Photographing my first wedding

boyfalldown said:
yep - and I also suspect that people are looking to build a business without putting a little time and effort in
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Hmmm...Then surely getting together with some more experienced photographers from any discipline would be to their advantage...
 
A lot of us do just that though, I'm off on a shoot with DiddyDave in a mo. Got 2 models in Manchester and off to do some creative off camera flash since David has just sat and watched a new training DVD so we are going to get some practice in.

Not costing either of us a bean other than travel and coffee expenses.

Last one we did at Stockport and it cost us for the make up artist who did a great job of hair and makeup and lunch for our lovely models.

So yes, we do just that. :)
 
BouncyMelons said:
A lot of us do just that though, I'm off on a shoot with DiddyDave in a mo. Got 2 models in Manchester and off to do some creative off camera flash since David has just sat and watched a new training DVD so we are going to get some practice in.

Not costing either of us a bean other than travel and coffee expenses.

Last one we did at Stockport and it cost us for the make up artist who did a great job of hair and makeup and lunch for our lovely models.

So yes, we do just that. :)
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Quite...which was why I was curious that more people wouldn't be up for this kind of thing - spread the costs a little more so to speak...plus have a little get-together at the same time...
 
For me, it's a case of balancing the learning experience against numbers. Any more than 6 photographers and you struggle to learn a right lot as the opportunities to actually shoot start to become more restricted. I have attended training days with 6-20 other photographers and in the beginning where I learned from almost every word, I didn't mind. Now if I'm doing something like this I actually want time to work with the lighting, not just have it set up for me. I want time to scout my own locations and set it up from scratch. I appreciate that not everyone else wants to do it like that but that's when I learn best/most. Learn the theory and then go and practice it. Or at least, that's the plan! It's just above freezing today so coats and hats are the order of the day and that's just for us! Brrrr! :)
 
BouncyMelons said:
For me, it's a case of balancing the learning experience against numbers. Any more than 6 photographers and you struggle to learn a right lot as the opportunities to actually shoot start to become more restricted. I have attended training days with 6-20 other photographers and in the beginning where I learned from almost every word, I didn't mind. Now if I'm doing something like this I actually want time to work with the lighting, not just have it set up for me. I want time to scout my own locations and set it up from scratch. I appreciate that not everyone else wants to do it like that but that's when I learn best/most. Learn the theory and then go and practice it. Or at least, that's the plan! It's just above freezing today so coats and hats are the order of the day and that's just for us! Brrrr! :)
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Speaking of cold - my mate Pete Bristo shot these on the way to the wedding venue... (you might need to add him as a friend to view these...)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/photo.php?pid=186869&id=1836318227

here's his 'regular' website...
http://www.petebristophotography.me.uk/index.html

He's my ex-Boss, so most of what you see here is how we're trained to approach weddings and social events - it's not all about combat photography - we have to cover the Army Social Calendar as well in some posts - especially London District...
 
Radiohead said:
They can be.



Depends on whether she wants a flash look or an available light one. I'd want at least one fast prime, probably a 35/1.8 with that camera.

To the OP - are you being paid for this?
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Hi I'm being paid for the job. I'm not charging alot for the day because I'm doing the job as a favour (for a friend of a family friend) and it's my first wedding :). From research I did yesterday, the Nikon 50mm Prime lenses (the F1.4 and F1.8) sound good for wedding photographing, also you don't have to use flash in low light conditions which sounds good. I think photos are more natural without flash. Going to try to use natural lighting on the day. Also I'm doing the job for the experience (to try something new in photography) and because they want candid shots,I'm looking forward to it :)

Natasha
 
HappySnapper said:
Hi I'm being paid for the job. I'm not charging alot for the day because I'm doing the job as a favour (for a friend of a family friend) and it's my first wedding :). From research I did yesterday, the Nikon 50mm Prime lenses (the F1.4 and F1.8) sound good for wedding photographing, also you don't have to use flash in low light conditions which sounds good. I think photos are more natural without flash. Also I'm doing the job for the experience (to try something new in photography) and because they want candid shots,I'm looking forward to it :)

Natasha
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The thing is, even when there is a £1 exchanging hands, you are in a binding contract, whether you like it or not.

