wedding photography help
Discussion
I'm not a regular use of this part of the forum, but a friend knows i'm a relatively keen amateur photographer. He has asked if I, along with a couple of other mates would do the photography for his wedding. I have a nikon D5100 which is not bad at all for a camera with a 2/3rds sensor, and I don't think his budget will stretch to me renting a D3x for the day, but I could really do with your suggestions as to what kit you would consider necessary for such work?
I have:
D5100
stock 18-55 and 55-200(3.2-5.6) lens
Sigma full frame 120-400(4.5-5.6) effective 180-600
35mm (1.8) prime
Speedlight 600
more tripods than anyone really needs
I am thinking it would be a good plan to rent a 70-200 f2.8 lens, possibly buy another flash that operate as a wireless master for mine, and a diffuser
Does that sounds reasonable? what would anyone else take along? I should be able to get a spare body from another friend.
All advice gratefully received
I have:
D5100
stock 18-55 and 55-200(3.2-5.6) lens
Sigma full frame 120-400(4.5-5.6) effective 180-600
35mm (1.8) prime
Speedlight 600
more tripods than anyone really needs
I am thinking it would be a good plan to rent a 70-200 f2.8 lens, possibly buy another flash that operate as a wireless master for mine, and a diffuser
Does that sounds reasonable? what would anyone else take along? I should be able to get a spare body from another friend.
All advice gratefully received
I should probably elaborate...
However much you play it down and tell them you aren't a professional, and definitely not a wedding photographer, they WILL be expecting fantastic photos of their special day, and if you don't deliver there may well be a falling out. Trust me I've seen it happen.
They will tell you that they aren't expecting anything special... But they will be.
I would much rather offend/upset someone briefly by refusing to photograph their wedding for them, than actually give it a go and risk not making an amazing job of it.
That my only advice I can offer sorry!
However much you play it down and tell them you aren't a professional, and definitely not a wedding photographer, they WILL be expecting fantastic photos of their special day, and if you don't deliver there may well be a falling out. Trust me I've seen it happen.
They will tell you that they aren't expecting anything special... But they will be.
I would much rather offend/upset someone briefly by refusing to photograph their wedding for them, than actually give it a go and risk not making an amazing job of it.
That my only advice I can offer sorry!
This ^^^^
Just for a moment imagine you have hired a D3x and a 70-200mm. How long do you think you will allow to get fully acquainted with it? Have you thought about the techniques you need to develop?
And from another direction:
Are your shots going to be indoors? Natural light only? or outdoors? What lighting will you use?
And again:
What are the results that are expected, what style?
Just for a moment imagine you have hired a D3x and a 70-200mm. How long do you think you will allow to get fully acquainted with it? Have you thought about the techniques you need to develop?
And from another direction:
Are your shots going to be indoors? Natural light only? or outdoors? What lighting will you use?
And again:
What are the results that are expected, what style?
Edited by K12beano on Thursday 31st January 19:28
Rock up there and get ambient shots of anything, if they want a shot list then make sure someone can do the shouting and organising of people, then you take over when people are lined up
Gear isnt going to be a limiting factor in this, no-one' expecting you to pull out an f1.2 and shoot at ISO 128000, they wont know and wont care about the details.
Speak to the vicar priest person about when you can/cant take photos during the ceremony and get in the way of people with point and shoots if you can, otherwise you'll get a load of photos of people looking ever so slightly to the right of camera and you'll get pissed off about it
Gear isnt going to be a limiting factor in this, no-one' expecting you to pull out an f1.2 and shoot at ISO 128000, they wont know and wont care about the details.
Speak to the vicar priest person about when you can/cant take photos during the ceremony and get in the way of people with point and shoots if you can, otherwise you'll get a load of photos of people looking ever so slightly to the right of camera and you'll get pissed off about it
I wouldn't necessarily run away just yet but I would forget the kit for a second and give the whole idea some serious consideration. Three of you doing it helps your odds of success somewhat and may alleviate some pressure from yourself. You do need to ask yourself a few questions though:
How confident you are in your own skills, both in terms of photography, and crowd control!? Be critical!
How good are the other guys that will be doing it with you? This is a very important question because if they're are very accomplished you might be able to relax a little and try and grab some off the cuff stuff rather than the must have shots.
Do you have access to a reasonable level of back up kit between the three of you should anything pack up? Think of the worst cases here.
How well do you know the couple? Do you know them well enough that you know their expectations will be in line with what they're (not) paying? Set their expectations low and aim to exceed them. If you think the relationship could turn sour though, walk away now before you get in any deeper.
