Question for the "Wedding Guys"
Feb 5, 2015 13:02:24 #
During the 1980's, I switched from wedding photography to weddding videography, retiring about five years ago. In this capacity, I had the opportunity to observe many different wedding photographers, some good, some bad. During the last years of my video career, I saw all kinds of contraptions attached to flash units including bounce cards and diffusers. I understand the value of avoiding direct flash in the bride's home with 8' ceilings, and even in a reception hall with low ceilings, but in a church with 30' dark ceilings??? I understand also, the value of a wider light source, but does adding 2" or 3" at 10-15' justify the loss of light output? Please help me understand the value in what I was observing. I'm just curious.
Feb 5, 2015 13:06:42 #
Feb 5, 2015 13:09:36 #
I have been at events with slides projected on screens where people used a flash to take a picture of the projection. I mean really!!!
Feb 5, 2015 13:13:05 #
They saw Joe Blow using it, or recommending it in a seminar so they use it too.
Too many people copycat without understanding the way the equipment works, because they think they are "professional" by using it.
Too many people copycat without understanding the way the equipment works, because they think they are "professional" by using it.
Feb 5, 2015 13:21:20 #
tsilva wrote:
They saw Joe Blow using it, or recommending it in a seminar so they use it too.
Too many people copycat without understanding the way the equipment works, because they think they are "professional" by using it.
Too many people copycat without understanding the way the equipment works, because they think they are "professional" by using it.
HEY!
Joe is a friend of mine!!!
He is an idiot, but he is a friend!!!
Feb 5, 2015 13:31:27 #
tsilva wrote:
They saw Joe Blow using it, or recommending it in a seminar so they use it too.
Too many people copycat without understanding the way the equipment works, because they think they are "professional" by using it.
Too many people copycat without understanding the way the equipment works, because they think they are "professional" by using it.
I don't know if it makes people feel professional or if they just want better photos without really understanding the principles of lighting the subject properly.
Dennis
Feb 5, 2015 13:33:55 #
First...... check out the Wedding Photography section (and subscribe) we have another videographer that is a regular contributor.
Now, others touched on it. I see this too. My feeling is what you are noticing is the "I just got a DSLR, so I'm going to shoot weddings now" generation. I used to actually try to help if I was a guest and saw this, I would carefully try to speak to the shooter, and help. (My business does a lot with apprentices, and works with people trying to get started the right way) It never turned out well. The person hired just takes offense, so I just keep my mouth shut, and figure the B&G fell for the Shoot and Burn photographer, hopefully, they checked out examples and that's what they wanted.
On the other hand, it is funny that I've had people (not sure if they were pros or not) try to give me a rough time for using flash (fill flash) in bright sunlight. I guess it is all a matter of experience, and willingness to learn. Most of us old folks, apprenticed before we started shooting. That's why we work with apprentices now, to hopefully keep some of the art alive.
Now, others touched on it. I see this too. My feeling is what you are noticing is the "I just got a DSLR, so I'm going to shoot weddings now" generation. I used to actually try to help if I was a guest and saw this, I would carefully try to speak to the shooter, and help. (My business does a lot with apprentices, and works with people trying to get started the right way) It never turned out well. The person hired just takes offense, so I just keep my mouth shut, and figure the B&G fell for the Shoot and Burn photographer, hopefully, they checked out examples and that's what they wanted.
On the other hand, it is funny that I've had people (not sure if they were pros or not) try to give me a rough time for using flash (fill flash) in bright sunlight. I guess it is all a matter of experience, and willingness to learn. Most of us old folks, apprenticed before we started shooting. That's why we work with apprentices now, to hopefully keep some of the art alive.
Feb 5, 2015 13:45:40 #
bkyser wrote:
First...... It never turned out well. The person hired just takes offense, so I just keep my mouth shut, and figure the B&G fell for the Shoot and Burn photographer, hopefully, they checked out examples and that's what they wanted.
It's REALLY hard to sit back and watch, isn't it? Sounds like you, also, may be from the Bill Stockwell, Rocky Gunn, Monte Zucker generation of wedding guys.
BTW, I agree with you about the apprentice thing. It's the best way to learn the wedding business. Then you can develop your own style by attending seminars, joining professsional organizations, doing competitions, etc.
Feb 5, 2015 14:16:57 #
I have offered to assist a few times when it seemed obvious to me that the person handling a camera really didn't have any idea what to do, what settings were needed etc. Some seemed lost and were complaining about poor photos. When I offered to help some were very thankful and it was normally a small setting adjustment such as ISO too high for daylight shots at the Grand Canyon or shutter speed set to 15 on a bright sunny day. Others were absolutely livid with anger that I would presume they didn't know what they were doing.
I am somewhat of a slow learner so still try to be helpful if I can but only if the person seems absolutely lost. My best helpful intentions have gotten me yelled at far more than refusing to help at all. Some people just have no idea how easy it is to say, No thanks but I appreciate the offer.
Dennis
I am somewhat of a slow learner so still try to be helpful if I can but only if the person seems absolutely lost. My best helpful intentions have gotten me yelled at far more than refusing to help at all. Some people just have no idea how easy it is to say, No thanks but I appreciate the offer.
Dennis
Feb 5, 2015 14:39:16 #
bsprague wrote:
People leave their flash on in football stadiums too.
Nuff said!
Feb 5, 2015 14:43:37 #
Dbez1 wrote:
It's REALLY hard to sit back and watch, isn't it? Sounds like you, also, may be from the Bill Stockwell, Rocky Gunn, Monte Zucker generation of wedding guys.
BTW, I agree with you about the apprentice thing. It's the best way to learn the wedding business. Then you can develop your own style by attending seminars, joining professsional organizations, doing competitions, etc.
BTW, I agree with you about the apprentice thing. It's the best way to learn the wedding business. Then you can develop your own style by attending seminars, joining professsional organizations, doing competitions, etc.
Monte Zucker was a hero of mine, and I actually got to meet him before he passed when I was in New York for a seminar. I'll never be in the same class (lucky to be considered in the same "school") as Monte, but people today could learn a lot by studying him. Never had the pleasure of meeting Gunn or Stockwell, but also outstanding examples of what we all should strive for.
Feb 5, 2015 15:19:06 #
You could always be a jerk and bring a slave flash to weddings to hold up at the right moment...
Feb 5, 2015 15:53:29 #
Oh Well they shoot at ISO 1600 so not much power is needed and most of the light is already there so the light isn't too harsh.
Feb 5, 2015 15:54:42 #
n3eg wrote:
You could always be a jerk and bring a slave flash to weddings to hold up at the right moment...
Oh sure I could bring my Metz 60 and a slave trigger I would for sure over expose their shots.
Feb 5, 2015 15:56:18 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Oh sure I could bring my Metz 60 and a slave trigger I would for sure over expose their shots.
Those had some recoil!
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