Wedding Photo Shoot - Results - DPChallenge Forums

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

07/13/2004 05:34:22 AM · #1

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice last week on the wedding I was conned into shooting.

I was happy enough with the results, even though the weather went to pot for the outside shots.

I don't see me doing another, as it is not a line of work I'd want to get into (this was done for free as a favour) but I learnt a lot of useful stuff doing this one .... particularly not to be distracted talking cameras with another enthusiast at the wedding, or you may miss them bringing out desert!!!!!

This was also the first time that I have really felt the limitation of the 420EX flash and wish I had the 550EX instead, although I still think the 420 is a decent unit.

Anyway, a few of my favourites from the shoot, made easy I admit as she was a very photogenic bride indeed.

All just with some basic USM except the one with the back of the groom's head and the bride looking down, which is probably a 50% crop of the original.

Message edited by author 2004-07-13 05:35:29.

Nelzie

Canon EOS-30D

07/13/2004 06:38:29 AM · #2

Holy Wedding Shots Batman!

Those are some excellent shots. Better then a few of the shots from my own wedding.

You did an excellent job! Congratulations! I hope the bride and groom are as happy with the shots as they should be. I don't think that I would change anything with your setup. Those are some extremely crisp and clean shots.

I would like to see what the first shot looks like with a soft focus filter applied though photoshop. It seems appropriate for that shot.

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

07/13/2004 06:02:41 PM · #3

Thanks Nelzie :)

In reality though there were some good shots and an awful lot of very average ones, but overall I think they'll have enough to be happy.

Yup, have been considering stuffing around with soft focus on some of them, and also playing with b&w or sepia for some.

Brooklynsbridge

Minolta DiMAGE S414

07/13/2004 06:11:57 PM · #4

I think they are great. But can I make a few small suggestions?

Wedding pic # 3,5,and 6: Use the dodge tool to whiten up her (and the bridesmaids) teeth a little.
Wedding pic # 4: Crop out part of the top of the tree..I think it makes the picture too lenghty. I would like to see more of the couple than the tree. Just some ameature suggestions.

Message edited by author 2004-07-13 18:12:54.

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

07/13/2004 06:13:34 PM · #5

This past weekend, I did my first wedding shoot, too. Here is one of the pictures:

It was really much more difficult than I thought. I knew the lighting would be a nightmare as I took test shots at the rehersal. It was outside at 2pm in very bright sunshine. The reception and dance were in a very dark room. However, the biggest problem I had were relatives and friends (mostly of the groom)with their video cams & cameras who were in my way on almost every shot. It frustrated me to wits end. Taking the pictures was my gift to the couple - have known the bride since she was a small child.

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

07/13/2004 06:15:44 PM · #6

Originally posted by Sammie:

This past weekend, I did my first wedding shoot, too. Here is one of the pictures:

It was really much more difficult than I thought. I knew the lighting would be a nightmare as I took test shots at the rehersal. It was outside at 2pm in very bright sunshine. The reception and dance were in a very dark room. However, the biggest problem I had were relatives and friends (mostly of the groom)with their video cams & cameras who were in my way on almost every shot. It frustrated me to wits end. Taking the pictures was my gift to the couple - have known the bride since she was a small child.

Left a comment.

Kylie

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35

07/13/2004 06:19:19 PM · #7

Natador: Very good job done! I would hire you! As far as whitening teeth and stuff, I think that might be a personal choice for the bride and groom. Some people prefer to have their photo very "real" and others enjoy having them optimized. Beautiful takes you did!!!

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

07/13/2004 06:23:31 PM · #8

This one is my favorite, Natator:

They really look happy! I wish I could have gotten a nice uncluttered shot of my bridal couple like this. You did a wonderful job on all the pictures. I really liked the "looking up" angle on some of them. That was a good idea.

08/12/2004 03:31:59 PM · #9

AWESOME shots. I am also doing a friends wedding- not until April. One of those things where they are on a budget/2nd wedding deal. So it was cool to see some of your pics.

Question for you. I just recently got a digital rebel and ordered a 420ex flash because I hear the color is so much better, and I feel the flash on the rebel stinks. Anyways, I didn't even think about the flash when I take vert. portraits. What did you do. Did you have a bracket or anything???

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/12/2004 06:03:10 PM · #10

Thanks for the comments there Sammie, Kylie and Crystal (he says in a very delayed way as he only just spotted the reply as I have been away *laugh*

Mugshot ...

I used the 420ex, it's a great unit. Not sure exactly what a "bracket" is, but yes, I think I used one *laugh* I'll assume that is the sort of metal thing you put the flash on that comes off the side of the camera, rather than the flash sitting on the top.

I got a cheap one (about $20 I think it was) and it worked really well. The only problem with it is you need to do it up stupidly tight or else when you use it as a steadying handle it twists round.

One thing I learned with it though ....... I had it coming off from the LEFT of the camera, as that seemed the natural way to do it. Then you can use 2 hands to steady your shot, one on the bracket and one holding the camera/shutter.

