omg I appear to have shot a wedding Thank you!

maddog.mark

maddog.mark

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Mark
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It appears that my sister in law has nominated me to take the main shots at her wedding next week, family eh:bang:. This has gone from lots of my friends will be there to only one tog can take shots during the ceremony and I gave them your name.

So now I have some planning to do before next Saturday. :eek:

I'm not the greatest portrait photographer so please can any of you more experienced wedding togs provide some advice.

I'd also be interested to know what the lens of choice is? I may have to hire one!

Thanks in advance

Mark
 
Have a read through the wedding topic on the forums, there's loads of good advice there.

Make a list of the shots you want to take and keep it on you, work your way through it on the day it will help give you purpose and confidence.
 
Save us repeating ourselves, just do a search for wedding ;)
 
Whoops, moment of panic, should have done a search first. I'll get me coat:)
 
Look forward to your shots :) Good luck - this place is chocca block with good advice! :)
 
O.o Wedding shots. Im sure you will do fine (Even though im 15 and have never attempted)
Just have a search aroud theres good advise here =]
 
I sometimes think the tog has more pre-wedding nerves than the bride. Just plan ahead and keep your head. It will all work out on the day if you do that. Good luck! :)
 
Back from my trawl of all that is TP Wedding threads. I now have a head full of things to get to grips with;). I definatley need a spare camera, luckily the groom has a 30D, so I'll blag that off him as well, by way of penance for dropping me in it:D
Thanks for the support folks, I was quite happy with this wedding until today, the nerves are kicking in a bit now.
 
Good luck Mark, you'll need it! I got asked to do a wedding a few weeks ago and politely declined :gag:

I'm sure you'll do a great job though :thumbs:
 
maddog.mark said:
It appears that my sister in law has nominated me to take the main shots at her wedding next week, family eh:bang:. This has gone from lots of my friends will be there to only one tog can take shots during the ceromony and I gave them your name.

So now I have some planning to do before next Saturday. :eek:

I'm not the greatest portrait photographer so please can any of you more experienced wedding togs provide some advice.

I'd also be interested to know what the lens of choice is? I may have to hire one!

Thanks in advance

Mark
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plenty of cheap flights about, you could be out of the country and in hiding , by thursday:lol:
 
Batteries! for the camera and the flash, take plenty and make sure they are all fully charged!
 
........and plenty of fibre in your diet in the days leading up to the event..... ;)

Good luck. :)
 
MikeeB said:
Good luck Mark, you'll need it! I got asked to do a wedding a few weeks ago and politely declined :gag:

I'm sure you'll do a great job though :thumbs:
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Thanks, not even seen the venue yet which is a bit of a worry.

as-i-said said:
plenty of cheap flights about, you could be out of the country and in hiding , by thursday:lol:
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Not a bad idea that:lol:


Steep said:
Batteries! for the camera and the flash, take plenty and make sure they are all fully charged!
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Good advice, thanks, have purchased a load of batteries for the flash and the grip, just in case, should be ok on that front now.

Tommo B said:
........and plenty of fibre in your diet in the days leading up to the event..... ;)

Good luck. :)
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lol, you could be right.


I have the loan of 350D and a 30D as well, so should be ok for bodies. I'll have to spend a night getting used to the 30D though.

Thanks for the support and advice folks.

I'd still like some advice on lenses though:thinking:. I'm a bit limited at the short end of the scale at the moment.
 
Steep said:
Batteries! for the camera and the flash, take plenty and make sure they are all fully charged!
Click to expand...

And a charger to charge during the reception!

And during the church part, run up stairs to the balconies (if there are any) during the first (or second reading), or gospel/homily and take a picture of the church wide angled. That makes a great picture.
 
You could also scout out the church and reception hall, see what you'll be dealing with and plan where you want to stand and take some scouting pictures to judge flash requirements.
 
Markk said:
And a charger to charge during the reception!

And during the church part, run up stairs to the balconies (if there are any) during the first (or second reading), or gospel/homily and take a picture of the church wide angled. That makes a great picture.
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Charger, damn good idea thanks. Think I'll take the laptop too so I can download cards if need be.

Markk said:
You could also scout out the church and reception hall, see what you'll be dealing with and plan where you want to stand and take some scouting pictures to judge flash requirements.
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It's all at the same venue, Dragon Hall in Norwich. Unfortunately I'm not likely to get there. I've had some advice and links via PM re the location so thankyou... you know who you are:)

King of Groove said:
I'm sure you'll do an excellent job Mark.
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I hope so.. I guess you'll get to see in weeks time:D
 
I'd just like to say thank you to one and all for the help you've given me on this thread. The words of encouragement were gratefully received and the advice and assistance and help are a credit to this forum. I knew I could rely on you guys to help.:thankyou::thankyou:

I feel more confident and much happier about the day now. :thumbs:

Mark
 
Don't forget metering - you'll have the complete opposites with bride and groom. usually bright white on the bride, black on the groom.
 