I'm sure I'm not alone on here in having shot a wedding for a mate, I did mine as a duo with another friend. I was very much in the 'say no' camp at first but talked myself into it and promised myself that if I was going to do I was going to do it right so really threw myself at it. Read loads online, books, magazine articles, practiced a lot and did two recce trips to the venue. It was a massive challenge that myself and a mate spent a lot of time preparing for but I'm really pleased I did it as come the day I felt relatively well prepared (though lots still went wrong!). A lot of people would say I went way over the top but I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't wanted to. I was helping a really good friend out and I know he would offer a similar level of help to me if there was something I needed. It was very satisfying and I think the bride and groom are very happy with the results.
I am acutely aware of what can go wrong though hence the questions above.
ETA
One last thing that I probably hadn't considered beforehand. Forget enjoying the wedding in any conventional sense. You won't have much time to speak to people, have a drink, sit down meal etc.. Again if they're close friends, this might be important to you. In my own case I had a last dance curfew. After that the camera went in the car and I went to the bar.
How confident you are in your own skills, both in terms of photography, and crowd control!? Be critical!
How good are the other guys that will be doing it with you? This is a very important question because if they're are very accomplished you might be able to relax a little and try and grab some off the cuff stuff rather than the must have shots.
Do you have access to a reasonable level of back up kit between the three of you should anything pack up? Think of the worst cases here.
How well do you know the couple? Do you know them well enough that you know their expectations will be in line with what they're (not) paying? Set their expectations low and aim to exceed them. If you think the relationship could turn sour though, walk away now before you get in any deeper.
I'm sure I'm not alone on here in having shot a wedding for a mate, I did mine as a duo with another friend. I was very much in the 'say no' camp at first but talked myself into it and promised myself that if I was going to do I was going to do it right so really threw myself at it. Read loads online, books, magazine articles, practiced a lot and did two recce trips to the venue. It was a massive challenge that myself and a mate spent a lot of time preparing for but I'm really pleased I did it as come the day I felt relatively well prepared (though lots still went wrong!). A lot of people would say I went way over the top but I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't wanted to. I was helping a really good friend out and I know he would offer a similar level of help to me if there was something I needed. It was very satisfying and I think the bride and groom are very happy with the results.
I am acutely aware of what can go wrong though hence the questions above.
ETA
One last thing that I probably hadn't considered beforehand. Forget enjoying the wedding in any conventional sense. You won't have much time to speak to people, have a drink, sit down meal etc.. Again if they're close friends, this might be important to you. In my own case I had a last dance curfew. After that the camera went in the car and I went to the bar.
Edited by Gad-Westy on Thursday 31st January 23:06
It's quite common for couples to consider using friends for wedding photography - after all they are free. There are several things they will need. The obvious one is a suitable level of kit, though most photographers worth their salt will have fast lenses and powerful flashguns, and back-up kit in case of failure. Second and no less important is the ability to cope with the technical demands of weddings - in a dark church one minute, out in bright sun the next, fast changing scenes demanding quick thinking, anticipation and total familiarity with the kit. Thirdly, the confidence and ability to juggle (1) and (2) whilst directing perhaps 100 people gently, whilst appearing calm, frendly and in control...
These are things that need to be considered. Very often the couples either decide that they don't wish to inflict this on their friend and would rather they enjoy the day as a guest, or the friend declines for fear of letting them down. Of course it all comes down to expectations - if the worst happens and the results are poor, some couples accept this risk for the money saved. It's just a massive responsibility and one that deserves full consideration.
These are things that need to be considered. Very often the couples either decide that they don't wish to inflict this on their friend and would rather they enjoy the day as a guest, or the friend declines for fear of letting them down. Of course it all comes down to expectations - if the worst happens and the results are poor, some couples accept this risk for the money saved. It's just a massive responsibility and one that deserves full consideration.
I would suggest that you don't want to be hiring gear that you're not familiar with really, unless you'll have the time to fully acquaint yourself with it all.
The questions I would ask are:
Obviously there is lots of other stuff but that's basically how I do it. It's just a case of being ready. If you don't think that you will be for whatever reason then I would highly recommend not getting involved. I have seen brides in tears as they've been so disappointed by their wedding photographs (not mine I hasten to add!) so please remember there is a huge expectation for them to look spectacular.
When I go through the pictures with couples after they have returned from their honeymoons the number of things they have forgotten is amazing. It is just like they are reliving their wedding day from beginning to end so you must do everything in your power to make it as special as possible. That ultimately comes down to how good the pictures are. If they aren't good then you will taint their memory of their wedding forever.
A little melodramatic perhaps but be under no illusion. They're incredibly important.
The questions I would ask are:
- How are you at directing and taking pictures of people?
- How are you at working in different lighting conditions and with lighting equipment?
- Are you prepared to spend at least 10 hours with a camera glued to your eye?
- Would you spot the clues that suggest a moment is coming that will provide a great picture opportunity before it happens?
