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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Wedding Photogs - I need some help
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12/01/2006 11:54:18 AM · #1
I'm putting a wedding photography 101 tutorial for DPC and I would like some of your basic and maybe some advanced tips for the aspiring wedding photographers or the hobbyist that gets stuck with shooting weddings.

I'd like to see:
Technical tips ... no debates on RAW vs. JPEG
Artistic Tips
Landing the Job
PP and Presentation Tips
Whatever else you can think of to help noobs.

PS, if you include Photo examples in your tip, please state whether I can use the photo in the tutorial (with credit).

Message edited by author 2006-12-01 11:57:31.
12/01/2006 12:15:25 PM · #2
Also, if anyone has any questions they'd like to see addressed, please leave them here.
12/01/2006 12:33:43 PM · #3
having done only 3 weddings thus far, i'm certainly a novice, but here's the advice i started with. a bit nikon-centric, but i'm sure some of the basic advice translates... i got it out of the forums on dpreview.com

D70 and SB-800 Wedding Shooting Settings

by Sam Stern
//www.samjsternphotography.com

Common notes:
1. I Shoot in JPEG
2. I use the D70 body and SB-800, settings may be different with the built in flash
3. I Keep the diffusion dome on all the time.
4. Outdoors I keep flash head straight at subject.
5. Indoors I rotate the head up 1 click

Try these settings. I find them very accurate, easy to use, and give repeatable excellent quality exposures and white balance.



Scenario A. Outdoors with fill flash:
1. Matrix metering on camera
2. Aperture mode. Try to set about a 6.3.
Make sure shutter speed is 1/400 or slower.
If it goes above 1/400 close aperture a bit.
3. ISO beginning at 200 or 250. 320 if darker day
4. SB-800 on TTL BL. Exposure comp at 0 to begin with (see note below)
5. White balance : Flash , 0 comp (No, I'm not crazy)



Scenario B. Indoors with flash
1. Change metering to spot on D70. (This also changes the SB-800 to regular TTL automatically)
2. Manual metering on camera. I use 1/80 second at f6.3 or f 8.
3. Don't use too large an aperture. You want to nail focus during dancing and such.
4. SB-800 Exposure comp at 0 to begin with (see note below).
5. White balance: Flash, +1 comp (very accurate white balance, try it)




NOTE:

The SB-800 is adjusting its flash output by light reflecting back at the camera.

- With neutral subjects (clothing) leave flash exposure comp at 0.
- Brighter subject (bride) adjust up + 1/3 or + 2/3.
- Darker subject (couple wearing black for example) adjust down - 1/3 or - 2/3

You don't want to overexpose with a flash shot. Learn to evaluate what the subjects are wearing and adjust up or down. If you learn this "zone" system of flash comp you can always get a very well exposed shot, very good consistency from picture to picture.

Examples:
- Picture of just wedding cake + 2/3
- Picture of just bride + 2/3
- Picture if bride and brides maids wearing light colour dresses, + 1/3
- Picture of groom (dark suit) alone, - 1/3
- Picture groom and his guys in black tuxes, - 2/3
- Picture of bride and mom (wearing dark dress) 0
- Picture of bride and mom (wearing light dress) + 1/3 to + 2/3
- Picture of bride and groom cutting white cake + 2/3 with white table cloth
- Picture of dancing couple wearing black - 2/3

12/01/2006 12:34:33 PM · #4
This is a great idea fotomann. I will be waiting and watching for this tutorial. I have not shot a wedding yet, so I will be anxiously awaiting all the good tips and ideas that the great community of DPC will share.

Thanks!
12/01/2006 12:43:55 PM · #5
Start by doing a wedding for someone who can't afford a photographer. Then for the next one you can show them exactly what they can expect to get.

Ask who the wedding director is(normally the person contacting you). This will be your first clue as to how organized the event will be.

Get phone numbers that you may need later.

Go over the schedule and what time you expect everyone to be there.

Emphasize that you expect everyone to be on time and consider charging for extra time spent if they aren't on time. This gives the director power to tell the wedding party to be on time or its going to cost you money.

Message edited by author 2006-12-01 14:27:32.
12/01/2006 01:00:57 PM · #6
Some tips to `win` the gig..

These are things to offer them when you are trying to win them over.

1. Set no time limit on the day, a lot of 'togs will give packages based on time of 4 , 6 or 8 hours.. Dont do it, just give them the whole day in the price.

