What shots to take at a wedding?
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Rooster said:
My honest advice would be if you are asking what shots to take you are to ready for it, I personally would not do it,(if it was me) but if you do I'm sure there are plenty of wedding photographers (excellent ones ) on here that would be more than happy to help.
Sorry to make this sound blunt but I have consider doing this myself but this is what I'm telling my self, a wedding needs creativity in my opinion.
Yv
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ok, I am going to say this, so NO ONE else has to say it and cause another row. 
If your 'friend' isn't even sure what needs to be taken, would it not make sense for the couple to employ someone who does? It IS indeed a huge responsibility, a one off, and is also the sort of question that tends to get back up around these parts.
There, it is said.... now to answer the question.
However, a quick google can give you no end of websites like THIS one offering a suggested list of images. Having said that, every experienced professional will have their own 'list' in their heads and of course the ability to act to the situation and take many others that you won't see in any so called 'must have' list.
A look around the thousands of wedding photographers websites will find samples - I suggest telling your friend to do his own homework on this.
If your 'friend' isn't even sure what needs to be taken, would it not make sense for the couple to employ someone who does? It IS indeed a huge responsibility, a one off, and is also the sort of question that tends to get back up around these parts.
There, it is said.... now to answer the question.
However, a quick google can give you no end of websites like THIS one offering a suggested list of images. Having said that, every experienced professional will have their own 'list' in their heads and of course the ability to act to the situation and take many others that you won't see in any so called 'must have' list.
A look around the thousands of wedding photographers websites will find samples - I suggest telling your friend to do his own homework on this.
OP
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ok, I am going to say this, so NO ONE else has to say it and cause another row.
If your 'friend' isn't even sure what needs to be taken, would it not make sense for the couple to employ someone who does? It IS indeed a huge responsibility, a one off, and is also the sort of question that tends to get back up around these parts.
There, it is said.... now to answer the question.
However, a quick google can give you no end of websites like THIS one offering a suggested list of images. Having said that, every experienced professional will have their own 'list' in their heads and of course the ability to act to the situation and take many others that you won't see in any so called 'must have' list.
A look around the thousands of wedding photographers websites will find samples - I suggest telling your friend to do his own homework on this.
That site is exactly what I was after, thanks. Also cheers, Aaron.
It is a friend, not a "friend"! I'll tell him to take a stepladder too.
Tringa
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Unless your colleague has already done some weddings and the clients were happy with his/her work then tell your mate to walk away.
I think you has assessed the situation very well - " It's a big responsibility ..."
A wedding is one of the most important days, if not the most important day, in the lives of those getting married (and a few other too) and it is a huge responsibility to be the one producing the definitive visual record of the day.
A few of the things to think about -
the venue(s) -
how much room is there, how much light? Can flash be used? Will there be time to visit the venues before the wedding to see the layout?
the couple -
do those getting married want photos before the big day(if so, where and when), do they want photos before the ceremony (if so, how easy is that to organise), what sort of photographs do they want - traditional or more informal?
the guests -
almost all of them will have a camera of some sort and some may think they can take photos whenever they want, including walking right in front of the wedding photographer. There could be some delicate management needed to get the special wedding photos without offending someone.
the equipment -
what happens if your battery fails? Or you camera breaks down. Is there backup equipment?
the photographer -
Does the photographer have insurance? What happens if a guest who is a bit worse for drink trips over the photographer or photographer's equipment and wants to sue?
I know this very negative but a wedding is a very special event and whoever photographs it get one chance to get it right.
Dave
I think you has assessed the situation very well - " It's a big responsibility ..."
A wedding is one of the most important days, if not the most important day, in the lives of those getting married (and a few other too) and it is a huge responsibility to be the one producing the definitive visual record of the day.
