Wisdom Needed: Scared Photograher in Need

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

10/11/2007 07:20:01 PM · #51

Originally posted by Jmnuggy:

I sent you a PM, I could have a 24-70 2.8L and a 580 EX II speedlite to you by Sat. Throw in the 85 1.8 or 1.2 and you have a pretty kick ass wedding rig. You would need to let me know soon, time is ticking.

Justin

That 85mm 1.2L would do nicely for the dim light you'll be shooting in. It is TWO AND A THIRD stops faster than even a 2.8 lens! In other words, if you get 1/30th of a second at f/2.8, you'll be shooting at 1/160th of a second at f/1.2.

I just rented that lens from Justin and returned in this week. It's a sweet lens!

wavelength

Nikon D300

10/11/2007 07:20:05 PM · #52

Which church is it?

srdanz

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

10/11/2007 07:24:39 PM · #53

Originally posted by CalamitysMaster00:

Well, I do want you all to know that I appreciate all your comments and some of the advice really helped me to see what I can do with what I have - the ISO, focus.... and I did rent a lens for the weekend. Found one at Labrador for only 35$ for the weekend. Its a 2.8 70-200 and is all they had free.

I want you all to know, those who say - "Quit now and get a PRO to do the job". That her PRO photographer she hired cut out on her early... that is why I took the job. She lost a 500$ deposit to the man who fell through. She needed someone quick and she knows I don't do weddings. I'm smart enough to know that I am in over my head when it comes to weddings - that is why I asked for your help.

However, I don't know who can measure a pro vs. an ameature but I hardly consider myself stupid or a quitter. I'm only 23 and I already make a living with my work. I get the opportunity to do what I love and can do it full time. I don't do weddings - too much liabity and my hats off to those who do, its really hard work. I'm honored that she chose me by work of mouth and though I'm still a bit scared, I'm a bit more modivated now just to show you guys that someone can do something big and scary and still prevail.

Thanks again and I can't wait till Sunday when this whole thing will be over and I'll be in editing mode. ;)

Good luck!

Now, what you wrote here contradicts itself - on one hand you mention that you do not want to g into wedding photography because of the liability, and on the other you talk about photog that walked out on your B&G and leaving them $500 lighter.... I'd like to work with that kind of liability!

Good luck again. Bring a lot of CF cards, and shoot a lot.

NVPhoto

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

10/11/2007 07:45:01 PM · #54

you will do fine with that lens, if there is available light you have the right tool. If its totally dark and you can't use flash there isn't a photographer here who could do anything with that scenario. Also, there have been people saying you need time to adjust to a new lens, thats crazy, you need about 5 frames to see what your focal lengths can do.

Have fun.
JM

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/11/2007 07:56:46 PM · #55

Originally posted by Nald:

hehe GO get'em girl!

Go get 'em indeed... hope it all works well for you!

CalamitysMaster00

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM II

10/11/2007 07:58:53 PM · #56

I just know that with getting married soon myself, that this is a huge event and it cannot be flopped. I adjust quickly to lenses and new equipment but mostly I just wanted to know if there were any tips beyond the obvious that might help me out.

I truly do think things will be fine - for god sakes, I've seen some HORRIBLE "pro" wedding pictures that just make me cringe. I'm being super hard on myself because this is a once - in a lifetime day for the bride and I want to make it special. I'm sure she is hoping for the best and expecting the worst because I have told her that the ceremony pics will be limited, but all in all - one good shot will make me happy. I just appreciate everyone's concern.

