any wedding tips? - DPChallenge Forums

Lensbaby 1.0 (The Original)

06/09/2004 10:49:19 PM · #1

I'm headed to two weddings in the next week, both of which I'll also be in the party either as a groomsman or usher. Anyway, I'm also bringing my camera and want to know if anyone out there has any tips for great sideline shooting/special shots to look for that others forget about.

Message edited by author 2004-06-09 22:49:40.

alanbataar

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

06/09/2004 11:07:07 PM · #2

I've just recently shot 3 weddings for friends, and some of the things I got that I thought were pretty cool were: the bride wearing RayBans just before the ceremony, a close up of the bride with a white-knuckle grip on her wedding gown, a shot of a bunch of groomsmens shoes (shiny patent leather, standing in a tight knot ) various people's expressions during the ceremonies, and if you're tyring to shoot a "complete" set, I tried to arrive early enough to get pix of the altar and flowers, and some exterior shots of the facilities. Some of the "artsy shots" included flower arangements on the tables at the reception, softly-lit short DOF shots of seating cards, those little bags of candy, half-eaten wedding cake, half-empty wine glasses with red lipstick, and of course, dancing. If you're interested in getting yourself in the shots, hand off the camera to someone else during the ceremony.

TooCool

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

06/09/2004 11:10:23 PM · #3

Yeah don't get married! :-O

(looking around for the ol' lady...)

06/09/2004 11:16:36 PM · #4

thanks, I'm just doing snapshots as they've hired a professional to do things right but as they know I have a decent camera and I enjoy using itk, they'd like me to be snaphappy. Plus I'm not looking to get in the pro's way, just capture some of the less well known or captured elements of the day...I'm borrowing a friend's 70-200L f/2.8 and am seriously considering buying one but although I love the quality, the bulk is a pain, so I'm still considering the fixed 200mm f2.8 or fixed 80,100,or 135 lenses, but as I'm getting a decent prime collection I really look forward to a great walking around lens. I've got the 28-105mm f3.5-5.6 but I'm really not happy with it, thinking the 28-135mm would be alot better (considering the costs) Thanks for your ideas, and giving me some things to think about

06/09/2004 11:22:47 PM · #5

Try to distance yourself from the "official" photographer. Presumably, he'll already have his particular angle covered. Look for another/better angle on the standard shots, and head for another part of the room on the rest. With more coverage, there's a better chance of getting a great shot between the two of you.

Pay special attention to the couple's favorite friends and relatives, especially those with small children. This is likely one of the few times that they're all dressed up and together for family portraits.

Make sure you have an extra battery, external flash, and plenty of flash storage. I typically end up taking more shots than the guy that's getting paid to do the job. Post the better shots within 24 hours and email the couple. The last time I did this, the newlyweds logged onto the internet during their honeymoon in Europe to see their special day, and they were thrilled. Good luck!

P.S.- this is the home turf for Canon's 50mm f/1.8

Message edited by author 2004-06-09 23:25:15.

06/09/2004 11:29:27 PM · #6

Thanks, great tips scalvert. I'm in love with the 50/1.8 I still just think I need to get a little closer...maybe a 100mm/2

06/09/2004 11:36:00 PM · #7

The 100mm is too narrow for group shots- you'd have to back up out of flash range. You won't want to change lenses often (probably two lenses, max). Most photo ops at the reception/dancing will be at relatively close range or wide angle. For the ceremony, give your cam to someone technically-minded in the first row (on the bride's side), and pre-set it for them. Outdoor shots, of course, are no problem for your usual lenses.

Message edited by author 2004-06-09 23:43:12.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

06/09/2004 11:53:56 PM · #8

One more thought for shooting a group of photos at the same distance using a really low aperture (your helper shooting the ceremony from a pew, for example)... set the focus manually. You'll only have to set it once, but the camera won't have to hunt on subsequent shots, and you don't have to worry about it focusing on some Calla lily in the background during the kiss. Just don't forget that it's on manual focus later!

EddyG

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

06/10/2004 12:40:42 AM · #9

Definitely use the 70-200. I've shot a few weddings (as a guest) and this is by far my favorite lens to use, especially for capturing people without being all "in-your-face up-close-and-personal" with the camera. If it is the IS version, all the better! I personally don't find the size to be a problem, and I always use the lens hood (not so much because of glare, but because it offers additional protection.)

