Tips for shooting wedding photos ??
Discussion
I've been tasked with taking some wedding photos. Whilst I was happy to accept I'm now getting rather nervous about it all !!
My aunt didn't want an official photography as she didn't want to be ordered about by someone and as its her third wedding was more interested in getting some ad-hoc photos of friends and relatives throughout the day.
I'll be armed with my new 400D with the standard lens and have a Canon Powershot tucked in my pocket for emergencies and the odd snap.
Anything I should think off like filters to pack or particular settings (camera settings) to stick to ??
My aunt didn't want an official photography as she didn't want to be ordered about by someone and as its her third wedding was more interested in getting some ad-hoc photos of friends and relatives throughout the day.
I'll be armed with my new 400D with the standard lens and have a Canon Powershot tucked in my pocket for emergencies and the odd snap.
Anything I should think off like filters to pack or particular settings (camera settings) to stick to ??
SimonV8ster said:
Anything I should think off like filters to pack or particular settings (camera settings) to stick to ??
I have a slight feeling that if you're asking questions like these, you may not be the right person to be taking the photos! Also worrying that you're using your "new" camera. If you're photographing a wedding, you must know your equipment inside out.Having said that, if your aunt is happy with what will probably be a set of nice snaps, leave the camera on automatic and let the flash pop in when necessary. Just as long as she realises that if it doesn't work out, it's not your fault, she should've hired a professional.
A lot of wedding photographers have web sites where you can look at their samples to give you some ideas on posing and grouping. Just remember not to have your subjects looking into the sun or with shadows over their faces. A bright overcast day is best, or use shady areas, or have their backs to the sun (giving them nice hair highlights)(remember lens hood!), and use fill-in flash to balance it up.
Books have been written on the subject, so there is too much to advise you. As the post above said, take LOADS of images, and for sure some will come out great!
Where is it - go and scope it out before the day - if it's at a registrars office - they're normally quite friendly and will advise on things like using flash etc. You'll not normally be able to take them signing the official book or during the ceremony but you will get a good idea where they're coming in, leaving etc so you can position yourself accordingly.
And don't forget don't take photographs of just the people. Flowers, close ups of the dress, place settings and signs at the ceremony are always nice to use as the first picture in any slide show you're making.
Regardless of what they say i.e. You can stop taking photo's at them meal, you will still be expected to get your camera out of the car so you can get them doing the first dance.
And don't forget don't take photographs of just the people. Flowers, close ups of the dress, place settings and signs at the ceremony are always nice to use as the first picture in any slide show you're making.
Regardless of what they say i.e. You can stop taking photo's at them meal, you will still be expected to get your camera out of the car so you can get them doing the first dance.
9.3 said:
I have a slight feeling that if you're asking questions like these, you may not be the right person to be taking the photos! Also worrying that you're using your "new" camera. If you're photographing a wedding, you must know your equipment inside out.
SimonV8ster said:
Too late, its me or nothing now !!
9.3 said:
Having said that, if your aunt is happy with what will probably be a set of nice snaps, leave the camera on automatic and let the flash pop in when necessary. Just as long as she realises that if it doesn't work out, it's not your fault, she should've hired a professional.
SimonV8ster said:
Shes totally cool with all that and isn't after a set of full blown (& priced!) professional photos. Shes aware that thing that can go right and wrong.
9.3 said:
A lot of wedding photographers have web sites where you can look at their samples to give you some ideas on posing and grouping. Just remember not to have your subjects looking into the sun or with shadows over their faces. A bright overcast day is best, or use shady areas, or have their backs to the sun (giving them nice hair highlights)(remember lens hood!), and use fill-in flash to balance it up.
Books have been written on the subject, so there is too much to advise you. As the post above said, take LOADS of images, and for sure some will come out great!
Books have been written on the subject, so there is too much to advise you. As the post above said, take LOADS of images, and for sure some will come out great!
SimonV8ster said:
Thanks for that, good idea - i'll have a look at a few sites. 
Edited by SimonV8ster on Friday 6th June 15:58
crmcatee said:
Where is it - go and scope it out before the day - if it's at a registrars office - they're normally quite friendly and will advise on things like using flash etc. You'll not normally be able to take them signing the official book or during the ceremony but you will get a good idea where they're coming in, leaving etc so you can position yourself accordingly.
SimonV8ster said:
Yep. Going to case the joint before hand, I have a head start as my mother is taking part of the ceremony !!
crmcatee said:
And don't forget don't take photographs of just the people. Flowers, close ups of the dress, place settings and signs at the ceremony are always nice to use as the first picture in any slide show you're making.