I know that if I ever need a good roasting or a good hot topic I can come hang my laundry out to dry here. ;)

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

10/11/2007 08:28:26 PM · #57

My brother used to be a very in demand wedding photog before he found his architecture photog niche, and he always did as

alanfreed suggested, and had the wedding party redo the critical poses after the ceremony, when he could use fill flash, and have the lights up.
A monopod if you have one is a good idea too, even with the faster glass it will help by at least one click on stopping camera shake, and may not be a problem with the church people.
I am happy to hear that you have some faster lenses to use for this.
Be sure to check out what white balance to use with the existing light shots. I would guess to use tungsten W/B or a custom one for the candle light, and don't forget to change back when you begin shooting flash.
For the group shots, have the bride appoint someone that she knows to organize the people, or you bring someone who can do that for you. Things will be moving so fast that it is difficult if not impossible to keep your mind on the camera and "ride herd" on a big group of people at the same time esp without a lot of experience with wedding shooting.
I can't stress enough about having extra cards and battery ready to go.
You will be spoiled by the big glass, and will never be happy again until you have your own LOL. : )
Ok, you can relax now, and I hope that you will get some awesome shots of this wedding.

rossbilly

Nikon D200

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

10/11/2007 08:35:05 PM · #58

No doubt you'll have lots of work to be proud of... AND it's a good learning experience!

Best of luck to you Sarah. (and don't forget to TRY to relax!)

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/11/2007 10:50:20 PM · #59

Go get 'em! I'm happy to hear you have a 2.8 lens and that expectations are probably low (that's always a good thing for anybody. ;)).

MikeJ

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/11/2007 11:00:53 PM · #60

Originally posted by CalamitysMaster00:

Well, the above is a lot different than how you started this thread saying you were peeing your pants beause you were so scared about doing this. I guess adding a little drama and sensationalizing things a bit does get more attention. But I've seen a lot of photographers convince themselves that they can do a job... until they get into it and find out just how not ready they were. For the bride and groom and their friends and family's sake, I hope you are right in now saying that "...things will be fine."

Mike

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

10/12/2007 12:01:29 AM · #61

I'm confused.... Sounds like the widest you have is 70mm on a 1.6 crop. Unless the other shooter has wide then I don't see how you will get people out of the way for the distance you are going to need at the reception e.t.c. Good luck....

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/12/2007 12:27:56 AM · #62

Originally posted by CalamitysMaster00:

I know that if I ever need a good roasting or a good hot topic I can come hang my laundry out to dry here. ;)

Post pictures.

NstiG8tr

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

10/12/2007 01:18:31 AM · #63

I'd still beg for, steal or borrow $75 and go get a 50mm 1.8 to have with me too.

fotomann_forever

10/12/2007 01:39:59 AM · #64

Renting the 85 f/1.2L would be your best bet for the ceremony. You should have a tripod or monopod too, since you will be forced into one position.

The combo should get you good pics for the ceremony.

Now, let's cheat:
Got wireless flash triggers? Send an assistant into the crowd. Show them where to point the flash and when. Don't do it a lot, but you can use it creatively a few times during the ceremony if needed.

BTW, I got that cheating idea from a book on pro wedding photography. Since the rules usually don't prohibit guests from using flash.

Message edited by author 2007-10-12 01:46:39.

bledford

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

10/12/2007 01:53:24 AM · #65

Check out sites like //www.tyingtheknot.net/ for last minute compositional ideas. No matter what your equipment, take time at the event to relax and catch the little things...the rare and special moments that a "pro" photographer might not care to seek out.

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

10/12/2007 01:57:42 AM · #66

Originally posted by bledford:

Awesome site. Thanks for sharing!

TCGuru

Canon EOS-40D

10/12/2007 03:52:51 AM · #67

Originally posted by CalamitysMaster00:

Just remember sweetie, get in that church and practice practice practice with your new equipment. That is what will make the difference. Post up some pics so we can see em after you kick butt!!

Good luck!! (again!) :)

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

10/12/2007 07:11:14 AM · #68

Agreed. Be prepared. Have an idea of where you will be standing and be ready WELL in advance of any critical shots. Choose which shots you really want to get and be READY.

