Wedding Photography
Discussion
I've been asked to photograph a mates wedding this week. Low key affair at a registry office, then pub shin-dig after. They were not going to bother with a photographer then Mrs Tree piped up and said why not ask me. It's actually something I've always fancied having a go at and seeing as it's relaxed afair, I see this as a free crack...etc
Apart from the usual, like making sure batteries are charged and i have spare memory, can any of the Wedding Pros offer me any good advice/tips please?
Apart from the usual, like making sure batteries are charged and i have spare memory, can any of the Wedding Pros offer me any good advice/tips please?
I'm no "wedding pro", but have been asked to do some informal and "candid" shots as an addition to the "proper" photographer. Even though your friends have decided not to employ a wedding pro, I suspect that they would still like a good photographic record of the day. What you don't want afterwards is "They are great shots mate, it's just a shame you didn't get one of Auntie Minnie and Uncle Fred".
I would recommend arranging to meet them both well before the event to discuss their expectations and agree the "must do" shots. Also, have a look at the venues beforehand to check out the "challenges". These are likely to be issues around ambient lighting and space. The pub is likely to be rather dimly lit and cramped. "Fast" glass will obviously help. The usual tip of bouncing your speedlite flash off the ceiling may not give expected results. It's rare for pubs to have nicely painted white ceilings!
No doubt lots of the guests will be taking photographs, but you're probably not going to get to see them. Why not get the happy couple to invest in a dozen or so disposable cameras which are given out randomly to guests (including a few kids) on the day. You collect them up at the end of the day and add the best shots to the collection.
Have a great time.
Ed ...
I would recommend arranging to meet them both well before the event to discuss their expectations and agree the "must do" shots. Also, have a look at the venues beforehand to check out the "challenges". These are likely to be issues around ambient lighting and space. The pub is likely to be rather dimly lit and cramped. "Fast" glass will obviously help. The usual tip of bouncing your speedlite flash off the ceiling may not give expected results. It's rare for pubs to have nicely painted white ceilings!
No doubt lots of the guests will be taking photographs, but you're probably not going to get to see them. Why not get the happy couple to invest in a dozen or so disposable cameras which are given out randomly to guests (including a few kids) on the day. You collect them up at the end of the day and add the best shots to the collection.
Have a great time.
Ed ...
Try to meet the Registrars beforehand and find out their preferences on where you can stand, whether you can use flash and whether you can photograph the real register or use a dummy. Most of them are fairly relaxed but it's wise to check first rather than upset anyone.
Don't be intrusive - most registrars and vicars seem to have had bad experiences where over-enthusiastic togs have shoved lenses in their faces or over their shoulders.
Work quickly and quietly, have all the kit you need with you.
In addition to wrestling with your kit and being in the right place at the right time, make it seem effortless (like you know what you're doing) and be nice to everybody all the time
Don't be intrusive - most registrars and vicars seem to have had bad experiences where over-enthusiastic togs have shoved lenses in their faces or over their shoulders.
Work quickly and quietly, have all the kit you need with you.
In addition to wrestling with your kit and being in the right place at the right time, make it seem effortless (like you know what you're doing) and be nice to everybody all the time
No pro here but worked with a pro for years doing weddings so have a good idea.
Wouldnt avoid flash really. Lighting conditions may be utterly poor at best inside the registry office and youll be f
ked without a flash. Get a defuser on it though and avoid using the built in flash. Its always useful to have some fill in flash, even outside in the sun. Really helps to bring out the detail in the shadows and break up an otherwise, contrasty shot.
Maybe take a visit to the venue before hand and ask to have a look in the room. Check for conditions and ask to be shown where they will stand etc so you can plan some shots.
As said already, make sure you ask the couple who they want photos of. Would be a let down if you didnt manage to get a shot of whoever. Obviously snap everything you can. its better to have hundreds of throw aways with 30-40 great photos rather than just 30-40 great photos and nothing else. Especially if those 30-40 great photos dont look quite as great when you look at them on your computer screen.
Ask the couple what style they want. Do they want the traditional posed stylee shots or a more candid affair? Either way, If they say candid, expect to do the usual posed shots anyway. Find out who they want with who etc and make sure everyone is where they need to be so your not chasing around after people because uncle jim is off having a st in the bog.