You didn't say if it was indoor or outdoor, afternoon or evening... but I'd strongly recommend an external flash like the 550EX. If you're lucky, there will be low, white ceilings that you can bounce off of for more natural looking light, otherwise something like the Lumiquest 80/20 works good.

If it is really dimly lit, but have an external flash, and have the IS version of the 70-200, you should be able to drag the shutter pretty effectively. You may need to shoot at 800 or even 1600, but that shouldn't be a big deal for the 10D...

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

06/10/2004 12:59:22 AM · #10

I'd love the IS version of the 70-200L but unfortunately that is way out of my price range...I'd be more that happy with the f2.8 nonIS...thanks for the links; the later one being very good. Actually I accidently performed that once and loved the effect with a longish hand exposure...because the flash acted as a time stopping strobe for my subjects they were perfectly in focus and frozen in time but the background's light bleed through with the longer exposure and had an interesting wavy/blurry look. LoL I just didn't know at the time how to reproduce the effect. thanks!

biohazard

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 35mm f/2.0

06/10/2004 05:32:59 AM · #11

Originally posted by scalvert:

Pay special attention to the couple's favorite friends and relatives, especially those with small children. This is likely one of the few times that they're all dressed up and together for family portraits.

Thats where your pics will have an edge over the pro. (presumably) You know the most improtant people there, ie favourite friends and relatives. I think that can make all the difference. My aunt was married last year and the pro managed to shoot 10 rolls of film, nearly all were of people's dates or distant invitees that no one really knows that well. Her wedding album consists more of pics from other guests than the pro because they knew who and what to photograph.

Canon EOS-60D

06/10/2004 07:02:12 AM · #12

You know, at weddings, everyone focuses on the bride, her attendants, the flowers, the cake...which is wonderful and beautiful, and will make for gorgeous pictures. But you will have such an interesting and (for lack of a better term) often "ignored" perspective...that of the MEN. Maybe you could get a few pictures for the groom's memory book...maybe him and his father in a candid moment, or him and his best man, or him with the ring bearer, or some things that focus on him at the reception...I don't know. I know all of our wedding pictures seem to focus on me and my family, with a few snaps of my husband (with me of course) and his family. My husband has often remarked that he wished he was in more of the pictures. I know it's a bride's special day, but it's special for the groom as well. As always, it's just a thought. :o)

edited a typo

Message edited by author 2004-06-10 09:19:09.

06/10/2004 08:10:42 AM · #13

Originally posted by laurielblack:

...you will have such an interesting and (for lack of a better term) often "ignored" perspective...that of the MEN.

Try to get a shot of the groom's face as the bride appears for the first time. That should be one of he biggest smiles of the evening (at least it was at MY wedding). ;-)

06/10/2004 09:24:59 AM · #14

outstanding idea laurie!...perfect too, because both of the weddings which I'll participate in, I'm a friend or family of the groom.

That's why I love this place...I'm able to glean different and inspiring perspectives which can make ALL the difference.

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/10/2004 12:29:29 PM · #15

From the weddings I have attended and have been in (but was not the 'official' photographer, here's what I have done: I kept a close eye on what the photographer was catching, and I tried to catch other angles or things happening at the same time at the opposite end of the room. A photographer can't be everywhere at once!

Here are some types of shots I love taking that photographers don't always do:
1. close ups of the cake frosting and design from artistic angles
2. close ups of the flowers
3. shots of the dinner and dinner plate set up
4. artistic photos of people toasting and drinking wine while looking at the bride & groom
5. people blowing bubbles (again, close up)
6. ladies re-powdering their noses in the restrooms
7. bride & groom getting ready. The photographer is usually with one or the other, not in both places at once, so I go to the other place
8. the bride having a pre-wedding glass of champaign
9. the rings: photographers often take this shot, but sometimes forget or opt not to. I always make sure to get this one, on the wedding day (a nice close up with lace or flowers in hand or nearby)
10. I try to capture different angles of the 1st dance
11. I know photographers try to focus on family a lot (for candids and dances), but I like to focus on the bride & groom's friends... what are they up to during the reception? Dancing, being silly at their tables, hanging out at the bar
12. Decorating the get-a-way car: the photographer may be busy with the bride & groom during this time and so this is a good opportunity for you to capture this

Often the photographer takes a certain amount of rolls of film, or is hired for a specified time period, and you might be there before and after they leave... so take advantage of those times and get shots for the bride and groom.

