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07/04/2006 01:17:45 AM · #51 |
Thankyou Chris. That is what I was hoping you would be able to do. I apologize if I have made you stroppy...it certainly wasn't meant to be that way...I am just trying to help others.
And I hope that SC can move this thread to the correct forum...I hadn't realised my error...thankyou for bringing that too my attention. |
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07/04/2006 01:19:53 AM · #52 |
Chris,
Whew! i've just finished reading your post. I did find it informative, interesting, and a bit humorous;)
I'm brand new so i'm keeping an eye on this thread just to see what is going on with other people who are shooting weddings. Lauriel and Judi...enjoyed looking through your shots. Here is my first. IT paid but not much b/c it was for a cousin. But it was a perfect chance to get over some of my jitters about weddings. I've done one small one since and have one for this month so i'm preparing and keeping my fingers crossed ;) Mark
Chad and Maria
Message edited by author 2006-07-04 01:21:03. |
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07/04/2006 01:23:06 AM · #53 |
Originally posted by mpeters:
Chris,
Whew! i've just finished reading your post. I did find it informative, interesting, and a bit humorous;)
I'm brand new so i'm keeping an eye on this thread just to see what is going on with other people who are shooting weddings. Lauriel and Judi...enjoyed looking through your shots. Here is my first. IT paid but not much b/c it was for a cousin. But it was a perfect chance to get over some of my jitters about weddings. I've done one small one since and have one for this month so i'm preparing and keeping my fingers crossed ;) Mark
Chad and Maria |
Do you have the password for that? |
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07/04/2006 01:26:02 AM · #54 |
OOPs, sorry. "ohio" all lowercase should work. I'll log off my account and try it right away!
Yep, should work.
Message edited by author 2006-07-04 01:27:05. |
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07/04/2006 01:30:36 AM · #55 |
Originally posted by Judi:
Thankyou Chris. That is what I was hoping you would be able to do. I apologize if I have made you stroppy...it certainly wasn't meant to be that way...I am just trying to help others.
And I hope that SC can move this thread to the correct forum...I hadn't realised my error...thankyou for bringing that too my attention. |
Before the forum changed I never noticed what thread was where. Now i do - and many are in teh wrong place IMO. Blame it on the holiday!
I'll be glad to share what i've read/learned/experienced so far. Each wedding is different, and there is not easy way (i know of) to get practice. heck, this last one I went to the rehearsal and shot some - and things had friggin changed by the wedding day (outdoor stage, the family decorated it for the wedding). I had free rein to run and move about as i saw fit - a 360 degree experience. that was neat. But part of the decorations blocked my angles, and beacuse it was a stage, being in the 'audience' meant i was way low (4 to 5 feet lower) and the anlges were challenging. the girls stood off to one side nicely - the best man hovered. No realy moving people in the midst of it all, is there?
I keep finding issues that i want to blame on my equipment. Well, I have to find the cause do I don't make the same mistake again. Not sure the isse on some of my posed shots - 30-50mm, 1/80 look better than the 1/160 at f6.3 w/ fill flash and i have blurry people - looks like camera shake almost, but can't be at those shutter speeds, can it? Some i know it's a person i the shot. Other's it's missed focus. I think I need to use total AF more - i tend to use a set point and move the point to where i want focus to be. Perhaps for group shots i need to trust the af gods of canon. it's just frustrating that you pose them, shoot. next group in, and you shoot - nothing changed buy some of the folks inteh shot - and one group is sharp and the other is not. Arrgh.
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07/04/2006 01:41:35 AM · #56 |
Hahaha...I am so pleased it isn't just me with frustrations that are different from one wedding to the next. I also find that they are such long days that I tend to need a time out slot where I can escape everyone and just be myself...without having to smile and direct everyone. Where I can put the camera down and hang my head and just breathe.
But I enjoy them and I always try and make it fun for the group. And yes...each one is so different and will generally change from the prewedding discussions. A lot of the time you just wing it and hope that you get the shots...mind you...you know straight away when you get the good shots. It's just that tingling feeling inside. |
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07/04/2006 01:41:43 AM · #57 |
Nice stuff you got there.
