View Full Version : Weddings.
Hello.
So, how do you shoot a wedding? I have a wedding to do for a friend, she is fully aware I've not done one before, she is fully aware of my very loose documentary style. She was going to pay me, I've now decided I'll give it to her as her present because a: that means she can't scream as much if I bugger up and b: she can't scream as much when I bugger up.
Gear I'll be taking, as apparently for weddings you need more gear than God:
D200, 50mm prime, 10-20mm, something - 300mm, 28-100mm with 40 gigs of fast cards and three batteries and a 40 gig backup drive.
She wants some film, she is paying for it and all the chemicals. She likes my 'old looking hairs and things' on the scans (I told her it was on purpose;) )
For film I'll take my Contax G1 with 45mm and 90mm because it's just so damn sexy. I'll probably shoot slide on that because I have 20-ish rolls I need to use up and I found a bag of all sorts of film I forgot I bought for Cuba, I think that has another 20-30 rolls of Velvia in it. I'll take the SP35 Oly as it's a good excuse to use it.
She wants casual, documentary, off the cuff pictures. The first 'official' couple shot will be done on a Polaroid so they can get a shot instantly (I'm so nice aren't I :D ) but apart from a couple with parents etc she's left it all up to me.
So, I've decided to follow the bride. I'm not allowed to shoot the ceremony in the registry office as they don't allow it, which is good. I've read everything I can find on it and they all show the same old cliched crappy horrid pictures of the wedding ring making a heart on the bible etc. The couple are not at all religious, really fun, sadly vegetarian.
Help.
:)
Roger Hicks
04-21-2009, 08:53
First, the gift idea is great. I've shot a modest number of weddings for friends and (nowadays) children of friends. A wedding shot like this is a £1000+ gift. And it'll cost you at least £200 in film and processing.
Don't carry too much gear. Two, at most three bodies (the third MF if you want it). I no longer shoot any MF. Just two M-series film Leicas, one colour, one mono. XP2 Super is your friend in mono.
On the bodies I have 35 and 75. I change to 21 or 50 only if I HAVE to. All fast primes: 21/2.8, 35/1.4, 50/1.5 or faster, 75/2.
Don't shoot slide. The light is too variable. Use neg, and err on the side of overexposure. Fewer screwed up pics.
Make a shot list and agree it with the couple. They say they want reportage but they'll also expect a few 'standard' shots, including the big wedding group. Start with the bride and groom and add in bunches from there until it's an 'all in' shot.
Shoot insane amounts of film. Reckon on 20-30 rolls of 36-exposure for full coverage (from 'bride dressing' to end of reception). Get it commercially processed and proofed to 10x15cm/4x6 inch. Weed out the complete failures; give 'em the rest, and tell 'em that reprints are their responsibility.
If I get stuck with another one I'll probably shoot the M8.2 too, with 24 Summilux and (probably) 1,5/50 C-Sonnar.
Tashi delek,
R.
Sweet, a properly enthusiastic post about shooting a wedding. :)
I'll mostly be shooting digital, I think I'll take the Ricoh GX-100 too. My thinking is that if I take the 35SP it will slow me down and I'll get better results. I'll probably shoot some Neopan 1600. I already have about 150 rolls of assorted film so don't need to buy any, just the chemicals.
I'm really looking at it as a possible portfolio builder which right now is my number one priority as I want to bugger off in 6-12 months to crazy arse war where I can get shot out and get great shots. Over the last couple of days I've become obsessed with doing photography as a job, and right now I'll do anything to build my portfolio.
Anyone know any crane drivers that will let me tag along for a few weeks to document them?
I'll be honest, I'm drinking some crazy drink which I think may be nicer smelling petrol.
Gear I'll be taking, as apparently for weddings you need more gear than God
No, you've got that backwards. At a wedding, less is more.
You haven't mentioned lighting equipment yet, for when it gets dark.
I suggest you find a second shooter to help you out, otherwise the stress might prevent you from having a good time at your own friend's wedding.
Oh yeah, lighting. Well, that is where I fall down. I have the Contax G1 flash which I can use, and I have a Metz Mecablitz. I have a few local shops so if you can think of anything I need I'll go buy it. I have little money but at this stage in my financial affairs have given up caring. :s
I use off-camera flash at indoor wedding receptions and have already invested in pocket wizards (PWs) radio triggers. Although they are bulky, the Multimax versions allow me to control 4 zones on a number of different channels. That basically means I can turn on and off 4 off-camera flashes individually with the press of a dedicated button. For a wedding I usually need just a tiny splash of light (so as to not nuke out the ambient light) and I therefore normally set each of my 4 CT-4 Metz handle flashes to the W (Winder) setting. This is usually enough light to get moody exposures which balance all light sources.
The PW Multimax units are very reliable yet I have sometimes thought about getting a MicroSync radio set as well so that the sender on my camera's hot shoe can be smaller and lighter. Although its max sync speed is supposed to be only 1/180 that would be fine for an indoor location, where I usually shoot ISO 200 to ISO 400 at 1/125 and anywhere from f/1.2 to f/4.0.
If you shoot digital and use manual off-camera flash you can check the exposures and adjust aperture accordingly. Be aware that changing shutter speeds will only affect the amount of ambient light hitting the sensor/film. This is because a burst of light is faster than your camera's max sync speed. So if your pictures are too bright or too dark, you can only adjust the aperture and/or ISO to compensate for that exposure error.
For outdoor shots I recommend you take the 45mm Planar only (you don't really want to be changing lenses outdoors and that 45mm is stellar). Also, ISO 100 color negative or ISO 100 black&white film should be fine if it's bright enough. Forget slide film if it's a bright sunny day. If it's overcast you could go for it, however. For the indoor shots I would stick with the D200 so that you can check manual flash exposures as you go.
That huge xxx-300mm zoom you can probably leave at home. Bring only the 50mm, 10-20mm and 28-100mm. Remember you are THE photographer so you can get up at any time and approach any place to fire off a few snaps. Basically you have explicit permission to go anywhere at any time.
The 35SP should be your small outdoor backup film camera and you could use the GX-100 with a MicroSync transmitter in the event you D200 fails later during the reception. I think that digicam has a hot shoe as well, right?
Also, have someone take care of organizing group shots but tell that person not to place the group in the sun. Always watch your backgrounds.
Hope that helps!
drewbarb
04-21-2009, 12:14
I've been shooting weddings now for ten years, and have found I really enjoy it. Actually shooting them is pretty easy and fun; almost everyone looks good and is happy and smiling all day, and very often the settings are beautiful. The follow-up work of processing, printing, running around to the labs, editing, delivering, and building albums is the longest/hardest part. I figure I'm going to spend a solid week working on the average wedding, so I price accordingly. Doing it as a gift is a wonderful idea, but you still don't have much room to bugger it up- and if you do, the bride will still be upset, so be smart about it- but by all means do it; you may love it.
As far as gear goes, I've used every camera I've ever owned on weddings, from doing some portraits with large format view cameras (crazy, but they always look beautiful) to Holgas and pinhole cameras. Roger's point about not taking too much gear is very good advice. Too many choices in gear will really mess you up. Carrying and keeping track of too many bodies, lenses, and accessories is not only heavy and distracting, but it takes up too much of your attention, making it harder to concentrate on the task at hand. You miss great shots worrying about which lens you should be using, or which body has what film in it, etc.
Less is more. A couple of bodies with whatever you find are the essential focal lengths will be quite sufficient. I carry a range of lenses from 15mm to 135mm for the Leicas, but I generally shoot 95% of the day with 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm lenses. I carry a digital body with an all purpose zoom to back up the most important shots and grab the throw-away "gimmie" shots that probably aren't that important. Everything I think anyone will really care about goes on film. Don't forget a flash. I carry two Vivitar 285's which can go on any of the cameras (usually with a bracket off the side) or on lightweight stands; radio slaves to fire them remotely and battery packs are very useful, too, but not really essential unless you are going to use the flash a lot.
Film is cheap; missing important shots is very expensive, so shoot a ton- but exercise discipline. Editing through tons of crap images later is frustrating and wasteful. When I was learning to shoot, a photographer I worked with would often hand me a camera with 33 pictures already shot on the roll loaded, and say something like "take your time, and shoot three "million-dollar" frames- make each one the best image you ever shot". This taught me to think whenever I brought the camera up "is this shot really good? Is it important? How can I make it better?" When in doubt, by all means, shoot it- there's nothing worse than missing important shots at a once-in-a-lifetime shoot; but see how many bad pictures you can edit out before you even shoot. It's really rewarding editing a wedding shoot and finding 80+% of your film to be keeper shots. Err on the side of caution here, especially in the beginning, but keep in the back of your mind the editor always asking "Is this worth shooting? Is it a great shot? How can I make it better?"
Good luck, and have fun!
You are getting good advise, but experience is a wonderful thing. You might drop in to some weddings of people you do not know, and really take notes on what is happening. A cheat sheet list of basic shots to build on is possibly worthwhile.
Or you could visit a local studio and ask some questions, look at what they have on the wall, or check out the web.
I would also take less rather than more, and you might ask a friend to keep track of spare equipment. I use duplicate backup equipment as well.
A powerful off camera flash is in order if at all possible, IMO, and though your camera may compensate for it, large rooms and high ceilings do not reflect much light back, so adjust accordingly.
Visit the areas you will be shooting in to become familiar. Can't hurt.
And, no, I would never shoot slide film, you need all the forgiveness you can get, and probably really want prints regardless. With color negative film, we commonly overexposed one stop, and one more if the ceiling was high or the distance from the flash more than 15'. Again, it depends on how your camera is set up.
Once you set up your rig, shoot a test roll and take it to the one hour. Better yet, shoot it in the store, they may not charge you at all if you include them in your shots, and give them the prints. See what it takes to screw up the exposures.
If you are not confident in your rig, you are possibly going to be thinking about something other than the right shot, composition, expression, -- you know, the stuff that people notice in the final product. If you carry too much, you are going to drop something.
And, if you drink, do it on your own time, or extreme moderation.
Regards, John
Almost forgot, fig leaf shots, never shoot people with their hands folded in front of, well, their fig leaf, or at the back, (reverse fig leaf). It may feel and look comfortable in 3D, but it amazes me how stupid important people can look with their hands in that position in 2D. I may send this to the President, and vice president, etc. People formally posing also look better turned a bit, hopefully toward the center of the shot.
J
OurManInTangier
04-21-2009, 13:01
I would certainly advocate losing the slide film, they'll love prints but never sit through a slide show or squint through a lupe on a lightbox.
I've only done two paid weddings and a few unpaid ones for close friends but the lessons I learned were simple but stark.
1. Take as little kit as possible but enough to cover yourself ( i.e two bodies ) and cover the focal lengths needed ( e.g. 24mm- 210mm.) If you shoot with SLR's then you may be able to go from 18mm through to 210mm in two lenses, one on each body...nice and simple.