My dad (who used to do wedding photography) always used to say that shooting a wedding isn't photography, its crowd control.
Good luck :-)
Wouldnt avoid flash really. Lighting conditions may be utterly poor at best inside the registry office and youll be f
ked without a flash. Get a defuser on it though and avoid using the built in flash. Its always useful to have some fill in flash, even outside in the sun. Really helps to bring out the detail in the shadows and break up an otherwise, contrasty shot.Maybe take a visit to the venue before hand and ask to have a look in the room. Check for conditions and ask to be shown where they will stand etc so you can plan some shots.
As said already, make sure you ask the couple who they want photos of. Would be a let down if you didnt manage to get a shot of whoever. Obviously snap everything you can. its better to have hundreds of throw aways with 30-40 great photos rather than just 30-40 great photos and nothing else. Especially if those 30-40 great photos dont look quite as great when you look at them on your computer screen.
Ask the couple what style they want. Do they want the traditional posed stylee shots or a more candid affair? Either way, If they say candid, expect to do the usual posed shots anyway. Find out who they want with who etc and make sure everyone is where they need to be so your not chasing around after people because uncle jim is off having a s
t in the bog.My dad (who used to do wedding photography) always used to say that shooting a wedding isn't photography, its crowd control.
Good luck :-)
Edited by Deluded on Tuesday 22 July 10:03
To Flash or not to flash that is the question!
I guess that's my biggest doubt. I've not been to the venue yet, so I have no idea of the quality of light inside. I'll be using a Canon EOS 1D Mark III with a 580EX II flash with a Stofen diffuser. The high ISO performance of the camera is good upto about 1600 iso, so I could get away without using a flash if need be.
I have some fast lenses, EF 24-70mm f2.8, EF 70-200mm f2.8 and EF 50mm f1.4, guessing I'll be using the 24-70 most.
I'm not too experienced using the flash, so are there any easy default settings I should set it to, or any other flash tips please ?
I also have an off-shoe cord for the flash. Any advantages to going off shoe ?
I guess that's my biggest doubt. I've not been to the venue yet, so I have no idea of the quality of light inside. I'll be using a Canon EOS 1D Mark III with a 580EX II flash with a Stofen diffuser. The high ISO performance of the camera is good upto about 1600 iso, so I could get away without using a flash if need be.
I have some fast lenses, EF 24-70mm f2.8, EF 70-200mm f2.8 and EF 50mm f1.4, guessing I'll be using the 24-70 most.
I'm not too experienced using the flash, so are there any easy default settings I should set it to, or any other flash tips please ?
Edited by Shadytree on Tuesday 22 July 10:15
I also have an off-shoe cord for the flash. Any advantages to going off shoe ?
Edited by Shadytree on Tuesday 22 July 10:19
As a semi pro photographer for the past 6 years (average 30 weddings a year) I suppose I should chip in.
Your camera set up is near identical to mine (though I have a MKIIn rather than the MkIII). Yes you will mainly use the 24-70 but when doing candid the 70-200 is perfect for hanging back and snapping when the guests aren't aware.
That said I also use the 70-200 for loose head portrait shots too as it gives excellent shallow depth of field and compression which is more flattering.
Re Flash - I pretty much always use flash where possible. Indoors at the bride's home for example the flash is on auto and I always bounce. When shooting outdoors I turn the flash down a full three stops and use as fill in flash. (Remember that with your set up the flash gun settings over ride any flash settings you make with the camera).
Chances are the registrar won't allow you to use flash so make sure you have a good tripod or as you say crank the ISO up. You should be ok with this unless it is really badly lit.
I take it you are familiar with RAW? Shoot in this format as you will need to adjust the white balance on indoor shots and this is much easier to worry about after you have got the shots than risk phaffing around on the day - trust me you will have far too much to think about to worry about little things like this!
Write a list of all the 'must have' shots and it would be good to have a few poses prepared in your mind ready for when you take shots of the bride and groom.
I know you are only doing this 'as a friend helping out' but try and take a back up body at least as well.
Above all - remember that you are photographing lots of people who are all dressed up having a great time so that makes your life easier already. Just have fun and enjoy the day!