Byker28i said:
Don't forget metering - you'll have the complete opposites with bride and groom. usually bright white on the bride, black on the groom.
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Good point, I'll probably bracket quite a lot, at least where I can for the more formal stuff, and shoot raw as well.
 
Shoot Raw for white balance, it's a godsend. Don't forget to watch your ISO. A lot of wedding venues don't have the best light at crucial moments in the ceremony. If you are struggling for shutter speed to get pics with no blur, then up that ISO! (Don't forget to put it back down for the outdoor stuff though)

Take your time. Set up the camera for some pre ceremony shots, then again for everything indoors, again for outdoors for the formals and lastly for the reception. Those four should serve you well and not too many changes would be required.

When you come to do the PP, take your time, good shot selection and attention to detail do make a difference.

Oh and enjoy it! :)
 
Best of luck, I did one recently for some friends. If you want to see the full gallery to get some idea's PM me and I'll send you a link to the private gallery where you can see what I did.

Otherwise shoot in RAW, don't rush yourself and make sure you check that histogram to make sure your not blowing the dress out if your shooting ni bright sunshine!
 
The only bit of advice i can give is to take charge of the situation. They will assume your just getting the shots, you need to properly organise the list of groups of people you require and make sure to command there attention so they all looking at you otherwise every other frame there will be wandering eyes from people who get distracted.
 
AliB said:
Shoot Raw for white balance, it's a godsend. Don't forget to watch your ISO. A lot of wedding venues don't have the best light at crucial moments in the ceremony. If you are struggling for shutter speed to get pics with no blur, then up that ISO! (Don't forget to put it back down for the outdoor stuff though)

Take your time. Set up the camera for some pre ceremony shots, then again for everything indoors, again for outdoors for the formals and lastly for the reception. Those four should serve you well and not too many changes would be required.

When you come to do the PP, take your time, good shot selection and attention to detail do make a difference.

Oh and enjoy it! :)
Click to expand...


Think I'll put a sticky on the back of camera for ISO, as it always occurs to me 5mins to late. :)

Richard Peters said:
Best of luck, I did one recently for some friends. If you want to see the full gallery to get some idea's PM me and I'll send you a link to the private gallery where you can see what I did.

Otherwise shoot in RAW, don't rush yourself and make sure you check that histogram to make sure your not blowing the dress out if your shooting ni bright sunshine!
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Thanks Richard, I'll drop you a pm

blinkerz said:
The only bit of advice i can give is to take charge of the situation. They will assume your just getting the shots, you need to properly organise the list of groups of people you require and make sure to command there attention so they all looking at you otherwise every other frame there will be wandering eyes from people who get distracted.
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This is the bit that worries me the most, but I'll cope I'm sure:)

inaneredstripe said:
remember to eat , drink and pee.
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:lol: good point I hadn't considered any of those things...;)
 
Phew that's the last time I shoot a wedding.

I have nothing but respect for you guys who shoot weddings week in week out. I know it must get easier with practice / experience, but the stress levels are to much for me.

Things I've learnt:

1.
​
Make sure the B&G tell you what they want, mine (sister in law) didn't, which left me to make it up I went along, this isn't good for stress levels.

2.
​
When you borrow a second camera, give yourself plenty of time to work out how to use it.

3.
​
Visit the locations first and work out where you want to take the formal group shots and what lens you are going to need.

4.
​
Don't assume that because you've got the group together that they'll all be looking at the camera when you press the shutter....:bang:For this you'll need a plan to trick them at looking at the camera at the right time.

5.
​
Don't assume that you'll get a good spot in the ceremony from which to get shots.

6.
​
You may have to shoot into the light, get used to it and learn how to do it well before hand.

7.
​
Try and relax, it makes photography easier.

8.
​
Never forget that TP is a great place to get help, advice and most of all support.. thanks guys.:thumbs:

Finally thanks again to one and all for the help and advice, despite the above I got some passable shots that I hope the B&G will like. When they've seen them I'll post a few up for you guys to pull to pieces, in a constructive and helpful way of course:D)
 
I'm glad you made it! How did the batteries hold up during the ceremony? Out of curiousity, did you use the charger by chance? ;)
 
Thanks Markk, I didn't need the charger,but it was there just in case.:)
 
Hi maddog.mark...

Been following the thread and I`m glad you pulled it off. :thumbs:

No point in me jumping in earlier as I`m still stuck in newbie-ville but I was wondering if you`ve posted up any of the pics yet?

Cheers.

tj. :)
 
tjc said:
Hi maddog.mark...

Been following the thread and I`m glad you pulled it off. :thumbs:

No point in me jumping in earlier as I`m still stuck in newbie-ville but I was wondering if you`ve posted up any of the pics yet?

Cheers.

tj. :)
Click to expand...

