My first Wedding - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

05/17/2005 08:19:32 PM · #4

Almost said "Don't do it!" But after reading the post I realized you were talking about the taking pictures... ;-)

eostyles

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

05/17/2005 08:26:56 PM · #5

I am doing my first wedding next month and I am really nervous about it. I was thinking about charging around 500 since its my first time and its for a friend... I just want to do good to add it to the portfolio...

Good Luck. Can't wait to see them.

Originally posted by Travis99:

Someone contacted me today and asked me about a if I could shoot a wedding this saturday (kind of short notice) I was thinking of charging $800 not including prints. Does anyone have any tips for me?

GoldBerry

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/17/2005 08:39:11 PM · #6

For my first wedding I charged $625 plus $75 for the negatives - this included 4 hours of work, 100 prints and of course the negs on disc. I wasn't a true 'rookie' though, I'd shot weddings for friends before and done a lot of other types of photography work..but this was the first one I did on my own under my company name.

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

05/17/2005 09:02:09 PM · #7

Is flash bracket really required for this type of photography? I could never really get why it is used. I guess it is because no one explained it to me properly... any good explanations?

Thanks

Nick

crabappl3

05/17/2005 10:14:22 PM · #8

Originally posted by Nikolai1024:

I wouldn't shoot one without it. What it does is when the camera is in portrait mode it keeps the flash over the lens instead of off to the side. This makes the shadow fall beneath the person instead of off to the side. This will help prevent that hard shadow outline you see on one side of the person when you don't use a flash bracket.

-danny

TLL061

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

05/17/2005 10:27:11 PM · #9

go to ericlimon he has a photo list it's pretty good $800. for your first wedding seems a little steep , but hey I'm for what ever you can get

eric lim'on wedding photo check list

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 22:30:15.

parrothead

Canon EOS-40D

05/17/2005 10:31:10 PM · #10

Flash bracket would definately be a help......it really helps with shadows. But, from my own experience........weddings pay okay, but THEY SUCK!!!!

TLL061

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

05/17/2005 10:33:40 PM · #11

I've done a couple you do pull your hair out , there not that easy

alanfreed

Nikon D6

05/17/2005 10:35:26 PM · #12

I'll ditto Danny's sentiments about the flash brackets. I got a StroboFrame last year, and I feel naked when I'm without it for events in general. It really does help tremendously with the awkward sideways shadows.

And on top of that, silly as this sounds, it really makes you look like you know what you're doing when you're walking around with one of those babies! I was shooting photos last weekend for a local girl who is an incredibly talented 12-year-old singer (she was even on Star Search when she was 10)... I actually picked up a wedding from someone in the crowd basically because I just "looked" like I knew what I was doing!

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 22:36:36.

TLL061

05/17/2005 10:37:44 PM · #13

bracket , and don't forget the off shoe cord

GoldBerry

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

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/17/2005 10:37:49 PM · #14

Yea brackets are great and look great, that is, until you start fumbling with it while the bride is walking down the isle cause it weighs more than half your body weight and you didn't practice enough with it.

True story. It's what my friends/family call pulling a "Lori".

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 22:38:57.

crabappl3

05/17/2005 11:56:41 PM · #15

Pardon me, but I've never 'pulled a Lori'... is it fun? ;-)

-danny

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

05/18/2005 12:13:48 AM · #16

Bracket is very useful but I find I get the same mileable (for portrait mode) out of the Lightsphere but with better overall lighting - so I just use that now.

Prof_Fate

05/18/2005 12:33:23 AM · #17

It is extremely helpful if you provide names of the people participating in the shots you have requested. It is also helpful to assign a special guest who is not in a lot of photos, and who knows the people who are in the photos, to assist the photographer in getting these people ready for their photo shot.
Tip : Photograph young children as early in the proceedings as possible (before tears, boredom, or naps). Also, take all the formal shots before the reception - people get relaxed and wrinked there.
-altar returns - do the pastor shots first, the parents next and the wedding party last.

