wedding help

hayley.price

hayley.price

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hayley
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Hey guys now I have asked this before but didn't get much reply so I'm asking for it again my friend I work with is getting married and has asked me to do some photos for her as she does want to pay huge amounts and she nos I will do it for pocket money as she calls it LOL i have done 1 wedding before and I was just there as a kind of assistant only taking a few shots about 4 so i have been serching the forum and reading up as much as i can, I have till June I just want to get as much info as i can to prepare myself so any advice no matter how simple would be wonderful,

And before you say anything they no I havnt done weddings before and they know they are not going to get as high quality as there is possible they are an older couple and they just want something nice of decent quality.

I have my NIKON d5100 18 - 50 mm kit lens and a 70 - 300mm tamron lens
 
Maybe worth looking at the other ongoing thread at the moment. Many of us have opinions on the need for backup equipment and insurance especially if its payed... even for " pocket money. ".

You may find some serious problems if you are faced with a low light situation such as church/ ceremony room.

Also do you have a speedlight. I really dont know how anyone could live without one at a wedding. I find fill can make/break wedding images.
 
hayley.price said:
It's in a registary office and no but am looking into getting one

Sorry about spellings
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Just as much chance of low light in a registry office as any place else. Infact my local office is terrible and remember most wont allow flash during the ceremony so you may need to bump the ISO pretty high.

Yep get your self a flash gun and really practice using it for fill. My advice would be to get some triggers also so you can take it off camera.
 
You welcome to join me on a wedding if you think that will help. I am only about an hour away from you.

Assuming you can show basic people skills and your not to crazy...
 
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asphotographymk said:
Just as much chance of low light in a registry office as any place else. Infact my local office is terrible and remember most wont allow flash during the ceremony so you may need to bump the ISO pretty high.

Yep get your self a flash gun and really practice using it for fill. My advice would be to get some triggers also so you can take it off camera.
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Yes.

asphotographymk said:
You welcome to join me on a wedding if you think that will help. I am only about an hour away from you.

Assuming you can show basic people skills and your not to crazy...
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Wonderful offer. Take him up on this!
 
mark1616 said:
For sure, don't miss out on this! Ah, and just think of all those people who think wedding shooters are always negative and trying to discourage others, good show Andy.
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I have had a good few people from this forum come along and shadow for the day. Out of my main target area i am pretty happy to do it. I do however fall under the belief that its not a great idea to help out your future competition. I cant say i have time for training as a wedding is so busy but often people get at least an inside view of how things go on. If i am honest the best way to do it would be for the OP to assist for the day which i am happy to pay for (not much but cover your costs and all) or in exchange for some training at a later date. I dont believe in anyone doing work for free. This does depend on how hands on the op may want to get and of course its all very much personalty dependent as you would be representing A.S Photography.
 
asphotographymk said:
I have had a good few people from this forum come along and shadow for the day.
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Without naming names, how have you found it? Was it worthwhile taking the risk? Did they get any pictures that made it into the album?

Clearly it went ok or you wouldn't offer again.
 
asphotographymk said:
I have had a good few people from this forum come along and shadow for the day. Out of my main target area i am pretty happy to do it. I do however fall under the belief that its not a great idea to help out your future competition. I cant say i have time for training as a wedding is so busy but often people get at least an inside view of how things go on. If i am honest the best way to do it would be for the OP to assist for the day which i am happy to pay for (not much but cover your costs and all) or in exchange for some training at a later date. I dont believe in anyone doing work for free. This does depend on how hands on the op may want to get and of course its all very much personalty dependent as you would be representing A.S Photography.
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Might be a good way to frighten them off ;)
 
ZoneV said:
You don't get an offer like that every day. Fair play to you, Andy.
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And he insists on payment. What a guy
This sums up what I love about this place, nice one Andy :thumbs:
Fantastic opportunity for OP
 
Hey Andy i would love to but where are you baised I don't currently drive so if I can get there by train or busses I will defo take you up on the offer
 
BruceMo said:
And he insists on payment. What a guy
This sums up what I love about this place, nice one Andy :thumbs:
Fantastic opportunity for OP
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I wouldnt work for free so why should anyone working for me. I think its only fair if they are doing a job. Its not gonna be a big earner but if it covers your costs and you get the experience your looking for its a win. I would be paying an assistant either way. It just means my usual misses out... Sorry Tony :/

hayley.price said:
Hey Andy i would love to but where are you baised I don't currently drive so if I can get there by train or busses I will defo take you up on the offer
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I am in Milton Keynes. There are train routes from all over to be honest so i will be surprised if you cant.

BarryG said:
Without naming names, how have you found it? Was it worthwhile taking the risk? Did they get any pictures that made it into the album?