Thanks tj, no pics yet, I'd like the B&G to see them first;)
 
Ok...

Didn`t realise they hadn`t seen them yet.

Look forward to seeing them.

:)
 
maddog.mark said:
Thanks tj, no pics yet, I'd like the B&G to see them first;)
Click to expand...
Just an alternative opinion - if you're very happy with your results then all well and good :) But, if you post some examples here you may get some critique that will allow you to improve them before the B&G get to see them.

I just recently shot my first two "proper" weddings and posted some examples on the People * Portraits forum. As well as some generally complementary noises, very gratefully received, I did also get good feedback for improvements I might make. Here's my thread....

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=78293
 
maddog.mark said:
Phew that's the last time I shoot a wedding.

I have nothing but respect for you guys who shoot weddings week in week out. I know it must get easier with practice / experience, but the stress levels are to much for me.

Things I've learnt:

1.
​
Make sure the B&G tell you what they want, mine (sister in law) didn't, which left me to make it up I went along, this isn't good for stress levels.

2.
​
When you borrow a second camera, give yourself plenty of time to work out how to use it.

3.
​
Visit the locations first and work out where you want to take the formal group shots and what lens you are going to need.

4.
​
Don't assume that because you've got the group together that they'll all be looking at the camera when you press the shutter....:bang:For this you'll need a plan to trick them at looking at the camera at the right time.

5.
​
Don't assume that you'll get a good spot in the ceremony from which to get shots.

6.
​
You may have to shoot into the light, get used to it and learn how to do it well before hand.

7.
​
Try and relax, it makes photography easier.

8.
​
Never forget that TP is a great place to get help, advice and most of all support.. thanks guys.:thumbs:

Finally thanks again to one and all for the help and advice, despite the above I got some passable shots that I hope the B&G will like. When they've seen them I'll post a few up for you guys to pull to pieces, in a constructive and helpful way of course:D)
Click to expand...

Well done and good hints.
I turned up to a friends wedding on Sat and got told "...really glad you came - we have no photographer other than my Mum whose borrowed a 10D"

I had the real issue of the Mum attracting everyones attention as I was getting the shot - so hard to get the eye contact. I didn't really feel comfortable with telling the mum of the bride off, so just put up with it.
 
I did my wifes brothers wedding 2 weeks ago. Having had some previous experience of trying to shoot groups, and therefor knowing that theres always one who looks at the person next to him, closes eyes, looks at someone behind you... I shouted instructions to the group before every single shot. I always explain that i'm going to count to three and on 3 i'm going to take the shot. When I take the shot, I want everybody looking at me with eyes open... not at someone else behind me who happens to have a camera etc etc. I go on to remind everyone that there is always one (obviously I do this in a lighthearted way) I take every group at least 3 times minimum. and repeat my instructions for every group shot, counting between every one of the three shots per group. It really is the only way to get eyes open looking at you... but believe it or not, you'll still get the odd shot where someone isn't looking or has eyes closed. Shooting RAW though you hammer an 8 gig memory card and I had to empty mine twice during te course of the day.
 
tdodd said:
Just an alternative opinion - if you're very happy with your results then all well and good :) But, if you post some examples here you may get some critique that will allow you to improve them before the B&G get to see them.

I just recently shot my first two "proper" weddings and posted some examples on the People * Portraits forum. As well as some generally complementary noises, very gratefully received, I did also get good feedback for improvements I might make. Here's my thread....

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=78293
Click to expand...

Good point, I may post a couple a little later on. I have had some feedback from family who are pleased with them.

Byker28i said:
Well done and good hints.
I turned up to a friends wedding on Sat and got told "...really glad you came - we have no photographer other than my Mum whose borrowed a 10D"

I had the real issue of the Mum attracting everyones attention as I was getting the shot - so hard to get the eye contact. I didn't really feel comfortable with telling the mum of the bride off, so just put up with it.
Click to expand...

Nice, nothing like getting advance notice:lol:.. I hope it didn't spoil your day.

Chrispix said:
I did my wifes brothers wedding 2 weeks ago. Having had some previous experience of trying to shoot groups, and therefor knowing that theres always one who looks at the person next to him, closes eyes, looks at someone behind you... I shouted instructions to the group before every single shot. I always explain that i'm going to count to three and on 3 i'm going to take the shot. When I take the shot, I want everybody looking at me with eyes open... not at someone else behind me who happens to have a camera etc etc. I go on to remind everyone that there is always one (obviously I do this in a lighthearted way) I take every group at least 3 times minimum. and repeat my instructions for every group shot, counting between every one of the three shots per group. It really is the only way to get eyes open looking at you... but believe it or not, you'll still get the odd shot where someone isn't looking or has eyes closed. Shooting RAW though you hammer an 8 gig memory card and I had to empty mine twice during te course of the day.
Click to expand...

This is what I should have done, I got lots of shots of each group, just didn't grab their attention enough:bang:
 
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