What i found is when you go from 'fun' to 'main' photog the pressure builds and the creativity leaves. You HAVE to get the shot, every shot, no excuses. I am slowly getting confidence in me and my equipment. Slowly. Each wedding teaches me something new. I am slowly getting some creativity back.
Perhaps I expect too much or am too critical of my images?
Nice shot, more or less. The bride has things (chimney's) growing out of her head. the scenery the family installed is blocking the minister, there is a car in the lower right (the area sits in the middle of a parkin lot so what can you do?)
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07/04/2006 01:44:26 AM · #58 |
Originally posted by Judi:
It's just that tingling feeling inside. |
Did you bring enough to share with everyone?
(and i'll drop that right there...)
I am missing that tingling feeling! I remember it - I just don't know when it left!
Now what do i do to get it back?
here is an album from a may wedding. (all ISO 800 and 1600 shots)
//www.pbase.com/cpphotography/album2
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07/04/2006 01:57:45 AM · #59 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Originally posted by Judi:
It's just that tingling feeling inside. |
Did you bring enough to share with everyone?
(and i'll drop that right there...)
I am missing that tingling feeling! I remember it - I just don't know when it left!
Now what do i do to get it back?
here is an album from a may wedding. (all ISO 800 and 1600 shots)
//www.pbase.com/cpphotography/album2 |
Chris....there is another wedding photographer in town. He lost that tingling feeling when he resigned to the fact that it is just a job. Never see it like that. Never think that you are getting paid when you do the job. You lose the creativity...the passion that shows in your images. People want that passion...! Take a breather during the event and gather your thoughts...think what fun shots you want to get and let everything else flow. You know what you are doing...so just run with it.
And yes...there is enough tingling for everyone...hmm...maybe I should leave it right there too...ROFLMAO! |
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07/04/2006 02:05:57 AM · #60 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Nice stuff you got there.
What i found is when you go from 'fun' to 'main' photog the pressure builds and the creativity leaves. You HAVE to get the shot, every shot, no excuses. I am slowly getting confidence in me and my equipment. Slowly. Each wedding teaches me something new. I am slowly getting some creativity back.
Perhaps I expect too much or am too critical of my images?
Nice shot, more or less. The bride has things (chimney's) growing out of her head. the scenery the family installed is blocking the minister, there is a car in the lower right (the area sits in the middle of a parkin lot so what can you do?) |
Thank you. I think i understand what you are saying regarding creativity. I found it hard to divorce myself from the technical "settings" and just have "fun" in the moment. I struggle with creativity unless i have lots of time to think, and weddings don't provide that luxury. In my case it seemed to help just looking at tons of pics, reading books, etc. etc. prior to the big event.
As to your second point... it think we always are hardest on ourselves. I guess what counts is "Was the customer happy?"
Cheers |
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07/21/2006 05:41:19 PM · #61 |
Originally posted by mpeters:
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Nice stuff you got there.
What i found is when you go from 'fun' to 'main' photog the pressure builds and the creativity leaves. You HAVE to get the shot, every shot, no excuses. I am slowly getting confidence in me and my equipment. Slowly. Each wedding teaches me something new. I am slowly getting some creativity back.
Perhaps I expect too much or am too critical of my images?
Nice shot, more or less. The bride has things (chimney's) growing out of her head. the scenery the family installed is blocking the minister, there is a car in the lower right (the area sits in the middle of a parkin lot so what can you do?) |
Thank you. I think i understand what you are saying regarding creativity. I found it hard to divorce myself from the technical "settings" and just have "fun" in the moment. I struggle with creativity unless i have lots of time to think, and weddings don't provide that luxury. In my case it seemed to help just looking at tons of pics, reading books, etc. etc. prior to the big event.
As to your second point... it think we always are hardest on ourselves. I guess what counts is "Was the customer happy?"
Cheers |
Just remember...the couple has hired you to get their shots. They will generally do what you ask so you can get the shot. So have some ideas in mind and just go with it. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get them but you will probably find that you get something better instead. Each wedding is different and therefore should be treated as such.