A few of the things to think about -
the venue(s) -
how much room is there, how much light? Can flash be used? Will there be time to visit the venues before the wedding to see the layout?
the couple -
do those getting married want photos before the big day(if so, where and when), do they want photos before the ceremony (if so, how easy is that to organise), what sort of photographs do they want - traditional or more informal?
the guests -
almost all of them will have a camera of some sort and some may think they can take photos whenever they want, including walking right in front of the wedding photographer. There could be some delicate management needed to get the special wedding photos without offending someone.
the equipment -
what happens if your battery fails? Or you camera breaks down. Is there backup equipment?
the photographer -
Does the photographer have insurance? What happens if a guest who is a bit worse for drink trips over the photographer or photographer's equipment and wants to sue?
I know this very negative but a wedding is a very special event and whoever photographs it get one chance to get it right.
Dave
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Whilst I half agree with what everyone is saying, it begs the question: Exactly how do wedding photographers start out unless they just get out there and shoot a few weddings?
If like you say, the client isn't expecting profession shots then i don't see the problem. The happy couple get a cheap wedding album and the photographer gets some valuable experience under his belt.:shrug:
If like you say, the client isn't expecting profession shots then i don't see the problem. The happy couple get a cheap wedding album and the photographer gets some valuable experience under his belt.:shrug:
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im doing a wedding shoot for my friend at her wedding and i have never done this before in my life and i dont plan on doing it again, she cant afford a professional, and when she asked me the first thing i said was i havnt done wedding photography, you are not going to get as good photos as someone who knows what there doing, the photos will not look professional, and i made this very clear to them they they were not to expect amazing photos, and also when they offerd to pay me i said no i will do the photography for you but i will not charge as i can not offer you anything worth paying for. make sure the people hes taking photos for knows that hes not experienced
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I too am doing my first wedding in April. I was a bit apprehensive at first as i only have the entry level Nikon with kit lens and 35mm prime. They asked for a price which I gave them and thought i would worry about kit nearer the time. As iit turns out I am borrowing a 5D MarkII and flash and some other bits and bobs. I am really looking forward to it! I have had a few hourd with a local pro to run through the venue and what to expect etc etc I haven't promised them the earth but i am confident I can cope with day and relish the challenge.
I have read loads of these threads and they make me even more determined to just get on with it and do my best........I'll let you know how it goes
I have read loads of these threads and they make me even more determined to just get on with it and do my best........I'll let you know how it goes
LongLensPhotography
Th..th..that's all folks!
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a few shots of the bridge and groom will do... 
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As many have said already, if your mate is having to ask, then they shouldnt be doing it, end of.
This is someones big day. Its not something you can re-stage if it goes wrong, although many professionals insure against these things as a well meaning amateur it could end in tears.
BUT....
What they could do, is hire a professional for say 4 hours as many seem to do that now as a minimum service and get them to shoot the key formal shots and then your mate can shoot the rest of the day, the morning preparations, during the meal the speeches etc and then the evening do.
The candid, informal shots go down really well and many professionals either do it themselves or have an assistant to shoot them while they are doing the formal stuff.
Alternatively, gate crash as many weddings as he can before the big day and make copious notes of how the photographer controls the day.
This is someones big day. Its not something you can re-stage if it goes wrong, although many professionals insure against these things as a well meaning amateur it could end in tears.
BUT....
What they could do, is hire a professional for say 4 hours as many seem to do that now as a minimum service and get them to shoot the key formal shots and then your mate can shoot the rest of the day, the morning preparations, during the meal the speeches etc and then the evening do.
The candid, informal shots go down really well and many professionals either do it themselves or have an assistant to shoot them while they are doing the formal stuff.
Alternatively, gate crash as many weddings as he can before the big day and make copious notes of how the photographer controls the day.
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Most start by working as a second photographer (assisting a pro) and learn the trade that way, there are courses but theres nothing like real world experience.
The problem with weddings is they vary so much, unlike a studio where everything is under cntrol, you also don't get a second chance, so it's important that the photographer really knows how to cope with tricky lighting and manage people, and deal with problems.
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If it's the difference of not getting any photos (budget reasons ?) and getting a lot of photos (some good, some great and some not so good) then personally I'd be happy to help out by taking some photos.