Cheers
SS
Your camera set up is near identical to mine (though I have a MKIIn rather than the MkIII). Yes you will mainly use the 24-70 but when doing candid the 70-200 is perfect for hanging back and snapping when the guests aren't aware.
That said I also use the 70-200 for loose head portrait shots too as it gives excellent shallow depth of field and compression which is more flattering.
Re Flash - I pretty much always use flash where possible. Indoors at the bride's home for example the flash is on auto and I always bounce. When shooting outdoors I turn the flash down a full three stops and use as fill in flash. (Remember that with your set up the flash gun settings over ride any flash settings you make with the camera).
Chances are the registrar won't allow you to use flash so make sure you have a good tripod or as you say crank the ISO up. You should be ok with this unless it is really badly lit.
I take it you are familiar with RAW? Shoot in this format as you will need to adjust the white balance on indoor shots and this is much easier to worry about after you have got the shots than risk phaffing around on the day - trust me you will have far too much to think about to worry about little things like this!
Write a list of all the 'must have' shots and it would be good to have a few poses prepared in your mind ready for when you take shots of the bride and groom.
I know you are only doing this 'as a friend helping out' but try and take a back up body at least as well.
Above all - remember that you are photographing lots of people who are all dressed up having a great time so that makes your life easier already. Just have fun and enjoy the day!
Cheers
SS
Also - I remember posting an answer a couple of years back on a similar thread.
Bit of repeating of what I have already said but thought you may find some of it of use.
starts...
"There have been lots of good advice on here and my advice is not so much to worry about your equipment but to make sure you are prepared for the day. You can have the best gear money can buy but if you are not in the right places capturing the right shots then they are useless.
Would be a good idea to look at other photos, go on wedding photographers websites and visit the albums/galleries and study the sorts of shots you would like to capture.
Also go along to the wedding fairs in your area and look at photographers albums.
Visit the registry office and wedding venue beforehand, have a look round and work out, if you are going to take some group shots, where to work and what space you have. Don't forget to plan what to do if the weather isn't nice (this is often a wedding photographer's biggest headache and frustration).
Plan your day. Write out a on a sheet of paper to keep with you on the day the key people, key photographs (and perhaps when best to take them), a list of the various group shots and who is to be in them (the last thing you want on the day is to try and remember which ones to take), times of the service, when people are sitting down for the meal, allowing for travelling times etc so you know how much time you have got in between for spending time with e couple and getting the group and informal shots including grabbing all those little detail shots if you can.
I would say your equipment will be more than adequate, ok so we use pro spec lenses and in many cases the extra stop of light and quality are needed but use your short zoom for shots of the couple and groups and use your long zoom for the candid informal shots. Just hover in the background, focus on a few jokers in the pack and wait a momment till they laugh! Result - lovely relaxed fun shot and people always prefer pictures of themselves when they didn't realise the camera was trained on them! I love using my 70-200L on the weddings getting those shots!
You will definitely need a good flash though, as others have mentioned. Spend your money on that. Make sure you get bounce and swivel head, something like a second hand 550EX would fit the bill perfectly. Don't know why everyone is talking of the sb800 - these are Nikon flashguns and won't be compatible with your Canon 400D camera.
When shooting indoors - bounce the flash off the ceiling if its reasonably low and white - like in your house - where possible as it provides much more natural lighting and prevents harsh shadows.
When shooting outdoors either leave the flash off or drop the flash exposure by 3 stops and use it for fill in flash to help remove shadows under eyes etc.
Get a tripod too in case you need it!
In terms of camera set up, just simply leave in Program mode and shoot. Set white balance to auto and just concentrate on getting the right shots. If it's your first wedding you really won't have time to play with all the settings and chances are you will make a setting on the camera for indoors then start shooting outdoors and forget to re-set the camera and spoil them anyway. Good tip which you can get away with is upping the ISO on the camera when indoors to help the flash and increase shutter speed to prevent camera shake."
