Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
HELP!!! need tips for shooting a wedding!!
Page 1 of 10 next> last>>
May 18, 2017 18:09:11   #
tresap23 Loc: Texas
 
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I am a little unnerved by this thought. First let me say, this is "not" a paying job. BUT, it is a family member, who has a lot of confidence in me and happens to like my photos. She is not hiring a photographer, due to the expense. She just wants a few good photographs of the occasion, besides cell phone photos. (although, I am making sure, I have people taking plenty of those as well.) I often take family photos when we are all together, and send them to everyone. Also I post a few of my images on my FB account. My niece seems to think that I can do this, even though I have told her, I am not a professional photographer, and I still have a lot to learn. As this is not her first marriage, nor is it her fiancé's first wedding. They are not having a formal ceremony. They are getting married at their home, off the coast of Maryland. It will be outdoors, at one o'clock in the afternoon. (worst time of day for pictures lol) Hope their yard is shaded well. The dress is casual. A low country boil reception, and boating and jet skiing activities for all the guests (which is family and close friends only). Still, I want to be able to capture those special moments for her. She is more like a little sister to me than a niece. I will be ok, doing posed shots, but not so sure about the rest of it. I have the right camera for the job but not sure about the best lens to use. My best lens is my 70-200 F2.8L IS USM II for my Canon 5D Mark IV camera. Is this the best lens or is there a better one I should use. Like maybe the 24-105 F4L? also, I have a speed lite, but not any studio lighting. Even if I had it, wow, traveling with all that gear would be hard for me. So, my camera, speed light, tripod, and a couple of lenses is all I really want to take. Maybe a couple of reflectors. But that would be the most I'd travel with. So, any tips, advice, and a little compassion when giving it, haha, would be appreciated. I want feel too bad if they are not great, due to the fact that I am doing this as a favor to her. But, I am taking this as a challenge, and want to do my best.

Reply
May 18, 2017 18:19:18   #
krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC
 
Took a look at your Photo Gallery submissions. If you do as well at the wedding as you have demonstrated with your other photography, IMHO your niece and
her new husband will be well served. Take both lenses, have a couple extra batteries, and if possible, a backup camera. If you can, scout the location at about the
same time of day as the wedding, and know what shots your niece and spouse-to-be are expecting. If you have the time, search out other wedding photography for ideas on poses, composition and lighting. Good luck, and have fun.

Reply
May 18, 2017 18:20:12   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Your best bet is to suggest to the happy couple that they hire a professional wedding photographer. Additionally, you can volunteer to work with that photographer as a second shooter.

That being said, and considering the situation, I'd suggest to them that you'll cover it as a news event rather than a wedding event. The record the activities, but keep in mind the usual and standard wedding photographs. I think this will relieve a lot of stress for you and provide them with photographic memories of the event.

I did something similar at the wedding of a friend of mine's daughter. Her and her fiancé had been living together for over 10 years. So, it was more of an event session than a formal wedding. It worked out well and all were quite happy.
--Bob


tresap23 wrote:
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I am a little unnerved by this thought. First let me say, this is "not" a paying job. BUT, it is a family member, who has a lot of confidence in me and happens to like my photos. She is not hiring a photographer, due to the expense. She just wants a few good photographs of the occasion, besides cell phone photos. (although, I am making sure, I have people taking plenty of those as well.) I often take family photos when we are all together, and send them to everyone. Also I post a few of my images on my FB account. My niece seems to think that I can do this, even though I have told her, I am not a professional photographer, and I still have a lot to learn. As this is not her first marriage, nor is it her fiancé's first wedding. They are not having a formal ceremony. They are getting married at their home, off the coast of Maryland. It will be outdoors, at one o'clock in the afternoon. (worst time of day for pictures lol) Hope their yard is shaded well. The dress is casual. A low country boil reception, and boating and jet skiing activities for all the guests (which is family and close friends only). Still, I want to be able to capture those special moments for her. She is more like a little sister to me than a niece. I will be ok, doing posed shots, but not so sure about the rest of it. I have the right camera for the job but not sure about the best lens to use. My best lens is my 70-200 F2.8L IS USM II for my Canon 5D Mark IV camera. Is this the best lens or is there a better one I should use. Like maybe the 24-105 F4L? also, I have a speed lite, but not any studio lighting. Even if I had it, wow, traveling with all that gear would be hard for me. So, my camera, speed light, tripod, and a couple of lenses is all I really want to take. Maybe a couple of reflectors. But that would be the most I'd travel with. So, any tips, advice, and a little compassion when giving it, haha, would be appreciated. I want feel too bad if they are not great, due to the fact that I am doing this as a favor to her. But, I am taking this as a challenge, and want to do my best.
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I ... (show quote)