At the Beauty Parlor or House
 Getting Hair and Makeup Done
At the Bride�s House
 Invitation
 Bride holding parents wedding photo
 Brides hands holding Invitation
 Bride with compact, lipstick, applying makeup
 Bride using Comb or Brush
 The Ring Bearer's Pillow with the Bridal Bouquet Mother Adjusting Veil
Bride and Bridesmaids Getting Dressed
Bride Putting on Garter
Bride in Dressing Room with Mirror
 Bride / Maid of Honor in mirror
 Bride / Mother in mirror
 Bride Pinning Corsage on Father
Flower Girl Handing Bouquet to Bride
Portrait of Mother and Bride
Portrait of Father And Bride
Brothers and Sisters and Bride
Bride-Full Length
Bride-Half Length
Bride-Close Up
Bride with mother-Full Length
Bride with mother-Close Up
 Bride with Mom soft-focus
Bride with father-Full Length
Bride with father-Close Up
Bride pinning on father's boutonniere
Bride with Both Parents-Full Length
Bride with Parents-Close Up
Bride with Grandparents-Full Length
Bride with Grandparents-Close Up
Bride with sisters-Full Length
Bride with sisters-Close Up
Bride with brothers-Full Length
Bride with brothers-Close Up
Bride with immediate family
Bride with Maid of Honor-Full Length
Bride with Maid of Honor-Close Up
Bride with her attendants-Full Length
Bride with her attendants-Close Up
Bride and flower girl/ring bearer
 Flower girl handing bouquet to bride
Bride Leaving House
Father Helping Bride into Car
The Groom Before the Ceremony
 The Groom and Best Man Candid Gag Shot
 Groom-Full Length
Groom-Half Length
Groom-Close Up
Groom putting on bow tie
Groom with mother-Full Length
Groom with mother-Close Up
Groom with father-Full Length
Groom with father-Close Up
Groom with Parents-Full Length
Groom with Parents-Close Up
Groom with Grandparents-Full Length
Groom with Grandparents-Close Up
Groom with sisters-Full Length
Groom with sisters-Close Up
Groom with brothers-Full Length
Groom with brothers-Close Up
Groom with Immediate Family
At the Ceremony Location Prior to the Ceremony
 Photos of horses
 Photos of carriage
Rings on the pillow
 Groom and Groomsmen
Groom with Best Man
 Groom and best man shaking hands
 Guests signing guest book
Adjusting and/or Fumbling with Bow Ties
Groom with Best Man and Minister
 View of venue
 Groom, best man and ushers/groomsmen
 Bridesmaids with Brides mother
 Bride�s car arriving
 Bride with father and car
 Bride with father, car and bridesmaids
Signing Marriage Certificate
Groom Having a Slash from the Flask
Bride and Bridesmaids
 Bride and Sisters
 Bride and each Sister
 Bride and Brothers
 Bride and each Brother
 Bride and Ring Bearer
 Bride and each Bridesmaid
 Bride and Flower Girl
 Bride alone close up
 Bride alone full length
Bride's parents being seated
Bride�s Mother on Escort�s Arm
Groom's parents being seated
Groom�s Mother on Usher�s Arm
Grandparents being seated
Guests Taking their Seats
Any Shots of Singers or Musicians at Ceremony
 Shots of arch/gazebo with special aisle
 Rolling down the aisle runner

During the Ceremony
 Circle of Love greeting
 Bride collecting flowers from guests to make bouquet
 Bride/Groom presenting leis to parents
 Bride/Groom presenting leis to guests
 Groom alone
 Groom / Best Man
 Groom and Groomsmen Entering Sanctuary
 The Mothers of Bride and Groom being escorted Down the Aisle
 Bride�s Mother / Escort
 Groom�s Mother / Escort
 Bridesmaids
 Ushers/Groomsmen
 Ring Bearer
 Flower Girl
 Maid of Honor
 Bride and father going down aisle
 Giving away the bride/ Dad's Kiss good-bye
 Bride and Groom coming down aisle
 Flower girl walking down aisle
 Ring Bearer walking down aisle
 Bridesmaids walking down aisle
Maid of Honor walking down aisle
 Father walking Bride down aisle
 Father giving bride away
 Center aisle
 Lectors
 Presentation of gifts
 Sign of Peace
 Balcony
 Overall shot
 Signing marriage certificate
 Officiant
 Officiant, best man, bridesmaids
Bride and Groom exchanging vows
Bride and Groom exchanging rings
 Bride and Groom exchanging leis
First Kiss
Bride and Groom lighting candle
Minister Presenting Couple to Congregation
Bride and Groom Coming Down Aisle
Time Exposure of Area During Ceremony
 Bride and Groom facing each other
 Special Readings
 Special Music
 Religious ceremony
 Breaking of the glass
 Candle Lightings
 Memorial tribute
 Butterfly Release
 Dove Release
 Recessional/ Confetti/Petal Shower/Bubbles
 Mass
 Communion
_____________________________
_____________________________