I'm not a pro and have no intention to become one, but I am capable of taking some excellent (other peoples words, not mine) photos and despite the amount of people on here saying forget it, you're not ready, not good enough etc I'd be prepared to help out anywhere.
Have a look on the people and portraits thread and have a search on google for wedding pose guides or just look at wedding images to get some ideas. And OP, good luck to your colleague if they decide to try it. Like I said, if it's the difference between having photos or not, even some good photos will keep those memories alive forever.
I'm not a pro and have no intention to become one, but I am capable of taking some excellent (other peoples words, not mine) photos and despite the amount of people on here saying forget it, you're not ready, not good enough etc I'd be prepared to help out anywhere.
Have a look on the people and portraits thread and have a search on google for wedding pose guides or just look at wedding images to get some ideas. And OP, good luck to your colleague if they decide to try it. Like I said, if it's the difference between having photos or not, even some good photos will keep those memories alive forever.
OP
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Good advice. As I say, they're not expecting a pro level set of photos, just some nice snaps of the day from a friend doing a favour. So if they get some really good ones it's a pleasant surprise. In fact I might go along as a second shooter as I'm quite interested now. I would never do this for a fee due to the crushing weight of expectation but as a favour I'm fine. I'm a reasonably advanced amateur but I've mainly done landscapes so people shots will be new to me, although I know a lot of the lighting theory.
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Even though its a favour there will still be a crushing weight of expectation, believe me.
The amount of people who say to me, "Oh Neil you're good with a camera, you've taken some lovely photos can you just take these" and because you are a friend and they have already convinced themselves you will do a good job for them you can see by the look on their faces what you've shot isnt quite what they were expecting.
Your idea of going along as the second shooter, the man behind the grassy knoll, is a great one, that way if your man misses anything, hopefully you can catch it, plus you can help with the organising.
Look forward to seeing how you get on.
The amount of people who say to me, "Oh Neil you're good with a camera, you've taken some lovely photos can you just take these" and because you are a friend and they have already convinced themselves you will do a good job for them you can see by the look on their faces what you've shot isnt quite what they were expecting.
Your idea of going along as the second shooter, the man behind the grassy knoll, is a great one, that way if your man misses anything, hopefully you can catch it, plus you can help with the organising.
Look forward to seeing how you get on.
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With maybe some balloons round the bridge?
for my wedding last year our photographer got the following shots that I would consider to be important shots:
Arrival at the ceremony (first the groom, the guests then the bride), groom with best man, bride entering the registry office, a couple of shots during the ceremony, the exchange of rings, the kiss, the fake signing of the register, bride and groom with witnesses after signing the register, the confetti shot, speeches, cutting the cake, and of course any group shots wanted with family and or friends, first dance. everything else were quite relaxed and informal shots of the day.
of course every bride/groom is different. ask them to make a list of the groups they would like. Its good to know the running of the day so you know what time everything is happening and what order so you can be organised!.
I hope this helps a little bit. we were on a very tight budget and didn't have the most experienced photographer. I am not a professional photographer so this is just my tuppance worth! you have to start somewhere right?!.
Arrival at the ceremony (first the groom, the guests then the bride), groom with best man, bride entering the registry office, a couple of shots during the ceremony, the exchange of rings, the kiss, the fake signing of the register, bride and groom with witnesses after signing the register, the confetti shot, speeches, cutting the cake, and of course any group shots wanted with family and or friends, first dance. everything else were quite relaxed and informal shots of the day.
of course every bride/groom is different. ask them to make a list of the groups they would like. Its good to know the running of the day so you know what time everything is happening and what order so you can be organised!.
I hope this helps a little bit. we were on a very tight budget and didn't have the most experienced photographer. I am not a professional photographer so this is just my tuppance worth! you have to start somewhere right?!.
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London Headshots
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Weddings are easy, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There might be some exceptional wedding photographers creating crazy, amazingly creative work, but 99% of the time, it's just reportage of people in suits and nice dresses.