The problem there though was when you twist the camera 90 degrees for a portrait shot ... well, the natural way to go, especially with the battery grip, is anti-clockwise, so the shutter button ends up on top. However, this then means the flash is BELOW the camera, which is not the way you want it, inless you want particularly well lit nostrils :)

One other thing .... this was also the first time I wish I had the 550ex flash unit for the extra power. I intend to get one of those next and then use the 420 as a slave for studio shots. The 420 really is a great unit, but I have found a couple of times not I need more Oomph. Originally I didn't get it for the $ reason and also as it is so bulky ... however, I now seem to be carrying sooooo much we me anyway it really doesn't matter.

Best of luck with the wedding, look forward to seeing the results.

mirdonamy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/12/2004 06:08:40 PM · #11

Nice work, both of you! My friend and her fiance broke it off, so no hawaii for me this January. I still want to photograph another wedding one day. I think it's fun!

:) Arie

hopper

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

08/12/2004 06:28:23 PM · #12

what lens (or lenses) did you use?

very nice photo's by the way.

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

08/12/2004 09:54:32 PM · #13

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

Nice work, both of you! My friend and her fiance broke it off, so no hawaii for me this January. I still want to photograph another wedding one day. I think it's fun!

:) Arie

My advice is to find some new friends, ones with aspirations to get married somewhere exotic ;)

Mix of lenses hopper. The Canon 100mm f2.8 - a macro lens but sensational for portraits. And also a cheap standard 28-80 mm Canon zoom.

parrothead

Canon EOS-40D

08/12/2004 10:12:00 PM · #14

Hey nat,
I have the same unit...but I do have the 550. But the verticle grip really just works as a extra battery holder for me with a flash bracket? I still used the release on top of the camera...even onmy verticle shots....but nice job!

08/13/2004 12:09:15 PM · #15

Natator (or anyone else that can help)-
Sorry to bother you again, but you are giving good info. You said you got a cheap "bracket" aka "metal thing you put the flash on that comes off the side of the camera, rather than the flash sitting on the top".

Where did you get it, or what kind so I can look on-line for it. I have a rebel, but assuming same bracket would work. I also understand I need a cord that attached from your camera to the flash. I seen them for sale also. And I think another little "thing" that attches the flash to the bracket.

I am trying to get set up without spending alot of money. I am doing alittle bit of photography for friends and family and charging them a small amount so I can make alittle money to buy more equipment. It's hard for me as a part-time stay at home mom to spend alot on this, but I am hooked on photography.

Thanks in advance for any info. My 420ex flash is inroute to my house right now, I can't wait to get it!!! Wish me luck, hopefully it won't take me tooo long to figure out. And I am sure I will be purchasing the 550 as soon as money allows.

mrorange002

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

08/13/2004 12:27:27 PM · #16

Hey,
check out my website for some wedding shots:
//www.blacklightphoto.com/fastpages/fasthome.html

I do about 15-20 per summer. If you want some more advice on what equiptment i use, techniques, ect just post it here on send me an email

08/13/2004 02:54:07 PM · #17

Eric- I REALLY like the photos you did with the bride and groom in color and rest of photo in black and white.

What software do you use? I have photoshop elements 2.0 so limited on what I can do (at least I think I am limited).

I have done a couple of pics like that but the editing was simple stuff like bw of child holding a color US flag.

08/13/2004 06:56:19 PM · #18

Here ya go Mugshot .....

I picked up the bracket at my local photo store, they had 2 or 3 different ones to choose from. Don't buy the official Canon one, it is a complete rip off. It fits onto any camera that has the screw hole for the tripod mount, as simple as that.

The off shoe cable is expensive, and for that I think you do need the Canon one though. I was wrongly informed by the photo store initially and bought a standard (cheap) off shoe cable and it simply didn;t work, so they refunded it for me.

I've taken a couple of snapshots of the one I have. One put together with an old 35mm body, and the other with it split apart so you can see the parts. No battery grip there, but as the battery grip fits under the body, the bracket there would then just screw into the bottom of the grip.

Bracket is excellent value :)

The one design flaw is, with this model, maybe not others, is you need to do the screy up STUPIDLY tight in order to ensure the whole thing doesn't simply twist under the body, as there is only the single screw holding it in. Just like with a tripod mount not done tight enough, except here with the arm there can be a lot of leverage so it gets worse.

The cable I use heaps and heaps, I love it (with or without bracket), but still think it is overpriced for what it is.

Message edited by author 2004-08-13 19:07:27.

08/13/2004 11:09:37 PM · #19

Natator-
thank you for letting me see your set up. I am figuring things out. I love this forum. People are always so helpful.

Is it hard on that bracket to adj to vert. I would think the "flip" ones would be easier. Do you have to tighten at the "joint" every time?

Message edited by author 2004-08-13 23:31:20.