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Mar 28, 2022 13:08:04   #
jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio
 
for the first time in a year & 1/2 or so. How is everyone doing? I have been off UH for a while. Anyone want to start a discussion and inspire me?

The wedding is for the daughter of a good friend of mine who moved to Tennessee a few years ago. I did her senior pictures when they lived locally in Ohio. They are getting married in a barn (I know lighting considerations) near a lake and scenic surroundings. I explained that I could not bring along my usual second shooter and they have a "friend" that will help me. I am not concerned about any of it, but thought some of you wedding gurus might want to start up some discussion to get this group going again ...

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Mar 28, 2022 14:55:17   #
Tomfl101 Loc: Mount Airy, MD
 
I’ll bet that “friend” will be more of a nuisance than a worthy assistant. Good luck with that😩

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Mar 28, 2022 19:45:54   #
jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio
 
Tomfl101 wrote:
I’ll bet that “friend” will be more of a nuisance than a worthy assistant. Good luck with that😩


We will see, but I will lay down the law with her. In a friendly way of course. The plus is I have a great relationship with the family.

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Mar 29, 2022 07:53:07   #
Dannj
 
You’re going to see the same comments that pop up all the time here about weddings. For what it’s worth: set and manage the expectations. Check out the venue ahead of time. Make sure all your equipment is functioning, extra batteries, camera cards, etc.. Get all the “formals” done early, etc..
Keep in mind that everyone (I think!) wants quality pictures to remember their special day, expectations vary…which takes me back to my first statement😊

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Mar 29, 2022 09:09:05   #
jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio
 
Dannj wrote:
You’re going to see the same comments that pop up all the time here about weddings. For what it’s worth: set and manage the expectations. Check out the venue ahead of time. Make sure all your equipment is functioning, extra batteries, camera cards, etc.. Get all the “formals” done early, etc..
Keep in mind that everyone (I think!) wants quality pictures to remember their special day, expectations vary…which takes me back to my first statement😊


I know, there will probably be a lot of the typical comments even the "DON'T DO IT" comments. I was just trying to get some discussion going in this group. I know Ed misses it

I am big on preparation. Batteries charged and backup batteries handy. I also like to visit the venue at least once and test lighting then rehearse at the rehearsal. My concern here is that this is a 6 hr. drive so my only chance is to get there a day or two early.

I don't know what type of barn this is but how about some thoughts from anyone who has shot a wedding in a barn?

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Mar 29, 2022 10:03:55   #
Dug E Pi
 
One thing I like about barns is usually they have large doors which can lend to very good framing. Lighting can be tough but it sounds like you can be tougher so go at it and have fun with it.

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Mar 29, 2022 14:09:17   #
SENSORLOUPE
 
jaysnave wrote:
I know, there will probably be a lot of the typical comments even the "DON'T DO IT" comments. I was just trying to get some discussion going in this group. I know Ed misses it

I am big on preparation. Batteries charged and backup batteries handy. I also like to visit the venue at least once and test lighting then rehearse at the rehearsal. My concern here is that this is a 6 hr. drive so my only chance is to get there a day or two early.

I don't know what type of barn this is but how about some thoughts from anyone who has shot a wedding in a barn?
I know, there will probably be a lot of the typica... (show quote)


I am Not a Pro---have been shooting for years------but I did shoot in an old barn last summer. I did not use a flash, just to be considerate to the paid photographers. Light shown through all the slats, very old. Here are a couple that I shot. It was in June and very, very, very HOT, and no Air!! I am a Canon shooter, but shot this with a Nikon D3300 w/18-55 lens. Just my experience! I'm sure there will be plenty of excellent examples to follow. Good luck!

ceremony took place in the loft
ceremony took place in the loft...
(Download)

reception on ground floor
reception on ground floor...
(Download)

Where they came and down, back of barn
Where they came and down, back of barn...
(Download)

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Mar 29, 2022 15:20:43   #
jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio
 
SENSORLOUPE wrote:
I am Not a Pro---have been shooting for years------but I did shoot in an old barn last summer. I did not use a flash, just to be considerate to the paid photographers. Light shown through all the slats, very old. Here are a couple that I shot. It was in June and very, very, very HOT, and no Air!! I am a Canon shooter, but shot this with a Nikon D3300 w/18-55 lens. Just my experience! I'm sure there will be plenty of excellent examples to follow. Good luck!