Just make sure you concentrate on getting people looking happy. Get plenty of the bride. Make sure you capture the moments before the bride arrives where the groom is looking nervous, etc.. After the ceremony, have someone from the family round up important people and take some group shots. Grab some shots of the church as well, and the bride and groom in the church. Consider letting everyone else go off to the reception, so you, the bride and the groom can get some portrait shots...
One way to look at a wedding is that it's all about her. The idea of you is to capture the parts she missed, and to capture her enjoying the parts she didn't. Don't think about it from anyone else's point of view. If you give the bride something she loves, everyone else will love it by default.
Important shots:
Bride arriving in the car
Bride walking towards the church
Bride walking into the church
Groom looking back as she walks up the aisle
Bride and Groom looking at each other when she arrives next to him
The rings
The kiss
Bride and Groom walking back
Getting in the car
Leaving in the car
Cutting the cake
Speeches
First dance
There's loads more shots to get, but those are the most important. Just make sure you constantly pay attention to everything. Good things to look out for are things like family members in the rows crying during the vows, etc.. While the guests have dinner, grab some detail shots of the reception hall.
As long as you frame the shots nicely and everything is properly exposed, it's almost impossible to mess up a wedding, since it's an amazing day anyway.
Just make sure you concentrate on getting people looking happy. Get plenty of the bride. Make sure you capture the moments before the bride arrives where the groom is looking nervous, etc.. After the ceremony, have someone from the family round up important people and take some group shots. Grab some shots of the church as well, and the bride and groom in the church. Consider letting everyone else go off to the reception, so you, the bride and the groom can get some portrait shots...
One way to look at a wedding is that it's all about her. The idea of you is to capture the parts she missed, and to capture her enjoying the parts she didn't. Don't think about it from anyone else's point of view. If you give the bride something she loves, everyone else will love it by default.
Important shots:
Bride arriving in the car
Bride walking towards the church
Bride walking into the church
Groom looking back as she walks up the aisle
Bride and Groom looking at each other when she arrives next to him
The rings
The kiss
Bride and Groom walking back
Getting in the car
Leaving in the car
Cutting the cake
Speeches
First dance
There's loads more shots to get, but those are the most important. Just make sure you constantly pay attention to everything. Good things to look out for are things like family members in the rows crying during the vows, etc.. While the guests have dinner, grab some detail shots of the reception hall.
As long as you frame the shots nicely and everything is properly exposed, it's almost impossible to mess up a wedding, since it's an amazing day anyway.
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The most important person at a wedding is the bride. The second most important person is the bride's mother.
Keep an eye on your histogram/highlight warning. Whilst a lot of people pass it off as "contemporary", blowing out the dress and losing the detail is a bad, bad thing. Shooting RAW will only do so much in recovering it. Get your exposure right for the dress.
Push your ISO, not your shutter speed. Noise is far easier to clean up than a blurred face is.
Keep an eye on your histogram/highlight warning. Whilst a lot of people pass it off as "contemporary", blowing out the dress and losing the detail is a bad, bad thing. Shooting RAW will only do so much in recovering it. Get your exposure right for the dress.
Push your ISO, not your shutter speed. Noise is far easier to clean up than a blurred face is.
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I can't agree with this at all, for an OK or better photographer with OK or better people skills and some organisation skills a wedding is quite easy to do.
But a friend of the family with a background in landscapes or macro work confronted with the matriarch MoB who's known them since nursery school is heading for disaster. And 'just reportage of people in suits and nice dresses', is as crass as 'head shots are simply a matter of aiming a short telephoto lens and framing a bead and shoulders'.
If wedding reportage was that simple, all guests collections of shots from their cousins weddings would look like a wedding album. And we all know that they don't.
Wedding photography isn't rocket science, but to be done competently requires a certain level of skill, planning and confidence.
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Hi Rooster and others who mention doing your first wedding,
First as I was told on here a few years ago, anyone who shoots a wedding with one body is mad! So make sure you have two!
