First time Wedding 'tog tips?

Moos3h

Moos3h

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James
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Hi all,

Been reading the 'rain at a wedding' thread with interest.

I have my first 'paid' Wedding in a month or so. I use quotes, because it's very very low as a favour - covering costs more than anything, as it will be my first Wedding!

Now, it's for someone I know so I've no idea if that makes it easier or worse - I suspect worse!

I've been reading up and have made myself a few notes, but can anyone recommend any other tips or things to consider?

So far, I have:

1). Take a second body
2). Take a number of cards and change after every important stage (i.e. aisle shots, posed shots etc.)
3). Burn to CD asap to minimize risk of losing cards etc.
4). Use tripod (IS Switched off) for group shots - worth using a remote too? These seem to be very cheap to pick up
5). Do a 'reccy' and check the place out first
6). Talk in depth with Bridge and Groom to check out what sort of thing they want
7). Stay cool!

Thanks for any pointers!

All the best,
James
 
Doing a wedding for someone you know is a good idea initially. You'll find it less intimidating than being confronted by a whole of lot strangers whose expectations of you will be considerably higher and where you'll be be treated very much as the hired professional help.

There's loads of wedding threads on the board - have a good search.I'm sure you'll be fine. :)
 
8) Take an assisstant, weddings are very much about crowd control.
9) Take a flash (fill in flash for outside)
10) Make sure you are aware of any 'special' shots the B&G want.
11) Talk with vicar/priest to establish photography rules in church.
12) Take more shots than you would require, it's easy deleting the crap.
13) Find the best place (decent backgrounds) for groupshots before the event.
14) Have a back-up plan for poor weather.
 
Have a plan B if it rains.
Where will the photos be taken? - discuss with the B&G well in advance of the day.

Have a list of agreed 'must have' poses in advance of the day and work out how you are going to achieve them and what settings do you need on your gear.

If the venue is not too far away, ask if you can attend the rehearsal. You can get to meet the main party and also the Minister/Vicar. Introduce yourself to him/her and ask what is acceptable and what is not.

Ask if an usher if he can help you round up people for group photographs.

I have a guide to poses if you require one - I will PM it to you if you want.

Carry brollies in the boot of your car.

I changed tac with my last wedding and left the tripod outside the chapel. I walked around with my 5D fitted with 24-105mm and my 20D with 85mm 1.8
It was great not having to change lenses all the time. Occasionally I did change to the 75-300mm. I left the camera bag at the back of the chapel and stuffed spare cards, batteries, car key, mobile phone, lippy, money etc into a waist belt as my jacket had no pockets. That was a good idea.

As Cedric has said above, search around these threads, there are plenty of posts with useful tips - I know, I posted most of the help ones!

Good luck.

Gillian
 
really wish you well with first wedding

my first one was free for a friend made it more relaxed

group shots are worst need to shout loud to round them ha ha

be at ease

take hundreds of photos and as above delete the carp

wishing you well keep us posted
 
If in doubt take another shot. :) and try to relax, then everyone else will relax. Watch for the candid moments as well they can be good if not better then the formal shots.
 
All of the above really.

When taking group shots, try and take more than one because Great Aunt Lil will be looking at the floor, young Jimmy will be picking his nose and the bride will have her eyes closed!

Have a list of the photos the bride & groom wants and let the ushers/best man have a copy so they can round up the groups for you.

Do the main group first then work your way down to the bride & groom on their own. That way the crowd don't get restless and start wandering off.

Take a small step ladder just in case!

Also, make sure you know how much time you have to take the piccies before they have to disappear to the reception. Also make sure you spend time with the b&g on their own away from the crowd and the bank of guests also taking pictures.

Enjoy yourself; and the others will as well!

Best of luck for the day (and the weather!)
 
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