Wedding photography question
Discussion
Eek. I've been asked by one of the girls at work to do the photos for her wedding next year.
OMG how scary! She said she doesn't want all the usual flashy stuff. Just some nice casual pictures of the day/evening do.
I've got a D50 and a variety of lenses. What's going to be the best kit to use?
Not given her a decison yet. Told her I'd think about it. It's a big ask and I wouldn't want to mess them up.
Any advice please peeps?
OMG how scary! She said she doesn't want all the usual flashy stuff. Just some nice casual pictures of the day/evening do.
I've got a D50 and a variety of lenses. What's going to be the best kit to use?
Not given her a decison yet. Told her I'd think about it. It's a big ask and I wouldn't want to mess them up.
Any advice please peeps?
I've done this a few times as a friend, but there's no way I'd want to be the main photographer - too much pressure not to ruin the memories of the day. I'm happy to shadow another photographer and get casual shots however.
TO do the job properly takes organisation (need to get ALL the group shots without forgetting auntie Dave etc), and people skills - you need to be able to round up and direct maybe 150 people that just want to get on with the drinking.
As for the kit fast (aperture) lenses are almost a must to separate individuals within a crowd and take shots inside. Consider a monopod for the ceremony.
There's a few threads on hints and tips, but I've lost them.
TO do the job properly takes organisation (need to get ALL the group shots without forgetting auntie Dave etc), and people skills - you need to be able to round up and direct maybe 150 people that just want to get on with the drinking.
As for the kit fast (aperture) lenses are almost a must to separate individuals within a crowd and take shots inside. Consider a monopod for the ceremony.
There's a few threads on hints and tips, but I've lost them.
I've done this a few times now. For outside work I used the 17/55 f2.8 lens for groups and close work but got great portraits with the 70/200. You are far enough away that they are real good candids. For indoor work use the flash but fit the diffuser on the front to avoid red eye. As said previously, take a load of memory cards and keep shooting. Never, where possible, just take one shot especially of groups because someone is sure to be blinking and there is nothing worse than shots with the eyes closed.
Done a few weddings over the past couple of years. Organisation is your first priority. If local, I try to go to the church and reception venue and speak to the vicar and event organiser of the reception. You can get a good idea of how things will flow and if there are any good locations for the formals.
Planning with the equipment and backup strategy is important. Make sure all cards are formatted and batteries charged. Don't use massive cards. At least 2 sets of backup batteries for camera and flash.
Watch out with flash indoors shooting vertically as unless flash above camera then will get nasty shadow if wall is close to subject. Flash bracket was one of my best buys for avoiding this.
Sticker on camera by LCD display with ISO written on it as you will be changing from inside to out on a regular basis (Caught out on this one at my first wedding).
I don't shoot alone but my business partner shoots with me on all weddings. At least have an assistant to cart stuff about.
Don't underestimate PP time afterwards.
Find out what couple want but more importantly find out what brides mother wants.
Enjoy because it is almost invariably great fun.
Planning with the equipment and backup strategy is important. Make sure all cards are formatted and batteries charged. Don't use massive cards. At least 2 sets of backup batteries for camera and flash.
Watch out with flash indoors shooting vertically as unless flash above camera then will get nasty shadow if wall is close to subject. Flash bracket was one of my best buys for avoiding this.
Sticker on camera by LCD display with ISO written on it as you will be changing from inside to out on a regular basis (Caught out on this one at my first wedding).
I don't shoot alone but my business partner shoots with me on all weddings. At least have an assistant to cart stuff about.
Don't underestimate PP time afterwards.
Find out what couple want but more importantly find out what brides mother wants.
Enjoy because it is almost invariably great fun.
lowdrag said:
Never, where possible, just take one shot especially of groups because someone is sure to be blinking and there is nothing worse than shots with the eyes closed.
That's a good advice. I take at least 2 shots for small group shots as it's good to have a choice at the end of the day. There have been a few occasions though where 1 person in one photo has his/her eyes closed, then another person has his/her eyes closed in the other shot. And I've actually imported a face from one image to another with great success. 
Thanks for the advice guys.
The brides mother won't come into the equation from what I understand! The bride and groom will have the final say-so on what they want.
I'll have another word with her next week about it. If anyone has any more advice....please feel free to comment. I want to be as well informed as possible before I make a decision.
