Capitol Bridal

Shot yesterday -

Stairs look familiar.  Is that the same place as you daughter "Cinderella" picture that you posted a while back?

I really like this shot.  I also see the opportunity for a multiple exposure with the same subject moving up 1/3 of the way each time in a different pose.

Yes, I know.  The problem is I was standing slightly off center, and I cropped so the center of the steps is in the center of the image.
I struggle with perspective in this location, lots of horizontal and vertical lines and I am shorter than the center of the frame, if that makes sense.

Well Susie you sure do have our Capitol down pat.  Love the picture.

the capital building has frosted glass skylights.  It makes a great diffused light, especially because the stairs aren't directly below, they are slightly farther back which makes for great portrait lighting because of the angle.  There are two identical sides and I choose the steps depending on where the sun is, the rotunda shades one side unless it's high noon.

We started a little later than I would have liked, but the light was still good.

Dramatic?  Do you  mean more contrast?  I was going for soft and ethreal...

I believe the "something" that is bothering you is the fact that she is seated. While there is nothing wrong with seated brides generally speaking, nearly all seated bridal poses are 3/4 length or less.  Seldom will you ever see the old masters shooting a seated full length bridal.  This is because the bridal gown was designed and made to look its most elegant, regal and beautiful when the bride is standing allowing the gown to flow down and out. Seated poses allow it to get scrunched up and billow out and can make her look short and heavy.  While you handled this very nicely, I would shoot some standing poses also.

Benji

Maybe.
I dont think its really it though.
Looking at it longer, I think its that nothing in the photo has more weight than the other thing.
I think the bride melds into the background.
Theres not a lighting difference of a focus difference or..etc to make her more important than the stairs.
Both the bride and the stairs are beautiful but Im not sure which one is the subject.
Something needs to make her subject. In my critical opinion.