I didnt really dare shoot into the sunlight until I spent some time on Damien Lovegrove courses, and learned to trust my gear. He also taught me that the £70 filter I was using to protect my lens wasnt worth all the hunting for focus when facing the sun, and removing it greatly improved my confidence in the lenses.

Keep up the good work and like the rest of us, you will learn from your experiences.

Regards
Jules

I did something similar with a spoon. didnt do so well though?

Apart from looking a bit too burnt out, (although from experience it wouldnt have done me any good) I would have also matched the lighting on the bulb to that on the figure, as the light on the figure is clearly from the top, not the left side? Also the blub isnt quite straight?

I hope you dont mind me saying Martin that I am aa little suprised at the award, given that it looks like sometihng has gone very very wrong on the post processing around her neck and chin; (clearly seen when viewed large!?)

I might have cleaned her forehead up a little and perhaps removed the shadow from the line of hair down her face.

I'm sorry, but with my images having to be perfect, I'm just a little confused at this one?

Jules

I like it, but think it qould be even better if the symetry was better, with the top of the fire place level and her hands in the same position etc. Still good though.

Jules

Glad youve discovered the doorway technique. I use it all the time for client shoots. The key is to simply meter of the face and the exposure will generally fall into place with these images.

I would say that the composition could do with tweaking a little though. I would have givin it a bit of an angle and certainly got her to tilt her head so her face wastn flat to the camera. The crop seems to leave a blank space at the top which draws my eyes to her foot sticking out of her head. A touch of vignette could finish it off...
Just some thoughts and hope you keep using this technique...

Jules