Wedding Crash Course :-s

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Gregory Hicks

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Hi people.

I have just had a call from a friend who official photographer has decided to completly vanish and her wedding is tommorow. I have said i would do it but have NEVER done a wedding before.

I will be using a canon 7d, 17-40 f4 and a 70/200 f4, 580ex speedlight.

Im looking for a checklist of dos and donts and what i need to do and what i definatly shouldnt do. Am kind of regrettin taking this on as im petrofie and not even getting paid for it, and its for a friend. Any help would be greatly apprecieated.

Gregg
 
Well I know I'll probably get crucified for this but here goes......

You've got decent enough kit, the fact your friend has asked you to do it shows they have confidence in your ability so with that in mind I'd have a long chat with your friend and set their expectations which (no offence) I doubt will be very high and they'll be grateful for any nice shots you can get.

Try and get a list from them of the group shots they're after and the general "style" of shots they're looking for and obviously where/when you're meant to be.

This late in the day I wouldn't worry about getting too bogged down in the technical side of things, personally that'd just stress/freak me out more!!!

Try and bounce/diffuse your flash wherever possible and don't be afraid to use P (program mode) as this is very useful, especially when using a flash.

Don't be afraid to keep checking the shots on the camera, zoom in and take a good look at the histogram. Take multiple shots to increase your chances (I don't normally advocate "Spray and Pray" but given the circumstances it might be a good option).

Other than that I'd say you're going to need several 8/16gb memory cards (not that you'll fill them up but that it can be safer to split the photos across several cards) and 4-5 sets of batteries for the flash. If you can take a laptop and transfer the photos in any "breaks" you might get then that'd be good as you can have a better look at what you've got and re-take/stage if needed.

Best of luck fella! I'm sure you'll be fine and the B&G will love what you get for them :)
 
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Any chance you could get yourself a fast prime from somewhere to complement the other lenses? A nifty fifty would do. I only suggest this as f4 on a 7d and indoors if the lighting is poor could lead you to very high iso values and the noise can be a bit of a wotsit.
 
Its always a good idea to have a family member/friend on hand who knows whos who to call in for the formal shots :-)
 
will they not pay you the money they were giving the other photographer?
 
Wow this is a big call. My usual advice would always be dont do it and get someone experienced to shoot it but in this situation i think things are a little different and it is kind of you to step in and save the day.

Your biggest problem here is going to be the low light situations. Is there any way you could get a faster lens for the day as the kit you have wont cut it if you get a tricky lighting situation.

Just spend the time and take loads of shots. It does no harm to shoot a few exposures of each pose, this is very different to spray and pray.

Get a family member or an usher to help round up the group shots.

Take your time, it may seem like a wedding is a rush but if you just relax it will all come together pretty well.

Good luck in the deep end.
 
"Don't do it" I think is pretty good advice, UNLESS they are 110% of the understanding you have never done this before and that it could go pear shape.

If they understand that - fair enough. Go at it as "I am a guest that knows something about photography" rather than "I am a pro wedding tog"

Have you got insurance?

Good luck with it.



Dav
 
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Simple things first, enough batteries (inc flash) and memory cards?

edit---maybe i should read the op in more detail :lol:
 
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Good luck for tomorrow. Some simple things to think about, which will help you.

1. Shoot Raw - Raw & JPG if you want, but definitely Raw.
2. Talk to the bride/groom and get a nominated person/persons to help oraginse the guests for you, for group shoots.
3. Concentrate on getting as many candid/fun shots as you can and shoot as much as you can, across a number of memory cards.
4. As has been said, don't worry too much about the technical side of things. P or AP modes will make life easier - consider auto iso as well.
 
I'm very new to the wedding game, but here is my advice to you,

Number one thing to remeber is to keep calm, If I find my self getting wound up I find just taking a few minutes to photograph still lifes (cakes and flowers et al) really helps,

ask yourself "is this shot going to end up in the album?" If you can think of a reason why it isn't then go and take a diffrent photograph!

Personly I find two bodies a massive help, so see if you can borrow a second body from a freind, doesn't need to be anything fancy, just need to take a picture! but I photograph with primes (normaly 25mm on one body and 85mm on the other) and I chop the 25mm or 40mm and 180mm during the service, I always keep the 85mm mounted,

Personly we also print out a list of all the shots we need to make a wedding album, carry a pen and cross them off as well go,

Are you doing the album? personaly I give the couple a shortlist of 200-300 photos, and make an Album of ~60 photos. (my sisters album ebded up with 120 photos but I think that is to much,

Hope you enjoy the day, sadly I think there is a saying "you can't attend a wedding that you are photographing" I think its true,

Oh and as for High ISO (I don't know about the 7D) overexposing by 1/3 of a stop can really make a diffrence, Just watch the highlights on the dress! :)

Good luck! :)

Stuart
 
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Not a wedding tog but my comment for what it's worth would be to remember that you'll be basking in a huge amount of goodwill from the couple and everyone else. You're the good guy coming to the rescue. So enjoy it as much as you can - and make sure that everyone knows how thirsty you are by the time your day ends and you're up by the bar.
 
gingerjon said:
Not a wedding tog but my comment for what it's worth would be to remember that you'll be basking in a huge amount of goodwill from the couple and everyone else. You're the good guy coming to the rescue. So enjoy it as much as you can - and make sure that everyone knows how thirsty you are by the time your day ends and you're up by the bar.
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Ohhhhhh yessssss
 
Guys thats been a great help thanks, im on it, off to london camera exchange now to purchase a 100 2.8 macro always wanted it so why not lol. Im sure i will cope alright have a few tricks planned, but the only issue i do have is the lighting but im sure this wont be a problem :-) nerves are flapping now.........!!!!!!!!
 
stokecity_m said:
will they not pay you the money they were giving the other photographer?
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The other tpg has decided to vanish with £850 so not really an option unfortunatly........
 