Clearly it went ok or you wouldn't offer again.
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Its not a risk as i make sure i only allow the right people along. If for any reason i am not sure about a person they dont end up with me on the day. If they turn up on the day and something was not right they would be going home. Its never happened and anyone i have had assist has been a pleasure to work with. I am sure there are a few people who may stumble across this thread who have worked with me before such as Tony. Tony first came along for his own experience and has since worked with me on many occasions and second shot on one wedding producing many final images. As a rule he rarely shoots at weddings but is there to help out with setting up lights, carrying bags, finding people who have gone to the bar when they are needed and other such very important parts of wedding photography.

Assistants are not there to shoot . If i needed a second photographer i would hire a second photographer and pay accordingly.
 
asphotographymk said:
you're not too crazy...
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says the man who likes to get into a cage and get the crap beaten out of him for fun :lol:

That aside, great offer and like the others have said one the OP should grab with both hands
 
pmaccyd said:
I'm looking for experience so any help would be much appreciated Andy. I live in Harlow Essex (so quite far away):)
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Best bet is to drop me an email mate with some details. OP if you want to do the same we can go from there.

andy@as-photography.co.uk

big soft moose said:
says the man who likes to get into a cage and get the crap beaten out of him for fun :lol:

That aside, great offer and like the others have said one the OP should grab with both hands
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Haha You should see my current sparing partner Fraser.. even i think i am crazy getting in with him.
 
I was going to ask this on the other wedding thread but it got closed before I got round to it!

I have learned so much from reading on TP. Thank you all!

I have a friend's wedding to go to and take photos (ducks the flames and runs!) and have told her all the relevent things ie not pro, no guarantee, not a guest etc and she still wants me to do it ( and I want to do the best I can!)

I have a D90 and a D40 and have had a go with a 70-200 which I know is highly recommended but I also know that I possibly couldn't deal with the weight all day!

I currently have a 35mm f1.8 and a 55-300mm f4-5.6 plus the offer of a 105mm f2.8 macro to use if I want. Please could someone advise me if these lenses will do? ...or if I really need the 70-200mm F2.8 I will hire it and suffer!

I also have a speedlite and triggers, anything else?

........and please, pretty please where can I get 1 days insurance (for my peace of mind!)

p.s. wish I lived closer to Andy!

Heather
 
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Heather - I'm sure some professionals will come along with advice but I'll add in what I did as I was in a similar situation.

I had 2x D90s, Tamron 17-50 f2.8 (which I got after recommendations on here and which I used for a lot of the shots), 50 f1.4 and 85 f1.8. I also had a Tokina 11-16 f2.8 for a 'from the balcony' wide shot and a 35 f1.8 and even my kit lens as backups (just in case I dropped the camera with the 17-50 on it!).

I also had 2x SB600s.

Hayley - hope you are able to take Andy up on his offer. :)
 
Tigger.ufo said:
I was going to ask this on the other wedding thread but it got closed before I got round to it!

I have learned so much from reading on TP. Thank you all!

I have a friend's wedding to go to and take photos (ducks the flames and runs!) and have told her all the relevent things ie not pro, no guarantee, not a guest etc and she still wants me to do it ( and I want to do the best I can!)

I have a D90 and a D40 and have had a go with a 70-200 which I know is highly recommended but I also know that I possibly couldn't deal with the weight all day!

I currently have a 35mm f1.8 and a 55-300mm f4-5.6 plus the offer of a 105mm f2.8 macro to use if I want. Please could someone advise me if these lenses will do? ...or if I really need the 70-200mm F2.8 I will hire it and suffer!

I also have a speedlite and triggers, anything else?

........and please, pretty please where can I get 1 days insurance (for my peace of mind!)

p.s. wish I lived closer to Andy!

Heather
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I dont know how i would manage a wedding without the 70-200 f 2.8. I use it for so much , I shoot almost always use it for ceremony shots, candids, speech and even many bride and groom shots. Often i will only use that and a 50mm f.2 a wedding so yes i would say if you can get hold of one do it.

i Have not ever shot on a d90 so cant comment on its high iso / low light capability but i can imagine thats when you are going to have problems.

Again make sure you really think about your capability. I dont care what people say weddings are hard and experience is one of the many important factors. If you make a mess of a friends wedding photos you could find that not matter *** you have told them before hand you end up with 1 less friend. I have shot many weddings for many friends and family and they have been some of my most demanding customers.
 
I have shot weddings on a D40, D90 and a D200 - none of these bodies are going to be very good in low light. Really, you aren't going to be able to higher than ISO800 and get good results - even with the help of NoiseNinja etc. Personally, I think you need a body that you are more than happy with at ISO1600.

I know weddings have been shot with D90s and D200s in the past, but if you find yourself in a room where there is just about enough light and the clouds come over - you're going to be stuck then you've got a serious problem.