Also, some photographers only shoot in color, so maybe you want to convert some of your photos of the kissing and dancing to B/W or Sepia for the couple and hand it to them as a gift a few weeks later.

By the way, I am also a wedding planner for almost ALL my friends, and so I have been able to see from both points of view (the couple during the entire process and their likes & dislikes) and from the photographers point of view.

Good Luck & have fun!

You can easily stay out of the photographers way during the entire night. If you want to mimic any of his/her photos, let his/her flash go off first, then do yours after (out of respect).

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/10/2004 12:45:46 PM · #16

Originally posted by biohazard:

Originally posted by scalvert:
Pay special attention to the couple's favorite friends and relatives, especially those with small children. This is likely one of the few times that they're all dressed up and together for family portraits.

Thats where your pics will have an edge over the pro. (presumably) You know the most improtant people there, ie favourite friends and relatives. I think that can make all the difference. My aunt was married last year and the pro managed to shoot 10 rolls of film, nearly all were of people's dates or distant invitees that no one really knows that well. Her wedding album consists more of pics from other guests than the pro because they knew who and what to photograph.

That I think reflects badly on that particular 'pro' if they didn't bother to find out who was important in the first place...

Some of my favourite wedding pictures came from friends who took more candid shots, while the main photographer concentrated on the 'event' It is worth paying attention to what is happening 'in the opposite direction' the bride/ groom and getting reactions and stuff - you can assume maybe that the paid photographer will focus more on the happy couple

Gordon

RIM BlackBerry Curve

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/10/2004 12:48:11 PM · #17

Originally posted by ericsuth:

Thanks, great tips scalvert. I'm in love with the 50/1.8 I still just think I need to get a little closer...maybe a 100mm/2

The 50 is a great lens for weddings

Message edited by author 2004-06-10 12:48:25.

06/10/2004 01:49:31 PM · #18

thanks mirodonamy, I need to create a list of shots similiar to what the pro may use but with the "other sideline" type shots they usually can't get to. Thanks for the start on that list. Beautiful shot too gordon

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/10/2004 03:58:27 PM · #19

Here are some shots I took that were not also taken by the official photographer:

A B/W one: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030621-19-kiss.jpg

It's not a great shot, but they are so happy I took this: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-28.jpg

I arranged all the 'high school' friends together for a reunion shot. The photographer would never have known who to gather for this one: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-32.jpg

While the photographer is up in front of the bride, you go get next to the ladies: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-50.jpg & //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-52.jpg

Bouquet close up: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-60.jpg

Where did they get married? oh yeah... that's where! Take a photo of the building or structures that enhance the building: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-62.jpg

The photographer may not feel comfortable getting this close to the wild & crazy friends of the bride & groom, but you sure can: //www.mirdonamy.com/images/content/events/030405-gallers-67.jpg

The guestbook and gift table: //www.mirdonamy.com/wedding/guest.jpg

Empty, ready to party in, reception hall: //www.mirdonamy.com/wedding/dining.jpg

Fun photos my friends took at my wedding: //www.mirdonamy.com/wedding/drinking.html

My really good wedding photos are on private-shares in Shutterfly, and I can't find them right now since hte links are at home. So, these are just basically some ideas to work with!

Have a great time too... don't forget why you are there! :) Arie

contestguru

Nikon D70s

06/13/2004 02:06:31 PM · #20

I used to do a fair bit of wedding photography professionally. I ended up doing several weddings for friends, as their wedding gift (BIG GIFT). I was so tense and uptight about not missing the perfect shot, about having a camera malfunction, about being unobtrusive, about everything, I did not get to attend my friends' weddings! I had a check list of 200 photos to get and that was my mission.

The thing is ... when you are behind the camera, you are not at the wedding.

So my tip is to get some great and unusual photos (everyone here has some great ideas ... but not to get so caught up in the picture taking that you miss "being in" the special moments because you are taking photos OF the special moments!

Have FUN and ENJOY your weddings and your friends.

Contest Guru
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