Basics for wedding photography (and alpha flashes)
Discussion
One of my friends has recently got engaged, and after seeing some of my holiday photos asked me if I would be her wedding photographer.
I like the idea - colleagues have been suggesting I do wedding photography for quite a while, but now I'm not sure about the kit.
I've got a Sony Alpha 200, and only had the kit lens (17-70) and a Sigma 70-300. During the holiday, the 17-70 died, so had to pick up an emergency lens (Sigma 28-300) which has turned out to be quite respectable.
I reckon that at the very least, I'll be needing a tripod, an external flash and a remote release, maybe a prime as well. What about filters and B&W?
So, what are the suggestions from the considerably better educated around here? Its a very informal wedding, registry office and the reception at a local hotel.
Also, with the Alpha - would it be better to go for an original Sony flash (with a diffuser?), or get an adapter and a third party flash?
I like the idea - colleagues have been suggesting I do wedding photography for quite a while, but now I'm not sure about the kit.
I've got a Sony Alpha 200, and only had the kit lens (17-70) and a Sigma 70-300. During the holiday, the 17-70 died, so had to pick up an emergency lens (Sigma 28-300) which has turned out to be quite respectable.
I reckon that at the very least, I'll be needing a tripod, an external flash and a remote release, maybe a prime as well. What about filters and B&W?
So, what are the suggestions from the considerably better educated around here? Its a very informal wedding, registry office and the reception at a local hotel.
Also, with the Alpha - would it be better to go for an original Sony flash (with a diffuser?), or get an adapter and a third party flash?
IMHO:
Need: Fast wide-angle zoom, fast telephoto zoom, biggest proper flash you can get.
Don't need: Tripod, remote release, filters.
However you may prefer different options.
A tripod can be essential if you're trying to use a 70-200 in a church without flash (but you're not, fortunately)
Know your camera, keep calm, shoot RAW if you can handle it.
Good luck on tackling one of the toughest photographic assignments
Need: Fast wide-angle zoom, fast telephoto zoom, biggest proper flash you can get.
Don't need: Tripod, remote release, filters.
However you may prefer different options.
A tripod can be essential if you're trying to use a 70-200 in a church without flash (but you're not, fortunately)
Know your camera, keep calm, shoot RAW if you can handle it.
Good luck on tackling one of the toughest photographic assignments
Did my first one recently as well, just for a mate of a mate as a second shooter. I wished I'd taken my studio heads, there was every opportunity to use them re shot setups and power, but I had 2 flashguns and felt a bit underpowered.
For the main ceremony the registrar had a "1 shot with flash and thats it" limit, they were happy for shutter sounds during the entire thing, but the B+G asked for a bit of quiet, so I had the bride walking in, the couple at the table, the signing and the walk out. I used my "1 shot" up on the walk out
Kit wise I had 2 x SB600's, a 50mm 1.4, a 24-70 2.8, an 85mm 1.8 and a 70-300 F4-5.6 VR at various stages, body was a D700
The 70-300 was the naughty one, I needed ISO4000 and it showed me the reason people buy the 70-200 2.8
For the main ceremony the registrar had a "1 shot with flash and thats it" limit, they were happy for shutter sounds during the entire thing, but the B+G asked for a bit of quiet, so I had the bride walking in, the couple at the table, the signing and the walk out. I used my "1 shot" up on the walk out
Kit wise I had 2 x SB600's, a 50mm 1.4, a 24-70 2.8, an 85mm 1.8 and a 70-300 F4-5.6 VR at various stages, body was a D700
The 70-300 was the naughty one, I needed ISO4000 and it showed me the reason people buy the 70-200 2.8
At least I was right about the flash ..... figured the bigger the better, especially if I have to use my 28-300 - the A200 flash doesn't pop up far enough.
Fast lenses will cost a fair bit though, I'm trying to keep both mine and my friends costs down as much as possible.
Still, got a few months to plan - its going ahead early december.
Fast lenses will cost a fair bit though, I'm trying to keep both mine and my friends costs down as much as possible.