Second, I'm afraid I see no issue if you have been asked to do a wedding and the couple are friends/family/know you and know what you can do. You are of course possibly taking business away from professional photographers, which is why I now do my best to get out of it whenever I can. For this reason I have never and would never charge for a wedding because I am not a professional. But, and this is the big thing I have only shot for my family and very, very close friends.
As to what shots, I concur with what has been stated. Make it very clear to the couple that you will shoot a lot of candid shots. You will need to make sure you understand the light in the Church and venue and what the camera you are using will get out of it. But THEY choose any formals they want and THEY probably via the best man organise the groups. All you will need to do is confirm they have the shots THEY want!
I am not saying this is what a professional does, but believe me it works very well and you cannot be blamed for missing anyone out.
Of course if they don't want to do that, then they really need to be talking to a professional!
Good luck to your friend Rooster and to those venturing into the world of wedding photography. My advice is read and re read and keep on reading until you are sick to death of reading. Oh and look at what the guys and gals do on here.
Best regards
Chris
First as I was told on here a few years ago, anyone who shoots a wedding with one body is mad! So make sure you have two!
Second, I'm afraid I see no issue if you have been asked to do a wedding and the couple are friends/family/know you and know what you can do. You are of course possibly taking business away from professional photographers, which is why I now do my best to get out of it whenever I can. For this reason I have never and would never charge for a wedding because I am not a professional. But, and this is the big thing I have only shot for my family and very, very close friends.
As to what shots, I concur with what has been stated. Make it very clear to the couple that you will shoot a lot of candid shots. You will need to make sure you understand the light in the Church and venue and what the camera you are using will get out of it. But THEY choose any formals they want and THEY probably via the best man organise the groups. All you will need to do is confirm they have the shots THEY want!
I am not saying this is what a professional does, but believe me it works very well and you cannot be blamed for missing anyone out.
Of course if they don't want to do that, then they really need to be talking to a professional!
Good luck to your friend Rooster and to those venturing into the world of wedding photography. My advice is read and re read and keep on reading until you are sick to death of reading. Oh and look at what the guys and gals do on here.
Best regards
Chris
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You've just described headshots down to a fine art right there, they are literally nothing more than that. There's a level above that, where I shoot, but the level below is unfathomably easy.
You'll notice I first made the disclaimer at the start about amazing work, that was my way of separating the two types of wedding photographer I'm talking about.
I hate to break it to you and anyone who shoots weddings or doesn't think they're capable: It's easy. It's the same as pointing a camera at anything else and hitting the shutter. If you can frame a landscape or an interior, you can frame a wedding shot, they require the same understanding of subject reference.
And when I say easy, I mean the basics. I'm not saying there isn't a way to elevate the artform to something sublime, such as in the case of a truly professional wedding photographer, but to get some basic shots of a wedding that a bride who isn't expecting the earth will cherish, requires nothing more than a basic understanding of photography, a keen eye, and a bit of advance planning.
Two guys with cameras who know the bride and groom, who can have a laugh on the day, will likely produce some amazing intimate shots that she will love.
Given that expectations are low, obviously...
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We do largely agree here, except a couple of key areas where your lack of genuine understanding has let you down;
We agree that weddings aren't that difficult, but your assertion that they're easy may lead people into a very false sense of security. If you spend any time around other 'guys with cameras' you'd know that many of them don't have the technical skills necessary. However a 'good' photographer would be fine, as I said before.
Secondly, as I said before, is the simple reportage one. It takes a level of human understanding more common in portrait and wedding photographers than in the general population.
Clearly youre not attributing your skills in these areas to your own success, which I find puzzling. Or it's something you take for granted and it hasn't occurred to you that everyone doesn't have those skills?
Thirdly, there's not just some awesome wedding photographers and then just thousands producing stuff uncle bob could equal. Average wedding photography is head and shoulders above uncle bob, whilst still being miles away from the Masters.
But you don't have to take my word for it, there are plenty of forum posts headed 'My first wedding' from people who've taken advice.