I personally only use flash when I need to, but you don't have to. There is pros and cons to use or don't use flash. If you don't then you need to search extra hard for light for your shots, if you do, then you need to know how flash works and what works best and when to use it.

Weddings is easy to shoot, difficult to shoot well.
 
Richard King said:
Let me be really clear

1. there are many photographers who shoot weddings, each will offer a "right approach" to shooting a wedding. There isn't an absolute right way, or right kit list
2. there is a general consensus you need (at least) 2 backs I use 2, with a different lens on each. This saves swapping lenses, and helps prevent getting muck on a sensor. I am not saying dont swap lenses, I am saying from my point of view it is quicker and easier to have a different lens on each back. We happen to bring a couple more spare backs which we leave securely in the car/hotel reception etc..
3. there is a general consensus that you need duplicate equipment where practicable, especially for fragile things like flashguns, key lenses and backs
4. while a lot of photographers think that shooting wide open is the way to go, there are plenty that take the other approach, and others use the whole range of apetures, and some use exactly the same aperture all day
5. Some use flash, some barley touch it
6. Points 4&5 are often dictated / influenced by the equipment you have (or not), or the style you want to shoot... and other external influences - e.g. when the registrar says "you cant use flash"
7. Insurance is a must, monopod or not
8. a monopod / triopod allows you to be not be forced to use the 1.8 end of a lens. if your style naturally uses this end of the lens, dont pack one. If you need/want the option, take one with you
9. Being 6'5 I find my natural standing up shooting height very useful for candid's, but often too high for groups. Sometimes a tripod makes my life a lot more comfortable, especially if I want to be constantly at a "shooting from the hip" height. For groups, having a tripod allows you to concentrate more on the group (with both eyes). Again this is a style/preference thing

On aperture - there are 2 reasons for choosing an aperture - because you want to for creative reasons (DOF) or because you are forced to.. extreme lighting levels. At the extreme end one has a choice.. change ISO, use a tripod, use more lighting, use a ND filter. On a personal note, I am not phased by the weight / bulk of carrying the extra kit around

On lighting - some photographers use flash, some don't, the sun in California is the same brightness as the sun here. My wedding a couple of Saturdays ago at 4.00 was dark, because of the time of day, and the time of year (and the dark oak panelled rooms). Outdoors, on full sunlight, on a normal sunny day, exposure will be the same in California, and the UK. Lighting indoors (in a similar type of room) will be the same. This is why I asked the OP what time and date is the wedding

From a business point of view, the OP would be mad to invest in loads of expensive fast glass for one wedding (consider hiring it / borrowing etc..) (learn it inside out first)

Assuming the OP is a competent photographer, the OP will find that it is all the other things on the day that present the greatest challenges.. managing people, venues, time.. and ... in the fury the challenge is remaining fresh and creative and not forgetting a basic all day long
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Hi Thanks for posting advice on settings and lighting :). For group shots and photos of the bride and groom, would F8 be a good aperture? The wedding is on Saturday the 6th of February (so my first wedding might be a snowy one :lol:) :). I agree about not investing in alot of money for the day (I want to see what's it like first and make sure that it's something I'd like to go into). I've been learning about wedding photography from photography magazines, the Nikon and Sigma 50mm prime lenses sound good for wedding photography and they're not too expensive :). Some wedding photographers use a 200mm lens, I have the 70-300mm VR lens, would it be good for candid shots? Sorry for asking lots of questions.

Natasha
 
Raymond Lin said:
I agree with Radiohead 100%, this is England, not California. 2.8 is a must over here, and when the sun goes down, if you want some atmosphere in your indoor shots, you'll need fast glass too, a flash is not going to light the entire reception/disco up.