2. No travel expenses (unless flight or overnight stay required), this might not be as applicable in the States since its a very large country, but here in the UK, unless we are travelling to Scotland or Ireland (or abroad) we generally tend to absorb the cost of fuel etc. into the overall price. (many togs can give 30 miles initially and then £1 per mile thereafter, don't do it..)

3. Venue visit. 6 - 8 weeks before the wedding, meet up with the couple actually at the venue (again if its a fair distance away just absorb the cost into the overall amount). Walk around the venue, take your camera and go through a few of the intimate shots you plan to take, it will make both you and them a LOT more relaxed on the day. this is a chance for them to get the giggling etc out of the way. they will feel a lot more comfortable on the day if you have been through this all beforehand.

lots more to say, but kids dinner in the oven so gotta go..

12/01/2006 01:06:51 PM · #7
Hardware advice. And no i don't mean Canon vs Nikon.
For instance what lenses people would be best using, what kind of flash/flashes, whether to take extra lighting eqiipment such as a reflector, etc, etc, etc.
12/01/2006 01:08:11 PM · #8
Just a backup of EVERYTHING,,, body, lens & flash
12/01/2006 01:25:53 PM · #9
Originally posted by marksimms:

(many togs can give 30 miles initially and then £1 per mile thereafter, don't do it..)


hehe... i drive more than 30 miles to work every day... one way.

america: where 200 miles is not a long way, but 200 years is a long time...

;)
12/01/2006 01:35:43 PM · #10
I'll be watching this with keen interest! Great idea. Thank you.
12/01/2006 02:15:58 PM · #11
This thread is an excellent idea, and I'll definitely be following along (and perhaps throwing out questions for those who have experience) :D I've shot events, but not weddings (yet) although I definitely want to. I know I have alot to learn from all of you!
12/01/2006 02:36:56 PM · #12
Here are just a few tips for the day as it progresses:

Getting Ready - Her

* Try to use ambient light for some shots, drag the shutter for others.
* A good mix of close-ups on the faces and wide-angle room shots is good.
* Be ready for emotional shot opportunities: girls hugging, the MOB crying, etc.
* Look for details to shoot, like the dress hanging up, the shoes, make-up, notes, etc.
* Most people get or stage shots of common scenes, like the girls peeking out the window while waiting for the limo, and so on.
* Stay out of the mirrors in your shots. :)

Getting Ready - Him

* Guys get ready fast, so be prepared to stage shots if nothing much interesting shows up.
* Typical shots to get include the groom tying his tie, shaking hands with his friends, hugging his father, etc.
* Pose some shots of the guys all together hanging out or walking somewhere.

Bride Arriving

* Get shots of the bride in the limo, through the windows, and exiting the limo.
* Yeah, that's about it. :)

Ceremony

* Shoot everything!
* Really, really, really know how to use your flash and how to go without it when necessary.
* Be aware of your crops and backgrounds. It's amazing what crap you photograph in the heat of the moment unless you think of this.
* Some of the shots you should get include: the exterior of the venue, the guests, the processional (everyone), the officiant, the altar, decorations, any musicians, closeups of bride and groom's faces, distance shots of the B&G in the context of the setting, B&G saying vows, exchanging rings, the kiss, the recessional. God help you if you miss the kiss and the bride's entrance.
* Learn how to zone focus for the processional and recessional.
* Talk to the bride beforehand and ask her to walk slowly. Some get nervous and practically run in.

Post Ceremony

* Get shots of the receiving line, especially the bride hugging friends and family.
* Get shots of the B&G getting into the limo.

Posed Shots

* Get some or all of these, plus others if you like: bride alone, bride with maid of honour, bride with bridesmaids, groom with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen, bride with groomsmen, bride with parents, groom with parents, B&G together, B&G with parents (all three variations), B&G with entended family, B&G with wedding party, flower girl and ringbearer, groom with best man, etc.
* Start with the shots with the most people and finish with the B&G and then the bride alone. This lets everyone else escape to the reception and stop whining. :)
* Make sure you control the light in your shots. Learning how to balance fill flash with available light is a must.

