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08/12/2010 10:20:20 PM · #1 |
...not that it looks particularly easy, anyway.
Did my 1st wedding this past weekend. That is some serious, 12-hour, 300 squat thrust (oh, my friggin' thighs!), running around, socially awkward stuff, man. I am in awe of any of you who do that for a living. Let me ask you some questions and make a couple of observations, if I may. Oh, and post a couple of my images for some C&C, please & thank you.
- How do you manage all your gear? I had my bag with camera, lenses and flashes, lightstand, Lastolite softbox, home-made reflector card...I spent too much time either packing or unpacking gear, or trying to carry it all while moving fast. How light do you travel when shooting a wedding?
- What about the actual ceremony? I felt the images I got during the ceremony sucked, because I didn't want to be bopping all over the place while they were reading their vows or taking their communion. Do you park yourself and try not to disturb the ceremony too much, or do you just climb over pews and relatives, and get down on the floor for the shot?
- When you're trying to round everyone up for the traditional bride-with-groom's parents and family portraits post-ceremony, do you slip in to pushy football coach-mode? After all, they're there to celebrate the union of their offspring, and I was trying to corral and steer them around. What's your method? Pre-plan this stuff and lay it all out, or just group 'em and shoot 'em?
- It may be different on a strictly professional level (the groom was the brother of an associate of mine who happened to see some of my images and wanted me to shoot his wedding), but do you feel compelled to socialize at all, or are you all business? I found myself making small talk with people I barely knew, because I didn't want to seem rude...but I missed a shot or two at the reception because of it.
- In terms of gear, I had my body, a 17-40, a 28-135, 50mm 1.8 and my 70-200. I can't say I used them all equally, at the bride's house it was all 17-40 and 50mm, ceremony was mainly the 17-40 and the 70-200, but the reception was pretty much entirely shot with the 28-135. It felt like the right focal lengths. What's your formula?
So, here are a couple of the 1400 or so images I captured that day (good thing they're on a one-month honeymoon :-). Comments & Critique would be most appreciated. Are there any poses/setups that you consider an essential part of a wedding album? It feels like I probably forgot a few...
   
  
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08/12/2010 10:50:44 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by david_c:
...not that it looks particularly easy, anyway.
- How do you manage all your gear? I had my bag with camera, lenses and flashes, lightstand, Lastolite softbox, home-made reflector card...I spent too much time either packing or unpacking gear, or trying to carry it all while moving fast. How light do you travel when shooting a wedding? |
Wait until you are using two bodies with different lenses and a bracket with a flash attached. You find a style that works for you and unless you have an assistant, you have to anticipate what is coming and be ready with the right gear.
Originally posted by david_c:
- What about the actual ceremony? I felt the images I got during the ceremony sucked, because I didn't want to be bopping all over the place while they were reading their vows or taking their communion. Do you park yourself and try not to disturb the ceremony too much, or do you just climb over pews and relatives, and get down on the floor for the shot? |
It will depend on the venue and the officiant. Some will be very strict about where you shoot from, or if you even can shoot during the ceremony. In general, you want to be discreet during the ceremony, no need to be making a nuisance of yourself.
Originally posted by david_c:
- When you're trying to round everyone up for the traditional bride-with-groom's parents and family portraits post-ceremony, do you slip in to pushy football coach-mode? After all, they're there to celebrate the union of their offspring, and I was trying to corral and steer them around. What's your method? Pre-plan this stuff and lay it all out, or just group 'em and shoot 'em? |
It helps to get an 'assistant' that the Bride or Groom designates that can round people up for you (and can identify if someone is missing). You won't likely know many people there, and having a strong person to help makes things flow better.