P.s. Monopod? you kidding me, you better have insurance if you want to carry that around, not that you want to do one without anyway but apart from getting in the way, you might accidentally knock the 92 years old grandmother over with that thing if you are not careful !

IS is the tool if you want a monopod, but then again, if you are thinking about IS or monopod then you are using too slow a shutter speed. People move, and you'll end up with LOTS of motion blur, and no photoshop can fix that. The only way to avoid that is high ISO and FAST glass, and in a lot of cases, both.
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Hi I agree monopods are restricting :lol:, on the day I'm probably going to do hand held shots. I did a family wedding last year (the photos were hand held and I was happy with how they came out) :)
 
HappySnapper said:
Hi Thanks for posting advice on settings :). For group shots and photos of the bride and groom, would F8 be a good aperture? Sorry for asking a stupid question. The wedding is on Saturday the 6th of February (so my first wedding might be a snowy one :lol:) :). I agree about not investing in alot of money for the day (I want to see what's it like first and make sure that it's something I'd like to go into), the Nikon and Sigma 50mm prime lenses sound good for wedding photography and they're not too expensive :)

Natasha
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Really, you are actually shooting a Wedding for money and asking that question ?
 
Hi Natasha,

It worries me a bit that you don't understand the basics -asking a question like is f8 a good aperture? When we have no idea of lighting situations or anything. And I'm speaking as a person who was once a bride - I'd be devastated if I didn't have any shots I liked from my wedding day. It is going to be really difficult for you to learn all this in a month.

Anyway, if you are set on doing it anyway, I'd consider keeping things simple. Can you tell us as much as possible about the wedding - the venue (church/registry office?), day, time of day, number of people, etc. Do you have a list of photos the b&g want?

Also go to FLickr and look for wedding groups, and see if you can get some inspiration.

Instead of buying lenses I'd recommend hiring. I hired a Nikon 17-55 f2.8 and used the Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 I already had, and used them at really wide apertures for the service and smaller when outside in the sunlight for my first wedding, you can see EXIF data here http://www.flickr.com/photos/35319044@N04/sets/72157622650385075/
 
dseered said:
Really, you are actually shooting a Wedding for money and asking that question ?
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Hi I should have been a bit more clear. the job has been given to me through a friend of the bride who cant afford a professinal wedding photographer on the day, she saw some photo's that i had taken and through that wondered if i would photograph her wedding. its not a big formal wedding she just wants some photo's to remember her day, she says there is no pressure. i am only charging a small fee, to cover my travelling expenses and possible lens hire. i have not done a wedding before (apart from family) and although she says there is no pressure, i just wanted to find out as much info as possible before the big day and do the best for her. wildlife is my main area and my comfort zone!
 
AnnaV said:
Hi Natasha,

It worries me a bit that you don't understand the basics -asking a question like is f8 a good aperture? When we have no idea of lighting situations or anything. And I'm speaking as a person who was once a bride - I'd be devastated if I didn't have any shots I liked from my wedding day. It is going to be really difficult for you to learn all this in a month.

Anyway, if you are set on doing it anyway, I'd consider keeping things simple. Can you tell us as much as possible about the wedding - the venue (church/registry office?), day, time of day, number of people, etc. Do you have a list of photos the b&g want?

Also go to FLickr and look for wedding groups, and see if you can get some inspiration.

Instead of buying lenses I'd recommend hiring. I hired a Nikon 17-55 f2.8 and used the Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 I already had, and used them at really wide apertures for the service and smaller when outside in the sunlight for my first wedding, you can see EXIF data here http://www.flickr.com/photos/35319044@N04/sets/72157622650385075/
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Hi Anna It's a low key wedding. The bride knows I haven't done a wedding before,she's happy for me to photograph her wedding (she saw some photos that i had taken and through that wondered if I would photograph her wedding). It's not a formal wedding,she just wants some photos to remember her day, she says there is no pressure. i am only charging a small fee, to cover my travelling expenses and possible lens hire. I have not done a wedding before (apart from family) and even though she says there is no pressure, I want do the best for her. Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.