2. If you're working on your own then don't over stretch yourself. You can't adequately cover the day in a documentary style if you end up spending too much time doing family group shots, and time is exactly what it takes. One or the other in my personal experience.
You've already had plenty of good advice from people who cover far more weddings than I ever intend to and I'm sure you'll get more. My only real advice would be to rely on your ability rather than masses of kit that you won't have time to use and to remember its their wedding day not a photoshoot for your portfolio. People skills are a key component to good results so no taking the mickey out of the bride's mother's new hat:D
Whilst I'm happy to make my living from other areas of photography I must admit that seeing the couple so happy at the resulting images is very pleasing indeed and worth the hard work.
Hope you enjoy it!
Even if they say before the wedding that they don't want any staged group shots, they really do, and if not, their parents do.
I'm as confused as you Larky at the choices of all that gear. You're getting good advice here though in keeping it a simple outfit. Don't burden yourself with too much gear, especially as you're gonna be moving around.
I used to do weddings some years back, well before the documentary style began and shooting hundreds of shots began to be the norm. I had three Mamiya C330s, all with just the standard lens, a Metz 45 flash and a Vivitar 283, spare batteries and two lightmeters. Shot only five rolls of film (60 shots) and always print film, processed at a pro lab.
In the car I had soft drinks for the couple and bridal party, for when we got to the park or wherever to shoot the 'lovey-dovey' shots. Amazing how nervous the couple get during the service that they welcome the chance to 'wet their whistles'. With the unpredictable UK weather I always carried large umbrellas too, employing the services of the groomsmen to help keep the couple dry between shots. Plastic sheeting for placing on the ground under the brides dress to help protect it.
My wedding photography would probably be considered too formal nowadays but I used to shoot 40+ weddings per year. I've never shot any wedding in the documentary style or digital for that matter as I don't get to many weddings now.
That said, I have one wedding coming up in July, my daughters, and I'm having to fork out the cost for that, including about a grand for the photographer. I know he will be shooting Nikon gear and probably take hundreds of shots too. Haven't decided what camera I'll be using yet.
drewbarb
04-21-2009, 14:48
Almost forgot, fig leaf shots, never shoot people with their hands folded in front of, well, their fig leaf, or at the back, (reverse fig leaf). It may feel and look comfortable in 3D, but it amazes me how stupid important people can look with their hands in that position in 2D. I may send this to the President, and vice president, etc. People formally posing also look better turned a bit, hopefully toward the center of the shot.
J
Jeez, this is brilliant- thanks for bringing it up. Guys always go to the "fig leaf" pose, and it's just TERRIBLE. I hope to never, ever photograph someone doing this, and if I'm tyrannical about anything when shooting a wedding, this is it. Just tell them to drop their arms at their sides- it always looks better
I like the term 'fig leaf' to decribe the shot. Most guys would go for that pose but I think only if you have them standing face on to the camera. This worsens when it's a 'posh do' and the guys are carrying top-hats. They hold it in front of themselves as if pee-ing into it.
I always tried to ensure people were stood slightly sideways to the camera. This meant that the guys would then drop their arms to their sides naturally. It made the group shots easier as it made the group less spread out. Handy in confined spaces too. It was also more flattering in that it had the effect of making people appear slimmer.
Funny, I don't look any slimmer standing sideways. ;(
bobbyrab
04-21-2009, 15:17
I've photographed probably close to 400 weddings, and I still find it stressful, gift or not they will want you to get a shot of all the main events, so lets say they walk down the aisle in a dark room, so you'll want servo focus, 1600iso, 2.8 at least would be nice, straight out into bright sunlight, so now remember to dial down your iso, reset to single shot, you get the idea, no two are ever quite the same. Having had a look at you flicker photos, I would say yes get a flash, but try and get some faster lenses than you have, something wider than your 50 like a 35/2 would be very useful as I think you would prefer the available light shots more, don't shoot the slide film, and remember you want to make look people look nice, so aim to flatter.
Silva Lining
04-21-2009, 15:34
I've done a few weddings down the years, mainly for friends and family.
Some really good advice in the posts above. I'd add a few things I've found helpful...
If you can, try and visit the venue for the wedding and reception (if it is in a separate location) beforehand. Look at where there sun is going to be for any shots you are taking outside and look for good places to take group shots.
Think about what you are going to do if it rains, everyone will be looking to you to offer an alternative ;)
Every wedding I have done, the Bride and sometimes the groom have asked for reportage style or candid shots. I've always tried this, but also made sure I got the group shots and nice shots of the Bride etc. These are almost ALWAYS the shots that are most liked when all is said and done.
Depending on how well you know the family and friends of this couple, you may need help in getting people together for shots, the Best Man is good, a Grooms man is even better as he'll often be less nervous (no speech!).
Having a helper, for me, is essential. My missus is great as she not only helps lug the bag around - allowing me to dash off and get shots, but she'll sort out the brides dress/hair/posy etc... She'll also help notice things like crisp packets and distracting backgrounds (Yes, I know as a photog you should see these, but you'll be surprised what you miss when a bit of stress is applied!!)
Other things - Try and find out if one of the couple is a 'blinker' I did a wedding for a couple one and the bride always blinked in anticipation of the flash, which meant a high proportion of family photos with her eyes closed or half closed. Thankfully I knew this and goot round it by shooting the must have shots twice in quick succession.....
Overall, its hard work, you get little or no break for up to 16-18 hours... but its great fun and very rewarding when the couple and family love the shots.
Good luck, have fun and makes sure someone buys you a bloody pint at the end of the day...you'll have earnt it!
sojournerphoto
04-21-2009, 15:57
I've shot a few, and prefer the ones I do as gifts. Really it's well over £1000 pounds if you get a nice album made. Less really is more - you can shoot a whole wedding with a 5D and 24-105 if you have to, with a flash and ebay trigger for trick stuff:)
If there was someone else shooting I'd take the 5D and 50 or ZI and 35/50. only.
Mike
Edit - no slide film - you will need the latitude
xayraa33
04-21-2009, 16:03
I shot weddings for a studio for seven years in the 1980s
two medium format cameras, a main and a backup plus two flash units, I used a Metz ct 60 and a 45 for a backup back then.
a tripod was used most of the time, and remember to double shoot every pose, esp . with group shots with flash.
posing people properly was the main thing.
remember, this is the bride's day
for people who never shot a wedding, my advice is to let a pro do it.
I was going to shoot a wedding for a friend a year or so ago ... a month before the event I backed out as I really didn't want to screw up his big day by doing a less than adequate job ... having never done anything like that before.
They understood my performance angst and hired a pro shooter who charged them around $750.00 and presenetd them with a disc. I've beeen through all the images on that disc and now regret not doing the job ... it was pretty average stuff. I guess there's good wedding shooters and not so good wedding shooters ... like everything in life!
If you really care about these people and it sounds like you do, you won't f*** it up ... but it wil be stressful!
Good luck. :)
daveywaugh
04-21-2009, 16:49
I think it's really exciting and I'm sure you'll do a great job. I did my first a few months ago (pics here (http://web.me.com/davidwaugh/andymel/)) and have never been so stressed in all my life! That said, afterwards I felt a great deal of satisfaction. Although most photographers yawn or shudder at the notion, I think weddings are a really wonderful event to shoot and challenge you more than anything else. I shot about 80% film and 20% digital at the wedding. I used a Hasselblad 500cm, a Konica S2 and an F100 with a little Canon G9 for digi snaps. I am REALLY glad I did have a reliable, autofocus camera with a P mode in the F100 :-) My favorite shots were from the Hassy and S2 but I really did need it as insurance. Your D200 will do the same obviously.
I had most luck with Kodak 400CN and Portra (both 160 and 400NC). I also used the Fuji NPH 800 and a bit of TMAX. I actually didn't shoot anything at 1600 but I think it would be needed in the future if lighting is marginal.
Relax (as much as possible), smile and try to never show your frustration. IMO wedding photographers should be having fun! Have someone to help you and designate best man etc to get people together when required. Make sure you have a good softbox and ensure you have your lighting sorted in case you need it more often than planned.
I can't wait to do another again - assuming I am ever asked of course.
Jeez, this is brilliant- thanks for bringing it up. Guys always go to the "fig leaf" pose, and it's just TERRIBLE. I hope to never, ever photograph someone doing this, and if I'm tyrannical about anything when shooting a wedding, this is it. Just tell them to drop their arms at their sides- it always looks better
It's one of those things that really stand out, almost as bad as not looking at the background and adjusting accordingly. As far as slimming, my only recourse now is to find a lovely lady and stand as much behind her as possible. Wide Angles are not kind to the folks on the end as well.
One of the reasons I stuck with TLR's for a long time was that I would normally see if someone blinked.
Always used a big flash as well, Braun RL 515's, and later the Metz CT 60 series, still have two.
My first boss was a bit of a dictator asking others not to shoot when he was shooting, but so many people have cameras today it is a different situation.
Shot a wedding in Champagne, and members of the bridal party took out cameras during the Church service and shot flash photos. A lot of things happen, I did try to look for candid shots with personality, but 90% is getting the money shots. Shot two weddings in a day several times, really a trip.
A lot was handling people in a pleasant way, and I used to meet with the music, food, and cake people to organize shots at the reception. Different groups, denominations, churches, - nothing like experience. I am a lot slower now, do not think I could switch film in a Rollei between the Bride going down the aisle and her dad giving her away at the end of it anymore.
Good old days were good because I was not so old. ;-)
Figure out what the money shots are and get them first, creative ideas will come and are a bonus.
Mr_Flibble
04-21-2009, 22:11
I've got my first wedding shoot coming up in May for two good friends. Lots of good hints&tips in this topic that make me feel a little more confident.
Another mutual friend/shutterbug will be there to help out as well. He will handle the DSLR business, while I take care of the vintage/classic film camera shots (with an R-D1 on standby).
The entire wedding will be in 1940s style, which should add a great feel to the classic photos.
Baldadash
04-21-2009, 23:13
Excellent advice on here so far.
First off I have to agree with John. If you do drink, do it in moderation. If they are not hiring a professional, you need to be that professional. It will be stressful, even if their expectations are not high. They've seen your flickr photos? If so, they know you have a good photographic eye. Chances are their expectations are higher than you think.
Write down your list of what you need to bring. Pack up your equipment the night before. I would saying being prepared is key. Every wedding is different. As long as your attentive and focused you will be ready for the unexpected, which is inevitable. Good luck and have fun.
Wow, some great advice. It's incredible how the advice differs from forum to forum, I wont mention the other forum I go on (not so much now) but they basically told me to forget it, pack my stuff and run for the hills. They said if I'd never shot a wedding I'll be so bad and the day will be so horrible I'll lose them as friends, my cat will die, the Sun will vanish (although isn't that happening?!) and my balls will explode.
