Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Good advice Bobbee.
The only thing that can improve on this situation is to shoot the B&G by themselves before the ceremony, with maybe just one other person along as an assistant.

Some B&Gs are fixed on not seeing each other before the ceremony, but before the ceremony, reception line, hugs kisses and congratulations, tears that can ruin make-up, etc, . . . the B&G are at their very best and freshest for superb photographs. This also takes a lot of the pressure off getting everything done before the reception. By leaving the B&G until after the other formal shots, if anything goes wrong, it is the B&G shots that will suffer from the lack of time.

As soon as the ceremony is over, and you begin getting everyone organized for the formals, the B&G start to worry about the guests that are now waiting for them to return. These concerns definitely will take their toll on getting relaxed images of the B&G. Every minute used up after the ceremony by well wishers reduces the time left for photography. If the bride is late for the ceremony, the lost time is taken from the time for photography. If the ceremony is longer than expected, the time lost is taken from the time for photography. Get it? :-)

Formals are best taken away from the guests at a pre-determined location where you can get the groups in the shade. For formals, sunshine is your enemy. Crowds of guests are also your enemy as you will have your subjects in the group shots looking at dozens of different cameras. To be effective, you need their full attention.

If there is one thing that you could learn before taking your formal shots at the wedding . . . my suggestion would be to learn how to use your flash(s) off-camera.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

I always suggest 'first look' to the B&G

Some photographers will to go so far as to not charge for that extra hour if they agree to a 'first look' .........

Poison Ivey Loc: Mtn Brook, AL

I was forced into taking two weddings...I simply did not want the responsibility. On other hand,I have taken lots of Rehearsal parties in lieu of wedding present or chipping in on a Pre-Wedding party. I found during refreshment hour, I could get some great family groupings...I would ask parents of bride to choose one person to gather the different brothers/sisters, parents, cousins, etc. This could also prepare you for next day. Charge the battery(s) after that party.

Bobbee

Ah, WeddingGuy just made me remember some things.

Pack,
- Hair Clips
- Ribbon
- Rubber Bands
- Scotch tape
- some duct tape
- straight and safety pins
- Needle & thread (black and white)

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Since we are adding some extra ideas . . . here's one of my favorites . . .
In a soft plastic cooler we pack a small bottle of champagne and two nice champagne glasses. When with the B&G alone we pull them out and use them for props . . and the B&G need a little pick-me-up by this time anyway . . . they love it and the images are priceless!
Here's a couple of samples . . . sorry, low res . . . but you'll get the idea.

Bobbee

I like!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Using that in two week

amehta Loc: Boston

Thanks, that's a great idea.

florida tl Loc: Largo, FL

Thanks for the ideas, they are great. I'm gonna try my best to see what they want to do.

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I would shoot RAW + JPG , someday in the future u or they might want to edit some of those pics. Id also consider getting the bride and groom dancing and open wide open so u can change the depth of field, getting them to POP. Shoot every body, and shoot from every angle. The more pics the better.

and last remember, you are representing ME and everyone here that takes pics. Dress nice and act professional. No one will ever know your NOT. Another tip, your talking to someone and getting ready to take a pic, DONT say oh I have to set my Fstop and ISO, just keep talking to them about the wedding and make the changes you need. and Dont be surprised if your asked about shooting another wedding.

Dennis Curry Loc: Hempstead NY

I agree with the person who said shoot JPEG , you can do more with that.

florida tl Loc: Largo, FL

here are a few I took on the beach. Before I ever got on this form and learned all I have the last few months. I did not have the 430EX II flash when I took these, or the lens I have now. I have learned so much about fill the last few weeks. I understand about the shadows now because I can see them. :) Again comments & suggestions for this weekend are greatly appreciated and welcome.

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30 ISO Speed 200 Lens EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Focal Length 55.0mm

(Download)

Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 20.0mm


Tv( Shutter Speed ) 1/30 ISO Speed 200 Focal Length 47.0mm

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

How can you do more with JPG?

A seasoned "pro" may get 90-95% perfect exposure in a wedding . . an amateur, if done right might get 80-85%. If the more important shots fall in the percentage of imperfect, you have little chance to correct if you've shot in JPG.
RAW is the safety net we all need.

The OP has stated that she shoots in RAW anyway, so there really is no reason to change horses in mid stream.

Just my humble opinion.

Beercat Loc: Central Coast of California

:thumbup:

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

You are still not getting tack sharp images, and I suspect that the problem is still the slow shutter speed. I really would not consider shooting at below 1/200th of a second unless on a tripod. Even the best of us can rarely hand hold a camera without camera movement at 1/30th of a second.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

By the way . . . love the last shot . . . nice composition, nice pose and nice angle from camera to subject. You have a good eye!