wedding tips please

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Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on May 5, 2009 at 4:41am

Do whatever you can to avoid direct, on-camera flash: bounce off ceilings and walls, get the flash off the camera. 9 times out of 10 an index card rubber banded to the flash as a bouncer works just as well as any of the fancy, expensive accessories available. www.strobist.com www.abetterbouncecard.com

Remember that the camera is trying to make the world middle gray, so it will try to underexpose the bride in white, and overexpose the groom in black.

Have back-ups of all gear that will be essential. I've never had a camera body fail, but I've had plenty of flashes, lenses, flash cords, battery packs, etc... break or fail on me.

For indoors, low light shooting fast zooms and/or primes are a must.

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Permalink Reply by riddell on May 5, 2009 at 9:01am

Tip #1. Do not rely on any automodes.

Tip #2. You seriously need to be on your toes and constantly alter all the settings as everything changes. You can't simply rest on one set of settings.

Tip #3. Always shoot as low an ISO as you can possibly get away with.

Paul
www.photographybyriddell.co.uk

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Permalink Reply by David on May 5, 2009 at 3:53pm

Thanks for the tips guys really helpful,il let you know how I do. Anyother tips please feel free to add thanks Dave.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Livingstone on May 6, 2009 at 8:49am

Do your self a favour and go check out the location before hand at the same time the wedding will be. That way you can get a much better feel for what settings you will be using. If you think you gonna just walk in on the day, think again, By the time you get the settings right the show will be over.

I did my first wedding the other day and things happen fast so have a plan. Make sure you get the shots that you plan on and dont make those to many. Rather a few good ones than lots of shit ones.

Enjoy it, once the fear that nothing is going to come out on the LCD is over, its a big laugh.

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Permalink Reply by David on May 6, 2009 at 12:47pm

Jason thankyou i think the fear is a big part of it, getting it wrong and all that i have a sony alpha 200 and a standard jessops flash gun with a 18-70mm lens, what equipment did you use and how did you find the day..

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Permalink Reply by Kara Brothers on May 7, 2009 at 10:26pm

If you only have an 18-70mm lens, I would highly suggest renting a fast zoom lens (f/2.8 or faster). With the 18-70mm you aren't going to be able to get some of the most important shots (exchanging rings, lighting unity candle, kiss, candid shots of the couple's parents, etc) without being too close. Think about weddings you have attended... did you ever see the photographer in a spot that was obvious to all those in attendance?

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Permalink Reply by Kara Brothers on May 7, 2009 at 10:29pm

Also, what aperture is your 18-70mm. If it is below f/2.8, and it is an indoor wedding, it will be pretty much useless.

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Permalink Reply by David on May 7, 2009 at 12:37pm

Thanks sammy i think i already have one of them. Any other tips people it will all help!!

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Permalink Reply by Diane Schafer on May 7, 2009 at 6:02pm

If you can afford it... take an assistant photographer.. they can help with off-camera lighting, getting the guest shots while you focus on the bride and groom, making sure you got all the "MUST HAVE" shots, they can carry the check list, so you don't have to think about it. Eventually the must-have shots become automatic and you don't need a list... but for the first one, nerves will get in the way of memory. Best wishes and have a blast! When you have fun... they have fun!

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Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on May 10, 2009 at 6:20am

For outdoor portraits find a spot where the subject(s) can look at a dark object or shaded area so they aren't squinting and the pupils dilate.

Window light is easy to work with and it rocks! By itself and/or with fill flash take at least a few portraits of the B & G using a window as the key light.

Try to convince the B & G to get as much of the posed portraits out of the way early. Once the party starts it's a drag to have to keep rounding people up for pics. People want to party!

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Permalink Reply by Chris Reynolds on May 13, 2009 at 5:16pm

All these replies are awesome def listen to them! But i just wanted to say after doing about a couple dozen weddings, have fun! Yeah pay attention to your settings and everything all day. But just have fun, it will show in the outcome.. Try not to be stressed out because thats when i see myself making stupid photo mistakes, and just like Jason said everything goes FAST pased.. so a photo mistake with camera settings most of the time cant be reshot. Hope you the best!

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