wedding photography

[perfectpixel]

I guess I've been bragging about my 10D a little too much....
A friend just asked me if I'd photograph their wedding for them !! (in just 3 weeks)
I have a 10D, 24-70f/2.8 a 430EX flash and a tripod...
I've never done anything like this before. Is it even possible to get good results with this equipment?
with 3X 512MB cards I know I can get enough shots that some are bound to come out OK :)
What do you think. I'd like to help this young couple out, but would really hate to screw it up for them.
All I know is that it's an indoor wedding.
I'd apprecaite your advice.

[flyfishnj]

Take some test shots a couple of weeks in advance if you can ... good luck

[scottbergerphoto]

Yes, you can get good results with your 10D and your 420EX(?430). But, let me make a couple of suggestions:
1. Be frank with your friends about your experience and your concerns if you haven't already done so. Suggest that they also hire a professional photographer. If they tell you to go ahead, it's on them.
2. Invest in a flash bracket like a Stroboframe or Bogen/Manfroto and a Canon "Off the Camera Shoe Cord 2". This will get your flash off the camera and to the side. This will lessen the flattening effects of the flash and red eye.
3. If you can, go with them where the wedding and receptions will take place ahead of time and try it out. Write down what works. You can include an index card in the picture with your settings so you don't have to try and figure it out later. Ask them what kinds of pictures they want.
4. Program mode and E-TTL are pretty accurate and better then Nervous Manual Mode.
5. Try to enjoy your friend's wedding.
Scott

[Belmondo]

Also, if there is going to be a professional photographer working, make sure your friend makes it clear to him/her ahead of time that you'll also be taking pictures. I've seen professionals get pretty testy about 'civilians' taking pictures while they're working. I actually saw one threaten to pack up and leave if the other people didn't put away their cameras while he was posing the wedding party. A real pain in the neck!

:~(

[KarlJones]

In three weeks? If the intent is you being the official wedding photographer, then I would say this is a very risky proposition. If that's the case, just find out what they've been quoted for a professional photographer to shoot their wedding... then consider why you want to help them out.

[perfectpixel]

KarlJones wrote:
In three weeks? If the intent is you being the official wedding photographer, then I would say this is a very risky proposition...
That's exactly how I feel!
There will be no pro photographer. They had asked a friend's brother "who does this" (whatever that means) but he has just told tehm he can't !!!
I have no problem taking a few (or a lot) of pictures for them, but being the photographer is a heavy responsibility for these folks first :D wedding.
All I know is that there are 14 people in the wedding party.
Glad to hear that at least my 24-70f/2.8 is sufficient. I think I'll definately need an extra battery and the flash bracket (bounce or deffuser too).
thanks for the advice, please keep it coming.

[justme_dc]

At the least, you'll need the following.

Guts, extra batteries for everything camera, flash, etc., a back up of some sort either digital or film, flash bracket, off shoe cord, enough CF cards to get 500 images and perhaps something in writing from the bride and groom saying that they understand this is your first wedding and you can't be held liable if all the pictures come out terrible.

I'd also like to reccomend a check list for your gear and for the important shots, there are several online. You wanna make sure that you get the shots that they want. In the heat of the action it is really easy to forget that one shot of the bride and groom that they were dying to have. There is nothing worse than having to explain why you didn't take a picture of "aunt ester and the groom".

[robertwgross]

Yes, the other advice here covers most of it.

First of all, you understand that the white wedding gown next to the black tuxedo is one of the tough shots to get right for exposure. Bracket if you have to.

Get over to the wedding hall NOW with your camera and flash a few shots. Make note of the ambient lighting in the wedding hall. For example, fluorescent lights will give you a sickly color, so your flash had better be bright enough to overpower that. Get enough flash that you can put a sunburn on the bride's forehead.

Take a friend with you as a model. Shoot test shots. Then when you get home to the computer, see how it looks. If you are not satisfied with it, then get your model and go back to the wedding hall to practice again.