...end
One other thing I will say is let's say worst case it rains and you have to work inside and you can't bounce flash. Stick the camera on manual set it at roughly 1/30sec at F/5.0 (you'll need to experiment for your given light but al least with digital you can snap, review and adjust settings pretty quickly and fire the flash full in the straight ahead position. The long exposure will allow for more ambient light to enter the camera and the flash will help freeze and keep things sharp. If you rely on program/auto the camera will just say 1/60sec at F/4.0 and will probably over flash on the faces and make the background dark.
HTH!
Cheers
SS
Bit of repeating of what I have already said but thought you may find some of it of use.
starts...
"There have been lots of good advice on here and my advice is not so much to worry about your equipment but to make sure you are prepared for the day. You can have the best gear money can buy but if you are not in the right places capturing the right shots then they are useless.
Would be a good idea to look at other photos, go on wedding photographers websites and visit the albums/galleries and study the sorts of shots you would like to capture.
Also go along to the wedding fairs in your area and look at photographers albums.
Visit the registry office and wedding venue beforehand, have a look round and work out, if you are going to take some group shots, where to work and what space you have. Don't forget to plan what to do if the weather isn't nice (this is often a wedding photographer's biggest headache and frustration).
Plan your day. Write out a on a sheet of paper to keep with you on the day the key people, key photographs (and perhaps when best to take them), a list of the various group shots and who is to be in them (the last thing you want on the day is to try and remember which ones to take), times of the service, when people are sitting down for the meal, allowing for travelling times etc so you know how much time you have got in between for spending time with e couple and getting the group and informal shots including grabbing all those little detail shots if you can.
I would say your equipment will be more than adequate, ok so we use pro spec lenses and in many cases the extra stop of light and quality are needed but use your short zoom for shots of the couple and groups and use your long zoom for the candid informal shots. Just hover in the background, focus on a few jokers in the pack and wait a momment till they laugh! Result - lovely relaxed fun shot and people always prefer pictures of themselves when they didn't realise the camera was trained on them! I love using my 70-200L on the weddings getting those shots!
You will definitely need a good flash though, as others have mentioned. Spend your money on that. Make sure you get bounce and swivel head, something like a second hand 550EX would fit the bill perfectly. Don't know why everyone is talking of the sb800 - these are Nikon flashguns and won't be compatible with your Canon 400D camera.
When shooting indoors - bounce the flash off the ceiling if its reasonably low and white - like in your house - where possible as it provides much more natural lighting and prevents harsh shadows.
When shooting outdoors either leave the flash off or drop the flash exposure by 3 stops and use it for fill in flash to help remove shadows under eyes etc.
Get a tripod too in case you need it!
In terms of camera set up, just simply leave in Program mode and shoot. Set white balance to auto and just concentrate on getting the right shots. If it's your first wedding you really won't have time to play with all the settings and chances are you will make a setting on the camera for indoors then start shooting outdoors and forget to re-set the camera and spoil them anyway. Good tip which you can get away with is upping the ISO on the camera when indoors to help the flash and increase shutter speed to prevent camera shake."
...end
One other thing I will say is let's say worst case it rains and you have to work inside and you can't bounce flash. Stick the camera on manual set it at roughly 1/30sec at F/5.0 (you'll need to experiment for your given light but al least with digital you can snap, review and adjust settings pretty quickly and fire the flash full in the straight ahead position. The long exposure will allow for more ambient light to enter the camera and the flash will help freeze and keep things sharp. If you rely on program/auto the camera will just say 1/60sec at F/4.0 and will probably over flash on the faces and make the background dark.
HTH!
Cheers
SS
Thanks SS, some great advice there. The note pad with shots to remember and not to worry about setting too much. good tips.
I'm still pretty raw (no pun intended) with my Flash usage. Can you explain some settings i need on that please.
As regards RAW and processing, that side I'm pretty good and confident.
I'm still pretty raw (no pun intended) with my Flash usage. Can you explain some settings i need on that please.
As regards RAW and processing, that side I'm pretty good and confident.
Agree with everything except:
Ultimately you need to use your kit as instinctively as you drive a car, and that leaves you free to get on finding shots, getting shots, and being polite and friendly at all times. Don't leave vital bits of kit in a different room or in the car, and always plan at least one move in advance - there may be times when you need to go into 'paparrazi' mode and leg it. Good luck
snapper seven said:
In terms of camera set up, just simply leave in Program mode and shoot.