They then said I needed to shell out about £15,000 on lenses and about £3,000 on some flashes. Oh, they said I needed a make up assistant, a portable loo, a portable studio, two dozen Chickens and a sacrificial slaughter slab.
You get the idea.
So yeah, thanks for the advice. I'll try out the Metz now and if that is too confusing (manual is like the Bible) I'll try finding an alternative.
Cheers. :)
Silva Lining
04-21-2009, 23:45
They said if I'd never shot a wedding I'll be so bad and the day will be so horrible I'll lose them as friends, my cat will die, the Sun will vanish (although isn't that happening?!) and my balls will explode.
Yeah, well that can happen too ;) Guess, we all thought you knew that!
Certainly things can go wrong, but pre-planning and prep. and a lot of the advice on here can help you deal with most scenarios. You don't need a fortune in lenses to do a good job, knowing your camera/lens set ups and how they work in different situations is much more valuable in trying to get great shots.. IMHO :)
OurManInTangier
04-22-2009, 00:09
I guess there's good wedding shooters and not so good wedding shooters ... like everything in life!
Certainly since digital came along there have been loads of people setting up as wedding photographers. Some are excellent, some middling and others simply out to make big money for a staggeringly bad job. With some people willing to pay several thousand pounds for wedding photography its an all too easy market for the 'cowboys' to enter.
Dave Wilkinson
04-22-2009, 00:17
Not much mention has been made of 'man (and woman) management' skills!, these days since the advent of digital everyone is a photographer, and it's amazing how people will hinder you, by getting in the way, calling for attention in a different direction - as you are taking your shot, etc, etc. You need to be 'boss', but in a polite and diplomatic way. My regular paid gigs were years ago, with Yashicamats, Rollie's, Nikon F's, now I avoid the hassle and just shoot the casual type stuff, as a guest with my rangefinders or dslr, - a lot easier on my old nervous system!:)
Cheers, Dave.
I only ever did a few friends weddings and only then under duress, I thought they were to most nerve-wracking thing possible; until the Friend’s Daughters Wedding cam along that is.
I heartily agree about dropping the slide film, and if you’re using black and white Roger’s suggestion of xp2 is good (2 more stops before one blows the highlights)
In my limited experience, I would just mention a few things that haven’t come up already, herding cats, blowing THE DRESS, Beta-blockers and throat lozenges.
Throat lozenges, good idea. I just had a wander around town, sadly no lighting gear. Off I go to eBay. I have the flash for the G1 but would like one for the D200.
Things I would add.
I agree about having a light shooting set up but if possible have some kind of back up even if you keep it in the boot of your car - you'll thank me when someone drops a glass of champagne in your camera bag! It doesn't have to be the ideal wedding camera it just has to let you take pictures if a major disaster strikes. I shoot with two 5d's with a 20d for back up and even then I keep two pentax 67's in my car as another back up for no other reason than it's the only other complete system I have, albeit terrible for a lot of wedding shots.
I would try to get a list of group shots from the bride and groom before the wedding and an amount of time allocated to shoot them, as their parents will want some groups. Getting a list is a good way of finding out if anyone's parents are divorced or dead. The last thing you want to do on the day is to be calling out for the mother of the bride only to find out that she died of cancer six months ago.
Try to visit the venue beforehand if you can to assess light levels and what your primary lens will be. If you can talk to the vicar or registrar and find out what their rules for shooting are often they don't like you shooting when the vows are in progress and some vicars won't allow any photography at all.
Try to pace out you photos so they'll work as an album, use wide shots and close ups and vary your compostions as much as you can. Close ups and details are often a good way to calm the nerves when you first arrive at a venue.
Good Luck
FA Limited
04-22-2009, 08:12
if you have the time to listen to podcasts, subscribe (cuz it's not all on the site) to http://www.insideanalogphoto.com/ using itunes
then check out the interviews w/ Jose Villa, Riccis Villarides (who posts here) and Leah McCormick who do wedding photography using film
bookmarked this page some times ago. Could help:
http://digital-photography-school.com/50-must-have-wedding-photography-shots
Hello.
So, how do you shoot a wedding? I have a wedding to do for a friend, she is fully aware I've not done one before, she is fully aware of my very loose documentary style. She was going to pay me, I've now decided I'll give it to her as her present because a: that means she can't scream as much if I bugger up and b: she can't scream as much when I bugger up.
Gear I'll be taking, as apparently for weddings you need more gear than God:
D200, 50mm prime, 10-20mm, something - 300mm, 28-100mm with 40 gigs of fast cards and three batteries and a 40 gig backup drive.
She wants some film, she is paying for it and all the chemicals. She likes my 'old looking hairs and things' on the scans (I told her it was on purpose;) )
For film I'll take my Contax G1 with 45mm and 90mm because it's just so damn sexy. I'll probably shoot slide on that because I have 20-ish rolls I need to use up and I found a bag of all sorts of film I forgot I bought for Cuba, I think that has another 20-30 rolls of Velvia in it. I'll take the SP35 Oly as it's a good excuse to use it.
She wants casual, documentary, off the cuff pictures. The first 'official' couple shot will be done on a Polaroid so they can get a shot instantly (I'm so nice aren't I :D ) but apart from a couple with parents etc she's left it all up to me.
So, I've decided to follow the bride. I'm not allowed to shoot the ceremony in the registry office as they don't allow it, which is good. I've read everything I can find on it and they all show the same old cliched crappy horrid pictures of the wedding ring making a heart on the bible etc. The couple are not at all religious, really fun, sadly vegetarian.
Help.
:)
Hi,
I haven't done any of these recently. For the ones I did in the film age, it matches well to what Roger wrote. Two cameras, one with a modest wide 35-43mm. The Contax G 45 is to long on my books - I have a 43mm Pentax and the 45 Contax, surprisingly this matters. The other camera with an 85mm or 90mm. I don't own a 75mm lens, so no comment on whether this is better. I didn't bother with a standard then and didn't have access to a 21 back then.
I need a flash for each camera and typically ended up with 500 negatives.
Not sure what to advise on doing film and digital in parallel. Though I definitely would not have a need for a something-300, but I know others do.
In the end you have to decide how you approach it.
drewbarb
04-22-2009, 10:15
All the mention of being prepared before hand is some of the best advice in this thread. I always have at least one prep meeting with the bride and groom, where I gather as much pertinent information as possible. Write down the names and roles of all the key family members, bridal party, and other key players/important people to make sure you get good shots of them. Work out the timing and schedule of the day, make sure you get directions to locations- and build in travel time (if it's more than one location from where they get ready to where the ceremony is to the reception). Talk with the clients about what kind of shots they want and what you can and can't do. Hopefully a bride and groom select their photographer because they like his or her work and style, but sometimes it's just a case of what's convenient- so do all the pre-planning you can to make them happy with the results you give. Some photogs like a list of must-have shots, and they may work this out with the clients; I hate doing this, and don't like fumbling with a list of what I need on the day of the wedding, but others find this helpful. Try to get a good balance of the standard must have shots and the informal documentary shots and the fancier stuff you might do.
Scout all your locations if at all possible, and note the amount and quality of light at the times you will be there, and think about the sorts of shots you might be able to get. One thing I have noticed is that the bride and groom spend a lot of time talking with and thanking all their guests on the big day, and often they don't get much time to spend together, or time eat or whatever. I often try to grab them and do certain pictures, especially with long lenses, that build in some time for them to just be with each other. This often yields some of the best shots, too.
The point about people skills and wrangling is important, too. Make sure you do enough to get the shots that you need, but not so much that they feel bossed around. This is their wedding day, not your photo shoot, and you want them to remember it that way. My personal goal with every wedding is to deliver the pictures and have the bride exclaim over how wonderful the images are, and to hear her say "Where were you? How did you get this shot? I don't remember you being there!"- there's nothing worse than a bride who remembers how in-your-face the photographer was. You want to disappear among the guests, and be everywhere and no where, getting everything that happens unobtrusively. Think about what you wear, so that you blend in with the crowd, and if you bring an assistant/helper (which I strongly recommend, if you can) make sure they do the same.
xayraa33
04-22-2009, 10:54
people managing skills are of the utmost importance.
you are limited in the time you have to do your job.
rushing is a good way to have bad things happen.
have a list in your mind or on paper, of the essential must have shots.
A lot of the time the bride is very nervous when you first meet on the day of the wedding, your job is to reassure and smooth the way, bridesmaids are mostly useless to help make your job easier, so don't count on them.
the at ease feeling comes over everyone once the church/temple or registrar phase is over and done with.
good people skills makes the job easier on every one.
I never found an assistant to be necessary, and 95% of the job can be done with the normal lens of the camera.
learn good fill in flash techniques and use an incident light meter often.
your three most useful f stops are, f5.6, f8 and f11 with the standard lens on a medium format camera.
the Zeiss Softar Filter is one of your best friends on most jobs.
http://digital-photography-school.co...tography-shots
Yes, Trash The Dress seems to be in rage lately! :)
"Guarder" [sic] ??? Jeesh!
wblanchard
04-22-2009, 13:46
I've shot over 200 + weddings and finally at a point where I just enjoy being a second or third shooter with my leica and capturing images photojournalistic style. No more pressure of check lists, etc. Can relax and walk around documenting the day.
Everyone is nervous on that day, so show a little humor and smile. Everyone is tense for the big day, it seems to relax them.
nikonhswebmaster
04-22-2009, 13:50
Half of them will get divorced and throw out the photos...
drewbarb
04-22-2009, 14:10
Half of them will get divorced and throw out the photos...
My god, this cracks me up no end! I honestly laughed out loud when I read this! And of course it's quite true.
To paraphrase Charlie Papazian, relax- don't worry; just shoot thing. Have fun, and get good shots however it works for you; it'll be fine.
Al Kaplan
04-22-2009, 14:23
I HATE SHOOTING WEDDINGS. There, I said it!
Xayraa33 explained everything to perfection. The last couple of weddings I shot I was playing second shooter and handled the second light after flat out telling the bride that I was only going to shoot with my 15mm Heliar and I'd be in a significant number of the photos...LOL
With the local following my blog has I wouldn't be surprised if Monkette, my toy monkey, doesn't end up attending a few weddings. http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
drewbarb
04-22-2009, 14:33
With the local following my blog has I wouldn't be surprised if Monkette, my toy monkey, doesn't end up attending a few weddings. http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
Hey Al- do you and Monkette want to come up to Kentucky at the end of September? I'm getting married in Louisville on the 26th...
Michael P.
04-22-2009, 15:00
Even if they say before the wedding that they don't want any staged group shots, they really do, and if not, their parents do.
Very true. One of the most important things I learned in wedding photography is that the boss is the bride's mother. Pay attention to what she wants.
Michael P.
04-22-2009, 15:10
Half of them will get divorced and throw out the photos...