I'd love to do it for her and make a good job of it as she's lovely.
Another option is to put word out for everyone to snap away. Did this when I married my ex (the *&^%$££....my uncle who's heavily in to photography, took the group photos etc and we just collected the negatives from everyone else after the day and chose the best ones.
The brides mother won't come into the equation from what I understand! The bride and groom will have the final say-so on what they want.
I'll have another word with her next week about it. If anyone has any more advice....please feel free to comment. I want to be as well informed as possible before I make a decision.
I'd love to do it for her and make a good job of it as she's lovely.
Another option is to put word out for everyone to snap away. Did this when I married my ex (the *&^%$££
....my uncle who's heavily in to photography, took the group photos etc and we just collected the negatives from everyone else after the day and chose the best ones.Another good way for the Bride & Groom, at least, is to put disposable cameras on the tables to let the guests take photos. The B&G then collect them up at the end of the day and send them away for processing. The results can be very funny especially if they get the children running around with the cameras taking all sorts of pot-shots.
Doesn't help you but adds to the day for the B&G
YB
Doesn't help you but adds to the day for the B&G
YB
all good advice.
i tend to go to the venue a week or so beforehand at the exact time and shoot some reccie type shots ... then back home, check the shadow/light/exposure levels, and adjust as necessary.
if the light differs on the day, at least you have a datum.
take the large group shot immediately after the crowd leave the church/reg. office ... perhaps some help from the priest/registrar would help within his/her final words before leaving the building.
this should ensure the group is intact before some drift off for smoke/drink/loo.
then re-enact the B & G church exit scene.
take the B & G only on any location shoot .... these are the exclusive shots folk are going to buy (from you !)
always allow more time for this than you need (if poss)
sorry steve, i'm against you on this ... i always shoot RAW but on a max of 2G cards if you've shot 6/8 cards and "lose" one, a good tog will always "get away with it".
try and get to know the key people well, beforehand ... you will be more relaxed on the day.
discuss plan b in case of rain etc.
process pics asap ... you will sell more.
finally,
i am just about to try the service offered by colourworld imaging in the north east.
i) you pay £10 and register.
ii) upload all your event pics on to "your" web page(s) on their site.
iii) agree a price for you to sell at, to your customers.
iv) your customers order direct from the web site and customer cash (paypal etc) is paid into your account.
v) pics are sent direct, either to you or customer (your choice).
vi) you receive your processing bill simulateously and everyone's happy.
has anybody tried the above ? ... as i can't find any snags. they'll even incorporate your logos etc on the web pages.
d
i tend to go to the venue a week or so beforehand at the exact time and shoot some reccie type shots ... then back home, check the shadow/light/exposure levels, and adjust as necessary.
if the light differs on the day, at least you have a datum.
take the large group shot immediately after the crowd leave the church/reg. office ... perhaps some help from the priest/registrar would help within his/her final words before leaving the building.
this should ensure the group is intact before some drift off for smoke/drink/loo.
then re-enact the B & G church exit scene.
take the B & G only on any location shoot .... these are the exclusive shots folk are going to buy (from you !)
always allow more time for this than you need (if poss)
sorry steve, i'm against you on this ... i always shoot RAW but on a max of 2G cards if you've shot 6/8 cards and "lose" one, a good tog will always "get away with it".
try and get to know the key people well, beforehand ... you will be more relaxed on the day.
discuss plan b in case of rain etc.
process pics asap ... you will sell more.
finally,
i am just about to try the service offered by colourworld imaging in the north east.
i) you pay £10 and register.
ii) upload all your event pics on to "your" web page(s) on their site.
iii) agree a price for you to sell at, to your customers.
iv) your customers order direct from the web site and customer cash (paypal etc) is paid into your account.
v) pics are sent direct, either to you or customer (your choice).
vi) you receive your processing bill simulateously and everyone's happy.
has anybody tried the above ? ... as i can't find any snags. they'll even incorporate your logos etc on the web pages.
dI'd echo the comments that being the main photographer is a lot of pressure - the girl may be saying now "I only want it all to be informal" but that's just a throwaway comment, she needs to be absolutely certain that's what she wants.
