difficult shooting scenario
Apr 30, 2013 00:25:22 #
Sounds like you'll be in my neck of the woods. What is the location of the shoot? September on Lake Michigan will likely be very cool. As you know the weather can be sketchy that time of year. Dress warm. By September the sun is making its way south so a three o'clock shoot shouldn't be a big problem if your shooting west. If you shoot north west you'll be fine. If you have to, you can also under expose on the camera and touch it up a bit in Photoshop. It's always better to under-expose. That said I also like the advice given above, use a polarizing filter at 90' to the sun and flash can help a lot. If you want to get the lay of the land maybe I can help you out. PM me if you like.
Apr 30, 2013 00:34:52 #
Mogul wrote:
In Wisconsin at 1500 on 09/15/2013, the sun will be ~41° above the horizon at a bearing of ~219° True. You can actually plot this on a local map to see which way you'll be facing with respect to the sun and whether the sun will be above the wedding party's heads or behind them. Reference:
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/AltAz.php#Notes
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/AltAz.php#Notes
Or you can download the photographer's ephemeris on your smart phone.
Apr 30, 2013 01:04:41 #
mdorn wrote:
Or you can download the photographer's ephemeris on your smart phone.
Thanks, mdorn; that looks like a great app, but the data from the Naval Observatory doesn't cost $8.99. The USNO data can, like the app, be narrowed to a more specific location. (And, to be quite honest, I can't afford a smart phone.)
Apr 30, 2013 05:04:49 #
Pablo8
Loc: Nottingham UK.
Mogul wrote:
If you are shooting into the sun, polarization will not be very effective. You need to have the sun at 90° to your line of sight for optimal polarization. You might try +2 stops compensation, but your background will be blown out. You might also try a graduated ND filter. If you can get the scene rotated 90°, your CPL will work.
The poster was refering to light reflecting off the water, behind the B&G. So the 90% angle as quoted above is rubbish. The approximate angle for controlling reflection off the water with a polarizing filter, is 30degrees. Please don't confuse the poster with wrong advice
Apr 30, 2013 05:25:39 #
why cant these idiots ever think of the photos when planning these things. but like the guy said above use fill flash and take two of everything just in case. see if you can get a second shooter to help as well. you have plenty of time to get ready.
Apr 30, 2013 06:41:07 #
CurreyPhoto
Loc: Reddick, Florida
luloral wrote:
I need advice from those more experienced than I. ... (show quote)
Plan on standing in the water for some shots of the ceremony. Be prepared for rain and hope for overcast. Follow others advice about fill flash which can be on camera if you are outside.
Apr 30, 2013 08:22:26 #
luloral wrote:
I need advice from those more experienced than I. ... (show quote)
Grad ND filter will help. Also download TPE (The Photographers Ephemeris", it's free app for PC and iPad. A great application that will tell you the exact position of the sun on any given day or spot on the earth. You will know way in advance where to stand, face etc.
Apr 30, 2013 09:36:06 #
ole sarg
Loc: south florida
Have you considered hiring a professional photographer as a wedding gift?
You cannot re-shoot the event if you blow it and from the conversation posted there is a good chance that will happen.
I would suggest you spend about one month learning how to shoot into the sun. That would be good for openers. Books will help but doing is better.
Good luck to both you and the bride, groom, and wedding party!
You cannot re-shoot the event if you blow it and from the conversation posted there is a good chance that will happen.
I would suggest you spend about one month learning how to shoot into the sun. That would be good for openers. Books will help but doing is better.
Good luck to both you and the bride, groom, and wedding party!
Apr 30, 2013 09:43:21 #
OddJobber wrote:
I KNOW this is not what you're asking, but don't hesitate to try for some good silhouette shots since you'll have the lighting for it.
Yes! Very nice...plus, perhaps you can bring a soft diffuser/reflector with you? That adds nice soft light to the scene...check out YouTube for how to use effectively....hope it helps.
Apr 30, 2013 10:03:08 #
thebirder
Loc: UK South Coast
Speak to the bride and groom and have a shooting list agreed with them then you will take control. If possible visit with the bride and groom and point out the need for placing them in the right place to get the best pictures. Explain the issues if they insist on having the light behind them. Then you have covered all the bases.
Apr 30, 2013 10:04:15 #
thebirder
Loc: UK South Coast
I also meant to ask if you have insurance even friends can be litigative if all goes wrong.
Apr 30, 2013 10:14:18 #
A cp-l filter is going to be a must, and don't go cheap on it! Make sure it is a brand name and made of glass.
I would also consider taking many of my shots from the side of them so as not to be shooting out into the lake. Always be standing so as not to be shooting on an upward angle.
Good luck, sounds like you are going to need it on this shoot!
Be sure to post a couple of your photos, would love to see how you make out.
Jim D
I would also consider taking many of my shots from the side of them so as not to be shooting out into the lake. Always be standing so as not to be shooting on an upward angle.
Good luck, sounds like you are going to need it on this shoot!
Be sure to post a couple of your photos, would love to see how you make out.
Jim D
Apr 30, 2013 10:32:08 #
luloral wrote:
I need advice from those more experienced than I. ... (show quote)
Just my two cents worth, but, in the best of circumstances a wedding should have a professional photographer with years of experience. Some one who instinctively knows how to handle different conditions. I certainly am not there and would never consider possibly blowing someone's special day.
With that said, if you go through with this, try doing a lot of practicing in conditions you feel you will be dealing with. See if you can't get your skill level up to par. Start now and do it for a month. If you are still uncertain what to do, it would give them time to find someone else.
Apr 30, 2013 10:35:12 #
High speed synch and lots of batteries...
Oh yes, a CP will not be of any use if you are shooting straight into/away or in the direction of the sun. It will be of use when 90° adjacent to the sun.
Good luck.
Oh yes, a CP will not be of any use if you are shooting straight into/away or in the direction of the sun. It will be of use when 90° adjacent to the sun.
Good luck.
Apr 30, 2013 11:29:36 #
Mogul wrote:
Thanks, mdorn; that looks like a great app, but the data from the Naval Observatory doesn't cost $8.99. The USNO data can, like the app, be narrowed to a more specific location. (And, to be quite honest, I can't afford a smart phone.)
Yeah, the $8.99 can definitely set some people back, especially those doing wedding photography... really? I don't own a smartphone either, but I do have this app installed on my computer.
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