Still, got a few months to plan - its going ahead early december.
andy-xr said:
Did my first one recently as well, just for a mate of a mate as a second shooter. I wished I'd taken my studio heads, there was every opportunity to use them re shot setups and power, but I had 2 flashguns and felt a bit underpowered.
For the main ceremony the registrar had a "1 shot with flash and thats it" limit, they were happy for shutter sounds during the entire thing, but the B+G asked for a bit of quiet, so I had the bride walking in, the couple at the table, the signing and the walk out. I used my "1 shot" up on the walk out
Kit wise I had 2 x SB600's, a 50mm 1.4, a 24-70 2.8, an 85mm 1.8 and a 70-300 F4-5.6 VR at various stages, body was a D700
The 70-300 was the naughty one, I needed ISO4000 and it showed me the reason people buy the 70-200 2.8
I'll have to check with the registrar, I do know that back at my wedding 10 years back there was flashes and clicks going on all the time.For the main ceremony the registrar had a "1 shot with flash and thats it" limit, they were happy for shutter sounds during the entire thing, but the B+G asked for a bit of quiet, so I had the bride walking in, the couple at the table, the signing and the walk out. I used my "1 shot" up on the walk out
Kit wise I had 2 x SB600's, a 50mm 1.4, a 24-70 2.8, an 85mm 1.8 and a 70-300 F4-5.6 VR at various stages, body was a D700
The 70-300 was the naughty one, I needed ISO4000 and it showed me the reason people buy the 70-200 2.8
The A200 will only go to ISO3200, and its relatively noisy at that, so obviously will need to keep the ISO down as far as I can. So a faster lens.
The 28-300 is an F3.5-F6.3, how much would I gain going to an F2.8, or even an F1.4? I'm incredibly rusty on photography basics (my first camera, when i was around 10 years old, had a range finder and a hand held light meter).
Registrars are usually easy-going and friendly and most will allow flash. I've only met two grumpy ones; as you say, have a quick word with them first.
f1.4 is not as useful as it sounds - the DOF is VERY shallow. f2.8 is almost always enough, but I do take a 50mm f1.4 and use it at about f2 when I know the church is going to be dim.
If you are 'rusty on photography basics' then have a serious think about proceeding. Weddings are a million miles from holiday photos.
Early December - even more reason to buy a big flash!
f1.4 is not as useful as it sounds - the DOF is VERY shallow. f2.8 is almost always enough, but I do take a 50mm f1.4 and use it at about f2 when I know the church is going to be dim.
If you are 'rusty on photography basics' then have a serious think about proceeding. Weddings are a million miles from holiday photos.
Early December - even more reason to buy a big flash!
Simpo Two said:
f1.4 is not as useful as it sounds - the DOF is VERY shallow. f2.8 is almost always enough, but I do take a 50mm f1.4 and use it at about f2 when I know the church is going to be dim.
If you are 'rusty on photography basics' then have a serious think about proceeding. Weddings are a million miles from holiday photos.
Early December - even more reason to buy a big flash!
I've had the DSLR for about a year now, definitely got the hang of its functions, done a lot of portraits of the kids, and some of the holiday photos were definitely good - will be selecting a few for larger prints.If you are 'rusty on photography basics' then have a serious think about proceeding. Weddings are a million miles from holiday photos.
Early December - even more reason to buy a big flash!
Have also done a few Blurb photo books, that'll definitely be something I'll produce from the wedding shots.
And the best thing - a genuine reason to buy a big flash, haven't had one since the good old 35mm Canon AE-1.
ian in lancs said:
Don't do it unless you're prepared to loose good friends! Wedding 'togging isn't for the technically incompetent, slow reacting or faint-hearted. there be crocodiles in that swamp!
This is what I would say. I'd never be happy taking snaps for a friend at their wedding, ignoring the fact I'm certainly not good enough!As friend of mine said when I was asked to take photos at a wedding:
Two things to remember -
1 DON'T DO IT
2 see point 1
It could (and I'm not saying it will) but it could get messy. That's why I think it's away best to enter into a contract with a professional for things like this.
Edited by theboyfold on Monday 6th September 13:01
ian in lancs said:
Don't do it unless you're prepared to loose good friends! Wedding 'togging isn't for the technically incompetent, slow reacting or faint-hearted. there be crocodiles in that swamp!