I think you bought my 70-300 didn't you? You might find that good for getting people from a distance, I find the best time to get people is during the drinks immediately when they have arrived at the reception. With a long lens you can snipe them without them knowing.
You'll need a good flash though and I'd recommend a diffuser as well. If you are having to go out and buy kit to do this wedding I'd hope you are getting paid? Good wedding photog's cost a lot of cash. I'd be looking to earn at least the cost of a nice hong kong imported sigma 70-200 f/2.8 if I was you. Which would also happen to be a very useful lens for the day!
I think you bought my 70-300 didn't you? You might find that good for getting people from a distance, I find the best time to get people is during the drinks immediately when they have arrived at the reception. With a long lens you can snipe them without them knowing.
You'll need a good flash though and I'd recommend a diffuser as well. If you are having to go out and buy kit to do this wedding I'd hope you are getting paid? Good wedding photog's cost a lot of cash. I'd be looking to earn at least the cost of a nice hong kong imported sigma 70-200 f/2.8 if I was you. Which would also happen to be a very useful lens for the day!
Yes, I did buy your 70-300. Cracking lens. I know it's a big ask, which is why I'm trying to get as much info as I can. I'll speak to her again about it next week and get some more information. I'm certainly not going to make the decision without lots of consideration. I'd really hate to mess it up for them.
How fast is your 70-300 ? I'd guess something like a 70-200 f2.8 would be ideal. With, say, a 50mm f1.8 as backup / doing arty shots of programs, table settings, etc.
If you are going to do informal shots at the reception / service then how about pricing lens rental ? (though i'd probably use it as an excuse to get myself some cool kit
)
There is a 5 page article in this months Professional Photographer that may be of interest: Its an introduction to shooting weddings called "So you want to be a wedding photographer?" (August 2007, pages 59-64, priced £3.80).
Cheers.
If you are going to do informal shots at the reception / service then how about pricing lens rental ? (though i'd probably use it as an excuse to get myself some cool kit
)There is a 5 page article in this months Professional Photographer that may be of interest: Its an introduction to shooting weddings called "So you want to be a wedding photographer?" (August 2007, pages 59-64, priced £3.80).
Cheers.
Edited by flat-planedCrank on Saturday 4th August 19:47
Edited by flat-planedCrank on Saturday 4th August 19:48
In my post above I forgot to mention one most important thing. That is to have two bodies if possible. Beg steal or borrow - whatever. Imagine if your camera goes tits up. You are really screwed. I carry the D70 with me at all times when I am doing weddings but use the D2X unless there is a problem. There to date hasn't been thank God. As regards another post, a 70/300 will not get good images if cloudy and certainly not good bokeh like the 70/200 f2.8. If you want that creamy background then such a lens is imperative, just like the 17/55. A f2.8 lens is a must for wedding photography. i once badly packed the bag though and got away with the old 18/70. Not my best photography but at the price it is one hell of a lens.
This looks like it will be a very good book :
http://www.lovegroveconsulting.com/main.php?pid=56
I am also thinking of going on one of their courses, get to essentially run through a full wedding.
http://www.lovegroveconsulting.com/main.php?pid=56
I am also thinking of going on one of their courses, get to essentially run through a full wedding.
My 'wedding' bag...................
Canon 1D MkII (main body) c/w 2 batteries
Canon 10D (back-up) c/w 4 batteries
Canon 550EX c/w 3 sets of batteries
Gary Fong Lightsphere for the above (ok you look a tit but it is excellent)
Canon 50mm F1.4 (essential for inside church / registry office with low light)
Canon 35-350mm L (great for most o/s from groups to long range candids)
8x Lexar 1GB Pro CF cards (no larger incase you have a failure)
Lots of business cards (or if not flyers saying where shots will be viewable)
Oh yeah and lots of luck !!!!
Canon 1D MkII (main body) c/w 2 batteries
Canon 10D (back-up) c/w 4 batteries
Canon 550EX c/w 3 sets of batteries
Gary Fong Lightsphere for the above (ok you look a tit but it is excellent)
Canon 50mm F1.4 (essential for inside church / registry office with low light)
Canon 35-350mm L (great for most o/s from groups to long range candids)
8x Lexar 1GB Pro CF cards (no larger incase you have a failure)
Lots of business cards (or if not flyers saying where shots will be viewable)
Oh yeah and lots of luck !!!!
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