Yes, more Wedding photography questions... :)

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

10/12/2004 08:35:55 PM · #1

As most Wedding Photography topics start...

A friend asked me to shoot his wedding...

Actually it's his mom wedding. This is going to be a pretty typical Vegas wedding and will be short and to the point with a small reception afterwards in one of the local golf club houses. Both Bride and Groom have been married twice before. So I'm told this a low key, low stress ceremony. An hours worth of time or so and I'm done (minus post processing).

Seems like a good way to test the waters to me. Quick and easy ceremony and the bride and groom arent really expecting too much. Just someone to capture the moment... riiiight, it's still a wedding. :)

I've done research and seen other people's shots, that's not what I am looking for. I'm looking for any pointers, tips, etc that can make this easier and make the images look a bit better.

I'm normally a Motorsport Photographer (and they are aware of this). I think I have the equipment to pull this off:
Canon 10D
17-40mm F4
70-200mm 2.8 IS
50mm 1.4
(I dont think my 300mm will be much use here)
550EX
Set of pocket wizards
and even a set of studio strobes (though I really don't want to drag those down there).
etc...

Any technique help, advcice or ideas?

faidoi

Pentax K10D

10/12/2004 09:32:26 PM · #2

Have them rent a Shelby Cobra for pictures and you would be in your element :P

Bump.

DJLuba

Nikon D2Xs

Nikon AF DC Nikkor 135mm f/2.0D

10/12/2004 09:57:28 PM · #3

Originally posted by faidoi:

Have them rent a Shelby Cobra for pictures and you would be in your element :P

Bump.

What a great answer. I promise, if you have a Shelby Cobra.....it will be the best wedding event ever. I know I could shoot a Shelby Cobra Wedding better than a boring Church Wedding.

Nusbaum

Fujifilm X-T1

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/13/2004 12:52:06 PM · #4

Where are they getting married in Vegas?

Most of the wedding chapels are small, so your 70-200 may only be good for capturing faces. The 17-40 will probably have the right length, but f/4.0 maximum may be a little slow if you don't want to use flash. 50 1.4 should be very useful. A 35 f2 might be nice also if you will being doing existing light and do not want to invest in a faster wide zoom.

Sounds like a fun project!

Message edited by author 2004-10-13 12:52:15.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/13/2004 01:16:40 PM · #5

You're lucky it's only an hour! Be prepared for it to be about 2 hours instead...people always change their minds. And there's still stress, oh yes, stress. If there's no stress, man, tell us allll about it, cause a stressless wedding is like the elusive Lockness monster. :-)

Standard shots:
- their rings
- semi-close of their faces during ceremony
- the first kiss
- his face when she enters the chapel/ walks down the isle

Weddings are all about emotions, just do your best and I'm sure you'll learn tons and they'll be happy :-)

Oh and always be cautious of where your flash is pointing..hopefully the chapel will be white and it won't really matter! And with the 17-40, that's a wide angle right? You may want to consider tighter framing with that to exclude all the background for nice couple shots.

Message edited by author 2004-10-13 13:18:34.

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

10/13/2004 01:30:21 PM · #6

I meant to post where it was but forgot, It's taking place in a Golf Country Club. I'm hoping that I can use a tee box or a green also. Nice trimmed grass for a nice picture.

It's only paying a few hundred dollars so basically this is what I told him this morning. (in a nut shell).
- Keep in mind that by trade I'm a Motorsports Photographer not a wedding photographer but I do understand lightning etc...
- I will NOT provide a hard copy of any image. no prints, no albums, etc..
- I WILL provide all images on a CD for personal use where you can print any size and any number you want, again for personal use.
- I will NOT post process. (though I probably will for fun on a few and will throw those in as a surprise)

Mostly I'm thinking that I want to shoot candid photos, that's I'm thinking 70-200mm. Just working the outer edge of the room, shooting in. Keeping low key. Of course there will be a few organized shots of bride and groom, etc...

When is the best time for group photos of bridal party etc? just after the ceremony and before the reception?

Message edited by author 2004-10-13 13:33:05.

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

10/13/2004 01:32:47 PM · #7

Originally posted by Jason:

When is the best time for group photos of bridal party etc? just after the ceremony and before the reception?

From my experience as a wedding DJ, I would definitely say that's when most people do the group shots. Meanwhile everyone at the reception hall is drooling while waiting for the bridal party to arrive so they can finally eat! :)

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

10/13/2004 01:34:19 PM · #8

LOL I guess I can't really do it before since they aren't suppose to see each other. (slaps head)

Canon EOS-20D

10/13/2004 01:38:50 PM · #9

If they don't want to see each other before, sometimes it's nice to at least get the groom with groomsmen and bride with bridesmaids shots in before the ceremony so that the guests aren't waiting for an eternity while you do the group shots aftewards. However, the lady who shot my wedding said it was generally better after the ceremony because everyone looks much more relaxed. I guess it'll depend on what they want.

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

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

10/13/2004 02:29:16 PM · #10

And if you want shots of everyone festooned with beer while wearing lampshades, wait until after the reception! :)

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

10/13/2004 02:36:18 PM · #11

Trust me when I say do the family shots as quick as possible! Which is generally right after the bride/groom walk down the isle (most people don't do reception lines anymore)

I only do formals for the family and then take the bridal parties and bride/groom away from all the hoop-lah for fun stuff (ooo and romantic stuff!)

Sounds like you've got your 'ducks in a row'...I'd suggest still doing post processing (doesn't have to be TONS) just so you'll get a good name for yourself..cause when they open the disc on their PC they're going to see GREAT photos instead of OKAY images.

kiwinick

Sony DSLR-A550

Sony DT 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

10/13/2004 02:37:19 PM · #12

the gear is ok no prolem. shooting webbing on film {still} i nomally use a 28/105. and a 100mm 2.8 plus a 17/35 seems to work fine with me.