Thanks Sensorloupe! Lighting can be beautiful coming through slats and backlighting the bridal couple. I may send these images to my friend for decorating ideas.

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Mar 30, 2022 10:09:57   #
SENSORLOUPE
 
jaysnave wrote:
Thanks Sensorloupe! Lighting can be beautiful coming through slats and backlighting the bridal couple. I may send these images to my friend for decorating ideas.


Ok, hope they can be of help these came through on here ,darker than they really are tho

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Mar 30, 2022 12:49:02   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
You have done it before so now you are gonna do it again.

You have made the preparations and all your gear is good to go.

I usually work with an assistant but not necessarily a second shooter. Since I usually employ multiple flashes, even on many of the candid shots, my assistant is my mobile light stand and he or she can anticipate my shots and place the light quickly and accordingly. On a smaller job, I sometimes work solo and place a few lights around the venue on stationary stands.

If you are not using multiple lights or only on limited shots such as the formals, your yet untrained assistant can just be a helpful extra set of hands. You can't fully train someone in a few hours and "laying down the law" is not the best approach. I like to think that most folks who volunteer want to be helpful, creative and have the intelligence to do so. In a case like yours, on this job, I would assume that I am gonna do just about every myself and any additional help will be appreciated.

On a small or medium size wedding in a barn (a nice informal venue), you do not need a second shooter to make hundreds of useless images. You know how to be at the right place at the right time to catch all of the action. Being able to anticipate the action is the trick that comes with your experience.

On a solo shoot, my approach is easy. You can not be in two places at the same time so the client has to help you apportion your time. If the couple will NOT see each other before the ceremony, be sure to get in early and arrange to shoot the bride, here folks and the female bridal party BEFORE the ceremony- shoot her portraits at that time. This means you will need to assemble that gang about an hour and a half before the ceremony. If there is time, shoot the groom, his folks and guys in advance. If they are all on-site, you can pull that off.

IF HOWEVER, the couple will get together before the ceremony, I gather the enter group 3 hours before the ceremony and shoot all of the formals and preparation shots, then I can be free to short all of the photojournalistic shots without bothering anyone or causing any delays. If I can secure this kind of cooperation it is great, everyone is fresh and sober before the ceremony and in exchange, they get 100% free celebration time.

Otherwise, you will need an interlude just after the ceremony, before the reception or party to shoot the combined portraits and groups- perhaps an hour.

You needn't worry about your one-time assistant but you have to work out a strict schedule with the bride, groom and their bridal party and parents etc. As you know, once a wedding gets going, there is a trajectory. If there's not a set plan as to when some form shots and groups can be done, you will end up running around the place like a headless chicken all day!

This all assumes the clients do want some formal or casual formals. If they want complete photojournalistic coverage, that's OK but I usually advise my clients against that. I explain that elegant and flattering images do not materialize by magic and I need THEIR cooperation. I also promise, if I am free to concentrate on the photojournalistic part of the coverage, I will deliver many strictly unposed, candid, fun, and impromptu shots.

Shoot lots, shoot fast, and shoot carefully!

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Mar 30, 2022 12:59:32   #
SENSORLOUPE
 
SENSORLOUPE wrote:
Ok, hope they can be of help these came through on here ,darker than they really are tho


just came out darker on phone than on computer!

Reply
 
 
Mar 30, 2022 13:55:16   #
jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio
 
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
You have done it before so now you are gonna do it again.

You have made the preparations and all your gear is good to go.

I usually work with an assistant but not necessarily a second shooter. Since I usually employ multiple flashes, even on many of the candid shots, my assistant is my mobile light stand and he or she can anticipate my shots and place the light quickly and accordingly. On a smaller job, I sometimes work solo and place a few lights around the venue on stationary stands.

If you are not using multiple lights or only on limited shots such as the formals, your yet untrained assistant can just be a helpful extra set of hands. You can't fully train someone in a few hours and "laying down the law" is not the best approach. I like to think that most folks who volunteer want to be helpful, creative and have the intelligence to do so. In a case like yours, on this job, I would assume that I am gonna do just about every myself and any additional help will be appreciated.

On a small or medium size wedding in a barn (a nice informal venue), you do not need a second shooter to make hundreds of useless images. You know how to be at the right place at the right time to catch all of the action. Being able to anticipate the action is the trick that comes with your experience.