After the Ceremony at the Ceremony Location
 Bride and Groom leaving front of Ceremony
 Bride and Groom kissing at back of Chapel / Location
 Receiving Line
 Interior Shots of Ceremony location and Grounds
 Bride / Groom greeting guests
Bride and Groom exiting ceremony location
 Bride and Groom Ceremony location steps
 Bride and Groom Silhouette
 Bride and Groom at door - kissing
 Bride and Groom with parents
 Bride and Groom and families
 Take bridal party to gardens/beach/car park
 Mood shots in gardens
 Bride showing ring to bridesmaids
 Brides ring hand on bouquet
 Fun shots
 Individual shots of bridesmaids, best man, etc.
 Each bridesmaid with her escort groomsman
 Groom Kissing Bride at the Altar (set up)
Groom Putting Ring on Bride�s Finger (set up)
Receiving Line Right After Ceremony
Bride and Groom on Steps of Ceremony location
 Bride and Groom on beach/sand
 Bride and Groom barefoot on the beach with heart drawn in sand
________________________________
_______________________________

Limousine/Transportation Photos
 Getting into Car or Limo
Shot while seated in Limo
 Shots from Front seat into back of Limousine/car
 Bride and Groom toasting in the car/limousine
 Bride and Groom facing front of car/limousine
 Bride and Groom Kissing in Car/Limousine
 Bride and Groom in Limousine sitting in back from outside
Bride and Groom looking out Limousine Window
 Bridal Party around Limo or Car
 Bride and Groom getting into limo
Bride and Groom's first toast in limo
 Bride and Groom on horses
 Bride and Groom in carriage
 Bride and Groom at helicopter
 Bride and Groom barefoot in helicopter
___________________________
____________________________

Formal/Posed Shots Between the Ceremony and the Reception
 Entire Bridal Party
Gag shot of the Bridal Party
Any Bridal Party Couples
 Bride with Maid of Honor
Bride alone Full length
 Bride alone Close-up
 Bride with Bridesmaids
Bride with Each Bridesmaid
Bride with Male attendants
 Bride with Bride�s Family
 Bride Alone Portraits
 Groom with Best Man
 Groom and Ushers/Groomsmen
Groom and Each Usher
 Groom Alone Portraits
 Groom Full length
 Groom Close-up
 Male Attendants
 Female Attendants
 Groom and his Dad
 Groom and his Mom
 Groom with Groom�s entire family
 Groom with his Siblings
Groom and his Parents
Groom's Parents Alone
 Three Generations: Groom's Side
 Three Generations: Bride's Side
 Bride's Parents Alone
 Bride and her Dad
 Bride and her Mom
 Bride and her Parents
 Bride with her Siblings
 Bride and Groom Full length
 Bride and Groom-Half Length
Bride and Groom-Close Up
 Bride, Groom, Maid of Honor, and Best Man
 Flower Girl with Ring Bearer
 Flower Girl with Bride and Groom
 Ring bearer with Bride and Groom
 Wedding party with Bride and Groom
 Bride and Groom with Groom's Parents
 Bride and Groom with Bride�s Parents
Bride and Groom with Groom's Siblings
 Bride and Groom with Bride�s Siblings
Bride and Groom with Groom's Grandparents
Bride and Groom with Bride's Grandparents
Bride and Groom w/Bride's extended family
Bride and Groom w/Groom's extended family
Bride and Groom Kissing
Bride and Groom "gazing" at each other
Bride and Groom holding hands
 Close-up of rings
 Bride and Groom with special friends
 Bride with special friends
 Groom with special friends
 Outdoor Shots of Bride and Groom
Outdoor Shots of Wedding Party
Bride and Groom Multiple Poses
 Bride and Groom on beach/sand
 Bride and Groom barefoot on the beach with heart drawn in sand
 Bride and Groom at waterfall
 Bride and Groom at pond
________________________________
________________________________