Here's an entrepreneurial opportunity: divorce photos. An untapped market.
antistatic
04-22-2009, 21:31
I've only shot one wedding for a friend under duress and a short notice. When I arrived at the venue I found I had forgot to pack film :o:o:o Fortunately this was in the early days of digital so I managed to scrounge some rolls from other friends who were there are guests. The pics were just OK but not great. As luck would have it the couple are now divorced and probably never want to look at my photos again.
So my tip is double check you have everything before you leave for the venue.
David
LeicaTom
04-22-2009, 21:49
I've got my first wedding shoot coming up in May for two good friends. Lots of good hints&tips in this topic that make me feel a little more confident.
Another mutual friend/shutterbug will be there to help out as well. He will handle the DSLR business, while I take care of the vintage/classic film camera shots (with an R-D1 on standby).
The entire wedding will be in 1940s style, which should add a great feel to the classic photos.
1940`s style sounds really good.....are your using your "stepper" for anything?
My Brother`s getting Married this Saturday near Clearwater Beach
(evening Beach Wedding)
so I`m doing the whole "uncoated" vintage lens deal ~ while my female assistant shoots digital and also films the wedding, I`ll be using my M6, a 45' IIIC K and a "backup" digital, I`m concentrating on using a pre-war Elmar f3.5 50mm and my pre-war Xenon f1.5 50mm in Black and White film, and maybe my Canon f1.2 50mm and a Nikkor HC f2 50mm for the color ~ seems though that most American`s are crazy for Black and White film at weddings, so I`ll base most of my work using that film, this time.
Seems that the Wedding Biz is selling better at the moment than my PinUp`s, so I`ve gone back to doing Weddings, I don`t see it as stressful, you just need to have enough cameras and lenses to get by, also having an assistant with two or more cameras also helps, better to get all aspects of the wedding captured on film, so there`s more to look at when it`s all over...the bride and groom only end up liking/wanting a handfull of photos anyway, but it`s best to have more shot in the can then you`d expect too.....better safe then sorry, you can`t repeat a Wedding shoot! ;)
Tom
My god, this cracks me up no end! I honestly laughed out loud when I read this! And of course it's quite true.
me too, he is the ultimate pessimist LOL, i imagine if we were talking about which shoes were the most comfortable he would say something like. 'why bother, you will still trip over and break your nose' :p
I've only shot one wedding for a friend under duress and a short notice. When I arrived at the venue I found I had forgot to pack film :o:o:o Fortunately this was in the early days of digital so I managed to scrounge some rolls from other friends who were there are guests. The pics were just OK but not great. As luck would have it the couple are now divorced and probably never want to look at my photos again.
So my tip is double check you have everything before you leave for the venue.
David
WOW, what a monumental stuff up! i bet that sent ripples of concern around the wedding party and family. a pretty frank and honest thing to admit to as well, it really does highlight how bad things can go and that planning is one of the key things to do.
so much talk on wedding photography here just recently and plenty of good advice it difficult to add too but in the interest of adding something, i always had a note book with me that i could refer to if needed with all details of the people, schedule, places, asked for shots, a few creative ideas that would come to me before, leading up to the weekend i would jot down incase i woke up in a non creative mood--planning is key, but i notice some people like to shoot from the hip..
i think AL might of said ..he doesnt like wedding photography, i can relate to that, i did heaps of it and i am not sure i liked it that much. routine at times, sometimes just a job, can be boring even after a while, having to get certain shots..the part i liked most was the B&G and to a lesser extent when the bridal party went to a location, often a particular place chosen by the couple but sometimes they needed help choosing a good photo location before...its there that i always enjoyed it, usually i got to have my own way with creative shots and in almost all cases the clients were usually very happy and most excited afterwards about the pictures from this section. (if possible always scout the area first, at least that works for me)
i imagine this is partly why some folk on here seem to like the 'reporter style' of wedding photography that seems to be more popular now. i dont think it has taken off here in Australia yet though in any big way...most i have seen recently still are adaptions of the traditional layout, a bunch more pictures with a lot of overworked PS presented...cant say i like a lot of it...i reckon i carried less than 6 filters and used them sparingly--less is more
These guys should be ready for the real wedding in a few years, she has a pretty good grip on him already. ;-)
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=103325&ppuser=25450
me too, he is the ultimate pessimist LOL, i imagine if we were talking about which shoes were the most comfortable he would say something like. 'why bother, you will still trip over and break your nose' :p
Would think folks from "Down Under" antipodal parts would understand the importance of the "Fig Leaf" parts. ;-)
Would think folks from "Down Under" antipodal parts would understand the importance of the "Fig Leaf" parts. ;-)
well i had to look at this upside down, but us down under folk have fig leaf parts as hard as rocks so its our nose's we are worried about hehe :rolleyes:
well i had to look at this upside down, but us down under folk have fig leaf parts as hard as rocks so its our nose's we are worried about hehe :rolleyes:
Well, all real images are upside down. ;-) Assume inseams are adjusted accordingly? Is that an Elmar in your pocket?
Might not want a Hektor?
antistatic
04-23-2009, 05:43
WOW, what a monumental stuff up! i bet that sent ripples of concern around the wedding party and family. a pretty frank and honest thing to admit to as well, it really does highlight how bad things can go and that planning is one of the key things to do.
Monumental stuff ups are my speciality. I can still recall the feeling of sheer terror when I opened my bag and saw an empty pouch where the film should be. Fortunately the wedding party never knew and they seemed pleased with the end results.
Maybe this stuff up was an omen for the couple.:(
sheer terror; i bet! holy mother of god Batman what will we do, comes to mind LOL
great that it worked out and heaps funny too that you say 'stuff ups are my specialty', funny people should do weddings, i think some people have mentioned personable skills, and having a sense of humour is invaluable
Roger Hicks
04-23-2009, 06:16
I once forgot that I'd agreed to take pictures at a friend's wedding, and when I turned up, it turned out that I was the only photographer. I didn't even have a camera with me.
Fortunately a nearby camera store lent me one. This was in Bristol in the 70s and I was on good terms with most of the camera shop owners.
We were all in our 20s and extremely casual about a lot of things. But we're still friends and she's still married. They were rotten pictures, though.
Cheers,
R.
nikonhswebmaster
04-23-2009, 07:55
Here's an entrepreneurial opportunity: divorce photos. An untapped market.
One could offer it as part of the wedding package. You return for the signing of the temporary separation papers, and the signing of the temporary custody papers, and of course the final decree.
The sentimentality of it -- makes this old bachelor tear up. :eek:
I once forgot that I'd agreed to take pictures at a friend's wedding, and when I turned up, it turned out that I was the only photographer. I didn't even have a camera with me.
Fortunately a nearby camera store lent me one. This was in Bristol in the 70s and I was on good terms with most of the camera shop owners.
Cheers,
R.
What a quaint idea, a camera shop where people know their customers. ;-) We still have one shop here where that would happen.
I remember upgrading to a Mamiya C330f, and I had not read the part about the secret buttons to push to open the back, now that is embarrassing, except I made a quick call to the shop.
I always check the sync before I shoot, so I was at home, but felt rather silly that I could not open the back. Was like a secret handshake. I always did this and loaded film before I left, plus had film in a "debit left, credit right" pocket system.
Switched to the day before after that. I had a social life then and was sometimes out the night before. Heck, I scoped out the bridesmaids, gave a few a ride home, just part of the package. Now, might give the custodian a ride, if they are not too picky about who they ride with. ;-)
Had a sync cord break on two occasions when the bride had started down the aisle, swapped it with the spare in my jacket pocket. May not have known right away if I had been using an SLR. Reposed the two shots I missed.
Had some cameras and new backs that would, on occasion, roll an entire new roll through non stop on loading. I only had a few spare rolls of 220, so I had them serviced and sold them. Switched to back up equipment on the days it happened. Medium format film was hard to find outside of a photo shop, and I shot all the same lot then to help the lab out. They would review the film and let you know how consistent you were that day.
Should have packed Valium in the bag. ;-)
"Chance favors the prepared mind", but it sure messes with the unprepared one as well.
Regards, John
One could offer it as part of the wedding package. You return for the signing of the temporary separation papers, and the signing of the temporary custody papers, and of course the final decree.
The sentimentality of it -- makes this old bachelor tear up. :eek:
Had two weddings where they broke up before they picked up the proofs, changed my billing to where I got paid the entire package fee the day of the wedding. ;-)
I used to be truly disappointed if they eventually split, had to get over that. My best friend's wedding, --- he burned the ones with her in them years later, but kept the ones with his family, they were the only nice shots he had of his parents, another reason to shoot them with their family, separately as well.
Regards, John
Oh, I like the idea of shooting them with their families, so if/when they do decide they want to strrangle each other your work wasn't in vain. :)
Al Kaplan
04-23-2009, 08:27
Peoples' expectations of what their album will look like are usually too high. The photographer puts together a portfolio of his or her BEST work to show to prospectve clients. In real life every shot isn't your "best".
Monumental stuff ups are my speciality. I can still recall the feeling of sheer terror when I opened my bag and saw an empty pouch where the film should be. Fortunately the wedding party never knew and they seemed pleased with the end results.
Maybe this stuff up was an omen for the couple.:(
I take it you were not shooting MF or LF. ;-)
Peoples' expectations of what their album will look like are usually too high. The photographer puts together a portfolio of his or her BEST work to show to prospective clients. In real life every shot isn't your "best".
Al, a better yardstick would be to see a copy of a package you delivered, but you are right, my old sample album was a mixture of my best stuff, and some old stuff to show I had done this for awhile, now they just look at my gimpy leg and gray hair. ;-)
Used to be if you did not have a high percentage of keepers, word would get around. I also had the photos shipped COD, those packages do not get delivered to the wrong street.
I used to not look forward to explaining to the artistic ones that if I shoot well cropped for a 4x5 ratio they might have trouble changing to 5x7's in the neat frames they found at an antique shop after the wedding, without cutting off something in the image.
A large camera was also a sign of a good photographer. ;-)
Regards, John
Guys
one of the few things I've learned on a forum:
Make the bride and bride's mother happy and all the rest will be easy.
If you're able to amaze them, then they will be the first to defend you even if case you fail at a objective eye. If you can get a very few special shot of them and they say "wow", you have already done half way. Of course this doesn't mean not to care for the rest, but a lot of "space" for credit if you miss something obvious.
Later - when I have more time - I'll try to tell you also my opinion on gear.
people managing skills are of the utmost importance.
you are limited in the time you have to do your job.
rushing is a good way to have bad things happen.
have a list in your mind or on paper, of the essential must have shots.
A lot of the time the bride is very nervous when you first meet on the day of the wedding, your job is to reassure and smooth the way, bridesmaids are mostly useless to help make your job easier, so don't count on them.
the at ease feeling comes over everyone once the church/temple or registrar phase is over and done with.
good people skills makes the job easier on every one.
