Upcomming Wedding

[Esoterra]

I wasnt sure where exactly to post this. My sister in law is getting married in a few months and I have a few questions for you. This is my first wedding so I want to make sure I am fully prepared.

1) What focal range do you recommend? Is there a specific lens that comes to mind ? (for myD70s). I think that my lens listed below should cover it, but I want to make sure I'm not missing something important.

2) Aside from my flash and a diffuser, is there any other equipment that is important to have? (soft filters, ect.).

3) I have no formal schooling in wedding photography. That being said, are there any books you reccommend or tips about propper framing and composition that I should be aware of.

4) What printing service to you recommend? Im thinking about going online but I am wondering if somewhere local might offer faster results and be less expensive (like Ritz Camera)

I am very confident in my ability, but this is (hopefully) a once in a life time opportunity for my Sis-in-law and I don't want to botch it- I'm feeling the pressure and want to do my best. I have also checked out Gary Hendricks tips for wedding photography and it is very helpful. Any feedback or input would be appreciated.

Thanks

[cwphoto]

I think you'll be fine with that lens set. Biggest advice I could give you would be to try and slow your self down so that you notice the little things which can make or break a shot.

For posed stuff:
1) Beware of nasty backgrounds.
2) A covered sky is your best friend.
3) If sunny day, have the sun behind your subject. Balance the exposure with fill-flash or exposure compensation to avoid silhouette.
4) When posing a couple, make sure they face their bodies together with their heads turned towards you. Often people will just stand there like Bro and Sis so you may also need to prompt them to get closer.
5) You can never be too close.
6) Use the long end of your lens. Av of f/5.6 is fine.
7) make sure the dress is spread out for full-length etc.
8) Always focus on eyes.

For candids:
1) Timing is everything.
2) Watch for harsh shadows.
3) Always focus on eyes.
4) Use bouce flash in the reception if you can for more flattering effects.
5) Try heaps of the little details - remember to include everyone (Page Boys, Mothers etc).

I dunno you're workflow, but weddings can be a nightmare for mixed lighting - shooting RAW will allow you to concentrate on the image composition and not miss stuff while you're fiddling with the WB.

Keep an eye on the clock - you never have enough time.

Lastly; try and backup ASAP (a laptop is handy). You don't want to stuff this up. It's worse than a paid client; it's family!:eek:

[aparmley]

I'm sure our other WPs will chime in here.

I think Christian laid it out there quit nicely [gave him some good oil mate]. He'll be "flat out like a Lizard drinking flat out!" ;) Get those Joe Bloggs (those not in charge of the weding pictures but who take them anyway) out of your way with a little flash test [or DOF preview if your flash is on] it creates a rather bright strobe - Like Don says, that scares people! LOL

On the "Destracting backgrounds" topic, watch for things growing out of peoples heads - this can sometimes be more problematic than you first think. large branches, columns . . . etc. . .

Aniticipation - just like sports photography, if you see it in the VF you missed it.

Another important factor, my biggest weakness, is telling people what to do when you want them to do and sound nice and pleasant while doing it - I tend to shy away from that because in situations like that I have a tendency to be as blunt and as toney as a drill instructor. . . Oops ;)

Good luck Esoterra! I think your Sigy and your nifty fifty will do you just fine!

[jamison55]

Do everything Christian and Andy said...

I know that flash brackets are a little out of vogue right now, but I still like the fact that I don't have to move the flash head as much when switching from vertical to horizontal. Plus in those rare situations where you have to use direct flash, it does what it always did - puts the shadow behind and below your subject.

Speaking of flash, that's the most important thing you can learn how to use. Good flash technique will seperate your photos from the dude with the super pns's. I posted this before, but it might be worth another read, and a lot of practice: http://www.planetneil.com/faq/flash-techniques.html

A little pricy, but I just attended a Doug Gordon seminar on posing and bought his DVDs ($125 each...ouch). I used his techniques at my last wedding, and was extremely happy with how professional I felt, and how my posed B&G shots came out. Though I didn't follow his 30 poses exactly, I also didn't have any of the "ummm, put your hand there, no I don't like that, ummm, a little higher, umm no back where it was" that I had at every wedding last year. If you can only afford one, buy the "Flow Posing the Bride and Groom" DVD (http://www.douggordonworkshops.com/extras/?cat=new).

[aparmley]

hindsight is often infalible, but in the present nothing helps like an experience shooter willing to offer advice. . . enter the dubya brothas - CW and JW! ;)

[Esoterra]

Guys thanks for all the feedback. Very helpful, but made me a little nervous because I realize how much I need to learn. Practice...practice...practice....

[George Riehm]

Do everything Christian and Andy said...

I know that flash brackets are a little out of vogue right now, but I still like the fact that I don't have to move the flash head as much when switching from vertical to horizontal. Plus in those rare situations where you have to use direct flash, it does what it always did - puts the shadow behind and below your subject.

Speaking of flash, that's the most important thing you can learn how to use. Good flash technique will seperate your photos from the dude with the super pns's. I posted this before, but it might be worth another read, and a lot of practice: http://www.planetneil.com/faq/flash-techniques.html

A little pricy, but I just attended a Doug Gordon seminar on posing and bought his DVDs ($125 each...ouch). I used his techniques at my last wedding, and was extremely happy with how professional I felt, and how my posed B&G shots came out. Though I didn't follow his 30 poses exactly, I also didn't have any of the "ummm, put your hand there, no I don't like that, ummm, a little higher, umm no back where it was" that I had at every wedding last year. If you can only afford one, buy the "Flow Posing the Bride and Groom" DVD (http://www.douggordonworkshops.com/extras/?cat=new).

Consider the cost of a single class semester + books in any college, and the bargain value may become more apparent. $400-$500 to speed up and perfect work flow, customer confidence, and professionalism is something you can't learn in school.;)

Workshops are part of running and owning your own business. Luckily for me most of mine are covered by the company, but every once in a while I have to spend a few bucks to advance my career in a non company specific way. Even though it benefits the company as well. Some of these have value and some don't. The object is to have more of the former than the latter.