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My assertion that they're easy is caveated by the statement:
"to get some basic shots of a wedding that a bride who isn't expecting the earth will cherish, requires nothing more than a basic understanding of photography, a keen eye, and a bit of advance planning."
A basic understanding for me constitutes the concept of the rule of thirds, converging and diverging lines, and framing. Add to that a keen eye, and a thorough analysis of what is needed and expected of you, and the chances are that you're going to get some decent shots.
Given, I repeat, that expectations are low.
"to get some basic shots of a wedding that a bride who isn't expecting the earth will cherish, requires nothing more than a basic understanding of photography, a keen eye, and a bit of advance planning."
A basic understanding for me constitutes the concept of the rule of thirds, converging and diverging lines, and framing. Add to that a keen eye, and a thorough analysis of what is needed and expected of you, and the chances are that you're going to get some decent shots.
Given, I repeat, that expectations are low.
OP
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Some excellent advice here, thanks! I'll make sure to get those key shots that were mentioned. I know about framing, rule of thirds, depth of field etc but what I'm worried about is lighting! I can stick the ISO right up and modern processors are so good there won't be any really noticeable noise, however I'll have to ask if we can use flash or things will look a bit flat for the shots at the altar. Though no doubt Photoshop can help to some degree, the fill flash slider in Adobe camera raw, for instance but it's not really a substitute for a properly exposed shot.
Yv
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Flash at the altar? I am assuming its a church ceremony then and flash will only be if you are very lucky...most clergy will say no, you will have to use whatever natural light is available. It is no unusual to be shooting inside church at ISO's between 1600 and 6400, in fact it is pretty much the norm. Registrars can be a bit more relaxed, but not always, they don't generally like 'paparazzi' shooting.
oh another tip for you and the friend... be charming to the vicar/priest/registrar/etc and check their 'houserules', they all have their own varying from total photographic freedom to no pictures at all during ceremony, but most are somewhere between the two.
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My apologies to the OP for this.
Despite how the conversation starts out, between the desperate bride and willing friend, expectations are never low. And your 'basic understanding of photography' isn't the same as someone elses. My sister has a P&S and goes round the world shooting on Auto everything but if I asked her she'd possibly say she has a 'basic understanding'.
I've read posts from people on here who claim to be quite 'knowledgable' with a bag full of gear and then go on to ask the most basic questions about exposure. There is no such measure of ability as a 'basic understanding'.
The OP does at least appear to understand the problems he'll have so I'd tick the 'knowledge' box, but he hasn't yet managed to match up his photography skill, with the expectations of a customer and what he should and can deliver. He'll probably be fine - but that in itself shows that there's more to this that 'a basic knowledge of photography'.
IF you are allowed to get shots at the altar, then it's high ISO and fast glass all the way, there will always be some natural light (unless it's a really old church on a really dull day), you just have to make the most of it.
As you already understand, trying to pull detail from an underexposed RAW file is a recipe for disaster, unlike when you're shooting for fun, 'fixing it in Photoshop later' isn't a plan. It's the first decision on a slide into a living hell.
For the altar shots, you will work with the lighting available, and your shots will be great because you're capturing emotion. It's not a studio shoot and no-one will expect perfect light, so you can only control timing and ensuring you have the technical aspects nailed, you can't edit out subject movement, but you can put up with sensor noise if you've captured a moment.
And like Yv said, there's not necessarily an issue, I've shot weddings where a 400mm 2.8 would have been needed for the ring exchange (on a crop body).:shake:
Despite how the conversation starts out, between the desperate bride and willing friend, expectations are never low. And your 'basic understanding of photography' isn't the same as someone elses. My sister has a P&S and goes round the world shooting on Auto everything but if I asked her she'd possibly say she has a 'basic understanding'.
I've read posts from people on here who claim to be quite 'knowledgable' with a bag full of gear and then go on to ask the most basic questions about exposure. There is no such measure of ability as a 'basic understanding'.
