DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> General Discussion >> Wedding Photo Advice
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 25 of 35, (reverse)
AuthorThread
07/16/2015 01:18:37 AM · #1
A friend of mine (and a coworker) asked me to cover his wedding. There is not money involved and there is no obligation on my side either. The couple wanted actually to document everything one some sort of single use cameras or cheap low end digital cameras handed to the participants.

The gentleman (my friend) just turned 50 and the lady is in her forties. They will have a small ceremony at the city council followed by an early dinner for a restricted circle of friends and relatives and later a “Post-Wedding” party with booze and so on.

So my gear consists of my Canon 6D, a second 6D from the office that I can use, the 24-105 F4, the Macro L 2.8 IS and the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS which I doubt I can use it. I also have my Lumix LX100 for quick snaps and maybe back up. I also have the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT and an older, still working, Sigma EF-500 Super flash.

I have 2X3 SanDisk 32GB Extreme Pro UHS-I (95m/s) and a couple of less better SD Sandisk cards 32G and 16G.

As my gear acquisition syndrome faded but I still wonder if maybe is not the time for a Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM.

The wedding is in Hong Kong where spaces are narrow.

Any thoughts, advises, warnings etc?

I told my friend that I’ll not be responsible for any failure. Initially I have offered to cover the event as a back-up or snapshotting#different#angels#kind#of#things but later he asked me if I can be the only photog. There will be other people caring cameras of course but I will harrase them for pictures.

Thanks,

Tibi

The event is on 25 July 2015. One of his friends and participants is the South China Morning Post official caricaturist. He also has designed the couples’ weeding party invitation… I can feel the pressure LOL

07/16/2015 08:33:22 AM · #2

whats a weeding party?

07/16/2015 08:51:37 AM · #3
It depends on the event venu, last time I just used a hoe and a little hand fork, take some knee protection just in case the thing drags out.
07/16/2015 08:55:51 AM · #4
It sounds like a pretty informal style wedding. I've seen your photos, and you will do a nice job of it.

It might be good to see if they can appoint one of the party to be your "people - herder" and give them a list of group shots that they want , so you can focus on shooting.

Check into renting the other lens if you want, then you will not have to be out a bunch of money for a lens you may not have much use for after the event.
07/16/2015 09:15:10 AM · #5
wide angle shots are great for your personal portfolio when showing off your work to prospective clients but im not sure how important they are to the client.
07/16/2015 09:29:06 AM · #6
Originally posted by Mike:

whats a weeding party?


The invitation lists "post-wedding party" lol
07/16/2015 11:21:22 AM · #7
Check with the city council office to see if you can take pictures during the ceremony. If you can, scope out the place ahead of time so you know the size/setup.
07/16/2015 11:22:39 AM · #8
Oh, the last wedding I did I hadn't done a wedding for 12 years. I forgot a ring shot.

Make a list of the shots that they definitely want you to get. Make a list of the shots you want to get and DOUBLE CHECK THE LIST!! Otherwise you have to go back and shoot it later, like I had to do for the ring shots.
07/16/2015 12:18:41 PM · #9
You'll do great. I have my first wedding on September 5th. (Amazing how people that just because you know your way around a camera that you can shoot weddings. But the request came from in-laws where the bride and groom are already married and have three kids. First wedding was shotgun six years ago, grandma and grandpa now wanted a church wedding now. And bride is about the most laid-back person I've ever met. She'll be happy with any sort of photos I might get, so it'll be fine I'm sure.)

I agree with Wendy's recommendation to have a list of photos, including any special family/group photos desired. Plus scout out any rules at the ceremony location. I've heard stories about photographer having to shoot from back of church only - not sure 105 mm would be enough if that happened. For gear, ceremony location aside, I would think you should be able to work with what you've got access to.

I happen to like ultra-wide angle for family shots - but I'm not sure those are universally loved by clients. But if you're up for getting the 16-35 mm you probably wouldn't regret it. Especially if some of the wedding happens in tight places.

Good luck.
07/16/2015 12:51:45 PM · #10
yes, every time I see this I get very excited: at last we can discuss how to weed our photos. and the booze is important.

(you'll to fine Tib; they're lucky to have you even if you bring only one camera).
07/16/2015 12:55:14 PM · #11
Take a long lens. Makes "intimate" shots a LOT easier.
07/16/2015 01:05:48 PM · #12
Originally posted by tnun:

yes, every time I see this I get very excited: at last we can discuss how to weed our photos. and the booze is important.

(you'll to fine Tib; they're lucky to have you even if you bring only one camera).