Natasha
 

Hi Anna It's a low key wedding. The bride knows I haven't done a wedding before,she's happy for me to photograph her wedding (she saw some photos that i had taken and through that wondered if I would photograph her wedding). It's not a formal wedding,she just wants some photos to remember her day, she says there is no pressure. i am only charging a small fee, to cover my travelling expenses and possible lens hire. Even though she says there is no pressure, I want do the best for her :). Thank you for your help, I really appreciate it.

Natasha
 
Natasha, . Candids to the untrained eye can turn out not much better than guest shots. Candids by a trained and experienced photojournalist are much different than perhaps with someone with your (and mine) level of experience. e,g. Google Mark Seymour Photography to see some great candids.

Sorry, hope my post doesn't come accross as rude, am really trying to be helpful.
At least they have seen your previous work and are happy to hire you.
 
I think you have timed this thread very well, in that a recent warning on friendly behaviour is fresh in everyones mind :D

I think the best advice I can give you, is research and more research, followed by practice and more practice. How long have you got before the wedding?

I have shot two weddings in the past, and was in a very similar situation to yourself at the time, both these weddings took place quite a few years ago now - well before I actually knew anything about photography (although I thought I did!) Looking back I can honestly say I was very very lucky - both weddings went without too much trouble and both families were very happy with the results, however when I think about them now, knowing what I do now, I cringe. Both times I shot on "auto" throughout (and with film too!) and didn't have a clue what I was doing. Although both times it was for family and no money was changing hands, but even so I would not have agreed to do it now - I realise I simply do not know enough about photography to cover all eventualities just yet.

If you are really set on doing this, I would make sure the bride and groom know that you are not a professional wedding photographer, and that they shouldn't expect professional results. Maybe do the shoot for free, in conjunction with others shooting too, and just have them pay for an album printing, at cost?
 
hi,

I have been shooting wedding for 2 years now, and find it the hardest type of photography i have done. especially winter weddings. What i would say is charging or not charging you have to get it right, the customer just expects good photos from who ever is doing it, experienced or not they think its easy and think anyone with a good camera can do it.
I went college and have worked in photography for 11 years and still find weddings hard work to get the balance right.
I did free weddings when i started and worked for free as an assistant for 12 or so wedding before i did my 1st charging wedding. Try and find a local photographer and see if you can assist them before your wedding it might give you a good insight of whats involved.
I would get a 24-70 2.8, its a must in my book, it covers all your options. That's what i use 90% of the time. I also use my 10-20 for artistic shots, but use with caution. I also use my 50 1.4 when the light is really bad. A flash is a must, if it is raining and you have to shot everything indoors, you have to have some kind of back up.
If you don't have a second camera body always take something, a compact if need be. Believe me if your kit is going to fail on you it will be when you need it most.
i Hope this helps good luck.
 
Ste Manns said:
I think you have timed this thread very well, in that a recent warning on friendly behaviour is fresh in everyones mind :D

I think the best advice I can give you, is research and more research, followed by practice and more practice. How long have you got before the wedding?

I have shot two weddings in the past, and was in a very similar situation to yourself at the time, both these weddings took place quite a few years ago now - well before I actually knew anything about photography (although I thought I did!) Looking back I can honestly say I was very very lucky - both weddings went without too much trouble and both families were very happy with the results, however when I think about them now, knowing what I do now, I cringe. Both times I shot on "auto" throughout (and with film too!) and didn't have a clue what I was doing. Although both times it was for family and no money was changing hands, but even so I would not have agreed to do it now - I realise I simply do not know enough about photography to cover all eventualities just yet.