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07/21/2006 05:53:01 PM · #62 |
I just designed my third wedding slideshow to music. I have been told it's is the best one I've ever done.
I don't know how to convert it to play it as I don't have my website up yet.
But I'll post some shots from the wedding soon....
Judi, I also have a Mac, and I couldn't view yours either. |
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07/21/2006 06:58:12 PM · #63 |
A message from someone who doesn't even own a D-SLR yet.
Once I get a D-SLR I am hoping to begin to shoot weddings. I am getting the opportunity in a couple months to use the groom (my friend)'s D70s at the reception, so I am looking forward to that.
The reason I am looking at doing weddings, as it will provide me with some income back from my expensive hobby.
This thread has proved to be informative.
I have only actually been to a couple weddings in my life, and only one recently. So I don't have much to base anything on. So I have a couple of questions.
What is the most common showcase of the photo's? Is is still most common to do an album, or do more people tend to want something different?
How do the showcases work? (Including Albums, magazines, ect) I know it is different for each wedding, but some examples would be cool.
The equipment I am planning on getting is:
Nikon D70s (or that new 10.2 MP announced)
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II
Is that ok equipment to start shooting weddings with? (don't try to mention Canon, I have my reasons for choosing Nikon.) I figure the range 18-200 should serve well as an all around lense, and I will probably end up getting a 50mm 1.8 as well. As far as flashes go, I will probably borrow my friend's nice flash unit (not sure what it is, but I know it's worth around $800 CND).
Obviously some has to be learned as I go, but if I can do as much planning before as I can, I may be able to avoid some problems.
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07/21/2006 07:48:11 PM · #64 |
Originally posted by AlphaTrooper:
A message from someone who doesn't even own a D-SLR yet.
Once I get a D-SLR I am hoping to begin to shoot weddings. I am getting the opportunity in a couple months to use the groom (my friend)'s D70s at the reception, so I am looking forward to that.
The reason I am looking at doing weddings, as it will provide me with some income back from my expensive hobby. |
We can all relate to that!
Originally posted by AlphaTrooper:
This thread has proved to be informative.
I have only actually been to a couple weddings in my life, and only one recently. So I don't have much to base anything on. So I have a couple of questions.
What is the most common showcase of the photo's? Is is still most common to do an album, or do more people tend to want something different? |
As technology has changed, so has the clients wants. Some still want the album but they tend to be a bit more professionally laid out and presented than they once were. If you do a search in the forums you will find endless threads on this subject. Here...this might help you.
Wedding Album threads.
You will find that nowadays people want to see their images fast. They also want to show them to their friends and family. Half of these people live interstate or overseas. Therefore the online gallery is the way to go. You upload all of their reduced size images into an online gallery with a password attached. That way the couple has control over who sees their images. The certainly don't want Auntie Joan seeing her husband flirting with the best man..LOL!! So they will then be able to tell you if they want any of those images removed and they can then pass the details onto their family/friends.
Most photographers don't worry about handling the prints but instead hand the disc over. If that is the case make sure you charge extra for your services to compensate for the lack of extra income down the track.
I offer the disc...but...I can also get the prints cheaper than the client can...so I offer that as an added bonus to them. Everyone is happy that way. So if you do offer the print option then the family and friends can then order via the website gallery.
Originally posted by AlphaTrooper:
How do the showcases work? (Including Albums, magazines, ect) I know it is different for each wedding, but some examples would be cool. |
You will find most albums are protected by passwords. I will probably do up a sample one down the track to help people out. But if you click hereyou will see my portfolio layout which is the same as any wedding I do. When you click on the thumbnail it will take you to a gallery which looks just like any of my clients albums. The only difference is the password protected option. You can see the gallery has thumbnails and a main image with the image number beneath it.