Reception

* Lighting advice same as the other indoor stuff.
* Shots to get include, but aren't limited to: decorations, table settings, food (before it gets set upon), candles, wine, the cake, B&G entrance, speeches/toasts (the people talking and the B&G's reactions), cake cutting, first dance, bouquet throw, garter removal and toss, the enterior of the venue, bride and father dancing, B&G leaving.
* Don't take shots of people while they're eating, unless you've got a good reason.
* Tell the bride to tease her friends by faking the garter toss before she throws it for real. The helps you to get a shot of her, a shot of her friends' reactions, and not miss the actual toss.
* Stay ready after the cake cutting in case the B&G decide to smear cake on each other.
* Be polite to guests who ask you to take shots you don't want.
* Don't get stuck talking to the drunk guests.
* Don't drink on the job. The day's not over yet.

General Tips

* Bounce your flash or spread the light out some other way. I.e., direct flash isn't your best choice. Built-in flash is worst.
* Take two of everything, including yourself (get an assistant if you can).
* Keep it fun for everyone. It's their day, not yours.
* Visit the venue(s) beforehand if you can to study the lighting and so forth.
* Go to the rehearsal if you can make it.
* At least make sue you how how to get there!
* Charge your batteries, fill the car with petrol, take a cell phone, iron your clothes the night before, etc.
* If it cost money or took time to arrange, shoot it!
* Study shots of other wedding pros to get ideas. There are tons of portfolios online.
* Ask the B&G w-a-a-a-a-y before the day for must-have shots and write them down.
* Photograph the "important" people during the ceremony.
* Take something to drink--as in water.
* Talk the the B&G about feeding you at the reception and other times if it's a full day's shooting, so you don't get light-headed.
* Learn the timing of weddings. The ceremoney tends to go by very slowly for the most part, but the important things happen in the blink of an eye. Know when to be in the right places at the right times.
* Buy a book on wedding photography.

12/01/2006 02:42:06 PM · #13
you should definitely discuss a marketing plan. how will you get your jobs?

A book resource list would be helpful too. :0D
12/01/2006 02:57:11 PM · #14
i told the groom in the last one i did "look... you've kissed her before, but this is the first time you get to kiss your wife. make it count and don't stop until you've seen my flash at least twice..."

he grinned. she giggled. i got the kiss...

;)
12/01/2006 04:12:10 PM · #15
Originally posted by oOWonderBreadOo:

you should definitely discuss a marketing plan. how will you get your jobs?

A book resource list would be helpful too. :0D


A marketeer I am not... would love some input from others on this one.
12/01/2006 04:31:48 PM · #16
Be mindful of the camera-print aspect ratio crop!
This will bite you if you're not very careful. DSLRs have a 3:2 aspect ratio (=1.5) which means you can get a 4x6 in, 8x12 in, or 12x18 in print of a photograph. These are not common sizes for framed enlargements, and most of the time you will be using 8x10 in, 11x14 in, 16x20 in, or 5x7 in. These are much "more square" with an aspect ratio closer to 1.

What this means is that you will have to cut off a significant portion of the image on the short ends in order to make an 8x10 in print. If you don't compose your image carefully, you may end up with critical features in the top and bottom parts of the frame, making it unusable for a standard-size enlargement!

I don't know the complete solution; I wish my camera had an option to turn on various aspect-ratio markings in the viewfinder screen (I've heard of someone etching their own on it), but I think I just need to take some practice shots and find out about how much fudge factor I should give myself in the viewfinder frame.

Does anyone else have any advice on this issue? I'd love to hear any ideas.
12/01/2006 05:31:11 PM · #17
bump
12/01/2006 05:50:20 PM · #18
Originally posted by marksimms:

Just a backup of EVERYTHING,,, body, lens & flash


HERE HERE!
12/01/2006 05:53:37 PM · #19
Originally posted by skylen:

Be mindful of the camera-print aspect ratio crop!
This will bite you if you're not very careful. DSLRs have a 3:2 aspect ratio (=1.5) which means you can get a 4x6 in, 8x12 in, or 12x18 in print of a photograph. These are not common sizes for framed enlargements, and most of the time you will be using 8x10 in, 11x14 in, 16x20 in, or 5x7 in. These are much "more square" with an aspect ratio closer to 1.

What this means is that you will have to cut off a significant portion of the image on the short ends in order to make an 8x10 in print. If you don't compose your image carefully, you may end up with critical features in the top and bottom parts of the frame, making it unusable for a standard-size enlargement!

I don't know the complete solution; I wish my camera had an option to turn on various aspect-ratio markings in the viewfinder screen (I've heard of someone etching their own on it), but I think I just need to take some practice shots and find out about how much fudge factor I should give myself in the viewfinder frame.

