Wedding lens(lenses)
Sep 26, 2015 12:10:19 #
Mogul wrote:
Most of the wedding photographers I know would be besides themselves if they didn't have a bunch of half-witted relatives and friends running around sticking cameras and cell phones in front of them just as they squeezed the shutter. That's what adds the real adventure to the job. Of course, there is no challenge if said relatives and friends are sober.
Like I said previously....there are always candid shots at the wedding party that can be taken. Also, extra photos of the parents of the bride and groom would always be welcome.
Sep 26, 2015 15:57:56 #
BushDog
Loc: San Antonio, TX
Lots of great advice already posted. Some of my following thoughts reiterate or elaborate some of that advice.
When photographing a wedding as a guest, I like to be as unobtrusive to the pros as possible. I take many of my shots seated in locations such as at the aisle during the ceremony or at a table near the dance floor where much activity takes place.
I try to get shots that the pros won't get. For example, I rarely use flash. Instead, I use fast glass.
When the pros are taking the after ceremony photos of the bridal party and family, I go the the guest area and get photos of guests. (I do move around a lot during this period.)
I primariily like to use long lenses like 70-200mm f/2.8 or 135mm f/2.0. I find it easier to get candid shots from afar and like the flattering effect that longer lenses give to faces. When I'm near the dance floor, I'll use wider lenses like 50mm f/1.4, 24-70mm f/2.8, 16-35mm f2.8. If I had other real fast wide angle lenses like 35mm f/2.0 or f/1.4, I'd use them too. I occasionally use my 85mm f/1.2 but find the focus a bit slow for quick action shots. An 85mm f/1.8 would probably work great.
For the OP's (great) gear, if it's not inconvenient, take it all except for the 60mm and the TC.. Of that gear, I would mostly use the 70-200, 24-70. 35 & 50 mostly, but not necessarily, without flash. If I added flash, I'd add the 28-300 (great range and a good lens). If you plan to get photos of cake & things like that, as amfoto1 said, the 105mm would be good for that.
When shooting in somewhat dark environments with a fast lens like 50 f/1.4, I've often gotten nice results by manually setting the white balance around 2500 or 2700.
When photographing a wedding as a guest, I like to be as unobtrusive to the pros as possible. I take many of my shots seated in locations such as at the aisle during the ceremony or at a table near the dance floor where much activity takes place.
I try to get shots that the pros won't get. For example, I rarely use flash. Instead, I use fast glass.
When the pros are taking the after ceremony photos of the bridal party and family, I go the the guest area and get photos of guests. (I do move around a lot during this period.)
I primariily like to use long lenses like 70-200mm f/2.8 or 135mm f/2.0. I find it easier to get candid shots from afar and like the flattering effect that longer lenses give to faces. When I'm near the dance floor, I'll use wider lenses like 50mm f/1.4, 24-70mm f/2.8, 16-35mm f2.8. If I had other real fast wide angle lenses like 35mm f/2.0 or f/1.4, I'd use them too. I occasionally use my 85mm f/1.2 but find the focus a bit slow for quick action shots. An 85mm f/1.8 would probably work great.
For the OP's (great) gear, if it's not inconvenient, take it all except for the 60mm and the TC.. Of that gear, I would mostly use the 70-200, 24-70. 35 & 50 mostly, but not necessarily, without flash. If I added flash, I'd add the 28-300 (great range and a good lens). If you plan to get photos of cake & things like that, as amfoto1 said, the 105mm would be good for that.
When shooting in somewhat dark environments with a fast lens like 50 f/1.4, I've often gotten nice results by manually setting the white balance around 2500 or 2700.
Sep 26, 2015 16:59:54 #
Anyone can take photos of a wedding but usually they don't walk in looking like they are the hired photographer.
Guests take photos for themselves all the time. So if you take a lens or two, there shouldn't be a problem. Do ask about the contract.
Just stay out of the way of the hired photographer, the second shooter, and any assistants.
Tricky issue. On a side note, it makes me wonder how much confidence they have in the photographer they hired.
Guests take photos for themselves all the time. So if you take a lens or two, there shouldn't be a problem. Do ask about the contract.
Just stay out of the way of the hired photographer, the second shooter, and any assistants.
Tricky issue. On a side note, it makes me wonder how much confidence they have in the photographer they hired.
Sep 26, 2015 18:39:29 #
Jer wrote:
Anyone can take photos of a wedding but usually they don't walk in looking like they are the hired photographer.