Reply
 
 
May 18, 2017 18:23:46   #
Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA
 
I would consider going to Barnes & Noble and look at photography books. Paying attention to posing bride & groom.
After you do those shots, everything else is recording the event as it happens.
I think you will be very happy to include a 24- something (you pick), lens.
Use your flash on all shots, except for the ones you prefer no flash.
Posts your results!
Pat

Reply
May 18, 2017 18:46:28   #
tresap23 Loc: Texas
 
krl48 wrote:
Took a look at your Photo Gallery submissions. If you do as well at the wedding as you have demonstrated with your other photography, IMHO your niece and
her new husband will be well served. Take both lenses, have a couple extra batteries, and if possible, a backup camera. If you can, scout the location at about the
same time of day as the wedding, and know what shots your niece and spouse-to-be are expecting. If you have the time, search out other wedding photography for ideas on poses, composition and lighting. Good luck, and have fun.
Took a look at your Photo Gallery submissions. If... (show quote)


Thank you so much! Great advice, and I will implement them wisely!! Thank you for taking the time to help.

Reply
May 18, 2017 18:47:36   #
tresap23 Loc: Texas
 
rmalarz wrote:
Your best bet is to suggest to the happy couple that they hire a professional wedding photographer. Additionally, you can volunteer to work with that photographer as a second shooter.

That being said, and considering the situation, I'd suggest to them that you'll cover it as a news event rather than a wedding event. The record the activities, but keep in mind the usual and standard wedding photographs. I think this will relieve a lot of stress for you and provide them with photographic memories of the event.

I did something similar at the wedding of a friend of mine's daughter. Her and her fiancé had been living together for over 10 years. So, it was more of an event session than a formal wedding. It worked out well and all were quite happy.
--Bob
Your best bet is to suggest to the happy couple th... (show quote)


Thanks Bob, great advice!

Reply
May 18, 2017 18:48:50   #
tresap23 Loc: Texas
 
Jay Pat wrote:
I would consider going to Barnes & Noble and look at photography books. Paying attention to posing bride & groom.
After you do those shots, everything else is recording the event as it happens.
I think you will be very happy to include a 24- something (you pick), lens.
Use your flash on all shots, except for the ones you prefer no flash.
Posts your results!
Pat


Thank you! Sounds like a great idea. I will do that for sure.

Reply
 
 
May 18, 2017 19:02:51   #
Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.
 
I think you will do just fine. I was a wedding photographer for over 30 years. With the cameras of today I would suggest you shoot every thing that is going on. You can edit all your shots before you show them to the bride, Crop, darken or lighten. Throw out the ones your not pleased with. You can do all this on your computer. If she wants prints you can print them any size you want or download them to a disk. Good luck and relax, Don't forget to include the guests.

Reply
May 18, 2017 19:05:04   #
fotoman150
 
It might be helpful to rent a second camera body and flash just in case the main camera body fails. From advice here this forum I bought a Blackrapid double sling strap. One camera on each side around the side of your waist. It worked really well for me last time. If you're outside, you're F4 will be fine maybe put the F4 on one camera and the 2.8 70-200 on the other and have them both handy with the blackrapid double strap. Plus it just looks cool. I suggest rather than looking at books it's much quicker to look at Tips on YouTube for first time wedding shooters there are several really good ones. All the advice you need is on YouTube.

Reply
May 18, 2017 19:06:53   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
rmalarz wrote:
Your best bet is to suggest to the happy couple that they hire a professional wedding photographer. Additionally, you can volunteer to work with that photographer as a second shooter.

That being said, and considering the situation, I'd suggest to them that you'll cover it as a news event rather than a wedding event. The record the activities, but keep in mind the usual and standard wedding photographs. I think this will relieve a lot of stress for you and provide them with photographic memories of the event.

I did something similar at the wedding of a friend of mine's daughter. Her and her fiancé had been living together for over 10 years. So, it was more of an event session than a formal wedding. It worked out well and all were quite happy.
--Bob
Your best bet is to suggest to the happy couple th... (show quote)




Reply
May 18, 2017 19:09:12   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Shoot raw if you are not already doing so. White dresses and black tuxes benefit from the extra dynamic range available in a raw file.

Also get a contract - it will nail down expectations for both parties. It's far from being a formality, btw. It's a really good idea.