Does anyone else have any advice on this issue? I'd love to hear any ideas.


I usually just leave some room on one side or the other, or if you're framing centrally, just leave room on both sides.

yes, it is something to be mindful of. Actually, you should frame a little extra on all sides for many different crops to be available. This is why many wedding photogs went to Medum format (square-frames), so that it didn't quite matter as much, if you had things framed in some manner at all. And you get those artsy 5x5's ;)
12/01/2006 05:54:41 PM · #20
I've done one amateur wedding shoot and the most basic advice that I got that was also very useful was:

1. Don't promise to shoot a wedding unless you can arrange a backup camera. (The fact your camera played up wont bring back the event)

2. When shooting outdoors meter off the brides dress.

I know there will be tons of advice. I just remember these two being very valuable on my very first effort. By the way, it will also be my last wedding. It worked out well but I'm sure there are plenty of people who enjoy doing that a lot more than I do :)
12/01/2006 05:57:20 PM · #21
A few quick things that came to my mind while reading through this thread...

One thing I make a point of doing is to ALWAYS go to the rehearsal. There's no better way to be prepared for who is going to be where, what the lighting is like (although it may differ due to the time of day of the rehearsal compared to the wedding day itself), and a bunch of other details that you will NEED to know on the big day. This just isn't the kind of thing to try to shoot on the fly with no preparation.

I have made it a point to introduce myself to the clergy dudes during the rehearsal. I have made sure to talk to them to find out what they allow or don't allow. Most of the ones I've done are fine with using the flash up through the bride walking down the aisle. After that I try to stay mainly in one place, and use natural light. Nobody wants to see me wandering all over the place, being a distraction to the ceremony.

My other advice is to back things up, and then back up the back ups! I dread the day when a CF card goes whacky, or one gets lost, or who knows what. I bring along a 10GB image tank drive that I use to copy each card as soon as I'm done with it, and then usually during dinner I'll dump everything to the laptop, too. This kind of redundancy is something we couldn't do with film, but should certainly take advantage of now that we can!

Speaking of redundancy... I'd never dream of showing up with just one DSLR. I bought a second camera purely for that reason. Actually, I have a backup of just about everything... flashes, more lenses than I'd need, plenty of CF cards, and so forth. I used to do the same thing back in my days as a wedding DJ, and it saved my butt a few times to carry extra amplifiers, etc.!

Message edited by author 2006-12-01 17:58:49.
12/01/2006 05:58:54 PM · #22
Originally posted by enigmania:


2. When shooting outdoors meter off the brides dress.


This may or may not work out well. If you have a true spot meter (which your 300D doesn't) It will expose the (presumably) white dress for grey instead of white, making the rest of the rest of the scene too dark.

Better to go ahead and get a grey-card/expodisc/whatever and be more sure, if you have the time to use such.
12/01/2006 06:09:07 PM · #23
Originally posted by wavelength:

Originally posted by enigmania:


2. When shooting outdoors meter off the brides dress.


This may or may not work out well. If you have a true spot meter (which your 300D doesn't) It will expose the (presumably) white dress for grey instead of white, making the rest of the rest of the scene too dark.

Better to go ahead and get a grey-card/expodisc/whatever and be more sure, if you have the time to use such.


That does remind me of a tip ... when shooting the B&G together, always err on keeping detail in her dress rather than his black tux. Don't blow the highlights on her dress.
12/01/2006 06:21:46 PM · #24
Ok, here are my tips - sorry this is long!

* Meet with Bride and groom, show them your work and get them hooked! ;)

* Keep in contact between your first meeting and the wedding (if they go with you)

* HAVE A CONTRACT!!!!! Have it written out WORD for WORD everything. From shoot times, to copyright, to when to expect proofs and so on! It will keep your butt covered!

* Have a wedding day photo checklist. Come up with every single you could ever imagine and print it out as a checklist. I include one of these with every wedding I do. I also tell them to write shots that are not on the checklist on the back. It will help you keep your head on the wedding day.

* Have an assistant! Mine has saved my butt several times! They can assist you with the checklist, holding equipment, helping fix dresses or hair, or anything else. Mine, helps keep me sane also! I get so worked up before a wedding and she always gives me a pep talk and a big hug! :)

* Make sure to be at the dress rehersal. That way you will know how the lighting in the church (or venue) is, how the wedding progression is going, how long the ceremony will last, and most importantly, meet the officiant. After the rehersal, introduce yourself to him/her and ask what the church policies are for weddings. Every church is different. You NEED to know about if you can or cannot use flash. If you can't make it to the rehersal, meet with officiant as soon as you get to the church.