I never found an assistant to be necessary, and 95% of the job can be done with the normal lens of the camera.
learn good fill in flash techniques and use an incident light meter often.
your three most useful f stops are, f5.6, f8 and f11 with the standard lens on a medium format camera.
the Zeiss Softar Filter is one of your best friends on most jobs.
i tend to agree with much of this as well as plenty of other stuff talked about recently, but some things ring very true, rushing stuff , good people skills, cant say i would dismiss having an assistant, they are great to have but only if you have worked together a few times, can be a hinderance otherwise.
one thing that doesn't seem to have come up much so far is flash, i guess many RF people like to work with available light but good use of flash and weddings often go hand in hand
shadowfox
04-23-2009, 08:58
Arrive early, ask questions about who's who and memorize faces.
About the worst thing that can happen is to have dozens of pictures of attractive people whom the bride didn't care about and none of those whom she did.
And, we can romanticize shooting available light only... until the time to make an album :)
So unless you have a second shooter who will take all of the necessary shots, leaving you free to experiment, an off-camera lighting is essential, then you can make your own available light by bouncing it off-... really, anything.
I use non-expensive Cactus triggers, works with modern flashes and kept working when I need it to.
I take it you were not shooting MF or LF. ;-)
no doubt he was shooting 35, can you imagine guests having spare 120 to hand out, that would be a tough crowd to please!
I use non-expensive Cactus triggers, works with modern flashes and kept working when I need it to.
I've read that these are not of consistent quality - some units work fine and others don't.
OK, well it appears the only flash I'll have available is my Metz which will not work fully auto with my D200, so I think I'll practice using it. I have the flash for the G1 also. I'll bounce the flash off anything, and knowing the power of the Metz probably everything! :)
The father is coming in full Scottish gear, the father and mother despise each other and must be kept separate! They are the two faces I must learn. Maybe they will start a fight and I can get some good street style shots.
Thinking about it, a wedding could be bloody dull to shoot.
OK, well it appears the only flash I'll have available is my Metz which will not work fully auto with my D200, so I think I'll practice using it. I have the flash for the G1 also.
Which Metz do you have? Does anyone know if it could fry the D200 circuitry if used directly on the D200 hotshoe? There could be a Metz SCA adapter for digital Nikons but I kind of doubt it.
And which G1 flash do you own? Neither the TLA140 or TLA200 will bounce and I find that both of these flashes tend to overexpose by 1 stop.
Roger Hicks
04-23-2009, 13:28
well i had to look at this upside down, but us down under folk have fig leaf parts as hard as rocks so its our nose's we are worried about hehe :rolleyes:
Dear Andrew,
What? The women too?
Tashi delek,
R.
@Kevin: Yep, it seems some people have fried the D200 and 300 by using this gun, so that is no good. I have found an alternative but can't find a supplier. Fun and Games. :)
@Kevin: Yep, it seems some people have fried the D200 and 300 by using this gun, so that is no good. I have found an alternative but can't find a supplier. Fun and Games. :)
I have no flashes set up specifically for digital. I have always carried a large handle flash with lead gel cells that will trigger the street light sensors. Very even coverage for any and all lenses and large groups or rooms.
AE from the standard flash sensor has never failed me. That said, if you find the right SB from Nikon and have the coin, go ahead. Wedding folks I know mostly still put a bracket on with the right cables to the hot shoe. Big batteries recycle very fast and are good for 150+ flashes, after which time you should have great coverage.
I hate the weight of a flash on the top of a camera, and I hate the lighting from the flash there.
I had a tough time getting exactly the right module for the Nikon AF film cameras I used, but when I did, it seemed difficult to mess up the exposure in tests or practice.
My old boss was very keen on always shooting with the flash, except for a few "Misty" shots taken for the "Candle light" effect.
I used to carry a silver three candle stick holder, with candles.
Watch the veil, you do not want to set the bride on fire. ;-)
Regards, John
antistatic
04-23-2009, 15:50
no doubt he was shooting 35, can you imagine guests having spare 120 to hand out, that would be a tough crowd to please!
Yes it was 35mm borrowed and quickly loaded into a CLE and a FM2n.
antistatic
04-23-2009, 15:51
I once forgot that I'd agreed to take pictures at a friend's wedding, and when I turned up, it turned out that I was the only photographer. I didn't even have a camera with me.
Fortunately a nearby camera store lent me one. This was in Bristol in the 70s and I was on good terms with most of the camera shop owners.
We were all in our 20s and extremely casual about a lot of things. But we're still friends and she's still married. They were rotten pictures, though.
Cheers,
R.
That will teach you to step out the front door without a loaded camera :)
I want to thank all those that have contributed to Dr. Larky's thread. I was asked a few weeks ago to shoot a dear friend's wedding. It took me all of three seconds of thought before I told them, "No, you need to get yourselves somebody that knows what they are doing. I'll shoot before the ceremony while y'all are getting ready, and shoot at the reception. I think your wedding is too important for me to fake my way through the important shots."
Thanks to all,
Michael
Dear Andrew,
What? The women too?
Tashi delek,
R.
hmm, I was hoping it would go on by unnoticed, no doubt I should have phrased that somewhat differently!
regards
hopeless at innuendo
It might also be helpful to browse the wedding photojournalist association quarterly contest winners (www.wpja.com) to get a feel for the type of wedding photography I presume you would prefer doing.
Notice that the majority of strong images have been made with wide-angle and medium focal length lenses and the flash pictures are consistently bounced or off-camera.
shadowfox
04-24-2009, 07:24
I've read that these are not of consistent quality - some units work fine and others don't.
Maybe I lucked out with my sample, but I find it hard to believe if there are more non-consistent ones out there.
These are pretty popular because it doesn't cost hundreds of dollars just to trigger flashes unlike that other brand.
So far it's giving me 100 out of 100 firing ratio. I bought the newer version called v4 from Hong Kong, it has not arrived yet.
Well, I've been told by the registry office I can't use any kind of flash, I have 2 minutes to shoot by the desk/book after the ceremony and 5 minutes to shoot in the garden ONLY if the party doesn't use it's alloted parking space! I'm a bit shocked at how ruse they were.
So, I will speak to the Priest over the road and ask if we can use his lovely gardens if I promise to either make a new roof contribution or do some free shots of his church.
The wedding is at 3.30pm, after the ceremony a short walk to the place where they eat, then a 10 minute walk to the place they will get mashed. I love the idea of shooting them walking along the road after they have had wine. :)
Maybe I lucked out with my sample, but I find it hard to believe if there are more non-consistent ones out there.
These are pretty popular because it doesn't cost hundreds of dollars just to trigger flashes unlike that other brand.
So far it's giving me 100 out of 100 firing ratio. I bought the newer version called v4 from Hong Kong, it has not arrived yet.
So you have some units already that fire 100% but you ordered v4 which haven't arrived yet? I am kind of confused.
How big are they? Do you have a pic of a transmitter mounted to an RF??
Well, I've been told by the registry office I can't use any kind of flash, I have 2 minutes to shoot by the desk/book after the ceremony and 5 minutes to shoot in the garden ONLY if the party doesn't use it's alloted parking space! I'm a bit shocked at how ruse they were.
:)
I shot a few with this rule, but, more recently, the only one following the rules were often the pros. Someone in the peanut gallery will pop off a few. ;-)
Good you have a DSLR though, you should find plenty of light.
Regards, John
Well, I've been told by the registry office I can't use any kind of flash, I have 2 minutes to shoot by the desk/book after the ceremony and 5 minutes to shoot in the garden ONLY if the party doesn't use it's alloted parking space! I'm a bit shocked at how ruse they were.
So, I will speak to the Priest over the road and ask if we can use his lovely gardens if I promise to either make a new roof contribution or do some free shots of his church.
The wedding is at 3.30pm, after the ceremony a short walk to the place where they eat, then a 10 minute walk to the place they will get mashed. I love the idea of shooting them walking along the road after they have had wine. :)
Get the brides mother a police-batton and take you’re time, what are they going to do if you overrun? :)
And guess what, the mother and father despise each other so much I'm not allowed to get them within 50 feet of each other! Apparently last time they did she started a fist fight then started throwing cutlery. I cannot wait now. :D
Al Kaplan
04-24-2009, 10:57
Give their deposit back to them. You don't need the agravation
I'm not charging, it's a gift. I was feeling like it was going to be hell until I heard about the parents, I'm hoping it turns into a right crazy do.
jamiewakeham
04-24-2009, 11:44
And guess what, the mother and father despise each other so much I'm not allowed to get them within 50 feet of each other! Apparently last time they did she started a fist fight then started throwing cutlery. I cannot wait now. :D
Sounds like fun...
My suggestions:
1) Fully charged/new batteries. And spare new batteries. And another spare battery or two in the car. I will never forget the moment my fully-battery-driven camera died as the knife went into the cake; I was quite thankful of the M3 at that moment.
2) Mind your metering. White dress, black suit... an incident meter would be best but otherwise make sure you know how your meter is thinking.
3) Especially if you're limiting the amount of flash, speed is king. I invested in my Nokton 35/1.2 mainly for weddings. It can be surprisingly dark in some venues, and handholding 1/8 is fine until they're walking down the aisle at you at a great pace due to nerves...
Good luck - it's a blast!
Cheers
Jamie
willie_901
04-24-2009, 12:43
When you have all the technical bits sorted out I would advise you to be prepared to deal with Uncle Bob and Aunt Judy who will get in your way as they snap their own shots/video.
Also you are making a great sacrifice as it is practically impossible to enjoy the event as a friend/family member and focus on creating great photos at the same time. I believe you have to pretend you are shooting the wedding as an outsider to deliver the best results.
If the B&G and their immediate family are laid back about the photos, then this takes pressure away, and you can enjoy the event as if you are a guest. Otherwise (and I am not doubting your photographic competence in any way), you will be working every minute you're there.
shadowfox
04-25-2009, 19:12
So you have some units already that fire 100% but you ordered v4 which haven't arrived yet? I am kind of confused.
How big are they? Do you have a pic of a transmitter mounted to an RF??
Ah, I need more than one transmitter + receivers. Because of the 100% firing ratio, I am confident enough to order another set of Cactus triggers. Since the new one (v4) is available, I order those. Hasn't arrived yet.
The transmitter is not big, but I bet it's not designed for "stealth" either.