Get that focus nailed. I ditched my 50mm f/1.8 because it was too inconsistent. Using better lenses gives you a LOT more breathing room. Everyone always says about how sharp the 50mm can be, but it also misses focus on a high number of shots (I've used 3 of them). If it were me, I'd bite the bullet and get the 50mm f/1.4 (mine wears a rubber lens hood because it's quite susceptible to oblique light) AF is VERY accurate and LIGHTNING fast. Worth every single penny. And you don't have to give it back afterwards. You won't want to.

Find a couple of friends and get them to kiss as a practice for you in the same lighting conditions as you expect in the wedding venue. Watch how the different parts of the face move throughout the motion and try to pick out some places for focusing. Move around them a bit to see how different angles are affected throughout the motion.

Ask the bride and groom to HOLD THEIR KISS AS STILL AS POSSIBLE until they hear THREE shutter clicks. Or whatever you think you will need. Remember, ask for three shutter clicks and you they will move after two.

If it's dim, you may very well be facing a bit of focus hunting. Be careful of that too. Remember that focus assist for some cams is a series of pre-flashes. You don't want to get kicked out because of those - especially if you never even got a shot...

Be in the locale beforehand and have you spots picked out for where to get pre and post ceremony shots that you think are important. You may have to stay in one spot during the ceremony, but this might not be so strictly enforced if you can snap one off as she comes down the aisle, then purposefully and discreetly take your assigned place.

VITAL: Make SURE that your assigned location is compatible with your available focal lengths!!!!

If at all possible, attend the rehearsal.

Don't try to cheat. You risk causing a scene (or rather you risk being the recipient of someone else causing a scene) and that is a sure-fire way of 'ruining' their event. Know what you are dealing with and be prepared.

Don't think twice about it. You MUST shoot RAW. Bring a MINIMUM of 4GB and two separate cards.

Shooting ISO 1250 is not too bad on my 30D, but I have no idea how it is on the 400XTI.

If you really get stuck, push the durned ISO and get the shot. Noise can be explained away, but if you can't get a decent, sharp, non-motion-blurred shot, you haven't got anything.

If you do end up with excessive noise, a combination of masked noise reduction layers, careful use of sharpening, and soft focus filters in photoshop can help a LOT.

hankk

Canon EOS-5D

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

10/12/2007 07:57:03 AM · #69

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

Be sure to check out what white balance to use with the existing light shots. I would guess to use tungsten W/B or a custom one for the candle light, and don't forget to change back when you begin shooting flash.

Lots of churches use compact fluorescent bulbs (the little twisty ones) so shoot RAW so you can correct later. If you can, take a shot of a grey card or white balance target before and after the ceremony in the same light. And watch out for mixed lighting (daylight and tungsten or fluorescent).

10/12/2007 08:02:39 AM · #70

Originally posted by hankk:

And watch out for mixed lighting (daylight and tungsten or fluorescent).

And if the lighting gets *too* complicated, convert the image to B&W in post. ;-)

(I sure hope nobody thinks that's cheating because I sure do it a lot!)

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/12/2007 08:09:15 AM · #71

Originally posted by eschelar:

Ask the bride and groom to HOLD THEIR KISS AS STILL AS POSSIBLE until they hear THREE shutter clicks. Or whatever you think you will need. Remember, ask for three shutter clicks and you they will move after two.

To me this seems like a really bad idea. I'd hope the last thing on the bride and groom's mind at that moment in time would be worrying about what the photographer is doing and posing. It seems intrusive and rude to be asking them to think about it, really.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

10/12/2007 08:11:32 AM · #72

I think he may have been referring to the "proxy bride and groom" (the friends that he was suggesting that be asked to help out in the previous paragraph).

Apple iPhone 5

10/12/2007 08:19:26 AM · #73

If I was the groom I'd want the kiss to last for at least 4 shutter clicks.

And doesn't the FPS of the camera come into the equation as well? A Canon 1D Mk3 would result in a kiss length of 0.3 seconds.