This. I've done plenty of friends weddings, but I am a photographer by trade and am comfortable with the actual photography side of it. If you lack confidence in your own skills or kit then I'd say either don't do it, or point out to your friends that you're not a pro and the risk in any disaster is on them!Agreed with the other comments unless your very comfortable doing this air on the side of caution and don't. The A200 is an entry level SLR and by no means upto the standard of the pro kit, unless you are running top end glass I don't think the kit will cut it, the kit lens is, imo, very poor on the A200.
Side hint try and get a 18-200 Sony/Tamron, much better walk about lens than the kit one imo. Fellow A200 owner
Side hint try and get a 18-200 Sony/Tamron, much better walk about lens than the kit one imo. Fellow A200 owner
Some Minolta flashes fit the Alpha cameras, 2500D, etc.
I've got one of those, and it works quite wel for a wedding. Get a diffuser (stofen) for the flash, makes a massive difference.
Take plenty of batteries, makes sure you have plenty of CF or Memory sticks, plus at least one spare battery for the camera.
Tripod is useful if Flash not allowed.
Sit down with the Bride and Groom, and get them to tell you what shots they want; does auntie 'Gertrude' want one on her own with the B&G, etc.
Visit the location prior to the wedding, possibly with the Bride and Groom, and take some test shots...
As has been said, shoot RAW, it really can save your life.
Oh and check out some of the old Minolta glass; some good 50mm (75mm on DSLR) F1.7's for around £80-£100 on fleabay; also some good 24/28mm F2.8's around.
I've got one of those, and it works quite wel for a wedding. Get a diffuser (stofen) for the flash, makes a massive difference.
Take plenty of batteries, makes sure you have plenty of CF or Memory sticks, plus at least one spare battery for the camera.
Tripod is useful if Flash not allowed.
Sit down with the Bride and Groom, and get them to tell you what shots they want; does auntie 'Gertrude' want one on her own with the B&G, etc.
Visit the location prior to the wedding, possibly with the Bride and Groom, and take some test shots...
As has been said, shoot RAW, it really can save your life.
Oh and check out some of the old Minolta glass; some good 50mm (75mm on DSLR) F1.7's for around £80-£100 on fleabay; also some good 24/28mm F2.8's around.
Simpo Two said:
clonmult said:
I've had the DSLR for about a year now, definitely got the hang of its functions, done a lot of portraits of the kids, and some of the holiday photos were definitely good
Sorry, it was the bit where you said 'incredibly rusty' that confused me 
My dad was an avid amateur photographer, we had our own dark room, rolled our own 35mm film (only ever B&W though), but got out of it for quite a while, and have only been getting back into it after getting the A200 about a year back.
I'm definitely happy to take the pictures, but it was a pleasant surprise that she thought my pictures were good enough. I've taken a few of her kids, and those along with my holiday pictures were obviously good enough to convince her.
Lenses and flashes will be on the shopping list, wondering if any of the basic Sony F2.8 lenses will be any good now. Look at reviews, and browse Flickr, must be some suitable pics on there to get an idea.
Do you have a website? If you're planning more weddings, get one and provide a portfolio of selected shots so that friends and family can buy additional images. Another useful source of income. Also, consider buying or renting a second camera body. You can't afford to have any "single points of failure".
Ed_P said:
Do you have a website? If you're planning more weddings, get one and provide a portfolio of selected shots so that friends and family can buy additional images. Another useful source of income. Also, consider buying or renting a second camera body. You can't afford to have any "single points of failure".
No website, as I've never considered it before now. But a colleague has been pushing me continually for 6 months to get into wedding photography, this is probably my chance.Agreed with the single point of failure - having had the lens I least expected to fail on holiday (the Sony kit lens, not the sigma 70-300), that would totally screw up any days work.
I find modern on camera flashes (I have what was the top of the range Canon) very difficult to get them to do what you want, I only use it for fill in but sometimes it just seems to fight me and not do what I want. Be prepared for lots of pratice to learn how to get the best out of one. I've done a couple of weddings for friends and family, even though they went well and they loved the photos I turn them down now, not my bag at all.
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