On a solo shoot, my approach is easy. You can not be in two places at the same time so the client has to help you apportion your time. If the couple will NOT see each other before the ceremony, be sure to get in early and arrange to shoot the bride, here folks and the female bridal party BEFORE the ceremony- shoot her portraits at that time. This means you will need to assemble that gang about an hour and a half before the ceremony. If there is time, shoot the groom, his folks and guys in advance. If they are all on-site, you can pull that off.

IF HOWEVER, the couple will get together before the ceremony, I gather the enter group 3 hours before the ceremony and shoot all of the formals and preparation shots, then I can be free to short all of the photojournalistic shots without bothering anyone or causing any delays. If I can secure this kind of cooperation it is great, everyone is fresh and sober before the ceremony and in exchange, they get 100% free celebration time.

Otherwise, you will need an interlude just after the ceremony, before the reception or party to shoot the combined portraits and groups- perhaps an hour.

You needn't worry about your one-time assistant but you have to work out a strict schedule with the bride, groom and their bridal party and parents etc. As you know, once a wedding gets going, there is a trajectory. If there's not a set plan as to when some form shots and groups can be done, you will end up running around the place like a headless chicken all day!

This all assumes the clients do want some formal or casual formals. If they want complete photojournalistic coverage, that's OK but I usually advise my clients against that. I explain that elegant and flattering images do not materialize by magic and I need THEIR cooperation. I also promise, if I am free to concentrate on the photojournalistic part of the coverage, I will deliver many strictly unposed, candid, fun, and impromptu shots.

Shoot lots, shoot fast, and shoot carefully!
You have done it before so now you are gonna do it... (show quote)


Such a wise seasoned photographer you are Ed. My thought on the one time assistant was to use her to catch shots from different angles and heights rather than just follow me around. For example maybe the barn has a loft and she can position there while I am on ground level. She would definitely be more value as an assistant during the formals, possible sunset shots, etc... As you know, the worst thing about "other" shooters during the formals is that they steal the eyes of the wedding party. Good idea regarding doing the formals early.

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Mar 30, 2022 15:31:51   #
E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada
 
jaysnave wrote:
Such a wise seasoned photographer you are Ed. My thought on the one time assistant was to use her to catch shots from different angles and heights rather than just follow me around. For example maybe the barn has a loft and she can position herself there while I am on ground level. She would definitely be more value as an assistant during the formals, possible sunset shots, etc... As you know, the worst thing about "other" shooters during the formals is that they steal the eyes of the wedding party. The good idea regarding doing the formals early.
Such a wise seasoned photographer you are Ed. My ... (show quote)


You will do just fine! it's all a matterof timing. As an example, sometimes in a chur or another venue, there are a lot of balconies. Durnhg man religious and civil services there is a time when the officiant will offer some kind of sermon or similar speech that is not during one of the key highlights like ring exchanges, blessings, their rituals or the final kiss and recessional. So, during that recitation, I dart (that's enthusiasm for dragging my old bones) up to the elevated place and make a few quick shots. I may place another camera on a trip up there in advance. Anotere use of those lofts is the place for an of the camera flash to employ during the festivities.

Attaced is some lighting ideas. Notice the high shooting angles on the dance floor and the position ofhte lig in the various diagrams. A small platform type stepladder is my friend.







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Mar 31, 2022 17:37:05   #
jaysnave Loc: Central Ohio
 
E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
You will do just fine! it's all a matterof timing. As an example, sometimes in a chur or another venue, there are a lot of balconies. Durnhg man religious and civil services there is a time when the officiant will offer some kind of sermon or similar speech that is not during one of the key highlights like ring exchanges, blessings, their rituals or the final kiss and recessional. So, during that recitation, I dart (that's enthusiasm for dragging my old bones) up to the elevated place and make a few quick shots. I may place another camera on a trip up there in advance. Anotere use of those lofts is the place for an of the camera flash to employ during the festivities.

Attaced is some lighting ideas. Notice the high shooting angles on the dance floor and the position ofhte lig in the various diagrams. A small platform type stepladder is my friend.
You will do just fine! it's all a matterof timing... (show quote)


Ed, thanks for the lighting ideas and a reminder to bring my Gorilla Ladder. Nice and wide steps and strong enough to hold this big guy.

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Apr 14, 2022 01:39:07   #
usnret Loc: Woodhull Il
 
What gear do you plan to take? Camera bodies, fast lenses, on and off camera lighting, Props etc. Also think about doing some outdoor shots, weather permitting.

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