Wedding advice
Discussion
I feel honoured. My friends are getting married, they're only taking immediate family and a couple of friends, of which I am one.
They don't want an official photographer, video, etc, just a civil service and a meal, probably a night out at some point.
Anyhow, I've said to her that I'm happy to rock along with a few cameras and capture some impromptu photographs, on this theme:
I have to hand an EOS 300, a Holga 120, and I'll be able to borrow my mates Canon DSLR (can't remember the model) I reckon.
Its quite a late ceremony, 4pm in late December - so I'll need a flash. Currently the Holga doesn't have one, and can't use one either, but both the SLRs will have onboard flashes, and I think my DSLR mate will have a separate flash.
Any tips on film to use to replicate the image above? Low light, impromptu, I don't want anybody 'noticing' me and changing their behaviour - especially at cork popping and jokes etc...
They don't want an official photographer, video, etc, just a civil service and a meal, probably a night out at some point.
Anyhow, I've said to her that I'm happy to rock along with a few cameras and capture some impromptu photographs, on this theme:
I have to hand an EOS 300, a Holga 120, and I'll be able to borrow my mates Canon DSLR (can't remember the model) I reckon.
Its quite a late ceremony, 4pm in late December - so I'll need a flash. Currently the Holga doesn't have one, and can't use one either, but both the SLRs will have onboard flashes, and I think my DSLR mate will have a separate flash.
Any tips on film to use to replicate the image above? Low light, impromptu, I don't want anybody 'noticing' me and changing their behaviour - especially at cork popping and jokes etc...
Even just 5 minutes playing with a loaned 430EX Speedlite on my 350D showed me how poor the onboard flash is - especially for portrait type pictures, and it removes the annoying (to subjects at least) multiple flashing as the camera tries to focus. Would definitely recommend having an external flash to hand, or you might end up with a load of rabbit-in-headlights!
Another tip from an utter numptie, keep pressing the shutter (my current mantra), so make sure you have plenty of memory card available.
DH2
Another tip from an utter numptie, keep pressing the shutter (my current mantra), so make sure you have plenty of memory card available.
DH2
I think you will need an external flash (preferably with a diffuser), and do practice a lot before the wedding as Canon flash system can take some getting used to get it absolutely right, especially if you are borrowing a DSLR and not familiar with it.
I think it should be quite easy to replicate that image (apart from getting the identical models!) as I think it's a crap pic!
If you want a candid feel to them, then try using a longer lens (and fast one as well to get minimum DoF).
And just one important advice... If you are not confident, do not take the 100% responsibility and say it in advance. The couple will say they don't mind if you can't get good pics, but the fact is THEY DO.
Good luck!
I think it should be quite easy to replicate that image (apart from getting the identical models!) as I think it's a crap pic!
If you want a candid feel to them, then try using a longer lens (and fast one as well to get minimum DoF). And just one important advice... If you are not confident, do not take the 100% responsibility and say it in advance. The couple will say they don't mind if you can't get good pics, but the fact is THEY DO.
Good luck!
Edited by Gemm on Tuesday 12th September 20:47
Edited by Gemm on Tuesday 12th September 20:47
Well I have the advantage that one of them is a TV cameraman like myself, so he'll know whats what and won't be expecting miracles 
He'll know what I'll be getting on the day
The piccie is a bit crap, but its the expressions on their faces that make it - if I can get a couple of those I'll be happy.
I've never used an external flash before, are they programmable to take into account layers of spun or diffuser, or a reflector?
He'll know what I'll be getting on the day The piccie is a bit crap, but its the expressions on their faces that make it - if I can get a couple of those I'll be happy.
I've never used an external flash before, are they programmable to take into account layers of spun or diffuser, or a reflector?
Edited by Parrot of Doom on Tuesday 12th September 20:54
No real advice on equipment... (I'm an amateur user of an SLR), but would agree with the advice on bouncing flashes off ceilings etc.
Just a point on the topic though.... When I got married in 2002, I asked a professional sports photographer friend (he started in wedding photography) to do the gig.
He shot about five films in colour and another five in black and white.
As well as the "posed" shots, he just snapped away discreetly at the church and at the reception. The results were truly stunning... our wedding album is just a superb compilation of emotions from the day.
I would highly recommend this style of photography for a day such as this.... I think it will give far better memories than formal portrait photography.
Just a point on the topic though.... When I got married in 2002, I asked a professional sports photographer friend (he started in wedding photography) to do the gig.
He shot about five films in colour and another five in black and white.
As well as the "posed" shots, he just snapped away discreetly at the church and at the reception. The results were truly stunning... our wedding album is just a superb compilation of emotions from the day.
I would highly recommend this style of photography for a day such as this.... I think it will give far better memories than formal portrait photography.
badbeachbuggy said:
I'm doing a wedding a week on Saturday, they only one 5 posed shots and everything else candids which suits me down to the ground
That would suit me too. If it wasnt for time id love to advertise myself as a secondary wedding photographer for candid-only type shots. All your candid shots are likely to be of interst to someone as everyone will know everyone else quite well... so take lots of em
Edited by UKBob on Wednesday 13th September 13:57
UKBob said:
badbeachbuggy said:
UKBob said:
All your candid shots are likely to be of interst to someone as everyone will know everyone else quite well... so take lots of em
I'm taking 8gb of cards with me
8 gigs... are you shooting raw?
Yes should be good for just over 600 photos, I don't think I'll take that many though.
I've got the same thing happening, been asked to shoot a friends wedding (but told him I'm not going to be held responsible for the pictures, after all I'm no pro and this is my first wedding!).
I don't have an external flash, can you hire these? Looking for one for the Canon 30D.
Thinking of taking my Sigma 100-300mm as I can keep well away for candid pics, and my Tamron 28-75mm for general use. Have about 6gb of CF.
James
I don't have an external flash, can you hire these? Looking for one for the Canon 30D.
Thinking of taking my Sigma 100-300mm as I can keep well away for candid pics, and my Tamron 28-75mm for general use. Have about 6gb of CF.
James
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