Too risky for my liking.
 
Thanks for replies.

Looks like I will be hiring the 70-200mm f2.8 then!

Heather
 
Hey guys sorry laptop died so not been able to get online much Andy could you pm me with dates please and I'll see if I could get it of work, as for everyone else thanks for the intomation.
 
hayley.price said:
I have my NIKON d5100 18 - 50 mm kit lens and a 70 - 300mm tamron lens
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I'd leave both of those lenses at home for a wedding. You need fast lenses for a wedding as much of the day is in low light, I'd recommend a 28mm or 35mm F1.4, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4 or a 70-200mm F2.8 with IS. It is highly unlikely you will be allowed to use flash in the ceremony. Some of the venues I have worked at are so dark I have been shooting on 6400iso at F2 and still only getting 1/30th second (with winter weddings).

Really the minimum kit for a wedding is -
2 decent camera bodies capable of shooting at 3200iso
Decent wide angle - 24mm or 35mm F1.4
Decent 50mm - F1.4 or F1.8
mid range long lens, something like an 85mm F1.8
And for weddings in a church a longer zoom like a 70-200 F2.8 just in case you have to stand at the back.

On top of this you need insurance, professional indemnity and public liability. Don't forget also you will need business insurance for your car if you are driving to an event you are being paid for.

Shoot everything RAW, take plenty of memory cards and spare batteries.

When you get back home back up the Raw files as soon as possible, back up the backups.

I have been shooting weddings for 12 years and previous to that I was a newspaper photographer for 12 years. Believe me things can and do go wrong, so have spare equipment and back up everything.
 
wedding_pj said:
I'd leave both of those lenses at home for a wedding. You need fast lenses for a wedding as much of the day is in low light, I'd recommend a 28mm or 35mm F1.4, 50mm 1.4, 85mm 1.4 or a 70-200mm F2.8 with IS. It is highly unlikely you will be allowed to use flash in the ceremony. Some of the venues I have worked at are so dark I have been shooting on 6400iso at F2 and still only getting 1/30th second (with winter weddings).

Really the minimum kit for a wedding is -
2 decent camera bodies capable of shooting at 3200iso
Decent wide angle - 24mm or 35mm F1.4
Decent 50mm - F1.4 or F1.8
mid range long lens, something like an 85mm F1.8
And for weddings in a church a longer zoom like a 70-200 F2.8 just in case you have to stand at the back.

On top of this you need insurance, professional indemnity and public liability. Don't forget also you will need business insurance for your car if you are driving to an event you are being paid for.

Shoot everything RAW, take plenty of memory cards and spare batteries.

When you get back home back up the Raw files as soon as possible, back up the backups.

I have been shooting weddings for 12 years and previous to that I was a newspaper photographer for 12 years. Believe me things can and do go wrong, so have spare equipment and back up everything.
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thanks for your reply, as for leaving both these lenses as home that's impossible i have not got the money to buy/rent a full set of new lenses for something that's only going to be a one off at my current stage of photography.


i back up all my photos anyway so that's not a problem i don't have another body although i am looking into picking one up, i have till june so not to much of a rush

i wont be driving there as its just round the corner from me so wont need to worry about that.
 
I'd suggest you buy a speedlight (and learn how to swivel it!) I'd check to see if you can use flash during the ceremony, if you can, take key shots sparingly. If you can't, I'd invest in a tripod or monopod (for speed). Without flash in dim conditions, you're going to need to crank up your ISO, which leads me onto something of interest.

Some people swear by DXO Mark, some people swear at it, but the Nikon D5100's sensor gets a very respectable score - http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Database/Nikon/D5100

Problem is the moment you start to zoom with your lenses, your aperture will get smaller, which means less light and a slower shutter speed, which means shakey-cam.

I would suggest the cheap and cheerful 50mm f/1.8 to add to your collection of lenses by the way.

Good luck!
 
mr_v_s said:
I'd suggest you buy a speedlight (and learn how to swivel it!) I'd check to see if you can use flash during the ceremony, if you can, take key shots sparingly. If you can't, I'd invest in a tripod or monopod (for speed). Without flash in dim conditions, you're going to need to crank up your ISO, which leads me onto something of interest.
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Out of the 500 or so weddings I have done there have probably been a handful at which flash would have been allowed in the ceremony. Personally I would never use flash anyway because A it looks so clinical compared to available light and B it is a huge distraction in the ceremony. In fact I shoot a lot of the ceremony on a Fuji X100 as the shutter is silent. Fuji are loaning me the new X-Pro1 to try out on a wedding in a couple of weeks time, that looks a promising camera.

I'd forget a tripod as they are too slow for something fast moving like a wedding. A monopod is better but personally I wouldn't bother with it.