I think they're luck to have him even if he only brings a hoe.
07/16/2015 01:35:52 PM · #13
Originally posted by jagar:

Originally posted by tnun:

yes, every time I see this I get very excited: at last we can discuss how to weed our photos. and the booze is important.

(you'll to fine Tib; they're lucky to have you even if you bring only one camera).


I think they're luck to have him even if he only brings a hoe.


Bringing a hoe to a wedding is kind of tackyÉ to the bachelor party, maybe, but to a wedding??
07/17/2015 06:48:56 AM · #14
sounds like fun, with or without the hoe.

the main thing is not to stress over this in any way at all.

if the couple wanted professional results or were expecting someone to do all the things a professional would do, they would have hired a professional. while you will want to do the best you can, you cannot be expected to figure out all the things that a professional would do and then do them. like scouting the venue, renting equipment, making a shot list, being ready for anything that could come up. you can do these things if you want to, but you should not feel compelled to.

instead, treat it like a party for a family member. you show up with your camera and do the best you can to document the event. take a strobe if you have one, use it when you need it if you are allowed (probably not an issue since you're not going to be in a church, but if so, make adjustments in your camera as necessary). just look for the moments and things that you think might be memorable, but don't feel like you have to shoot 1000's of photos. in reality, maybe 100-125 good photos would be a nice target.

i agree that the 16-36 would be a good thing to have, not just for this event.

to give you a little more perspective, break it down like this:
ceremony: maybe 10 photos
group photos: nothing fancy
dinner: 3-4 photos, mainly of the room
party: maybe 100 photos, early on, of people having fun, before anyone looks stupid

if you are accustomed to shooting raw, then you can do that, but if not, just do things the way you normally would.

i'll repeat: don't stress over this. keep it simple and light. you'll do just fine.

cheers,
skip
07/17/2015 07:44:31 AM · #15
You will do fine.

But don't discourage the added fun for the couple to have disposables at each table in the reception... those shots are a ton of fun. Photographer shots are the important ones, the prints, etc... the disposables are just great fun for the couple to go through - true candids if you will.

Message edited by author 2015-07-17 07:44:45.
07/17/2015 10:48:16 AM · #16
I just realized the misspelling of the threat title LOL

Can some SC help me change it to Wedding, please!

Many thanks to you all.

My friend said that me and the camera will suffice and that he and his future wife will yell at me anyway so I don't need to worry :)

It is a pretty informal wedding party.

I will try to make a list and eventually do a scouting of the venue(s).
I might have the budget to buy the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and I am eyeing it for a while and not for this event. It will complete my Canon gear.
I will also carry my Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS.
I do have the Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT and a Speedlite Transmitter YN-E3-RT that works nicely with it, so I can use the flash off camera as well.

Skip's suggested target is great. I do shoot RAW. Is part of my workflow.

Oh, and I don't stress :) I am just afraid that I won't be able to enjoy the party

Thanks again!

The spirit of the party



Message edited by author 2015-07-17 10:57:47.
07/17/2015 11:40:27 AM · #17
Originally posted by ShutterRev:

You will do fine.

But don't discourage the added fun for the couple to have disposables at each table in the reception... those shots are a ton of fun. Photographer shots are the important ones, the prints, etc... the disposables are just great fun for the couple to go through - true candids if you will.


disposables?

everyone has cellphones.

At my next wedding im placing cards on the table advertising myself with a hashtag for guests to tag their own photos.

#[bridge][groom]wedding2015
07/17/2015 11:54:44 AM · #18
Originally posted by Mike:

Originally posted by ShutterRev:

You will do fine.

But don't discourage the added fun for the couple to have disposables at each table in the reception... those shots are a ton of fun. Photographer shots are the important ones, the prints, etc... the disposables are just great fun for the couple to go through - true candids if you will.


disposables?

everyone has cellphones.

At my next wedding im placing cards on the table advertising myself with a hashtag for guests to tag their own photos.

#[bridge][groom]wedding2015

That's a great idea, except I'd opt for bride and groom, and not promote the groom to end his life so soon after getting married by jumping off the bridge that is most popular among his friends ;p
07/17/2015 02:07:40 PM · #19
Originally posted by Mike:

Originally posted by ShutterRev:

But don't discourage the added fun for the couple to have disposables at each table in the reception... those shots are a ton of fun. Photographer shots are the important ones, the prints, etc... the disposables are just great fun for the couple to go through - true candids if you will.


disposables?

everyone has cellphones.