No pics since I don't use flash with RF cameras.
re; the radio poppers i think they are great, i dont know how reliable or not the miriad of various cheap branded units that are on the market are, but one would assume within their limits they are suitable, they seem to all have in common at least a 10 m range some up to 30 from memory, some of the expensive brands work up to 150m and no doubt overcome many problems with some possible interference issues in difficult situations.
if i was shooting weddings for work nowadays using a modern dslr, i would seriously consider the new ones from pocket wizard that are smaller than previous models and still allow the canons eTTL to work wirelessly, nikon models are meant to released later in the year and what i like about the nikon system is the remote flash units can be controlled from the camera menu on the back screen..so set your preferences before hand for different flash groups and then quickly and easily get your flash shots with correct ratios by radio rather than rely on the dodgy IR....not that it cant be done without the high tech, thats how i mostly did it, but if i was doing it again for work and using 35 film or dslr i would seriously give them a go just for the time saving and ease
I found a 6 month old great condition SB-600 for £160, still in warranty etc. I managed to get some money together for a flash unit as I need it for stuff beyond the wedding (see thread about to go up, the nasty sounding one). Looking forward to playing with it.
I found a 6 month old great condition SB-600 for £160, still in warranty etc. I managed to get some money together for a flash unit as I need it for stuff beyond the wedding (see thread about to go up, the nasty sounding one). Looking forward to playing with it.
That will work, now all you need is a bounce diffuser and a backup flash (in case this one suddenly dies during the reception).
Do you think this flash will safely work on your compact digital as well?
Not sure if it will work with my compact, I'll research that now. Starting to look forward to the day now.
Well, I purchased the flash. In the end I got a near mint one for £172 including shipping, it arrives in a day or two. This weekend will be my first play with it, need to get some batteries.
I have that pang of guilt in me now though, for spending a shed load of money on something that isn't food or bills. :(
The flash arrived, mint condition. Have batteries loaded, now need to get some time to practice fill flash. Feels so wrong to not shoot available light though.
bobbyrab
05-08-2009, 00:15
if you could borrow a fast 35mm it might greatly reduce your need for the flash and you'll get nicer shots to boot. If you need flash there's no substitute, but I probably don't use it in more than 5% of shots at a wedding, maybe 10-15% in the winter, but fast lenses are key. Best of luck with it.
I'm hunting for a fast 35 to borrow, but I think the fastest I'll have is the 1.8 50mm. As I'm not allowed to shoot in the church it seems the flash will be for the after party. I have a diffuser and will probably just bounce the hell out of the light to soften it. Then I'll Photoshop them pretty. :)
This weekend we have a festival in Norwich, some crazy stuff going on, so it'll give me a chance to test the unit out. I'm not a lover of flash as I feel it just pisses people off, but needs must...
Well, the festival sucked and the people were all ugly and nervous so I left them alone. This means I have no real chance to learn the flash other than shooting random stuff. It's seems much more complex than I'm used to, the meter is always telling me everything will be underexposed. I'm hunting for tips but finding nothing that works, I'll keep playing.
Looking into trading my 28-100 and 70-300 for a 1.8 35mm Nikkor G. I don't like shooting tele so it doesn't bother me.
Nervous now, start a casual job tomorrow, hae a major important interview on Thursday, then another on Friday, then have to shoot a wedding. :s
OurManInTangier
05-12-2009, 05:45
Sent you a PM re the 35mm 1.8
dave lackey
05-12-2009, 23:11
Nervous yet? You should be but if you follow the advice given already, meaning KISS, you should be fine. Except for one thing I learned on my last paid wedding gig.
Take an assistant with you!
I shot the last one alone, meaning I had no one to carry gear, let alone anyone to help with setting up the shots. It was a terrible experience that I survived. Barely. Even using the flash on automatic worked out but just getting the shot was difficult because I had no assistance with the gear or the people.
Just keep it simple, relax, do a few trial runs even in an empty church and it should work out fine. If you have someone to help.
Good luck,
sojournerphoto
05-12-2009, 23:27
Really, keep it simple. If the bride and groom are relaxed the pressures off. Most of the money shots are for parents anyway. You will work every minute of the day - it's really hard work shooting these well, but it's fun too. If I'm the only picture taker I tend to shoot digital. Flash off carmera where possible, but make sure you get the exposure right. Ocamera only if absolutely necessary. I don't know what dslr you've got, but using a canon 5D or 1Ds3 you can shoot at 3200iso easily for wedding album size prints. Shoot raw if you happy processing - it gives you margins.
Just be happy with your kit and work on exposure. There's alsorts w\aiting to confuse the meter. I've seen pro work that I'd have discarded, but it was all he's shot.
Good luck and enjoy.
Mike
Yes, I'm getting nervous. The wedding is in a couple of days, and between now and then I have about 30 spare minutes. Crazy madness. This flash should be easier than this surely? I've read the manual twice and it still doesn't do what it's supposed to. Everything seems overexposed, or underexposed, depending upon the current mood of the flash unit. ;)
So it looks as if it will be raining (possibly heavily) on the big day, as if my nerves weren't wobbly enough. :) How much of a difference will rain create, apart from everyone being soggy and miserable and compensating by drinking more wine?
OurManInTangier
05-14-2009, 20:21
Don't be downhearted, some of the best shots I've seen of weddings have been taken in the rain by quick thinking and imaginative photographers. I always imagine its a scenario you wouldn't wish for on the day but looking back, at the photos, find it was a day full of 'make do and mend' spirit, funny expressions and laughter...lots of it.
Without wishing to offer stereotypes and cliches it may be worth taking some wellies, umbrellas and the like along...simply to get some fun shots to relax them a bit whilst you scout about and think what might actually make a really good & original shot.
I'd don't shoot weddings but I do photograph alot of people from individuals to large groups and its ALL about them, keeping them happy, relaxed and wanting to work with you so never let them see the fear in your eyes when it all gets 'a bit iffy' and keep an eye open for an unplanned photo op - they often end up producing something cool.
P.S. I hadn't realised (duh) that you'd actually wanted the 35mm 1.8 for this wedding as much as simply wanting it as a new bit of kit, I'd have happily lent it to you - still will if you can get down to Suffolk if you're up in Norfolk.
sleepyhead
05-14-2009, 20:22
So it looks as if it will be raining (possibly heavily) on the big day, as if my nerves weren't wobbly enough. :) How much of a difference will rain create, apart from everyone being soggy and miserable and compensating by drinking more wine?
If it really POURS down with rain, then try to capture some of that in your pictures - umbrellas, the rain splattered car that takes the bride and groom away, the church in the rain - the Happy Couple (especially the bride) will never forget that it poured on her wedding day, so you might as well try to capture it and deal with it creatively.
By the way, here in Denmark, rain on a wedding day is taken as a GOOD SIGN for a long, happy marriage...
...But then, this a very rainy country
...With a very high divorce rate...
Too late to pick up that Nikonos? ;-)
Rain is considered good luck here as well, except for the photographer. ;-)
Am posting this, figuring you are already done by now, and relaxing with a couple of fingers of whisky.
Am sure you instincts will kick in and you will be fine.
Good instincts trump kit -- you probably know that about now.
Regards, John
Yeah, too late for the new lens. Ah well, the 50 will have to do. Taking the Contax G1 with 45 too as I want to shoot some film.
The wedding is tomorrow at 3pm, good job I checked as I thought it was today. I get to the brides hotel at 1pm to shoot her getting ready etc. I'm not nervous now, just going to go with it, but one thing concerns me.
It's pi-ssing down here, I mean REALLY heavy hard big long fast loud crazy rain. The type of rain that made the planet round in the first place. ;) And tomorrow at 3pm it's supposed to do the same. Now, after my initial thoughts I'm loving the idea of crazy rain and lets hope we have a hurricane too. But I don't want to get my suit wet, or my gear wet. I can shoot from under an umbrella if I wear a hoody as I can rest the handle in the pocket, I just tried it.
How cheeky would it be to not wear a suit? I can't get hold of the couple, and although they've said it's a chilled 'green' and 'vegetarian' wedding I don't think jeans and hoody would do. :) Can you buy umbrella holding devices?
Roger Hicks
05-17-2009, 04:28
I've not worn a suit to a wedding in decades (including both of mine, 1977 and 1983, or when my father remarried several after the death of my mother). Not jeans, but smart trousers, and Tibetan silk shirts. 'Smart casual' works fine. If it doesn't, maybe you shouldn't go to the wedding.
Just my 2 euro-centimes.
Hey, it'll be OK.
Tashi delek,
R.
Can you buy umbrella holding devices?
no need to buy one, you can rent one :p...an assistant...a friend or someone you can ask to help.
I have no friends, my bad attitude did away with them ;)
Leighgion
05-17-2009, 10:52
Look at it this way: that rain is vindicating your choice of the D200 with its weathersealed body! Mind your lens though.
Good luck, man.
DennisPT
06-03-2009, 06:13
Great thread indeed. Today I was invited to shoot a wedding here in Hong Kong. I have only done a few before and last one was 2 years ago. I got 7 weeks to prepare and thanks everybody who contributed to this thread. I learn a lot!
Great thread indeed. Today I was invited to shoot a wedding here in Hong Kong. I have only done a few before and last one was 2 years ago. I got 7 weeks to prepare and thanks everybody who contributed to this thread. I learn a lot!
Good Lord, you are taking all of this in? ;-) Just kidding, John
DennisPT
06-04-2009, 05:36
Good Lord, you are taking all of this in? ;-) Just kidding, John
And a lot of guts as well.;)
kshapero
06-04-2009, 05:47
I use my Nikon FM3a because I can use a TTL Flash (Nikon SB-30) with a 40mm and 105mm lens and 400 ISO color film.
DennisPT
06-04-2009, 08:31
I am trying to get info about the venue for reception, I much prefer to shoot 1/8 sec handheld than sync with a flash. Plus my M5 gives me 2 speeds between 1/8 and 1/15 where the newer Ms don't.
Joe Brugger
06-04-2009, 09:44
How cheeky would it be to not wear a suit? I can't get hold of the couple, and although they've said it's a chilled 'green' and 'vegetarian' wedding I don't think jeans and hoody would do. :) Can you buy umbrella holding devices?
You might be able to deputize a camera-bug guest to hold an umbrella. They might be happy to hang around and watch you work. When we were shooting events, something clean, pressed, long-sleeved and dark was always acceptable. Neckties and jackets get in the way unless you're used to them and most people won't care. Wear loose stuff you can move around in.
Keep your eyes open and try to relax. ;)
You might be able to deputize a camera-bug guest to hold an umbrella. They might be happy to hang around and watch you work. When we were shooting events, something clean, pressed, long-sleeved and dark was always acceptable. Neckties and jackets get in the way unless you're used to them and most people won't care. Wear loose stuff you can move around in.
Keep your eyes open and try to relax. ;)
Sport Coat and Microfiber tie, to wipe your lens. ;-) You know Mr. Gandy will have that up on the web site soon, I want credit. ;-)
And you should be able to get one friend who wants a free meal and some possible hook ups to come along and gopher for you.
J
I would never wear a suit to shoot a wedding again, I was so hot and uncomfortable.
