wedding looming

I too am in the same position as Brian and Carl, based on some snaps taken at a friends 18th I am about to do my first wedding a week on Friday for some friends.

They have both been really supportive, and accept that I am not a pro, just a keen enthusiastic who will do his very best to record their special day. They know and accept the risks, but are content with these.

After reading previous threads asking for Wedding shoot advice on the forum I decided not to post one of my own, why?

Quite simply, whilst I believe I am probably competent enough, I am quite nervous about it, and I found the negativity of some comments on the other threads off-putting.

Had I done what Brian and others before him have, then my nervousness may have become blind panic!

In these situations we really need the support and advice of our community. Personally I think if it is clear a forum member is way off the mark in terms of their ability and or kit (I am not suggestioning you are Brian!), then maybe a PM with some thoughts from the more experienced photographers would be the best approach.

Brian and Carl, I really wish you all the very best, I hope you really enjoy the weddings, and that your shots are a tremendous success!

The best of Pentax to you

There is a warning that should come up with that statement....get to know your gear before the event, last thing you want to do is spend ages going through the manual on the day.

I am not a pro but I have photographed one wedding, for my niece, in a large stately home in the North East. They did not have much money and I did this as our wedding present for them.

I fully understand your position and I give this advice as a complete (wedding) novice after the event.

On top of the excellent advice given above I would also suggest the following:

Don't scrimp on the recce time. When you visit the location beforehand consider suitable backdrops and interesting nooks and corners where you can get some more imaginative shots of the couple. Take plenty of time and relax and explore.

Study the light. I had to take a picture of the bride coming down a dark wooden staircase with lights behind and beside her but the bottom of the stairs (where I was standing) was lit by a full length side window. The metering was all over the place as the 'sequence' progressed. Practice different settings beforehand and, if you feel its worthwhile write little notes about each location as a guide. I had discrete 'yellow stickies' hidden behind curtains and stuck on flower pots
Although they were happy with the end photos I certainly think I could have done better.

Always have a plan B location and shot list for bad weather (as mentioned above).

Consider some 'props' for photos of kids. By chance we found a small umbrella on the day and I ended up with some lovely ad-hoc shots like this:




Take the large groups shots first and then slowly release people until you are left with the Bride and Groom. That way guests aren't hanging around to have there picture taken whilst you take the smaller groups.

This also means that they can head off to the reception whilst you can have quality time with the couple.

Don't forget to take some filler/background shots without people such as confetti on the grass or balloons at the reception as these will add to the album and help set the scene:







You may even be able to take some of these on the recce.

As you know them I assume that you are also there as a guest as well. So don't forget to include yourself in the group shots. We had a lot of fun with 50+ people waiting for the self timer whilst I ran back and forth to the tripod. It made everybody laugh and helped break the ice between me and the crowd.

Consider taking (or having access to) a step ladder unless there is some other high access point. It will allow you to gain some height over the large group shots so that you can see everyone.

Are you taking pictures at the reception? If so consider some more informal shots of the dance floor etc.

This wedding was a disco in a cleaned out cattle barn on a farm. The lighting was a nightmare and the end results were not as good as I had hoped but I did get the people and the effect of the disco lights to demonstrate the atmosphere.




Look for locations between the service and reception (assuming they're different) where the car can stop and you can picture the couple against a local backdrop.

Consider getting some help. In our case we put small disposable cameras on each table and asked the guests to click away to their hearts content. Some of the shots were rubbish, some were obscene but one or two were worth having.

We ended up with 2 wedding albums. I containing the formal 'set' photos and one which had a lot of the 'fun' ad-hoc pictures in it.

I had one camera, 2 lenses, 2 spare batteries, and 2 spare memory cards. So I was far less equipped and prepared than you are and still managed to keep the 'client' happy.

I'm sure you will be fine. Above all else enjoy the day.

Hi, yes I've already arranged a party member to round up the group shots and iv met with the couple to go through the 'essential' list and they have chosen the ones they want. I could probably ask a million questions but I know the best way to learn is go and do it. I'll have a trial run at the venue on a weekend and be there round about the same time as the ceremony so I can see what the lighting is like. I'm really looking forward to it.

You're right Andrew I really don't know why that is. I am new here and I can assure you that isn't unique to this forum. I think sometimes people read replies and just repeat them.

I shoot weddings full time. A camera, is a camera, is a camera. I shoot manual and raw. I have used Fuji, Nikon and until recently full frame Canon. You can pick up and camera and use it within ten minutes. I took about 25 minutes from having picked up the K-5 to know where everything is. I have never read the manual and nor will I.

Some people like to think there is something magical about photography and like to guard it. It just isn't rocket science at all. It is quite simple. SO I am happy to say it how it is and like I said anyone want any help with regards weddings feel free to contact or phone me via here or my website.

.... and don't fall in the font.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cueq-lqWK9c

lol.

Tamron SP AF17-50 f2.8 Di II lens for Pentax is ordered. my credit card company are not going to be chuffed with me this month,

I have just bought a used one of those. First impressions are very positive.

We have another wedding this weekend so I intend to trail their photographer

Good Luck with the wedding.................

The best thing to do is not rush, slow yourself down and have fun. The night before and in the morning you will be asking yourself why the hell you said you would do this but once you start you will settle down. There is so much more to say about your first wedding but if you would like a long chat about it feel free to give me a call on the phone and I will help as much as I can.

Martin[/quote]I like this reply as it's calm, positive and takes the sting out of the fear. Contact MartinEA, listen to the advice he offers, turn up at the gig and go for it.
You're into photography because, like the rest of us, you love it and in this instance the happy couple have been forewarned that you're no wedding pro 'tog'.
The bases are all covered dude...so turn up, lock and load and do your thing!

Good luck from me too Brian. As you have two camera bodies I'd be tempted to stick a longer (50-200) on the second body so you can use it to capture some candids at more of a distance or to focus in on a specific area with shots of the couple for example. The K-r is perfectly competent enough for wedding shots and if you have it you might as well use it. I would recommend one of the 'quickstrap' or 'sling' type of straps so you can easily carry the second body and shoot with it without having to remove it.

Regards
David

I hope the day goes well for all concerned and you put an image or two on the gallery for us all to enjoy.

Hi to you, their is a lot of wedding photography on youtube which can give good ideas, i would go for it just the word wedding can make you shake in your boots as someone said keep calm, its going to be a long day for you are you taking pics on the night as well ? i think everyone would like to be asked to do their friends wedding its the buzz and excitment of it all good luck anyway enjoy the day

Regards Dave

Update:

I shot the wedding on friday and i am delighted with the results, the whole day was pretty spectacular and i didnt get nervous once (which made me nervous as i thought i may have forgotten something). i ended up utilising my back-up body (the k-r) by setting up a tripod in a discreet area of the ceremony venue and using my remote release while i circled round the rest of the room. the march snow meant the couple did not want any outdoor shots but i did manage to get the men in kilts outside for a 'running at the camera shouting 'freedom' shot.
im currently processing them and keeping the bride up to date on the progress via Facebook. i was also an invited guest for the meal and reception so i was there from 11am till 2 am and i enjoyed every minute of it.
i only had one faux pas which didn't ruin anything but would have made it much better, i had my 70-200mm lens in my bag which was sitting just outside the room during the ceremony and when i went to fetch it for super close up shots they had only gone and locked the bloody door (mental note for next time). overall though im very happy with the day and im sure the couple will be just as pleased with the results (fingers crossed). i should be finished editing by saturday and ill go and meet them so they can choose what they want in their album.
thanks again for all your advices and god bless youtube.

B.