If you are really set on doing this, I would make sure the bride and groom know that you are not a professional wedding photographer, and that they shouldn't expect professional results. Maybe do the shoot for free, in conjunction with others shooting too, and just have them pay for an album printing, at cost?
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Hi Thank you for the advice, I really appreciate it, I've been doing research on wedding photography and learning about it from photography magazines :). Also going to get books out on wedding photography. The wedding's on Saturday the 6th of February. The bride and groom know I'm not a professional wedding photographer but are happy for me to photograph their wedding :)

Natasha
 
6ftblonde said:
hi,

I have been shooting wedding for 2 years now, and find it the hardest type of photography i have done. especially winter weddings. What i would say is charging or not charging you have to get it right, the customer just expects good photos from who ever is doing it, experienced or not they think its easy and think anyone with a good camera can do it.
I went college and have worked in photography for 11 years and still find weddings hard work to get the balance right.
I did free weddings when i started and worked for free as an assistant for 12 or so wedding before i did my 1st charging wedding. Try and find a local photographer and see if you can assist them before your wedding it might give you a good insight of whats involved.
I would get a 24-70 2.8, its a must in my book, it covers all your options. That's what i use 90% of the time. I also use my 10-20 for artistic shots, but use with caution. I also use my 50 1.4 when the light is really bad. A flash is a must, if it is raining and you have to shot everything indoors, you have to have some kind of back up.
If you don't have a second camera body always take something, a compact if need be. Believe me if your kit is going to fail on you it will be when you need it most.
i Hope this helps good luck.
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Hi Thank you very much for your helpful advice,I really appreciate it :)

Natasha
 
Slightly off topic, but has there ever been a section for wedding talk? There seems to be quite a bit, mainly with the same questions popping up so would be nice to have a area to go for it all..
 
the_doctor199 said:
Slightly off topic, but has there ever been a section for wedding talk? There seems to be quite a bit, mainly with the same questions popping up so would be nice to have a area to go for it all..
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no - if I remember is was discussed and tried at the end (ish) of last summer and rejected as a really bad idea
 
jolsterj said:
Please put me on ignore if you dont wish to listen to me.

But I know you won't. lol
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How about the whole forum ignores you Jo?

Bye :wave:
 
back on topic folks, thread cleaned :)
 
Arkady said:
Quite...which was why I was curious that more people wouldn't be up for this kind of thing - spread the costs a little more so to speak...plus have a little get-together at the same time...
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Shame - I would have been completely up for this. As someone who is maybe considering branching off to weddings in the future it would have been a great idea/opportunity :thumbs:
 
Sorry if i'm hijacking this thread,don't mean to.I'm in exactly the same position as the OP.I've been asked to shoot my friends wedding in Adelaide, Australia next Febuary.I originally asked to do it as a second shooter,next thing i know i'm being asked to be the main shooter.I have done a wedding a couple of months ago as a second shooter and recently did a wedding photography shoot with a mock bride and groom.My gear i think is ok also,24-70L f/2.8,17-55 f/2.8 IS,70-200mm L IS.The one question i have is that i have a 50mm f/1.8.Would i be better off getting a 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.4? I'm also tring to get the cash together for a 5D MARK II from Kerso before i fly out.Any help would be greatly appreciated as always....:)
 
Pinarello said:
Sorry if i'm hijacking this thread,don't mean to.I'm in exactly the same position as the OP.I've been asked to shoot my friends wedding in Adelaide, Australia next Febuary.I originally asked to do it as a second shooter,next thing i know i'm being asked to be the main shooter.I have done a wedding a couple of months ago as a second shooter and recently did a wedding photography shoot with a mock bride and groom.My gear i think is ok also,24-70L f/2.8,17-55 f/2.8 IS,70-200mm L IS.The one question i have is that i have a 50mm f/1.8.Would i be better off getting a 50mm f/1.4 or the 85mm f/1.4? I'm also tring to get the cash together for a 5D MARK II from Kerso before i fly out.Any help would be greatly appreciated as always....:)
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If you can afford the 1.4, go for them. If not, the 1.8 should do you fine. I would probably prefer to spend the money on the 5d mkII than upgrading your 50mm, that's just me though.
 
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