Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

I know you want her dress exposed and for that people have already given their opinion.

But for fun did you think about exposing for the stain glass, have them as far off the glass as you can and then use a speed light from the rear to make some rim light silhouette. Have their lips 4 - 6 inches apart .... you know the drill.

You get the detail of the glass but a very intimate picture of the couple.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I'll try to give it a go. Could be interesting. I have thought about shooting through the stained glass but it might create a strange pattern with the framing of the doors.

This scene is kind of an afterthought. The reception is very close to a lighthouse. Have you any experience with lighthouses in California?

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

How are your photoshop skills? If they are willing victims...I mean, participants. I would greatly underexpose the background, use speedlights to light them, then photoshop in some light coming from the lighthouse. If there are a lot of clouds, it could be VERY dramatic. As Jerry would call it "the money shot"

I don't have any lighthouses here in landlocked Indiana, but I'm always looking for something to come up with a dramatic photo. Around here, it normally involves corn or soybeans......yeah, not too dramatic. Normally involves more like a bonfire, or barn.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

I always consider my job as a photographer is to document the day. Pictures need to be properly exposed and of course great candid moments are nice. But lets be honest, many photographers can do that ... what separates photographers are the money shots, the ones that will be shared by the couple with all their friends and family. No B&G is going to share 100's of pictures, but if they have them the money shoots will be the ones they share, the ones that will make you the 'greatest' in their opinion and probably get you more jobs. I love dramatic lighting and solid off-camera lightly on posed shots ... if I can deliver 10 money shots I've done my job and of course I'll be the 'greatest' :)

I've been doing wedding videos for 18 years but only wedding photography for 3 years, much more to learn, wish I was 30 years younger but I'm pleased that I can deliver what I have in my short amount of time behind the viewfinder.

This would be one of my favorite money shots from last weekend ... well composed, solid off-camera lighting and a B&G into the moment of the shoot. I'll guarantee this will be one they share and will print/frame for the wall.

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jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Thanks guys for the suggestions. My photoshop skills are as good as the time I put into it. The biggest issue with the lighthouse is the positioning. Lighthouse is very tall and people are much smaller. To get them both is getting the positioning. Here is a set of "idea" locations all around the reception venue. Please understand these are not finished photos. No attempt to expose for the people or background to any degree. The people are random volunteers to just stand in a spot for composition check. I did not bring lighting. Just composition trials. What do you think? Composition ideas, I am not worried about the lighting or post I need to work in wedding party pics as well.

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Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

Did you think about a prospective shot?

Have the Bride and Groom way in the foreground so there about the same size as the lighthouse ......... then have one of them on each side with one finger touching the top (light) on each side of course ... do this as dusk so the light can be seen, you make it a bit brighter in PP ......... The picture is an example ... my BH is really tall ... makes love making particularly tough ... he he

You can also do what I do so often for sunset photos ..... I'm laying on the ground looking upward ;)

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Good idea. Might be good for a fun wedding party shot. I don't think that lighthouse makes light anymore. Unless it is Photoshop light. I like to get down on the ground as well.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Jerry beat me to it. With perspective, you can make the lighthouse as tall or small as you'd like. They can interact with it, or at least fit it more comfortably in the shot, like your last one with the lighthouse. It is a lot less "distorted" than the first one.

Although, I do remember your post about loving to lay on the floor any chance you get, especially when people are dancing.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

HA HA HA HA ... thanks again for the good morning laugh :)

JPL

You should better be sure you have the same light on the stained windows. I mean the light from outside.

papa Loc: Rio Dell, CA

How about studio strobe(s) with one or two 48"-60" octagon softboxes, silver reflectors Rembradt w/half to quarter fill or Butterfly and hair light w/20 degree grid; exposure adjusted for ambiance through the stained glass.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Thanks for your thoughts, but this is the entrance to the church and things will happen fast. I can not afford the time it would take to create a studio environment on the fly.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Jay, you really need to get yourself a voice activated light stand. High school kids are great for this, you just have to get the right one.

Just budget for it, and add to the cost.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

There will be available VALS at this wedding. The usual family ones. They work for free just like me. This is a free family gig. Just like the kind you warn against.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I'm actually kind of a jerk when it comes to family weddings. I just say that I want to enjoy the moment with them as well.

Now, I have done free shoots for friends, but I like them better than family.