If you attended a wedding and took so pictures on your phone would you be willing to leave it behind for the newlyweds to browse through after the honeymoon?
07/18/2015 08:35:25 AM · #20
Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Mike:

Originally posted by ShutterRev:

But don't discourage the added fun for the couple to have disposables at each table in the reception... those shots are a ton of fun. Photographer shots are the important ones, the prints, etc... the disposables are just great fun for the couple to go through - true candids if you will.


disposables?

everyone has cellphones.

If you attended a wedding and took so pictures on your phone would you be willing to leave it behind for the newlyweds to browse through after the honeymoon?


You have the guests tag the images they were going to post online anyway and you are encouraging them to take and post more.
07/18/2015 08:36:50 AM · #21
Originally posted by RyanW:

Originally posted by Mike:

Originally posted by ShutterRev:

You will do fine.

But don't discourage the added fun for the couple to have disposables at each table in the reception... those shots are a ton of fun. Photographer shots are the important ones, the prints, etc... the disposables are just great fun for the couple to go through - true candids if you will.


disposables?

everyone has cellphones.

At my next wedding im placing cards on the table advertising myself with a hashtag for guests to tag their own photos.

#[bridge][groom]wedding2015

That's a great idea, except I'd opt for bride and groom, and not promote the groom to end his life so soon after getting married by jumping off the bridge that is most popular among his friends ;p


A thread filled with unintended spelling errors. :D
07/19/2015 09:47:06 AM · #22
I got the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM :)

Any advise for bounce card or flash diffuser?
07/19/2015 11:04:39 AM · #23
Originally posted by Tiberius:

I got the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM :)

Any advise for bounce card or flash diffuser?

i use one of gary fong's lightspheres, but there are plenty of DIY solutions on the net. if you don't have a built-in card, simply taping an index card to the top of your flash will do better than pointing the strobe straight at your subjects ;-)

also, in terms of the number of images to shoot/deliver: another consideration is the number of people attending. if it's a smallish number (under 40), you could probably stop shooting as soon as you feel you have everyone there in at least one or two decent shots (keeping in mind that most photos will have 2-4 people in them). the main thing is just not to go nuts and way overshoot it; otherwise you'll wind up working too much and you will be way out of balance between useable photos and photos that will probably never see the light of day.
07/19/2015 11:20:21 AM · #24
Originally posted by Skip:

Originally posted by Tiberius:

I got the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM :)

Any advise for bounce card or flash diffuser?

i use one of gary fong's lightspheres, but there are plenty of DIY solutions on the net. if you don't have a built-in card, simply taping an index card to the top of your flash will do better than pointing the strobe straight at your subjects ;-)

also, in terms of the number of images to shoot/deliver: another consideration is the number of people attending. if it's a smallish number (under 40), you could probably stop shooting as soon as you feel you have everyone there in at least one or two decent shots (keeping in mind that most photos will have 2-4 people in them). the main thing is just not to go nuts and way overshoot it; otherwise you'll wind up working too much and you will be way out of balance between useable photos and photos that will probably never see the light of day.


Noted! Thanks a lot.

The 600EX-RT has the card. I'm off to travel for business so no time for DIY so I guess I'll go for a cheap bounce card (larger then the build in one). My daughter volunteered to assist me so that would be fun too.

Should I use the flash off camera or would it be too much?
07/19/2015 11:32:30 AM · #25
Originally posted by Tiberius:

Originally posted by Skip:

Originally posted by Tiberius:

I got the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM :)

Any advise for bounce card or flash diffuser?

i use one of gary fong's lightspheres, but there are plenty of DIY solutions on the net. if you don't have a built-in card, simply taping an index card to the top of your flash will do better than pointing the strobe straight at your subjects ;-)

also, in terms of the number of images to shoot/deliver: another consideration is the number of people attending. if it's a smallish number (under 40), you could probably stop shooting as soon as you feel you have everyone there in at least one or two decent shots (keeping in mind that most photos will have 2-4 people in them). the main thing is just not to go nuts and way overshoot it; otherwise you'll wind up working too much and you will be way out of balance between useable photos and photos that will probably never see the light of day.


Noted! Thanks a lot.

The 600EX-RT has the card. I'm off to travel for business so no time for DIY so I guess I'll go for a cheap bounce card (larger then the build in one). My daughter volunteered to assist me so that would be fun too.

Should I use the flash off camera or would it be too much?


I believe you mean at the venue, keep it on the camera so that you can control the lights. Do not use the flash flap as a diffuser, it would create a harsh light. Use a bouncer and try not to direct it front but diffuse it by 70-90 degree.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 06:04:43 PM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Prints! - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 03/28/2024 06:04:43 PM EDT.