Guests take photos for themselves all the time. So if you take a lens or two, there shouldn't be a problem. Do ask about the contract.
Just stay out of the way of the hired photographer, the second shooter, and any assistants.
Tricky issue. On a side note, it makes me wonder how much confidence they have in the photographer they hired.
Guests take photos for themselves all the time. So if you take a lens or two, there shouldn't be a problem. Do ask about the contract.
Just stay out of the way of the hired photographer, the second shooter, and any assistants.
Tricky issue. On a side note, it makes me wonder how much confidence they have in the photographer they hired.
I agree with what Jer said. However, how good or not the photographer is is up to the bride. I do know budgets, though.
Sep 28, 2015 15:10:40 #
fdoyle3
Loc: Glenolden Pa.
24/70 70/200 A wedding is not a time to experiment Go with what you are comfortable and sure of..
Sep 28, 2015 23:44:57 #
SteveR wrote:
Like I said previously....there are always candid shots at the wedding party that can be taken. Also, extra photos of the parents of the bride and groom would always be welcome.
Yeah, always get a regally posed picture of each queen mother. Don't worry about the fathers; they're too busy balancing their portions of the cost against the savings from getting another kid out of the house. And don't worry about the pictures of the B&G; after all, they're just getting married while mama is the center of attention. :roll: :roll: :roll:
Oct 1, 2015 16:36:55 #
chapjohn wrote:
AS mentioned before, most officiants (me included) do not allow flash inside during the ceremony. Be prepared for that restriction.
Great point, I ALWAYS ask before the wedding, and ALWAYS abide by the rule.
My problem is that in the last few years, even when the official/pastor/priest makes the announcement to do no flash photography before hand, or if they put it in the program, there are always a few flashing away, while I'm stuck fighting the "elements" of low light, wide apertures, slow shutter speeds, and High ISO. In those cases, it is really tough knowing that some yahoo really has taken a less grainy photo than I did as the pro.
It is what it is. My problem isn't with the official, it is with rude people who think the rules don't apply.
As for relatives with cameras. I really don't have a problem, except I will not allow others to take photos of my set ups for the formals. The post above that mentions that it is our livelihood, and if people can make their own albums with my set ups, etc. it really cuts into the profits.
I have been known to take a photo of someone holding a cell phone up to take a photo, and I capture the image in their phone, along with the image of the couple.
If you can't beat them, join them.
Oct 1, 2015 16:41:31 #
Oops, forgot to mention. For those posting here that are interested, we do have a wedding photography section on UHH. Just click here http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/, scroll down to the wedding photography section and subscribe.
All are welcome there except trolls, and people who discourage those that want to get into wedding photography. I'm really glad to see that we haven't had a rash of them on this thread. Usually, as soon as you mention weddings.... the trolls come out and tear up the OP saying they would NEVER shoot a wedding, etc. Those people are the ones we are trying to avoid in our section.
All are welcome there except trolls, and people who discourage those that want to get into wedding photography. I'm really glad to see that we haven't had a rash of them on this thread. Usually, as soon as you mention weddings.... the trolls come out and tear up the OP saying they would NEVER shoot a wedding, etc. Those people are the ones we are trying to avoid in our section.
Oct 2, 2015 00:20:41 #
bkyser wrote:
My problem is that in the last few years, even when the official/pastor/priest makes the announcement to do no flash photography before hand, or if they put it in the program, there are always a few flashing away, while I'm stuck fighting the "elements" of low light, wide apertures, slow shutter speeds, and High ISO. In those cases, it is really tough knowing that some yahoo really has taken a less grainy photo than I did as the pro.
If the official/pastor/priest makes such an announcement, it is his/her duty to enforce the rule. If it is in the order of service, it is the responsibility of the person who ordered it to enforce the request. If the B&G don't care, the photographer has no obligation to do so, but the family shouldn't expect the desired results. Photographers aren't cops. I did attend one wedding at which the B&G hired a licensed agency to discreetly enforce pre-announced guidelines and to keep the ceremony and reception under control. The wedding planner was ejected during the reception and the Brides mother was warned about her drunken antics.
Oct 2, 2015 01:45:11 #
twowindsbear wrote:
Take ALL of them! Be sure to ask the pro how he's shooting his shots. Which lens, what f-stop, ISO, etc.,etc.,etc. Also make it a point to mention that the bride asked you to 'shoot' her wedding along with the pro shooting.
I don't think many folks got your sarcasm. I laughed.
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