Formal Line Pics - Advice Please

Keltic Ice Man

Keltic Ice Man

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Allan
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well you've heard it a few times by now...

I've been asked to do some shots at a wedding reception, it started as informal pics through the night, but has now moved on to "we would like some formal shots taking of bridge and groom with grandparents etc"

The informal bit - yep no probs, the formal bit - yep feel ok about, but could always do with more tips?

The pics I suppose might be inside or outside so any tips would be good. I thought of using the sigma 24-70mm on my 350D do you think this will be wide angle enough for formals?

The couple are getting married in Gretna and the wedding will be shot as part of the "Gretna experience" by a local photographer but he only does the before and during pics. The reception is then in Carlisle leaving the tog behind in Gretna.

Thanks

Allan
 
you'll be fine with the lens :)

do you know where you'll be shooting the formals and the night doo?
if you don't, pay the venues a visit so you can get an idea of how you'll position the people and what the lighting requirements will be.
 
Remember to get thoroughly to grips with your flash beforehand too! I'm guessing you're still liking that 24-70mm then?!!
 
Witch said:
Remember to get thoroughly to grips with your flash beforehand too! I'm guessing you're still liking that 24-70mm then?!!
Click to expand...

Its fantastic - and thanks for the advice to get one :) - I just got a gary fong gold fish bowl (for want of a better word) and so am trying to get to grips with this.

The wedding isn't for a few months so I can get the kids out in all weathers to line up and get a feel for fill in flash etc.

I'm thinking prob need to use F11 or more for a 3 or 4 deep line, thought about no less than 160 shutter - can I come down some on this do you think?
 
Get yourself down to the venue beforehand to check the layout. If you can, go to the practice and take a few test shots. Also see what shots you will be allowed to take. I've only done two weddings but they were poles apart in the attitude of the officials. First registry office, "NO photography during the service!!" Second, in a hotel "knock yourself out, just don't make a nuisance of yourself"
 
I think f11 is a good choice, I would go with 125@ 400 iso for your inside shots and see what you get. I use a stofen most of the time on my ex580 and have it on the Canon side bracket. I tend to go +1 flash exposure to compensate for the stofen and this works quite well.
 
If the wedding is the trad. gretna one, anvil, etc. then the venue is very small and tricky to shoot in - green walls, panelled wooden roof - not good for bounced flash. Might be ok with the gary fong sphere tho.

As for f/11, 125 @400 - it really depends on the light - if it's bright and sunny then you might need to drop down a stop or more on the ISO. A good starting point I find is to meter for the ambient light and let the ETTL take care of the fill from the flash.

But if the light is poor you'll be using the flash as the main light source and might need to be creative with shooting against brighter backgrounds to stop the flash in a coal cellar effect.

Inside is less tricky as long as you've got a white ceiling or wall to bounce the flash off (even if it's behind you). If the venue has got some large windowed areas you could try mixing natural light with some bounced fill as well.

Practice a lot beforehand in different type of light and make some helpful notes to refer too if needed.
 
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