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My 1st Wedding Advice needed
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Hi All…I am looking for a bit of advice..I have been asked to shoot my friends wedding in March I know it is a long time away yet but I like to be prepared…I am only used to shooting motor sport event’s so I cant wait to shoot this wedding it is a new challenge and I cant wait…so here is the story…I am just looking for advice on what equipment I should carry or buy for the wedding I currently have a Nikon D80 with 3 different type lens’s I have a Tamron 2.8 70-200mm, Nikkor f3.5-5.6 18-135mm, Sigma f4-5.6 70-300mm and a Speedlight SB600 flash. Is there anything else I should have?? Or any advice at all on what I will encounter that day…thanks for your time.
Regards,
AndyHi Andy,
Only an amateur here, so take with a pinch of salt :)I find it very handy to do out a list of shots that are “must-haves” well before the day, and where you’re going to take each of them.
For example:
Informal shots of Bride getting ready.
Bride/Bridesmaids arriving, Bride getting out of car, pose with bride and father
Bride walking up the aisle, meeting groom for first time
etc.etc.
There are many websites with wedding photo checklists, google for them. Modify to suit the day thats in it.
If you can get samples of other photographers weddings, have a look for ideas, poses, etc.
All the above are really insurance so you’ll definitely have something at the end of the day. If you just go for completely casual shots, and they don’t turn out so good, you always have the formal shots to fall back on.
Also take loads of casual shots, but make sure people are smiling in them, they look better than shots with stressed out mother-in-laws, etc. ;)
I’m sure you’ve attended a few weddings, so you’ll have a good idea of where to be for the various essential shots, the lighting of the candles, the rings, etc.
Take lots of shots of flowers, rings, etc, they are good material for backgrounds on the pages of storybook albums, if you’re doing one.
Bring plenty of memory cards, and swap regularly, so if one gets corrupt, you still have plenty of the day kept safe.
Scope out the church, the reception location, and the location of the formal shots of the wedding party beforehand. Have a good idea of where you want to bring them for the formal shots, and discuss with bride/groom. You might even scout the location with them, if they are so inclined. Oh, and have a backup location if it’s raining, maybe somewhere in the hotel with some large windows for natural light.
Check the kind of light in the church, you might have to bump up the ISO in dark churches. Speaking of churches, I would suggest that a lens with a wider aperture is better, open it up to the max. I’d be concerned that your 18-135 is a bit slow at f/3.5-5.6. you might need to boost the ISO beyond acceptable levels to get usable shots. Use the 2.8’s where possible. If you can, borrow a second body, saves time swapping lenses all the time.
Ok, enough ramblings for now. At least it’ll give you something to think about.Oh, and I’d also love to hear from some more experienced photogs, I’m always looking to improve myself…
Rgds,
Dave.Andy,
Firstly, likewise I’m an amatuer as well, however, I have picked up a few tips from people doing it a lot longer than me. A friend of mine who does weddings for a living went to do a wedding, shooting away, took the camera in hand for the lighting of the candles bit and…. nothing, the camera packed up!! luckily he had a second body, I think you get the moral of the story.
Secondly, here is a link to a site that has no end of tips, I found it quite interesting http://www.all-things-photography.com/wedding-photo-tips-for-amateurs.html
Thirdly I went to a Wedding Photography Course ran by The Institute Of Photography and could not reccomend it enough, here is a link http://www.iop.ie/index.htmHope you find these helpful, let me know if I can help again,
Chris
Hi Andy,
I am not an amature photographer, nor am I a pro at weddings. Your enthusiasm is good and so too is starting to work on it so early. But I have to say I have a decent amount of kit and time to practice for something like this but if a friend asked me, I would try talk them into checking out a few pros who specalise in weddings. Maybe if it is about cost you could offer to be the pros second shooter / assistant for the day. I am sure you would do a good job but a good pro will do a great job.
If you are going to do it; check out the location in advance take notes on shots you are thinking off. Read similar threads on this site and the wedding photg site on http://www.flickr.com as well also look at some good pros work or shots on wedding photog groaps on wedding shots, see what you like and more importantly what the bride like and what you can deliver. Shoot in RAW. bring lots of memory, and remember to charge everything fully before you go and try bring some chargers.
Hi Andy, Im in the same boat as yourself. I was asked to do a wedding in April. I similarly have no experience in the area. Ive been reading up as much as possible and the above advice all seems to be the general consensus. Definitely knowing what your going to be doing will take some pressure away instead of trying to make up the photo ideas on the day. And as Brianmaci had suggested, ive already tried to get them to get a professional, but so far im stuck with the job. Best of luck with it, be sure to post back after and let us know how you got on and any advice you may wish to throw out there.
andy555 wrote:
Hi All…I am looking for a bit of advice..I have been asked to shoot my friends wedding in March I know it is a long time away yet but I like to be prepared…I am only used to shooting motor sport event’s so I cant wait to shoot this wedding it is a new challenge and I cant wait…so here is the story…I am just looking for advice on what equipment I should carry or buy for the wedding I currently have a Nikon D80 with 3 different type lens’s I have a Tamron 2.8 70-200mm, Nikkor f3.5-5.6 18-135mm, Sigma f4-5.6 70-300mm and a Speedlight SB600 flash. Is there anything else I should have?? Or any advice at all on what I will encounter that day…thanks for your time.
Regards,
AndyAndy,
A few things:
* Yes, it is a great idea to have a formal meeting with B & G to agree what they want from their day.
* Yes, you should agree a list of ‘must have’ pics (but don’t get too bogged down, otherwise it stifles creativity).
* Yes, you should be very familiar with your equipment and carry spare equipment…just in case.
But most of all….a positive attitude in your own ability to deliver will ensure that your results will be top notch,
so that the B & G can relax knowing you are in control (which usually leads to better pictures).
I like your attitude – you see this as a challenge and can’t wait for the day – that’s good. :D
Weddings are no place to feed and water seeds of self doubt.
The decision to shoot a wedding should be ‘Yes, I would be delighted to’ or ‘No, I’m sorry I can’t .’
There is nothing worse than a ‘reluctant’ photographer who sets out believing they couldn’t possibly be
as good as a professional. Those who believe that are likely to deliver a sub-standard job and should not
accept the job in the first place.
The meeting with the B & G is crucial. This sets out precisely what kind of wedding coverage they want.
This way there is less likelihood of disappointment on behalf of the clients.
Not everyone wants the same in terms of picture style, format, or end product.
For example. I have shot a few of weddings in the past using equipment appropriate to the style which the couple wanted
(Black & White reportage style on 35mm sepia for one couple, 6×6 traditional colour for others) and all have been delighted
with the results.
I have been asked to shoot two weddings next year which will present different technical issues
(one in France, the other in Ireland after Christmas) one couple want their pics on film for an album the other couple want
digital captures for a set of blurb books and I aim with proper planning, preparation and self belief to fulfil the expectations
of both couples….because I simply must.
They have asked ME to photograph their big day and they will have no other backup.
I wish you the best for the day and I’m sure that with planning and your self belief it will be a great event.
:D
Have a look at this website, has some great tips for the beginner…
http://www.all-things-photography.com/wedding- … -tips.htmlThank you very much too everyone who took the time to give me advice it has been very helpful and has helped me too relax i little bit i have decided to go to the one day wedding course in Lucan so and take on the wedding after that.
Thanks again for the advice :D
Kind Regards,
Andy
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