Originally posted by AlphaTrooper:
The equipment I am planning on getting is:
Nikon D70s (or that new 10.2 MP announced)
Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II
Is that ok equipment to start shooting weddings with? (don't try to mention Canon, I have my reasons for choosing Nikon.) I figure the range 18-200 should serve well as an all around lense, and I will probably end up getting a 50mm 1.8 as well. As far as flashes go, I will probably borrow my friend's nice flash unit (not sure what it is, but I know it's worth around $800 CND). |
That is certainly a good place to start. Also a reflector and a tripod would come in handy for doing the family shots and creative shots.
Originally posted by AlphaTrooper:
Obviously some has to be learned as I go, but if I can do as much planning before as I can, I may be able to avoid some problems. |
That is wise thinking. It takes practice and creativity and confidence. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. You know if you can.
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07/21/2006 08:02:54 PM · #65 |
Judi & everyone else who posted your wedding photos.
Absolutely stunning shots, everyone! And I love the movie slideshow you did, Judi. What a great idea, and so well put together.
I've only done two weddings. The first one was done at a retirement home. It was very dark and very orange!! I shot everything without flash and all with my Canon 50mm 1.8.
Wedding1
The second wedding was just a few weeks back on June 24th. This couple had an uncle who happened to be a minister. The church used to be an old house converted into a church. Very ugly place, with paneling and unfinished entry.I shot this one with my kit lens (18-55mm) from the 300D mostly. The few I did of the bride and groom outside I did with the 50mm. I envy those of you who have actually photographed weddings at a real church! LOL
Wedding2
I found them to be extremely stressful. I didn't get much sleep the night before both of them.
Does this wear off after a few more weddings? Or does anyone else have the jitters really bad before hand?
Just curious. Cheers....Martin
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07/21/2006 08:06:29 PM · #66 |
Thank you for the comments Judi. Very helpful indeed. I have so much to learn about lighting... lol.
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07/21/2006 11:24:48 PM · #67 |
Originally posted by MWitt:
Judi & everyone else who posted your wedding photos.
Absolutely stunning shots, everyone! And I love the movie slideshow you did, Judi. What a great idea, and so well put together.
I've only done two weddings. The first one was done at a retirement home. It was very dark and very orange!! I shot everything without flash and all with my Canon 50mm 1.8.
Wedding1
The second wedding was just a few weeks back on June 24th. This couple had an uncle who happened to be a minister. The church used to be an old house converted into a church. Very ugly place, with paneling and unfinished entry.I shot this one with my kit lens (18-55mm) from the 300D mostly. The few I did of the bride and groom outside I did with the 50mm. I envy those of you who have actually photographed weddings at a real church! LOL
Wedding2
I found them to be extremely stressful. I didn't get much sleep the night before both of them.
Does this wear off after a few more weddings? Or does anyone else have the jitters really bad before hand?
Just curious. Cheers....Martin |
Martin...you did a great job with those weddings. You are certainly on the right track for a great future.
I would suggest watching your fill in flash as it burnt them out a bit on a couple of the images. Try investing in a good flash and diffuser as well as try and replace the kit lens with a good walk around lens. The better the lens the better the control.
As for the sleep...well no matter whether I am doing a wedding or a rodeo...I will always have a rough night the night before. When my partner (not my hubby) and I go away on trips we share the same motel room and he will vouch for how much I talk in my sleep. But he knows that the next night I am fine and sleep well.
It never goes unfortunately. But instead look at it this way. If you are worked up about the job it means you are alert and that means the job has your full attention. Without that you can't do a proper job.
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07/21/2006 11:48:41 PM · #68 |
Here's one of the latest photos I took at a friend's wedding.
I just think it needed the added graphic touch...
This was my ending shot of the video.
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07/21/2006 11:52:11 PM · #69 |
Originally posted by Bosborne:
Here's one of the latest photos I took at a friend's wedding.
I just think it needed the added graphic touch...
This was my ending shot of the video.
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I left you a comment and I am sorry you can't view my shows on the Mac. I still haven't worked out why.
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07/22/2006 12:04:25 AM · #70 |
Originally posted by Judi:
Originally posted by MWitt:
Judi & everyone else who posted your wedding photos.
Absolutely stunning shots, everyone! And I love the movie slideshow you did, Judi. What a great idea, and so well put together.