Obviously there is lots of other stuff but that's basically how I do it. It's just a case of being ready. If you don't think that you will be for whatever reason then I would highly recommend not getting involved. I have seen brides in tears as they've been so disappointed by their wedding photographs (not mine I hasten to add!) so please remember there is a huge expectation for them to look spectacular.
When I go through the pictures with couples after they have returned from their honeymoons the number of things they have forgotten is amazing. It is just like they are reliving their wedding day from beginning to end so you must do everything in your power to make it as special as possible. That ultimately comes down to how good the pictures are. If they aren't good then you will taint their memory of their wedding forever.
A little melodramatic perhaps but be under no illusion. They're incredibly important.
the optimum solution for you is to let the other guy be the "official" photographer and for you to just get some "candid" shots, i.e. take your camera and look for those shots we all love to take, but not direct.
That way you get to help your mate out, he gets some great shots of people at the wedding in natural poses and you avoid the (potential) stress of being THE photographer.
That way you get to help your mate out, he gets some great shots of people at the wedding in natural poses and you avoid the (potential) stress of being THE photographer.
In a 12 month period we had 4 of the kids get married
1 had a "pro" take the photos (£500 - mates rates) and got 40 useable images
2 had "final year" students (£200) - I hope they got a pass mark somehow, it wouldnt be for taking wedding photos
(4th was abroad, and were damn good photos)
1 student picture....ok its indoors but come on! (big Canon with external flash)
1 had a "pro" take the photos (£500 - mates rates) and got 40 useable images
2 had "final year" students (£200) - I hope they got a pass mark somehow, it wouldnt be for taking wedding photos
(4th was abroad, and were damn good photos)
1 student picture....ok its indoors but come on! (big Canon with external flash)
Upatdawn said:
In a 12 month period we had 4 of the kids get married
1 had a "pro" take the photos (£500 - mates rates) and got 40 useable images
2 had "final year" students (£200) - I hope they got a pass mark somehow, it wouldnt be for taking wedding photos
(4th was abroad, and were damn good photos)
1 student picture....ok its indoors but come on! (big Canon with external flash)
Awful picture.... Doesn't look as though the flash fired1 had a "pro" take the photos (£500 - mates rates) and got 40 useable images
2 had "final year" students (£200) - I hope they got a pass mark somehow, it wouldnt be for taking wedding photos
(4th was abroad, and were damn good photos)
1 student picture....ok its indoors but come on! (big Canon with external flash)
As mentioned before, don't bother hiring a camera. You need to know how it works, you don't want to miss a shot if you're fiddling around but I would consider hiring a fast standard lens.
Before the wedding find out what the couple want, formal posed shots or reportage or a mixture. If they require the more traditional posed pictures get them to make a list of shots they would like. On the day duplicate the list and give a copy to he best man. Always easier if you can get the best man to organise the group.
Don't forget post editing a wedding can take a day.
I've done a "few" weddings - if you have any questions just pm me.
Www.funky-photo.co.uk
Before the wedding find out what the couple want, formal posed shots or reportage or a mixture. If they require the more traditional posed pictures get them to make a list of shots they would like. On the day duplicate the list and give a copy to he best man. Always easier if you can get the best man to organise the group.
Don't forget post editing a wedding can take a day.
I've done a "few" weddings - if you have any questions just pm me.
Www.funky-photo.co.uk
andy-xr said:
Rock up there and get ambient shots of anything, if they want a shot list then make sure someone can do the shouting and organising of people, then you take over when people are lined up
Gear isnt going to be a limiting factor in this, no-one' expecting you to pull out an f1.2 and shoot at ISO 128000, they wont know and wont care about the details.
Speak to the vicar priest person about when you can/cant take photos during the ceremony and get in the way of people with point and shoots if you can, otherwise you'll get a load of photos of people looking ever so slightly to the right of camera and you'll get pissed off about it
Having done weddings myself; I'd suggest what I used to do.Gear isnt going to be a limiting factor in this, no-one' expecting you to pull out an f1.2 and shoot at ISO 128000, they wont know and wont care about the details.
Speak to the vicar priest person about when you can/cant take photos during the ceremony and get in the way of people with point and shoots if you can, otherwise you'll get a load of photos of people looking ever so slightly to the right of camera and you'll get pissed off about it
Ask everyone to please not take any photos or call out the the groups who assemble for photographs until after I had finished taking mine.
One thing I will say; it's very hard to enjoy your friends special day if you are their photographer. On the flip side, you can get some brilliant candid grab shots during the entire day and some of those sort of images can be nothing short of lyrical and beautiful.
