Anyone working these days? I've been over the top busy with everything but weddings. Of course, as I mentioned before, this is the year that I've backed off "trying" and have actually...

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

I've been over the top busy with everything but weddings. Of course, as I mentioned before, this is the year that I've backed off "trying" and have actually turned away a couple, so I really have myself to blame for the weddings (or lack thereof)

Any new ideas? Things to share? Funny stuff happening?

Kind of miss seeing the "irregulars" (I'd hate to call any wedding photographer "regular") posts.

Hope to see/read something soon.

bk

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

bkyser wrote:

I've been over the top busy with everything but weddings. Of course, as I mentioned before, this is the year that I've backed off "trying" and have actually turned away a couple, so I really have myself to blame for the weddings (or lack thereof)

Any new ideas? Things to share? Funny stuff happening?

Kind of miss seeing the "irregulars" (I'd hate to call any wedding photographer "regular") posts.

Hope to see/read something soon.

bk

Had one this past weekend, just starting to sort. I'm certain I'll have some to share.
BTW, I hate stage lighting.
Murphy tried to rear his ugly head but I was able to beat him back. Short version here.
Been shooting for about an hour, now it's show time. Que entrance of Bridal Party, second member in I get an error message and no response from shutter release. Ackkk. Expletive etc.
Couldn't choreograph the next steps any better. My second notices my sudden scramble away from the prime shooting spot. She instinctively moves to prime spot while I retrieve back up device (which was thirty paces away).
I return shooting as I do with my best "I meant to do that look".

Yep, keep them back ups ready..... sorry Murphy.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

superpijak wrote:

Had one this past weekend, just starting to sort. ... (show quote)

Amen. I've also had to resort to my back up. It amazes me when talking to new wedding shooters that they think their equipment is bullet proof. Much like the youngsters I see texting and driving. It only takes Murphy once to do some real damage (in either case) but at least during a wedding, nobody dies. Although, after being sued for non-performance, they may wish they had died.

Even if you don't own a second set of the important stuff, it makes sense to borrow/rent SOMETHING as a back up.

Very good cautionary tail. I look forward to seeing your examples.

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

Have you ever had to shoot a ceremony on a "stage" ? That's how this one was set up, 4' above floor level. Very little room to work without killing the intimacy of the ceremony. Brand new church with as much lighting as a modern theater.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

I have been busy every weekend with family pics and next Sunday I will be photographing dogs & owners for a pet sitting service

I do have a wedding on the 5th and I am attending a Nikon event today. I need another backup camera. We will see if a GAS attack happens.

Up on the stage ... Sorry reminds me of one of my favorite Bob Seger songs. I have never come across that, but my thoughts would be that shooting up is not flattering in most cases and I would be looking for a way to elevate myself. Maybe a step stool, but that may be distracting for those attending. Perhaps the back of the facility is elevated and you could use a long lens? There is always getting on the stage with them, but again that may be distracting.

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

jaysnave wrote:

I have been busy every weekend with family pics an... (show quote)

We wound up sneaking in back and shooting from the back of the stage. In the end it was a no brainer as they were facing the back throughout the entire ceremony until the very end.
Shooting up at the couple from a 4' elevation change is something I really wanted to avoid at all costs.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

superpijak wrote:

We wound up sneaking in back and shooting from the back of the stage. In the end it was a no brainer as they were facing the back throughout the entire ceremony until the very end.
Shooting up at the couple from a 4' elevation change is something I really wanted to avoid at all costs.

Sounds like that was a problem that turned out better than expected. The images should be great from the back of the stage.

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

jaysnave wrote:

Sounds like that was a problem that turned out better than expected. The images should be great from the back of the stage.

Except for the stage lighting influence. Lots of weird color casts from the multi color lighting. I swear they were using red and blue only. I haven't got to them yet to tweek color temperature, we'll see when I get to them.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

superpijak wrote:

Except for the stage lighting influence. Lots of weird color casts from the multi color lighting. I swear they were using red and blue only. I haven't got to them yet to tweek color temperature, we'll see when I get to them.

I have been watching a good class on Kelbyone about how to correct color casts using the select color range option in Photoshop.

jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio

Here you go Bob. This is a humorous take on wedding photography.
http://www.popphoto.com/unplugged-is-short-film-about-what-its-like-to-be-wedding-photographer-in-modern-era?cmpid=enews102716&spPodID=020&spMailingID=26906994&spUserID=MTEzNTY2NTIyODkzS0&spJobID=904873705&spReportId=OTA0ODczNzA1S0

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

That's awesome. Kind of what the reception was like Saturday evening

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

I shot a "Courthouse Wedding" last August (my step-daughter's wedding). I handed my 8 year old grandson my old P&S and told him that he was my assistant. After the wedding, I asked "did you get some good shots?" He responded with "I think so. I'd have gotten more, but you kept getting in my way." The kid has a good eye. I've attached a pic that is his. The bride also asked that we take a couple of the formals at the courthouse with the 4x5 film camera. That was an adventure, getting it past post 911 security :). The Sargent at the metal detector asked me to open the case..."Whoa, that IS old school." Upon which, he asked for backup so that he could watch me set up and take the shots. All in all, a great experience.

superpijak Loc: Middle TN

This picture sums up what we are up against at times.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

Tim Stapp wrote:

I shot a "Courthouse Wedding" last Augus... (show quote)

Sounds like you are going to have a great little second shooter on your hands.

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

superpijak wrote:

This picture sums up what we are up against at times.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I actually have been setting up shots like that on purpose. Sometimes, I will try to run around and photobomb their selfie. It helps get some good laughs later, as they start feeling pretty comfortable after some joking around.