luloral

Idiots? Not. Most people don't understand photography or don't think about it when planning. The groom is a lifelong friend of my family.
The wedding is small. No bridesmaids. The bride has been married before. The groom has not. Doing the photos IS my gift to them. I have to travel 5 hours to the site and stay two nights. I do have reflectors and CP's. Great ideas. I love the getting in the water idea to shoot east. Super! I will do some test shoots. Thanks for the ideas folks!

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

You are a good friend, but if this is a gift, wouldn't it be less pressure if you offered to hire a professional for him? This way you could enjoy the wedding too. Don't let your ego get in the way of this generous gift.

luloral

Trust me, ego is not an issue, not even close. Just asking advice.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

I agree, but perhaps since this is the bride's second wedding, she'll have to compromise a little. Weddings are big business these days!

luloral

I guess she will then. Thanks for all your "help".

bunuweld Loc: Arizona

Here is a quick common-sense reference:

http://www.adorama.com/alc/0008506/article/100-in-100-Part-II-Backlight-mode

I would add: Lens shade to avoid direct sun hitting lens. Underexpose duplicate shots. Fill flash or use reflector. Shoot without filter and repeat with hand-held neutral-density filter. (Doubt that polarizing filter will do very much in your situation).
If feasible, have sun completely out of the picture or obstructed from view by your main subject.

One of several references to hand-held ND filters:
http://www.singh-ray.com/grndgrads.html

luloral

Thank you so much for the article. I have a singh ray grad but need to also get the darker one @ 3 stop :-P

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

Actually you were quite sharp in recognising the problems you will have with your available light now. Many dullards wouldn't have given ambient light a thought until the day of the shoot! The lateness of the day coupled with a setting sun can also be a blessing if you are prepared and imaginative.

Kingmapix Loc: Mesa, Arizona

Recommend you find a better location for your formal shots.
Can you also sneak in the background behind a minister for a couple of shots without much disruption (like standing in the water up to your waist)? Ha Ha, what we photographers do for that perfect shot.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Off camera flash is probably the way to go. Several options how to get there, from relatively inexpensive to expensive.

TchrBill Loc: Houston, TX

You have received several good technical suggestions. Having just shot my first wedding two weeks ago for my nephew and his bride, the one suggestion I will make that hasn’t been mentioned yet is to have fun. You already have an advantage because the groom is a friend. If you are having a good time and enjoying yourself, they will be more relaxed for the pictures and you will get better and more natural expressions. Though I know the pros may be more assured each image will be properly exposed than I was, I took enough photos that I got plenty with the right exposure and some unique facial expressions as well.

I also told the minister I was not a pro and asked if he had any restrictions he wanted me to follow. He was very appreciative that I had asked and told me he preferred no flash during the ceremony. Beyond that, he tried to make it as easy as possible for me including moving up a few steps so I could get behind and at an angle to him so I could get shots of their faces during the ceremony. He also gave me time to move from behind them to the head of the aisle between the chairs so I could get all the parties in the recessional. I don’t know if this affects you or not but I also told the DJ at the reception that I was not a pro and told him I would appreciate any advice he had for me as well. He told me he would make sure I was there and ready to shoot before he started any of the important events of the reception. He even had the bride and groom do a fake toss of the bouquet/garter so I could get a shot of them “tossing” and then recompose to get a shot of the catching on the real toss. Both of these gentlemen treated me very respectfully and knew that I was doing the best I could to capture the event for the bride and groom.

luloral

It sounds like you did a marvelous job and took everything into consideration. That is a lucky bride and groom to have you as a photographer. Some very good information you have posted to think about. I have my work cut out for me and I do think it will also be fun. Thank you so much for your kind response.

A10 Loc: Southern Indiana

A bellows filter holder can be used a a giant lens shade and prevent lens flare.

TchrBill Loc: Houston, TX

You are very welcome, from one Michigander to another. I was born and raised in Bay City and lived in Saginaw for 5 years before moving to Houston back in the '80s. The line going around then was, "Last one to leave, please turn out the lights." :D

sidney Loc: London.Eng.

Just shoot for daylight with your flash on !