The OP does at least appear to understand the problems he'll have so I'd tick the 'knowledge' box, but he hasn't yet managed to match up his photography skill, with the expectations of a customer and what he should and can deliver. He'll probably be fine - but that in itself shows that there's more to this that 'a basic knowledge of photography'.
IF you are allowed to get shots at the altar, then it's high ISO and fast glass all the way, there will always be some natural light (unless it's a really old church on a really dull day), you just have to make the most of it.
As you already understand, trying to pull detail from an underexposed RAW file is a recipe for disaster, unlike when you're shooting for fun, 'fixing it in Photoshop later' isn't a plan. It's the first decision on a slide into a living hell.
For the altar shots, you will work with the lighting available, and your shots will be great because you're capturing emotion. It's not a studio shoot and no-one will expect perfect light, so you can only control timing and ensuring you have the technical aspects nailed, you can't edit out subject movement, but you can put up with sensor noise if you've captured a moment.
And like Yv said, there's not necessarily an issue, I've shot weddings where a 400mm 2.8 would have been needed for the ring exchange (on a crop body).:shake:
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I have to agree with stat statement! Been there done that :thumbsdown:
Which is why I say Mono and Grain are your friend! Atmospheric shots work in the Church very well.
I should point out, having come into this thread, I am no expert or professional photographer, but have a good spattering of knowledge and fortunately good cameras and fast glass.
Regards
Chris
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- John
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Well, don't go into it thinking there won't be any noticeable noise, especially if you have to do any kind of retouching. Even on a 5D2 or equivalent, anything over 1600 gives unsatisfactory (for me) results once I have to fix any crap exposures.
For lighting at the alter, you're going to have to go to this church on two days before hand, at the time when the wedding ceremony takes place. One on a sunny day to judge conditions, and also on a rainy/overcast day to judge again. The difference in settings required will vary wildly, and you'll need to know what to do on the day without any experimenting, as from the second you arrive, there will be shots to get and you want some experience of the environment already at hand.
As someone already said, depending on the vicar, there will be different rules regarding the use of equipment, or even how close you can get to the ceremony. Quite a few vicars are coy about letting anyone shoot with flash, and many force you to stay at the back.
But, if you go ahead on one of your recce days and introduce yourself beforehand, you'll fare much better when trying to get the access you need. It would be a good idea to explain to him that you're relatively inexperienced at this, and you're doing a friend a favour by shooting the wedding, and as a result, would it be OK for you to be a bit closer, or perhaps use flash on a very low setting to at least ensure your shots look OK. You can even strike a deal with him to just use flash on the really important shots. Tell him/her that it won't be in-your-face flash, just a short burst into the air to lift the shadows a bit, and he may be receptive to the idea. Then again, he might not care at all either way, but don't bank on it! However, for the sake of planning, just assume that he won't let you use flash at all.
Don't think about rescuing anything in photoshop, as the shots inside the alter will likely be so noisy that any detail you rescue will come at a huge price.
The very fact that you're worried about lighting means you're ready to do this.
Scoping the variables before hand, with a visit to the church, a visit to the vicar, an itinerary of the shots you need, written in the order you need to get them, will put you in good stead to shoot a decent enough wedding. Lensesforhire.com are an awesome company to rent a decent bit of glass from if you feel your own equipment might not be ideal.
Hardest shots are during the ceremony, because it'll feel slightly intrusive, but if you know all of the people there, it probably won't be as bad. The ceremony moves at a deceptive pace. It'll feel slow, but the key moments creep up and spring out at you and you need to be ready. Watch some ceremonies on Youtube.
Finally, be ready to go black and white on the church shots, as colour shots with the settings you need to use will likely look like a piece of crap.
Good luck!
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Mono and grain may be "arty" but it may not be what the brides expecting, chances are shes expecting pin sharp clear full colour pics like the ones she has done in a studio, or the ones she's seen in the magizines like OK and Hello. The fact their photographers may be shooting with loads of lighting and pro kit doesn't cross her mind.