* Keep a mini bride kit in your camera bag. I always carry a needle and thread, safety pins, spray deodorant, hair spray, wet wipes, tylenoyl, etc etc with me. Sometimes brides are so rushed and out of it, that they don't have them on hand. And someone almost always needs one of these items!

* Make sure you wear comfy clothes that day. And if you are a woman, NOT A DRESS! For me, I am always on one knee or even laying down in the middle of the aisle or on the ground.

* Don't be afraid to get THAT shot! IF it means getting on your hands and knees, or balancing on a thin rock wall with water on the other side of you... DO IT! :)

* Be sure to be assertive, NOT rude when telling people how to pose, or when it's time to do a certain group. Don't be afraid to yell or use your outside voice! I did a wedding in a huge cathedral and people were seated all over the place and talking. I called for a group to come up and no one responded. I yelled and they came running! I often get commented that I am very assertive but I am not rude at all.

* Just remember - YOU are in control! You tell people where to stand and how to pose. Don't be afriad to touch people and "push" them into position. If you don't take control, it will become chaos!

* After all the "formal" shots are done. Give the bride and groom a few minutes alone. Let them take a walk, hug, kiss, whatever... just make sure to keep your camera on them! :)

* At the reception, the first thing I do, is talk to the DJ. He/she will know the whole schedule for the entire night. Either get a copy of it, write it down, or memorize it. That will let you know when the next shot is coming up. You don't want to miss the shots they need.

* I also tell the DJ to make sure to let the guests know that during certain events, I am the only one that should be right in front of the B&G. Especially for the cake cutting! People all want to get the best shot and they will cram around you. Make sure that you are in charge. If someone tries to weasel in front of you, politely say, "Excuse me, could you please move over that way a bit. I need to make sure that I get the shots that B&G paid me to get." That way you are not being rude, and reminding them that YOU are there to do a job!

* I also find the person in charge of the wedding reception. There is always someone to go to if you have a problem or question. Find out from the B&G who this contact person is. So, I find them and let them know that it is important that my assistant and I are served dinner the same time the B&G are served. Usually the first dance or cake cutting will go on even though most people are not finished with dinner. You have to make sure that you are done eating when the B&G are so that you don't miss anything. If they refuse, or say that is not how they work... I will go to the B&G and stress how important this is. Usually we get served without having to do this, but it has happened.

* Carry a small snack - like a candy bar or some crackers and enough water to last you the day. Sometimes you will be shooting all day and have to skip lunch. This way you have something to munch on a drink. Keep hydrated! You will be running around, and talking alot and you need to make sure you don't faint! haha

* I go to every single table at the reception and take group shots. This way, you don't have to try to round up people for photos. the B&G will usually ask you to get as many of the people there as possible.

* Don't go overboard on alcohol. If it is offered to me, I will usually have one small light drink. Even if there is an open bar, I do not drink alcohol unless the B&G offer it. You don't want to be wasted!

* Make sure you have enough memory and batteries with you. If you don't have alot of memory, take a laptop and download your photos through out the day. I will do this for large weddings. I have 2 2GB cards and when one fills up, I have my assistant load those on the laptop while I start shooting with the empty card. And batteries, always carry enough for an army! I take 12 rechargables for my flash and 3 batteries for the DSLR. I never need that many, but I would rather be safe than sorry.

* I always take my battery chargers with me. I have a special adapter that I can plug in my car and use my regular plugs with it. It's $20 and it has been a life saver once or twice! :)

* Most importantly... HAVE FUN! Talk to people, dance a little, joke and enjoy yourself. If other people see you having fun... they may want to hire you as well! Oh, and have tons of business cards with you! You never know when someone will ask you for 1 or 20! :)

That is all I can think of for now. If I come up with anymore... I will add them! :)
12/01/2006 06:51:50 PM · #25
Originally posted by nsoroma79:

sorry this is long!


Not to worry, the tutorial is already at 9 pages and that's without any graphics.

Great stuff by the way, everyone ... some stuff in here I woudn't have thought to add.

Message edited by author 2006-12-01 18:53:11.
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