I've started upping the pics to my flickr account, link below. It'll be a few days before they chosen noes are up, the final post edits are done etc. I stick pics on flickr and use the amount of views etc as a way to judge which people prefer. So my flickr account is always a work in progress. :)
pesphoto
06-05-2009, 07:30
From the looks of the flickr uploads you did a great job.
You have excellent timing and instincts for sure.
Blend of reportage, and posed. Very nice looking bride, good angles, don't be shy about moving folks out of your way, you were "official" and RHIP.
Good eye on the right moments.
Certainly you gave her a terrific gift.
Don't give up on the suit, just get a lighter weight and leave it unbuttoned, ;-).
If you do have a go at shooting more, there are people at the wedding that are looking at you.
John
Great work! The pictures I saw on flickr are very candid and well framed.
So you obviously used the D200, but what about the Contax G1, SP35 Oly, Polaroid and Ricoh GX-100 cameras you were planning to take? Did you use these as well?
Was the mantra "less is more" applicable to your experience?
Also, did you shoot slide film as you initially intended to??
Kev
Hello.
Less is more was exactly how I'd describe it. I used the Polaroid for one shot, the first after they had signed the paperwork, I did it so that I could give them the first shot of their new life on the day, they liked that.
I took the Ricoh, the D200 which I used for 99% of the shots. If I did it again I'd just take the D200 and the D300 I'd buy if I were to do these things and charge. If I were to do more for free to build a portfolio I'd shoot with the SP35 also. I learned to take 4x as many batteries and storage as you think you'll need. :)
Thank you for the comments, please feel free to give critique and suggest alterations.
Florian1234
06-05-2009, 09:38
The photos I've seen so far on your flickr site look very nice to me. Last year in october I shot a wedding myself, but on colour film with just a Leica M4, a 50 and a 85mm lens (ok and a p&s camera for the party in the dark).
I myself would have chosen b&w film, but that was not my decision. I can not post shots from back then, since my old computer died and I did not put them on disc or external harddrive.:bang:
However, there seem to be a few out there to be able to do this "reportage" style on weddings, another example is "Brett", whose shots appeared in the last issue of LFI magazine.
great threat indeed. i just did my first wedding and the advice found here was greatly appreciated, especially "less is more" (i took too much gear, and only a fraction of shots on film).
someone mentioned to get advice from the best man, or whoever knows the party well, so not to miss the (possibly unphotogenic) favourite aunt. staying away from the booze is a good one as well - and keep on shooting and moving and shooting and moving.
since the wedding was in greece it would have been good to have been at the dress rehersal - it is difficult and nerve wrecking if you don't understand the customs, not to mention language, to give you clues as to what happens next....
thanks again
k
I do shoot a lot of loose docu type shots at some weddings where I know some of the people involved but keep out of the way of the pro who will at least produce something for the couple whereas I take such chances that it is more often miss than hit.
Anyway, with the pro getting the safe shots I can feel free to take anything than catches my eye. I need little gear; just the m4 with 35m lens instantly ready to shoot.
I realise this might not apply to you but I thought I'd throw it in amongst the many excellents replies. Good luck with the shoot.
DennisPT
07-18-2009, 06:50
1 week away from the wedding and I met the bride and groom today as well as paid a visit to the venue. They are really relaxed about it but my fear is; the wedding may not be organized enough. I'm trying to get a hold of the best man an see if I can get a run down/schedule. Also most of the shots will be indoors and I will face quite a bit of back lighting; I'll avoid flash if I could. Also I may shoot film for the ceremony and digital for the banquet.
Any last minute advice? Thanks.
Cheers,
D
Al Kaplan
07-18-2009, 06:53
Do Not Try To Avoid Flash.
DennisPT
07-18-2009, 08:30
Thanks Al for your advice, I also tried the flash in the ceremony room but a lot of glass showcases with wooden frame make reflection unvoidable. But I prepared just in case.
DennisPT
07-19-2009, 07:04
This is the staircase which leads everybody up to the dinning and ceremony rooms. Natural light from the top and pure light bulbs from below. Any recommendations for me?
Thanks.
Cheers,
D
DennisPT
07-19-2009, 07:08
Another view from the top.
Thanks.
D
I do shoot a lot of loose docu type shots at some weddings where I know some of the people involved but keep out of the way of the pro who will at least produce something for the couple whereas I take such chances that it is more often miss than hit.
Anyway, with the pro getting the safe shots I can feel free to take anything than catches my eye. I need little gear; just the m4 with 35m lens instantly ready to shoot.
I realise this might not apply to you but I thought I'd throw it in amongst the many excellents replies. Good luck with the shoot.
I always encourage the guests shooting to use this approach, I can not possibly know who many of the important friends are, and my job is to get the most important shots of the B&G, Wedding party, ceremony, and what family I recognize or anyone with a flower. ;-)
As a guest at the last three nephew's and niece's weddings I was in a total of one photo, but perhaps not by accident. Photographer did not look carefully at the family table. ;-)
Regards, John
Regards, John
Michiel Fokkema
07-19-2009, 09:33
My first wedding.
I was nervous like hell but the couple is happy with the pictures.
http://michielfokkema.wordpress.com/weddings/ylona-frank/
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
Nervous is OK, just do not let it show much. ;-)
Regards, John
kshapero
07-19-2009, 19:05
Would should you do when you are the official photog at a wedding and someone keeps getting in your way shooting a digi P&S?
DennisPT
07-20-2009, 07:51
5 days away and I'm getting nervous. Still debating how much film vs digital, no idea who is going to direct the traffic for me for the 'standard shots', film type (BW, color, ISO), lens selection.
Currently I'm thinking of M5 with 400 NC (I never shot with, I've only done 400 UC and VC) with my 40mm Summicron or 50mm Cooke Anagstigmat. For digital will be M8 + 21 SA + 35 Summicron + 50 Summilux (?Canon 50/1.2). As the rooms are tight, I may have to leave my 9cm Elmar at home. I love to have my CL but it is still under CLA. Accessories will be SD cards, extra battery, charger, film and flash.
Any suggestion and advice for me please!
Thanks.
Cheers,
D
Dennis,
What type of flash do you have and have you already used it with the M8??
The only reason you should bring the M5 is because you do not have a digital backup in case the M8 should fail for some reason, or your batteries have all gone dead.
nikonhswebmaster
07-20-2009, 09:22
Would should you do when you are the official photog at a wedding and someone keeps getting in your way shooting a digi P&S?
You have to very politely remind them that the bride and groom have hired you to take photos which are very important to them.
If someone is really being a pest your assistant may have to take them aside for a moment. Personally I do not think you can really work a large wedding without an assistant to direct traffic.
Work quietly, be polite, but firm. You are working for the bride.
Would should you do when you are the official photog at a wedding and someone keeps getting in your way shooting a digi P&S?
It is a little like being a teacher, you have to assume charge in the classroom.
You can make an announcement when you are taking posed shots to hold their flashes for yours, and if there are polite people, I may actually snap their shots for them, --- if I am rushed, or if folks are intruding, I will shoot and then step in to the shot to rearrange something, leaving them with a shot of my back. Sometimes you have a small amount of time to generate a number of good photographs working with group.
It is rare for someone to actually get in my way. A tap on the shoulder may be necessary to get their attention.
The first studio I worked for would go ballistic if someone got in their way. It is rare, but a flash into your lens can spoil a shot entirely. Mostly, the big problem is that it can become like a firing squad with about the same type of expression in the bridal party.
I really think there are too many people with cameras at many events, I even had a groomsman at the alter in Champagne pull out a p&s during the service and snap a few.
Crowd shots without a number of people with cameras in their hands are harder to come by.
Wedding photography has always been a specialty-- you do the best you can, prepare, and live and learn.
Many shots can be reposed.
It helps to be well grounded in photography, very familiar with well tested equipment, in duplicate, assertive and focused on the task at hand, sensitive to the needs and wants of the family, and it helps if you prepare by shadowing or working with an experienced pro.
Nothing wrong with shooting some weddings for low or no cost, helps someone who might otherwise have no pro shots, and you will learn-- from your prints.
John
DennisPT
07-20-2009, 17:39
Dennis,
What type of flash do you have and have you already used it with the M8??
The only reason you should bring the M5 is because you do not have a digital backup in case the M8 should fail for some reason, or your batteries have all gone dead.
Dear Kevin,
I got the SF20, I know it doesn't provide TTL to M8 but I tested out on prior visit to make sure it works as fill-in flash.
Yes, the other M I have is M5 and the CL is having a CLA.
For sure I'll bring an extra battery and charger just in case.
Cheers,
Dennis
kshapero
07-20-2009, 17:51
It is a little like being a teacher, you have to assume charge in the classroom.
You can make an announcement when you are taking posed shots to hold their flashes for yours, and if there are polite people, I may actually snap their shots for them, --- if I am rushed, or if folks are intruding, I will shoot and then step in to the shot to rearrange something, leaving them with a shot of my back. Sometimes you have a small amount of time to generate a number of good photographs working with group.
It is rare for someone to actually get in my way. A tap on the shoulder may be necessary to get their attention.
The first studio I worked for would go ballistic if someone got in their way. It is rare, but a flash into your lens can spoil a shot entirely. Mostly, the big problem is that it can become like a firing squad with about the same type of expression in the bridal party.
I really think there are too many people with cameras at many events, I even had a groomsman at the alter in Champagne pull out a p&s during the service and snap a few.
Crowd shots without a number of people with cameras in their hands are harder to come by.
Wedding photography has always been a specialty-- you do the best you can, prepare, and live and learn.
Many shots can be reposed.
It helps to be well grounded in photography, very familiar with well tested equipment, in duplicate, assertive and focused on the task at hand, sensitive to the needs and wants of the family, and it helps if you prepare by shadowing or working with an experienced pro.
Nothing wrong with shooting some weddings for low or no cost, helps someone who might otherwise have no pro shots, and you will learn-- from your prints.
Johnthanks john. I have a press pass, I think I'll use that to be more "official".
thanks john. I have a press pass, I think I'll use that to be more "official".
It has not been a big problem, but as there are so many more cameras around, things have sometimes gotten out of hand.
I would think more of a problem after the guests have a few drinks at the reception. ;-) -- Maybe they will forget where they put their cameras- one good thing about them becoming smaller.
What used to brass me off was a wedding official who would limit my use of flash in a room with 50 amateurs popping off with p&s cameras. Depending on the wedding, I do not shoot much flash as available light during the service, and may walk around the whole congregation to avoid people's sight line, or in some Catholic Churches the back passageway.
Part of the game. ;-)
John
DennisPT
07-20-2009, 19:09
Thanks John for sharing.