Reply
 
 
May 18, 2017 19:14:23   #
Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.
 
tresap23 wrote:
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I am a little unnerved by this thought. First let me say, this is "not" a paying job. BUT, it is a family member, who has a lot of confidence in me and happens to like my photos. She is not hiring a photographer, due to the expense. She just wants a few good photographs of the occasion, besides cell phone photos. (although, I am making sure, I have people taking plenty of those as well.) I often take family photos when we are all together, and send them to everyone. Also I post a few of my images on my FB account. My niece seems to think that I can do this, even though I have told her, I am not a professional photographer, and I still have a lot to learn. As this is not her first marriage, nor is it her fiancé's first wedding. They are not having a formal ceremony. They are getting married at their home, off the coast of Maryland. It will be outdoors, at one o'clock in the afternoon. (worst time of day for pictures lol) Hope their yard is shaded well. The dress is casual. A low country boil reception, and boating and jet skiing activities for all the guests (which is family and close friends only). Still, I want to be able to capture those special moments for her. She is more like a little sister to me than a niece. I will be ok, doing posed shots, but not so sure about the rest of it. I have the right camera for the job but not sure about the best lens to use. My best lens is my 70-200 F2.8L IS USM II for my Canon 5D Mark IV camera. Is this the best lens or is there a better one I should use. Like maybe the 24-105 F4L? also, I have a speed lite, but not any studio lighting. Even if I had it, wow, traveling with all that gear would be hard for me. So, my camera, speed light, tripod, and a couple of lenses is all I really want to take. Maybe a couple of reflectors. But that would be the most I'd travel with. So, any tips, advice, and a little compassion when giving it, haha, would be appreciated. I want feel too bad if they are not great, due to the fact that I am doing this as a favor to her. But, I am taking this as a challenge, and want to do my best.
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I ... (show quote)


If you need to ask for tips on shooting a wedding you're not ready to shoot a wedding. However, there is a Wedding Photography forum section http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-118-1.html they may be able to give you some help there.

Reply
May 18, 2017 19:29:10   #
alolewis
 
My photography instructor who is also a professional Photographer suggest that it takes several shot before the subjects relax. You might want to take several photos of the bride and groom, together or separate, prior to going for the shots you think might make their photo album.

Reply
May 18, 2017 19:37:27   #
Jim Bob
 
tresap23 wrote:
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I am a little unnerved by this thought. First let me say, this is "not" a paying job. BUT, it is a family member, who has a lot of confidence in me and happens to like my photos. She is not hiring a photographer, due to the expense. She just wants a few good photographs of the occasion, besides cell phone photos. (although, I am making sure, I have people taking plenty of those as well.) I often take family photos when we are all together, and send them to everyone. Also I post a few of my images on my FB account. My niece seems to think that I can do this, even though I have told her, I am not a professional photographer, and I still have a lot to learn. As this is not her first marriage, nor is it her fiancé's first wedding. They are not having a formal ceremony. They are getting married at their home, off the coast of Maryland. It will be outdoors, at one o'clock in the afternoon. (worst time of day for pictures lol) Hope their yard is shaded well. The dress is casual. A low country boil reception, and boating and jet skiing activities for all the guests (which is family and close friends only). Still, I want to be able to capture those special moments for her. She is more like a little sister to me than a niece. I will be ok, doing posed shots, but not so sure about the rest of it. I have the right camera for the job but not sure about the best lens to use. My best lens is my 70-200 F2.8L IS USM II for my Canon 5D Mark IV camera. Is this the best lens or is there a better one I should use. Like maybe the 24-105 F4L? also, I have a speed lite, but not any studio lighting. Even if I had it, wow, traveling with all that gear would be hard for me. So, my camera, speed light, tripod, and a couple of lenses is all I really want to take. Maybe a couple of reflectors. But that would be the most I'd travel with. So, any tips, advice, and a little compassion when giving it, haha, would be appreciated. I want feel too bad if they are not great, due to the fact that I am doing this as a favor to her. But, I am taking this as a challenge, and want to do my best.
I have "never" shot a wedding before. I ... (show quote)


Your first and fourth sentences suggest you should decline this honor.

Reply
May 18, 2017 19:39:13   #
tresap23 Loc: Texas
 
Hal81 wrote:
I think you will do just fine. I was a wedding photographer for over 30 years. With the cameras of today I would suggest you shoot every thing that is going on. You can edit all your shots before you show them to the bride, Crop, darken or lighten. Throw out the ones your not pleased with. You can do all this on your computer. If she wants prints you can print them any size you want or download them to a disk. Good luck and relax, Don't forget to include the guests.


Thank you! I do need to stop stressing. :)

Reply
Page 1 of 10 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.