SimonV8ster said:
Thanks, didn't even think of taking photos of place settings, etc.
crmcatee said:
Regardless of what they say i.e. You can stop taking photo's at them meal, you will still be expected to get your camera out of the car so you can get them doing the first dance.
SimonV8ster said:
Think i'll be kept on my toes for the whole night but its the least I can do, not staying anywhere overnight so it'll be no drinking and i'll be on my guard armed with a few batteries !!
This months issue of a photo mag(cant remember the name of it now) has some advice, on doing wedding shots etc.
But i took some shots at my brother inlaws wedding. For all to see, but they had a pro photographer as well. But did give us some photos to look at a week or so later.. The pro one took 6 months.. I would not agree to doing it just in case everything went wrong so i could not be blamed for the fff up
I have the issue at home and is a good read for advice etc. but make sure you have a extra battery or 2 and some extra memory cards! Tripod etc
STeve
But i took some shots at my brother inlaws wedding. For all to see, but they had a pro photographer as well. But did give us some photos to look at a week or so later.. The pro one took 6 months.. I would not agree to doing it just in case everything went wrong so i could not be blamed for the fff up
I have the issue at home and is a good read for advice etc. but make sure you have a extra battery or 2 and some extra memory cards! Tripod etc
STeve
Edited by stevieb on Friday 6th June 16:49
MartinP said:
I'd suggest shooting RAW instead of JPEG. That way if you get a great shot but the exposure is wrong, you'll stand a better chance of being able to fix it afterwards. The combination of light coloured dresses and dark suits is a bugger to expose correctly!
Quite correct Martin, but as the OP was worrying about his camera settings, shooting RAW and the post processing the whole lot could well be beyond him.Safest thing to do is set the camera to shoot RAW + Fine JPEG and then if an unmissable shot is cocked up, then it's only that shot to sort out.
I know it's going to be memory hungry but cards are not expensive.
Have a list of key shots. You might think that you'll remember them all but you won't. I was photographing a PHer's wedding and it was only when I stopped for a break whilst they went in for dinner that I realised we hadn't done the car shot. The Master of Ceremonies was called aside by me and we did the car and confetti shots during the break between the main course and desert.
Take a look at other wedding photographers' websites. Have plenty of batteries. You really cannot have too many batteries - camera & flash. Also loads of memory cards. You'll be amazed at how many shots you take. With a big wedding (10 hours) it could be a thousand!
You really do need to practice using your camera. Take a friend out to a park and practice daylight and daylight plus fill-in. You don't want to be fiddling on the day or lacking confidence. If you cock things up on the day you will lose it. You need to be in complete control at all times.
As for ordering people around, you only have to be pleasant, smile and ask nicely and people will do almost anything you ask them, provided you don't make them look stupid. The golden rule is be respectful, don't patronise and be clear. Always say thank you once you've taken the shot and add, "That's great!" with a smile. People generally hate having their photograph taken so if you can make it as enjoyable an experience as possible then everyone will have a good time and you'll get some lovely shots.
Take a look at other wedding photographers' websites. Have plenty of batteries. You really cannot have too many batteries - camera & flash. Also loads of memory cards. You'll be amazed at how many shots you take. With a big wedding (10 hours) it could be a thousand!
You really do need to practice using your camera. Take a friend out to a park and practice daylight and daylight plus fill-in. You don't want to be fiddling on the day or lacking confidence. If you cock things up on the day you will lose it. You need to be in complete control at all times.
As for ordering people around, you only have to be pleasant, smile and ask nicely and people will do almost anything you ask them, provided you don't make them look stupid. The golden rule is be respectful, don't patronise and be clear. Always say thank you once you've taken the shot and add, "That's great!" with a smile. People generally hate having their photograph taken so if you can make it as enjoyable an experience as possible then everyone will have a good time and you'll get some lovely shots.
At the risk of highjacking the thread somewhat, I'm in the same boat later on in the year having given the B & G all of the usual caveats.
I'm looking to hire a couple of pro lenses and an extra body for the day, probably over the weekend.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these two companies or can recommend someone else?
Hire a camera
Fixation
Is it unrealistic to have the lenses for just a day beforehand?
Thanks
I'm looking to hire a couple of pro lenses and an extra body for the day, probably over the weekend.
Does anyone have any experience with either of these two companies or can recommend someone else?
Hire a camera
Fixation
Is it unrealistic to have the lenses for just a day beforehand?
Thanks
Sheriff JWPepper said:
EmmaP said:
I've only ever hired from Calumet. They are excellent.
are they collect only or will they deliver?Of the two you listed - the latter one has a great reputation....
I hired from, let's just say "another" hire company (not fixation
) and hired a Sigma 70-200 f2.9 & a Nikon SB-800.