At the Reception
The Entrance:
Siblings
 Parents of bride and groom
Best Man and Maid of Honor
 Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
Bride and Groom
_________________________
___________________________
Dancing:
Bride and Groom Full length First Dance
Bride and Groom Close Ups First Dance
 Bride with Bride�s Father
 Groom with Groom�s Mother
Parents
Grandparents
 Bridal Party
 Dance candids
Couples Dancing Fast and Slow
Groups Dancing Fast and Slow
Close ups of Bride and Groom Dancing
 Bride and Groom lifted in chairs
 Ceremonial dances (horah, etc.)
 Last Dance
_______________________
________________________
The Toast:
Best Man Toasting
 Maid of Honor Toasting
 Father of the Bride Toasting
 Father of the Groom Toasting
Bride and Groom with Best Man
Bride and Groom Toasting Each other
 Bride and Groom with champagne glasses
 Bride and Groom's kiss after the toast

The Cake:
Bride and Groom Cutting Cake
Bride feeding Groom
Groom feeding Bride
Bride and Groom's hand over cake showing rings
 Record shot of cake before cutting it
 Groom�s Cake
 Little flower girls cutting cake
 Bride and Groom kissing with cake in photo
 Specialty desserts
Bouquet and Garter Toss:
Bride tossing bouquet
Groom Removing Garter
Groom Tossing the Garter
Putting Garter on Bouquet-Catcher's leg
 Dance of people who received garter and bouquet

Miscellaneous Shots:
Candlelight Photos
Good-Bye shots
Gag Shots
 Blessings
 Guest candids
 Guests at Table
 Leaving reception hall
 Candid shots
 Shots of Band or DJ
 �Getaway� Shots
Guests Departing
 Sleeping Bride and Groom
 Cigar smoking shot
 Wedding Favors
 Gift Table
 Placecard Table
 Set up of room/reception area before guests arrive
 Gift Book Table

Prof_Fate

05/18/2005 12:33:58 AM · #18

Sorry for the odd #s - cut and paste from Word.
Shoot as much in RAW as you can, at least the church and formal shots.
have 3-8Gb of memory cards
have a backup for EVERYTHING - camera, flash, batteries, memory cards, etc. if a camera falis and you have no backup, you have no pictures of the wedding. Asking them to wait or do it over next week is not going to go over well.

Practice with your flash under similar conditions.
preview the curch, hall, etc. AT THE SAME TIME OF DAY as youwill be shooting.
Talk with the pastor - can you use flash? can you climb all over the altar during the ceremony? (you may not want to, but if you do want to you need to know the rules)

Message edited by author 2005-05-18 00:37:08.

GoldBerry

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/18/2005 10:51:01 AM · #19

That list looks incredibly long, but when you read the details it's stuff you'll just naturally shoot anyway, so I wouldn't stress about. If you're there with the bride getting ready than just shoot the details...like her doing her hair, putting on her shoes, fixing her make-up, stuff like that. And again, like at the reception, you'll naturally get shots of the guests, the tables, etc..I promise you won't have to overthink it or pull out that list every 30 seconds.

Matthew

Peleng 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye MC In M42 Mount

05/18/2005 11:03:56 AM · #20

I am getting married this summer. I sure as heck don't have half that stuff going on. I mean: what is a "Circle of Love greeting"?? How would one photo it? Makes me realise how formulaic the whole thing has become - a bit depressing really! Though now I see that it is traditional to have a "Bride and Groom barefoot in helicopter" photo I may have to look into some options...

Niten

Canon EOS-20D