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When it comes to close ups of the rings, a good compact (that will let you set ISO yourself) will have the DOF advantage over an SLR if he doesn't have a proper macro lens.
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Something I did when shooting candids at my younger daughter's wedding in February might be an idea.
After the wedding itself [ got some nice shots of the wedding rings and then on the couples' hands which were resting on the register ] I spotted that the table plan , instead of showing Bride and Groom actually used their names - and for the Bride that was the first time her new name was seen publicly . I couldn't get the shot decently , didn't have the ability to cope with a white paper on a wooden easel against a very difficult window with sunlight streaming in , so asked the Pro to get it - he was delighted to get that shot - said he would look for it in future as he'd never seen the seating/table plan done that way before - and he'd shot several weddings in the same hotel !
After the wedding itself [ got some nice shots of the wedding rings and then on the couples' hands which were resting on the register ] I spotted that the table plan , instead of showing Bride and Groom actually used their names - and for the Bride that was the first time her new name was seen publicly . I couldn't get the shot decently , didn't have the ability to cope with a white paper on a wooden easel against a very difficult window with sunlight streaming in , so asked the Pro to get it - he was delighted to get that shot - said he would look for it in future as he'd never seen the seating/table plan done that way before - and he'd shot several weddings in the same hotel !
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Hi swanseamale47,
I guess I could also call you Abertawe!
I agree with you unless you have already spoken to the happy couple and explained that you cannot take photos with flash so....
Best regards
Chris
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I tend not to reply to threads like this as I am not a seasoned pro and am merely at the doorstep of wedding photography myself.
The first wedding I did was free of charge and the couple said they didn't want to pose for shots and wanted candid photography all the way but it didn't stop the bride asking for x, y and z shots after the event, fortunately I had got them. During the day itself I found myself getting very hung up on the technical aspect of the photography and my camera and less on the creative side of the day.Following that I did a couple of workshops which I found incredibly useful and I was actually glad I did them after the event as I could put what they were teaching into context.
For some, a friend with a basic knowledge is the best they can do with. The couples I shoot for have no other option, it's either me or their guests with their p&s. At the minute I do charge a relatively low amount but I am starting out and this is reflected in my price and I am extremely open and honest with clients.
For what it's worth, I also include a folder called Snapshots on the disc which includes shots that might not have worked 100% for me ie the focus might be slightly off or the composition isn't quite right but are still 'nice' photos
We all have to start somewhere and I like to think that someone who has registered here and is seeking out advice is starting in one of the better places
EDT: so in answer to the op, ask the couple which shots they would like - maybe give them a blank table to complete over a week or two of the important people and perhaps stay safe with any group shots - bride & groom central and key figures each side slightly angled in. If you can get the details in then rings, dress detail, flowers and table centre pieces could all be included
The first wedding I did was free of charge and the couple said they didn't want to pose for shots and wanted candid photography all the way but it didn't stop the bride asking for x, y and z shots after the event, fortunately I had got them. During the day itself I found myself getting very hung up on the technical aspect of the photography and my camera and less on the creative side of the day.Following that I did a couple of workshops which I found incredibly useful and I was actually glad I did them after the event as I could put what they were teaching into context.
For some, a friend with a basic knowledge is the best they can do with. The couples I shoot for have no other option, it's either me or their guests with their p&s. At the minute I do charge a relatively low amount but I am starting out and this is reflected in my price and I am extremely open and honest with clients.
For what it's worth, I also include a folder called Snapshots on the disc which includes shots that might not have worked 100% for me ie the focus might be slightly off or the composition isn't quite right but are still 'nice' photos
We all have to start somewhere and I like to think that someone who has registered here and is seeking out advice is starting in one of the better places
EDT: so in answer to the op, ask the couple which shots they would like - maybe give them a blank table to complete over a week or two of the important people and perhaps stay safe with any group shots - bride & groom central and key figures each side slightly angled in. If you can get the details in then rings, dress detail, flowers and table centre pieces could all be included
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