Al Kaplan
07-20-2009, 19:47
Then there's the old "pro trick" of setting up a couple of 200, even 400 watt second slave lights on stands. The other photographers will have very overexposed images.
http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
Then there's the old "pro trick" of setting up a couple of 200, even 400 watt second slave lights on stands. The other photographers will have very overexposed images.
http://thepriceofsilver.blogspot.com
You are so bad. ;-)
Normally, no one really bothers me, but sometimes there is a time problem when you are shooting some formals, folks expect you to stop to let them shoot at distances no p&s flash will work, and people are waiting outside the church, or another event is up.
In Prague, I once captured a beautiful back lit B&W shot of the B&G about 25 feet away under a graceful arch.
Then I found out that as there were weddings every 30 minutes I had shot another B&G-- I was just snapping a few for a friend and had not met them, so did not know.
Still, a great shot. ;-)
sojournerphoto
07-21-2009, 09:41
Work quietly, be polite, but firm. You are working for the bride.
and her Mum
Mike
DennisPT
07-21-2009, 16:35
and her Mum
Mike
Mike,
Spot on. That's why I kept asking the B&G what mums want to shoot.
They asked me what I want to eat during banquet, I just told them I might not have much time to eat, maybe just a sandwich. Just don't forget a couple pints of beer when things are done and camera bag is pack.
Cheers,
D
Dear Kevin,
I got the SF20, I know it doesn't provide TTL to M8 but I tested out on prior visit to make sure it works as fill-in flash.
Hi Dennis, the direct flash from the SF20 will make your images look flat. This is probably not what you want at all.
You really need another flash that can swivel and tilt so that you can position the head to fire towards the top of the walls beside or behind you, where these reflective surfaces meet a low light-colored ceiling. Bouncing the flash off a large light surface will allow you to better blend it with the ambient light already inside, resulting in images which look more like they were taken with natural light only.
In addition to taking the SF20 as a backup, I strongly suggest you quickly find a better, more powerful flash with swivel/tilt. Bring lots and lots of fresh AA batteries as well, at least 30 of them.
Good Luck!
Kevin
They asked me what I want to eat during banquet, I just told them I might not have much time to eat, maybe just a sandwich
Dennis, you will be on your feet working all day long. You also have to eat like everybody else.
During the banquet there are certainly things going on but you cannot capture every interesting moment of a wedding anyways.
So I suggest you take a meal. Just make it shorter than everyone else's.
DennisPT
07-21-2009, 21:12
Hi Dennis, the direct flash from the SF20 will make your images look flat. This is probably not what you want at all.
You really need another flash that can swivel and tilt so that you can position the head to fire towards the top of the walls beside or behind you, where these reflective surfaces meet a low light-colored ceiling. Bouncing the flash off a large light surface will allow you to better blend it with the ambient light already inside, resulting in images which look more like they were taken with natural light only.
In addition to taking the SF20 as a backup, I strongly suggest you quickly find a better, more powerful flash with swivel/tilt. Bring lots and lots of fresh AA batteries as well, at least 30 of them.
Good Luck!
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for your advice. I have a Metz 32CT3 which I used when I had my R6. Not sure if it works.
Cheers,
D
DennisPT
07-21-2009, 21:42
Dennis, you will be on your feet working all day long. You also have to eat like everybody else.
During the banquet there are certainly things going on but you cannot capture every interesting moment of a wedding anyways.
So I suggest you take a meal. Just make it shorter than everyone else's.
Yes, I have to admit I'm getting nervous. Worrying about the back light, shooting medium and whether I can capture the right moment. I need a beer now. Thx for the meal reminder, Kevin.
Cheers,
Dennis
DennisPT
07-21-2009, 22:54
Dennis, you will be on your feet working all day long. You also have to eat like everybody else.
During the banquet there are certainly things going on but you cannot capture every interesting moment of a wedding anyways.
So I suggest you take a meal. Just make it shorter than everyone else's.
Thx for your reminder. I guess a few beers afterwards will work.
Cheers,
Dennis
I have a Metz 32CT3 which I used when I had my R6.
Hi Dennis, the 32CT3 could fry your M8 electronics !! It's an old flash, so I don't recommend you use it without a proper voltage regulator! (http://cgi.ebay.de/Wein-Camera-Hot-Shoe-to-Flash-Hot-Shoe-Safe-Sync-PC-NEW_W0QQitemZ200360558522)
Moreover, the 32CT3 tilts but only swivels 90-degrees left and right. You cannot swivel it 180-degrees so that the flash head is pointing backwards and up.
Perhaps you should look into buying/renting a more modern Metz flash unit for this and future events? (http://www.metz.de/en/photo-electronics/mecablitz-models.html)
Best,
Kevin
DennisPT
07-22-2009, 06:41
Thanks again for the heads up, Kevin. I don't need a fried eight.
It's 72 hours away from the wedding, maybe I should stick on to what I got.
Cheers,
Dennis
sojournerphoto
07-22-2009, 07:00
Bearing in mind I've shot weddings with dslr's, but I tend to use a canon 580 or 430 on the bodies and bounce wherever possible during the early part of the day. If I stay for the inevitable disco I set up a couple of lightstands and and use remotes to blast everyone with nice hard light, to blend with the disco lights. You could of course do this subtly as a fill, but...
Mike
The gift is great idea. I've shot a modest number of weddings for friends and children of friends. A wedding shot like this is a £1000+ gift. And it'll cost you at least £200 in film and processing.
Don't carry too much gear. Two, at most three bodies. I no longer shoot any MF. Just two M-series film Leicas, one colour, one mono. XP2 Super is your friend in mono.
On the bodies I have 35 and 75. I change to 21 or 50 only if I HAVE to. All fast primes: 21/2.8, 35/1.4, 50/1.5 or faster, 75/2.
Don't shoot slide. The light is too variable. Use neg, and err on the side of overexposure. Fewer screwed up pics.
Make a shot list and agree it with the couple. They say they want reportage but they'll also expect a few 'standard' shots, including the big wedding group. Start with the bride and groom and add in bunches from there until it's an 'all in' shot.
Shoot insane amounts of film. Reckon on 20-30 rolls of 36-exposure for full coverage. Get it commercially processed and proofed to 10x15cm/4x6 inch. Weed out the complete failures; give 'em the rest, and tell 'em that reprints are their responsibility.
Start with the bride and groom and add in bunches from there until it's an 'all in' shot.
No, you've got that backwards. Start with the "all in" shot(s) and subtract out until you're left with the bride and groom.
The gift is great idea. I've shot a modest number of weddings for friends and children of friends. ---
Don't carry too much gear. Two, at most three bodies. I no longer shoot any MF. Just two M-series film Leicas, one colour, one mono. XP2 Super is your friend in mono.
On the bodies I have 35 and 75. I change to 21 or 50 only if I HAVE to.---
Make a shot list and agree it with the couple. They say they want reportage but they'll also expect a few 'standard' shots, including the big wedding group. Start with the bride and groom and add in bunches from there until it's an 'all in' shot.
---- Get it commercially processed and proofed to 10x15cm/4x6 inch. Weed out the complete failures; give 'em the rest, and tell 'em that reprints are their responsibility.
We used to routinely overexpose color negative one stop, and with the processing, have double prints made, buy proof albums, which become potential parent albums when the order sheets are torn out -- having an order sheet by each print is very convenient. I used to combine a couple of albums which I bought by the dozen.
I would often sell a basic package, and if I did a job they liked, they would quite often bump up several levels, and the "previews" -- never call them proofs, if they wanted -- would be sold to become parents' albums.
I have done the formals both ways, I prefer to spend 20-30 minutes in the church for some traditional and non traditional portraits-- candles, but don't set the bride on fire, some veils will burn. I have not carried a candelabra in years, but it is around somewhere, keep a lighter to relight the candles which the altar boy may have put out.
After you nail down the must have shots, you might get creative with the B&G in a park, or I have shot some with sunsets and the lake. I once slapped on a blue filter for a silhouette with the lake in the background-- one way to make the water and sky blue-- don't forget to take it off. ;-)
There are a lot of tricks-- I use them sparingly, but the home made spot filter-- I make the opening oval and open the diaphragm a bit larger than the opening, plus double the exposure. I use clear finger nail polish on an old UV filter, mark the right f stop on the filter box to remind you, scratch a notch to tell you the top-- and don't forget to take the filter off.
A friend had a much larger front filter size, and he used Scotch tape, leaving the center open. Commercial center spot filters make a circular opening and it is almost always too large.
I used to carry a handkerchief, you may need one, and folded up and put under the front of my Rollei or lens to tilt it up on the floor, was good for one shot from the aisle during the service.
I have a list of photos I have evolved that I use to go over with the B&G, but let them know I will do my best to get everything, but as in the case where they requested a balcony shot at a church --without a balcony-- I cannot guarantee everything, besides I keep the list. You develop a sequence of working, and of course you look for a signature shot unique to your setting.
I have not done double exposures for a long time, used to do a portrait of the B&G and expose some stained glass over it.
Sorry-- real old school stuff, some dated ideas. If you get a couple of extra creative shots and the rest look good, you are doing well.
I sometimes grab a shot of the Groom and Best man waiting in the wings, or even outside, and once the altar boy rode up on his bike, so I shot the Groom riding up to the church on a bike, top hat and all, saw it in the window of the studio a few weeks later.
Bit of a long post, sorry about that.
Regards, John
DennisPT
07-23-2009, 02:06
Thanks John. Though not everything you mentioned work for my situation, it's worth every second readng them.
Cheers,
Dennis
DennisPT
07-24-2009, 01:35
It's 18 hours away from the wedding and I have decided to bring my M8+21SA+35Summicron+50Lux for digital and M5+40Summicron as backup. SF-20 will be the flash unit. Hope it works out.
Thanks everybody for sharing your valuable experience.
DennisPT
07-25-2009, 01:27
I'm glad it's over and turned out shooting all digital. A lot of processing to be done. Glad that I went there before and have my flash with me. Shot back light numerous times and hope Photoshop and Viveza help.
BTW, having a meal with them is a good idea as I was getting shaky at one point.
Thanks again for advising me.
Cheers
Dennis
I'm glad it's over and turned out shooting all digital. A lot of processing to be done. Glad that I went there before and have my flash with me. Shot back light numerous times and hope Photoshop and Viveza help.
BTW, having a meal with them is a good idea as I was getting shaky at one point.
Thanks again for advising me.
Cheers
Dennis
Only times I have been treated like "poor help" in regards to dining was when weddings were held at Country Clubs, OTOH, I trained with a guy who would snap a shot of the B&G at the buffet and get in line behind them, one time cutting off the parents-- bit much. ;-)
Sometimes I would eat before I go, so I would have more time for photos if needed.
I also had friends for whom I would stand in and vice versa, in case of illness.
Glad to hear you survived. ;-)
Regards, John
DennisPT
07-25-2009, 20:35
Got some images processed and would like to share. John, thanks again for sharing and supporting all along.
Cheers,
Dennis
DennisPT
07-25-2009, 20:37
Another one for sharing. Thanks for viewing.
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