As above, set the expectations low, recce the venue, speak to the vicar, think about low light in churches and requests for "no flash photography please during the ceremony", rope someone in to boss around the guests for the group photos. Agree a (shortish)list beforehand, the list may change during the day as she forgot she invited cousin Bruce from Oz and hasn't seen him in 10 years so wants a photo of just the 3 of them. Agree when do they want you to stop (after the speeches and first dance maybe?) so you can at least have a drink and enjoy yourself.
The only problem i can see is "several" photographers maybe getting in each others way, people in shots looking slightly to the right/left and people getting tired of posing for several different cameras. Maybe agree with the other togs you'll do the bulk of the posed shots and they wander around with zooms getting candids of Uncle Roger pinching the bridesmaids bum etc
Good luck, if you can get all the mum/dad/in-laws and group shots right, a decent "mantelpiece" one of them and some funky photos of the party afterwards with everyone looking like their having a great time then you've done OK.
Some kit suggestions:
D5100 - get a 2nd body off ebay that can work with your lenses, it'll be there as a backup and will save you time changing lenses.
stock 18-55 - replace with tamron/sigma 17-50 2.8 or similar instead
55-200(3.2-5.6) lens - sounds ok for long range candids outside
Sigma full frame 120-400(4.5-5.6) effective 180-600 - leave this at home, its too big & heavy, you don't need the focal length.
35mm (1.8) prime - sounds good
Speedlight 600 - yup but get a diffuser and practice practice practice beforehand
more tripods than anyone really needs - never used mine, a lot of faff to carry and setup, you need to be quick and agile.
maybe add a 50/85mm prime?
If you get it right it will a rewarding experience, if you get it wrong move town and change your name.
The only problem i can see is "several" photographers maybe getting in each others way, people in shots looking slightly to the right/left and people getting tired of posing for several different cameras. Maybe agree with the other togs you'll do the bulk of the posed shots and they wander around with zooms getting candids of Uncle Roger pinching the bridesmaids bum etc
Good luck, if you can get all the mum/dad/in-laws and group shots right, a decent "mantelpiece" one of them and some funky photos of the party afterwards with everyone looking like their having a great time then you've done OK.
Some kit suggestions:
D5100 - get a 2nd body off ebay that can work with your lenses, it'll be there as a backup and will save you time changing lenses.
stock 18-55 - replace with tamron/sigma 17-50 2.8 or similar instead
55-200(3.2-5.6) lens - sounds ok for long range candids outside
Sigma full frame 120-400(4.5-5.6) effective 180-600 - leave this at home, its too big & heavy, you don't need the focal length.
35mm (1.8) prime - sounds good
Speedlight 600 - yup but get a diffuser and practice practice practice beforehand
more tripods than anyone really needs - never used mine, a lot of faff to carry and setup, you need to be quick and agile.
maybe add a 50/85mm prime?
If you get it right it will a rewarding experience, if you get it wrong move town and change your name.
Having done one wedding for a friend, I found it an immensely stressful day.
If you're no good at directing people (regardless of your photographic skills), then stay well clear.
Every man and his dog now has a camera and thinks they're a pro. During said wedding above, I even had someone push me out of the way to take a photo with their phone!!!
They were very pleased with the results, I was relatively pleased with the results under the circumstances. However, as has already been said above, when people say they just want a 'few photos in a book' what they actually mean is they want more than that. My friend's wedding went from, 'just a few photos to remember the day by' to 'this is a list of all the various shots we want'. Eek!
Definitely do not hire new kit for the occasion, you need to have a good knowledge of the kit you're using in order to get the best from it.
I've been asked to do another wedding in June and I really do not fancy it.
Good luck whatever you decide.
If you're no good at directing people (regardless of your photographic skills), then stay well clear.
Every man and his dog now has a camera and thinks they're a pro. During said wedding above, I even had someone push me out of the way to take a photo with their phone!!!
They were very pleased with the results, I was relatively pleased with the results under the circumstances. However, as has already been said above, when people say they just want a 'few photos in a book' what they actually mean is they want more than that. My friend's wedding went from, 'just a few photos to remember the day by' to 'this is a list of all the various shots we want'. Eek!
Definitely do not hire new kit for the occasion, you need to have a good knowledge of the kit you're using in order to get the best from it.
I've been asked to do another wedding in June and I really do not fancy it.
Good luck whatever you decide.
NinjaPower said:
Don't do it.
Seriously, don't.
This. I recently took pictures at my Sister in laws wedding. I did it under the proviso that she also arranged her own Photogrpher.Seriously, don't.
She arranged for 2 local kids doing a photography course at the local uni. One turned up with a Fuji Bridge and the other with a Dslr with a 18-55.
They said she would have her pics in 2-3 weeks. Been 6 now and still no sign ....
I did get a few nice pics although I've not had time to put hem brought Lightroom yet. I was using a Pentax K5 and Tamron 70-200 F2.8.
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