I had the wrong flashgun delivered late (day before a wedding - unable to meter with the flash - had to shoot manually all day, and then packed & returned the lens & flash and they tried to charge me for damage to the lens - they claimed to have checked it 16 days afetr it was signed for by the courier...
I wouldn't touch them with someone else's...
;)
Chris
I hired from, let's just say "another" hire company (not fixation
) and hired a Sigma 70-200 f2.9 & a Nikon SB-800.I had the wrong flashgun delivered late (day before a wedding - unable to meter with the flash - had to shoot manually all day, and then packed & returned the lens & flash and they tried to charge me for damage to the lens - they claimed to have checked it 16 days afetr it was signed for by the courier...
I wouldn't touch them with someone else's...
;)
Chris
I actually 'did' my first wedding last Friday but not in the role of the official photog and I was fairly happy with the results. I have a few thoughts on that experience which might be helpful.
a) Try and check out all the locations you intend to use in advance. Try and work out (roughly) what pics in what places you will try and do beforehand. Make notes (a script) to work from.
b) Whether in a church or registry, find out in advance if you can shoot in there, and check out the light/settings. Shooting inside churches is actually very difficult without flash. You could try a wide apeture lens but in reality you won't have the time to faff about swapping them over. If you use a flash inside try and get a diffuser for it.
c) Outside - Standard group shots:
(i) Bride & Groom - 3/4 setups
(ii) B&G plus B&G parents
(iii) B&G plus B family
(iv) B&G plus G family
(v) B&G plus B&G families
(vi) B&G plus friends & others
(vii) Everyone (who wants to be photo'd)
Carry a squeaker or something that makes a silly noise (like a duck caller) in case you need to grab the groups' attention for the shots. This is particularly useful if there are children present.
d) After the group shots, do a further shoot at a separate location while the guests bugger off to the bar/reception. Rivers, floral backgrounds particularly nice for this session. This also means the B&G grab some quiet time ahead of the reception & can make an "entrance" 30 mins or so after the others have arrived at the reception. Ensure this step is in the B&G's schedule for the day!
e) Try and use the exposure bracketing on your 400D if possible. You'll only get one chance at this. Use a decent flash - even for the outside shots - except if it's exceptionally bright. Use ISO100 or ISO200 maximum.
f) Check your results quickly as you go & reshoot if necessary. But just say "a couple more please" rather than "oh s
t can I re-do that one"
g) Make sure you know how your camera works, and in particular how to adjust the exposure in response to changing light.
h) Make sure you have sufficient batteries to last the day. For a wedding + reception you should expect to end up with at least 200-300 shots in order to get a decent selection to work with. Remember if you're using an IS lens your batteries will last half as long.
Hope this helps. I think you are taking a big risk to take this on as your first assignment with a camera that's new to you. Good luck - you're going to need a bit.
a) Try and check out all the locations you intend to use in advance. Try and work out (roughly) what pics in what places you will try and do beforehand. Make notes (a script) to work from.
b) Whether in a church or registry, find out in advance if you can shoot in there, and check out the light/settings. Shooting inside churches is actually very difficult without flash. You could try a wide apeture lens but in reality you won't have the time to faff about swapping them over. If you use a flash inside try and get a diffuser for it.
c) Outside - Standard group shots:
(i) Bride & Groom - 3/4 setups
(ii) B&G plus B&G parents
(iii) B&G plus B family
(iv) B&G plus G family
(v) B&G plus B&G families
(vi) B&G plus friends & others
(vii) Everyone (who wants to be photo'd)
Carry a squeaker or something that makes a silly noise (like a duck caller) in case you need to grab the groups' attention for the shots. This is particularly useful if there are children present.
d) After the group shots, do a further shoot at a separate location while the guests bugger off to the bar/reception. Rivers, floral backgrounds particularly nice for this session. This also means the B&G grab some quiet time ahead of the reception & can make an "entrance" 30 mins or so after the others have arrived at the reception. Ensure this step is in the B&G's schedule for the day!
e) Try and use the exposure bracketing on your 400D if possible. You'll only get one chance at this. Use a decent flash - even for the outside shots - except if it's exceptionally bright. Use ISO100 or ISO200 maximum.
f) Check your results quickly as you go & reshoot if necessary. But just say "a couple more please" rather than "oh s
t can I re-do that one"g) Make sure you know how your camera works, and in particular how to adjust the exposure in response to changing light.
h) Make sure you have sufficient batteries to last the day. For a wedding + reception you should expect to end up with at least 200-300 shots in order to get a decent selection to work with. Remember if you're using an IS lens your batteries will last half as long.
Hope this helps. I think you are taking a big risk to take this on as your first assignment with a camera that's new to you. Good luck - you're going to need a bit.
Edited by corozin on Sunday 8th June 21:23
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