Originally posted by david_c:
- It may be different on a strictly professional level (the groom was the brother of an associate of mine who happened to see some of my images and wanted me to shoot his wedding), but do you feel compelled to socialize at all, or are you all business? I found myself making small talk with people I barely knew, because I didn't want to seem rude...but I missed a shot or two at the reception because of it. |
You are there to do a job, not chat with guests. There are points where the action slows a bit that allows some chit-chat, but mostly you'll be taking pictures. You shouldn't be missing getting shots because you are making small talk with a guest.
You did good for your first time if these are representative of the rest.
Message edited by author 2010-08-12 22:53:17.
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08/13/2010 11:41:27 AM · #3 |
| Thanks, Dave...day shift bump. |
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08/13/2010 01:56:19 PM · #4 |
Hi David - will read through and give you an indepth answer to your questions. Will get around to that tonight. But on first viewing, well done! Loving that quaint little church though! Shooting towards the big window during the ceremony is a lighting nightmare though - I dont envy you on that one!
If you have any other shots you want fair and honest critique on then drop me a link or something.
But in answer to the topic - it isnt as easy as it looks, although you do get into a groove eventually, but each wedding has it own little quirks. |
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08/13/2010 04:08:24 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Simms:
If you have any other shots you want fair and honest critique on then drop me a link or something. |
Sweet, thanks Mark. Sent you a PM with a link. Feel free to be brutal, I want to learn. |
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09/20/2010 11:26:35 PM · #6 |
Some of it depends on your style. There is the "Active Director" or the "Passive Sports Shooter" types. Both can do very well. Some brides and grooms are natural actors, some are shy and need coaxing. It's like do you create the scenery for your photographs or do you set it up. Whichever is your preferemce.
Scouting out the venues for lighting and possible shooting angles can be helpful. If there is a rehersal for the ceremony, I'd go to it. Some actually preset camera settings and save them on the camera menu. I wouldn't do one without a lighting assistant, who could also help carry equipment.
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09/20/2010 11:38:02 PM · #7 |
you got some good ones! your processing is a relief. i have seen a lot of photographers who do creative editing, but for a wedding, dont think its needed. so thank you! :)
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09/20/2010 11:38:41 PM · #8 |
- How do you manage all your gear? I had my bag with camera, lenses and flashes, lightstand, Lastolite softbox, home-made reflector card...I spent too much time either packing or unpacking gear, or trying to carry it all while moving fast. How light do you travel when shooting a wedding?
Assistant/second shooter
- What about the actual ceremony? I felt the images I got during the ceremony sucked, because I didn't want to be bopping all over the place while they were reading their vows or taking their communion. Do you park yourself and try not to disturb the ceremony too much, or do you just climb over pews and relatives, and get down on the floor for the shot?
Move around, get the shot... just don't become part of the show... moving is fine... getting in the bride's face during the ceremony, not fine.
- When you're trying to round everyone up for the traditional bride-with-groom's parents and family portraits post-ceremony, do you slip in to pushy football coach-mode? After all, they're there to celebrate the union of their offspring, and I was trying to corral and steer them around. What's your method? Pre-plan this stuff and lay it all out, or just group 'em and shoot 'em?
Get EVERYBODY in first and peel people off and let them go do what ever... also, my second-shooter handles coaching/posing...your maid-of-honor should also be utilized.
- It may be different on a strictly professional level (the groom was the brother of an associate of mine who happened to see some of my images and wanted me to shoot his wedding), but do you feel compelled to socialize at all, or are you all business? I found myself making small talk with people I barely knew, because I didn't want to seem rude...but I missed a shot or two at the reception because of it.
I'll just say I met my girlfriend at a wedding reception... and leave it at that :) I also meet future clients, usually more interested in boudoir than wedding photography.
- In terms of gear, I had my body, a 17-40, a 28-135, 50mm 1.8 and my 70-200. I can't say I used them all equally, at the bride's house it was all 17-40 and 50mm, ceremony was mainly the 17-40 and the 70-200, but the reception was pretty much entirely shot with the 28-135. It felt like the right focal lengths. What's your formula?
Use what works for ya. Just make sure to have backups.
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