I've only done two weddings. The first one was done at a retirement home. It was very dark and very orange!! I shot everything without flash and all with my Canon 50mm 1.8.
Wedding1
The second wedding was just a few weeks back on June 24th. This couple had an uncle who happened to be a minister. The church used to be an old house converted into a church. Very ugly place, with paneling and unfinished entry.I shot this one with my kit lens (18-55mm) from the 300D mostly. The few I did of the bride and groom outside I did with the 50mm. I envy those of you who have actually photographed weddings at a real church! LOL
Wedding2
I found them to be extremely stressful. I didn't get much sleep the night before both of them.
Does this wear off after a few more weddings? Or does anyone else have the jitters really bad before hand?
Just curious. Cheers....Martin |
Martin...you did a great job with those weddings. You are certainly on the right track for a great future.
I would suggest watching your fill in flash as it burnt them out a bit on a couple of the images. Try investing in a good flash and diffuser as well as try and replace the kit lens with a good walk around lens. The better the lens the better the control.
As for the sleep...well no matter whether I am doing a wedding or a rodeo...I will always have a rough night the night before. When my partner (not my hubby) and I go away on trips we share the same motel room and he will vouch for how much I talk in my sleep. But he knows that the next night I am fine and sleep well.
It never goes unfortunately. But instead look at it this way. If you are worked up about the job it means you are alert and that means the job has your full attention. Without that you can't do a proper job. |
Thanks Judi! Wise words indeed!
The plan is to have a Canon 5D and the Canon 24-70mm F/2.8 by Oct or Nov. I'm hoping that will help with my confidence a little too. Just glad to hear that someone else feels the same. Sounds like you have a partner to help during the wedding. That would really be helpful. I was just thinking during this last wedding how nice it would be to have someone to help me round up people for photos while I'm shooting. Someone to help me remember all of the different shots that need to be taken. Flash is my my weak suite when it comes to photography. You're right, I need to get a good one and then learn how to use it.
Anyway, thanks again! Peace! |
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07/22/2006 12:06:45 AM · #71 |
Originally posted by Judi:
Originally posted by Bosborne:
Here's one of the latest photos I took at a friend's wedding.
I just think it needed the added graphic touch...
This was my ending shot of the video that I wish I had a way to post!.
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I left you a comment and I am sorry you can't view my shows on the Mac. I still haven't worked out why. |
I know! I feel like I'm left out. I really want to see what everyone is raving about. I'm sure they're fantastic, but I wanna see em. I'll wait patiently until you work out the kinks. Thanks!
Message edited by author 2006-07-22 00:07:27. |
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07/22/2006 12:10:29 AM · #72 |
Originally posted by Bosborne:
Originally posted by Judi:
Originally posted by Bosborne:
Here's one of the latest photos I took at a friend's wedding.
I just think it needed the added graphic touch...
This was my ending shot of the video that I wish I had a way to post!.
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I left you a comment and I am sorry you can't view my shows on the Mac. I still haven't worked out why. |
I know! I feel like I'm left out. I really want to see what everyone is raving about. I'm sure they're fantastic, but I wanna see em. I'll wait patiently until you work out the kinks. Thanks! |
Try this and see if it helps you. I don't have a Mac so I don't have much option. The other programme I use makes them way to big for the web.
For Mac Users for viewing WMV.
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07/22/2006 12:18:02 AM · #73 |
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07/22/2006 12:27:19 AM · #74 |
OK... here's a generic question...
How do you get your first client?
I've got no siblings, nor does my wife, my son is far below marrying age, as are all my friend's children.
I feel like taking out a billboard: "Please give me the chance to learn my craft at the most important day of your life!"
I've done portraits and commercial work for hire, so I think I can handle the pressure and have the technical skills. I just don't know how to find that rare idiot who will hire me sight unseen with no portfolio to show for myself. Or should try to find another photog to second for and get some portfolio material that way? Any ideas on where to find them (besides the yellow pages!)? Any other great ideas?
I've gotten one suggestion for Craig's List, but unfortunatley there isn't one for my area. :(
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07/22/2006 10:56:32 PM · #75 |
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