FlyTVR said:
"Don't do it" I think is pretty good advice, UNLESS they are 110% of the understanding you have never done this before and that it could go pear shape.

If they understand that - fair enough. Go at it as "I am a guest that knows something about photography" rather than "I am a pro wedding tog"

Have you got insurance?

Good luck with it.

Dav
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Insurance............ £22.70 check :-)
 
stu_the_flat said:
I'm very new to the wedding game, but here is my advice to you,

Number one thing to remeber is to keep calm, If I find my self getting wound up I find just taking a few minutes to photograph still lifes (cakes and flowers et al) really helps,

ask yourself "is this shot going to end up in the album?" If you can think of a reason why it isn't then go and take a diffrent photograph!

Personly I find two bodies a massive help, so see if you can borrow a second body from a freind, doesn't need to be anything fancy, just need to take a picture! but I photograph with primes (normaly 25mm on one body and 85mm on the other) and I chop the 25mm or 40mm and 180mm during the service, I always keep the 85mm mounted,

Personly we also print out a list of all the shots we need to make a wedding album, carry a pen and cross them off as well go,

Are you doing the album? personaly I give the couple a shortlist of 200-300 photos, and make an Album of ~60 photos. (my sisters album ebded up with 120 photos but I think that is to much,

Hope you enjoy the day, sadly I think there is a saying "you can't attend a wedding that you are photographing" I think its true,

Oh and as for High ISO (I don't know about the 7D) overexposing by 1/3 of a stop can really make a diffrence, Just watch the highlights on the dress! :)

Good luck! :)

Stuart
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Stuart good adivce here many thanks buddu
 
PatrickO said:
Get tog mate along to act as an assistant and pass you the tranquilisers.
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Tranquilisers are needed ive got to take the freekin misses :-s
 
Hahaha she nos! Shes more prepared than me, just got a 1.4 usm 50mm prime! So im doin a free wedding and get a new £300 toy :-)
 
Gregory Hicks said:
Hahaha she nos! Shes more prepared than me, just got a 1.4 usm 50mm prime! So im doin a free wedding and get a new £300 toy :-)
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That will be much more useful than the macro lens! ;)
 
FlyTVR said:
Nice one. Good luck then, and don't forget to enjoy yourself :)

Btw, if you don't nail a given shot, don't let it nag you, move and forget about it!!!

Cheers.

Dav
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Will do will let you nohow i get on. Its just started flippin raining now :-s
 
Gregory Hicks said:
Hahaha she nos! Shes more prepared than me, just got a 1.4 usm 50mm prime! So im doin a free wedding and get a new £300 toy :-)
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Get your friend to sue them and treat yourself well. Perhaps some print sales will help to cover it in the short term.
 
daugirdas said:
Get your friend to sue them and treat yourself well. Perhaps some print sales will help to cover it in the short term.
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Not a bad idea shes already on te case with the legal procedings though. Im just glad i can help :-) annnnnny way time to shoooooooooot :-s thanks for all your help guys
 
Take plenty of rescue remedy and don't panic. I'm sure you'll get enough quality shots.
 
Chaz Photos said:
Why, it not paid work he going to the wedding like every one else, and they will be taking photos He not getting paid. Dont see why.
If he takes out pro insurance the tax man might ask questions
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The tax man can ask he has not been paid so what does that matter.

As a photographer in this situation when working around the public (payed or unpayed) insurance is worth its weight in gold.
 
asphotographymk said:
The tax man can ask he has not been paid so what does that matter.

As a photographer in this situation when working around the public (payed or unpayed) insurance is worth its weight in gold.
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Ditto. Insurance is a must have, paid or not. The taxman will have no interest in why he has taken out insurance.
 
Sorry but if your just at a friends wedding and taking photos I don't see the point He Is NOT working.... Insurance company make enough money and try not to pay out if they can, and not know what he was insuring against, cant be lost of photos as he not working so what else?
 
Chaz Photos said:
Sorry but if your just at a friends wedding and taking photos I don't see the point He Is NOT working.... Insurance company make enough money and try not to pay out if they can, and not know what he was insuring against, cant be lost of photos as he not working so what else?
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Liability. Injury. Property damage.

Even if it is a voluntary services it is still working. Also guests will see him as a professional and someone who is working so more likely to make a claim should something happen. The reality is that people could make a claim against any individual but are more likely if they believe you are a business/professional and i guarantee that they will make this link to anyone providing wedding photography. There is also the chance that you could damage property at the venue for example and they wouldnt care less if you have been paid or not they will expect it to be replaced or repaired. Also there is the chance that the venue will insist on seeing the insurance of any official photographer. for the sake of under £30 why not have it anyway.
 
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Alright people,

Firstly i want to say thanks to everyone who gave me some info and advice was very much apprecieated.

Firstly lets clear up the issue of my insurance, i didnt particuarly want to be knocking down a church or breaking my gear whilst doing the wedding my current insurance dosent cover public liability or whatever the lady said on the phone so i was safe instead of sorry, they gave me a small token of apprecieation which will cover the insurance and enough for a beer. I did not do this for money nor is it my profession either, wedding photography is good but belongs in thd hands of the pros, unfortunalty the pro vanished and i was asked to help so i did.

Ok moving along, the basic skills i have for tricky light really paid off well. I was a bit to keen though as i took over 2000 snaps on 2 cameras now need time to edit them lol. The 50mm 1.4 that i purchAsed the morning before performed amazigly.

Once again thanks so much guys for all your help :>

Gregg
 
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