As a veteran of only 40 weddings I'd suggest that it's important to know what aperture/shutter speed combo you're using, so I always use aperture priority and keep a close eye on shutter speed. Aperture for DOF and shutter speed to avoid camera shake (you knew that anyway I'm sure). You may well end up juggling ISO as well. Apart from group shots you'll only get one chance, so you need to be aware of all the settings at once.Ultimately you need to use your kit as instinctively as you drive a car, and that leaves you free to get on finding shots, getting shots, and being polite and friendly at all times. Don't leave vital bits of kit in a different room or in the car, and always plan at least one move in advance - there may be times when you need to go into 'paparrazi' mode and leg it. Good luck
Cool cheers guys.
Simpo, those guides on AP and Shutter Speed is pretty much how I do most of my shooting now. I tend to aim for 1/250 to avoid camera shake etc. All good advice there, really looking forward to having a go.
As the happy couple are friends and we were invited to the wedding anyway, I'll be puttong the results together as a book for the present (well hoping to anyway).
I'm planning a raid on the hair dresses before hand as well
Simpo, those guides on AP and Shutter Speed is pretty much how I do most of my shooting now. I tend to aim for 1/250 to avoid camera shake etc. All good advice there, really looking forward to having a go.
As the happy couple are friends and we were invited to the wedding anyway, I'll be puttong the results together as a book for the present (well hoping to anyway).
I'm planning a raid on the hair dresses before hand as well
Shadytree said:
Simpo, those guides on AP and Shutter Speed is pretty much how I do most of my shooting now. I tend to aim for 1/250 to avoid camera shake etc. All good advice there, really looking forward to having a go.
Unlike many people in your position you are at least handy with a DSLR, so I'm sure you'll be fine, and as there's no money involved that removes some of the pressure. I'm sure you'll do a good job for them - but don't expect to be a guest - I bet you'll be busy all day!bramley said:
I'm doing a wedding in September and one thing I'll be doing is leaving the ISO no lower than say 320 or 400 just to be safe. I think it's too risky to lower it to 100 outdoors then forget after you've changed a lens or moved about a bit.
My 'default' ISO is 200-320, but if I use fill flash outdoors in sunlight I have to drop to 100 to avoid blitzing faces, and may have to decrease aperture as well. However you could also solve this with flash compensation. Aaaaggghhhh - too many buttons!Edited by Simpo Two on Wednesday 23 July 09:41
Certainly not a pro, but the missus and I have taken some photos at weddings in the last couple of years or so.
Don’t forget the mood shots, although this may not be as applicable in this case (apologies for the heavily compressed snap - the real one is a lot less fuzzy, but it's all I can find at the moment!)
… and we’ve certainly found that lurking at the back somewhere with a longer lens (200 or 300mm) means you get real candid shots.
Don’t forget the mood shots, although this may not be as applicable in this case (apologies for the heavily compressed snap - the real one is a lot less fuzzy, but it's all I can find at the moment!)
… and we’ve certainly found that lurking at the back somewhere with a longer lens (200 or 300mm) means you get real candid shots.
Edited by Podie on Wednesday 23 July 10:14
I used to download some photography podcasts (yup, you read that right) and on one such episode they interviewed a very famous wedding photographer (I forget the name - obviously he was very famous).
Ok, the point. He made a great suggestion that at a wedding everybody's shots are all taken with average digital camera in a snap shot pose and so try to avoid 30mm-60mm range shots. Go for wide, or telephoto, as they will be different from every other person who has taken a camera, and they will provide the interesting angles and points of view.
Ok, the point. He made a great suggestion that at a wedding everybody's shots are all taken with average digital camera in a snap shot pose and so try to avoid 30mm-60mm range shots. Go for wide, or telephoto, as they will be different from every other person who has taken a camera, and they will provide the interesting angles and points of view.
TonyHetherington said:
a great suggestion that at a wedding everybody's shots are all taken with average digital camera in a snap shot pose and so try to avoid 30mm-60mm range shots. Go for wide, or telephoto, as they will be different from every other person who has taken a camera, and they will provide the interesting angles and points of view.
I might get the 400mm with 2x tele out and do it from home 
cheer guys
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