Wedding Reception

nikonal

nikonal

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I've been asked to take some pics for a friend at a wedding reception.
The couple will be getting Married overseas somewhere and then they plan to come back to a family reception.

What would you expect as a couple from these photos?
Obviously I won't be capturing 'the big day' as such and I'm just looking for a few ideas please?

Would you guys take studio setup for in the corner to get various family and friends shots as well as candid party style?
 
First and foremost, ask them - what do they want out of it? Do they want formals, candid, etc?

In general, I personally wouldn't say that a mini studio set up in a corner would be appropriate in this sort of thing. Corporate evening events perhaps, school photos for sure, but not a wedding reception. That's not to say having flash/softbox with you wouldn't be helpful.
 
Shine On said:
First and foremost, ask them - what do they want out of it? Do they want formals, candid, etc?

In general, I personally wouldn't say that a mini studio set up in a corner would be appropriate in this sort of thing. Corporate evening events perhaps, school photos for sure, but not a wedding reception. That's not to say having flash/softbox with you wouldn't be helpful.
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I do a lot of Wedding Receptions for couples married abroad or who just simply want the reception covered.

One of the key things they want me for is the studio set up and prints to take away on the night.

Often we'll do group shots outside if the location permits, cover first dance (ok, so actually it's second dance!) and then candids through the evning with studio and fun portraits.

The key is to ask your B+G what they want. Don't poo poo an idea based on anyone or your own thoughts - go with what they want.

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We attended a good friends wedding reception a couple of years ago, and this year her significant birthday party.. at both events there was a simple compact on a tripod with a plain background on a wall. The camera was left for guests to take pictures of themselves as they wanted to, and all of these images (less duplicates) were added to the full album of the day. It went down very well, and every one enjoyed it. However our friend is very relaxed and informal, as were both events. Someone with more formal (uptight?) expectations may not go with it.

You need to talk with your friends about what style of reception they want. This sort of set-up is very participatory, which to my mind is very good.. it gets folk from the bride's side talking to the groom's side to get them to take the shot, etc.. The only improvement I could suggest would be to consider using a Fuji Instax camera for this instead of a compact.. that way there are instant prints, and include a few packs of coloured pens, glitter, sticky stars, etc so that guests can leave a personal photo message to the couple *on the day*. I think that would go down well.
 
1. Find out - is she wearing the dress and is he wearing the suit. If so, It might be worth spending some time before the reception with the B&G alone, in a park or some place else romantic
2. Find out the time-line for the reception - this will give away how the B&G are thinking about the reception. Some want it to be "just as if they arrived from the church" others just want a party. The time line will also give away other considerations (cake cutting, bouquet tossing, fireworks etc.)
3. Find out what the venue is like - sometimes these "receptions" are in a really horrid church hall, other times they are in a really great location. this will determine your approach to what photography is practicable to do where
4. Find out when sunset is that day
5. Find out from the B&G what they actually want, but then armed with al of the other info, suggest what is also possible and practicable
 
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