You could shoot most of a civil ceremony with just a decent 35mm lens, add a 50mm and you could pretty much do the whole day with just those two lenses. Most registrars allow the photographer to stand at the front, so you are fairly close to the action. I really only pull out the 70-200 for church ceremonies.

www.weddingphotojournalist.co.uk
 
wedding_pj said:
I'd forget a tripod as they are too slow for something fast moving like a wedding.
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:thinking: with the exception of action at the reception- few things are more slow moving than a wedding neither the ceremony or the set shots could be accurately described as high action.

If the OP is shooting in a low light situation with a camera that isnt great at high iso a tripod is goint to be absolutely essential.
 
big soft moose said:
:thinking: with the exception of action at the reception- few things are more slow moving than a wedding neither the ceremony or the set shots could be accurately described as high action.

If the OP is shooting in a low light situation with a camera that isnt great at high iso a tripod is goint to be absolutely essential.
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Totally depends on how you work. For me a tripod would stop me from capturing fleeting moments.

If you think there is no action at a wedding think again. I was a press photographer for 12 years photographing big international stories. There is more action at the average wedding than at many big news events.

So if you set up your tripod and when the groom sees the bride walking in the room he moves to the side, has tears running down his face and is comforted by the best man, how are you going to move your tripod in position fast enough to capture this? And are you going to be discrete shooting this with a tripod?

Sure a tripod is fine if you all you want is your photographs to be all from the same position.

Simon
www.weddingphotojournalist.co.uk
 
For an experienced wedding shooter you are mostly right ( I rarely use a tripod myself,) but the OP is using a D5100 and a relatievely slow lens to shoot her first wedding in a relatively dimly lit registry office, and thus given a choice between sharp shots and shots with camera shake the use of a tripod is something of a no brainer.

Also with regard to discretion, in a venue that size the OP isnt going to be moving about a lot during the ceremony anyway

(It seems that your style is photojournalism - which is great for you, but not not likely to be quite what the OP is going to be doing)
 
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Would be interesting to hear from photographers who used to shoot film and top out at ISO 800 or ISO 1600.

As for the OP, the other advice I would provide is plan what shots you need and where you'll need to be.

I would definitely have more memory cards than you think. The mistake I made when I shot my first wedding was running out of memory cards (and overshooting massively).

Do the couple want you to go a big group shot of everyone?
 
mr_v_s said:
Would be interesting to hear from photographers who used to shoot film and top out at ISO 800 or ISO 1600.
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I shot weddings on film. The thing is you can push film, we also had Tmx 3200 iso for black and white, although it was very grainy.

Things are a lot easier now, the first digital camera I had couldn't shoot much higher than 400iso.
 
mr_v_s said:
Would be interesting to hear from photographers who used to shoot film and top out at ISO 800 or ISO 1600.
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The way most shot weddings on film is as different from modern wedding photography as sports photography is from landscapes.

Mostly we shot on 160 film or maybe 400 in the winter. All indoor shots would be flash assisted, making ceremony shots rare. rarely people used fast B&W film, 800 ISO colour film wasn't really suitable for large prints.

There were some documentary wedding photographers then but they were more common in sunnier climes. Most of us only shot from church arrivals to fake cake cutting (on arrival at the reception venue).

Early DSLRs enabled high ISO shooting which in turn made the more candid or photojournalistic approach really practical. The down side is that its opened the industry up to photographers who see their cameras can cope in low light, not learning to understand light. Just because your camera can shoot in a dim room, it doesn't mean you should just accept crap lighting. And as photojournalism means you can shoot without directing many think you can get away with shooting a wedding with no people skills. :NONO:

Seeing new photographers slag off the high ISO of older cameras makes me laugh, they have no idea where we've come from, nor do they understand the difference between good photography and noise free shadow areas. A great shot from a 300d at 1600 ISO will mean more to a bride than a crap shot at 1600 ISO on a 5dii.
 
Phil V said:
Early DSLRs enabled high ISO shooting .
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That's not the way I remember them. The Kodak DCS cameras (based on Canon and Nikon bodies) were dreadful at anything above base iso. The Nikon D1 and Canon D30 were ok at 400iso but really bad at 800iso.

It's really only more recently we have had really clean images from high iso on digital cameras, even my Canon 1DMkII was really poor above about 1000iso.
 
wedding_pj said:
That's not the way I remember them. The Kodak DCS cameras (based on Canon and Nikon bodies) were dreadful at anything above base iso. The Nikon D1 and Canon D30 were ok at 400iso but really bad at 800iso.

It's really only more recently we have had really clean images from high iso on digital cameras, even my Canon 1DMkII was really poor above about 1000iso.
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I should've used 'affordable' before DSLRs;)
 
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