Just prior to the wedding, get the game plan worked out with the couple. Find out exactly which family members are important, which need to be in group shots, which ones are optional, and who is priority (typically, the bride). Get some hand signals worked out, and tell them exactly when they need to turn and face the camera. Do not try to let them figure that out on their own. Tell them that when you raise your right hand, then they must smile for the camera. Tell them not to relax too much until you wave again and turn away.

Nobody at the wedding will give you any respect (pro or not) if you don't act like you know what you are doing. This means for all formal shots, you must have a sturdy tripod. Candids, like at a wedding reception, are less important for the tripod. For the first dance, know exactly how long you are going to let them dance before you sneak up next to them (wide angle lens) and you will place a hand on one of their shoulders. Then they need to "open" slightly while you back up one step to get the shot that they really want.

Make sure you have a checklist:
Formal shots
Family 1
Family 2
others
B&G and minister
etc.

I didn't realize how handy it is to have my 550EX flash hanging out on a flash bracket. For maybe 80% of my shots, I have it in vertical format with the flash above. For only 20% do I have it horizontally with the flash to the side (only the family wide shots).

Make sure that you carry a spare battery for your camera, and plenty of spares for the flash. Know how long it takes for your flash to recycle.

---Bob Gross---

[kn_guy87]

Great advices.
Which flash bracket will be good for the 10D and 550EX?

Please provide the link of the item.
And also any other accessories for it

Thanks
Ken

[robertwgross]

Any bracket, as long as it has a "flip" capability.

Stroboframe, Stratos, etc.

Remember that you will have to connect the flash to the camera's hot shoe with the correct Canon off-shoe cord (#2).

I attach my cord via rubber bands to the metal of the bracket so that it is not flopping around in the way.

---Bob Gross---

[flyfishnj]

550 Flash - $330
Bracket - $40
Cord - $20
Extra 10D Battery - $80
Extra Flash Battery - $80
CF Cards - $200
Cheezy Tux - $150
Couple of Nights pre work - Checking out the place
Do they want you to do post shoot work?

About a $1000 layout on you part

Why don't you hire a photographer or give them a good portion of it as a wedding gift?

[Malaxos1]

You have all you need except for the stroboframe. I am a wedding photographer and had been using an E10 for weddings up to now. I would shoot at f5.6 for everything indoors to ensure sharp focus. Make sure you go to the rehersal as you will find out if there is any rules that the Church has like no flash during the ceremony. Also it will help you find the best position for your tripod. I would shoot all of the party as they enter and then take the camera off the tripod and move around. Make sure to get family members and all of the imposrtant events like the first kiss. If you have any questions you can email me at djmalaxos@hotmail.com

Dean

[cubfan]

I shoot weddings on a regular basis and do about 50% digital and 50 % film. This is a very important event and I don't think I would take the responsibility if I were you. I have two 10D's along with a ton of film stuff. I would offer to do candids but I really wouldn't want to do formals with your equipment or experience. You may be looked on forever as the guy that ruined their wedding photos. Most studios have a basic package which might include church only and not the reception for $400-500. You could then do a lot of stuff at the reception. I speak from 30 years of experience and I still make mistakes. This is not really a fair thing to ask of you in my opinion.

If you do shoot it, use F8 or smaller when possible since 10D's often(mine do anyway) back or front focus and this should eliminate this problem. Take extra of everything and good luck. Brian

[mwinog2777]

Sorry about the game tonght, cubfan; better luck tomorrow.

[RichardtheSane]

Ths is a tough one really.
I think I agree with cubfan about the formal shots - see if you can get someone else to do it and then you do the roaming candid thing both in church and reception.
If you do still wish to go ahead and shoot yourself I definitly second Bob's post that says practice in the wedding hall NOW! :) And keep going back untill you are comfortable with the lighting for exposure and white balance. Also shoot RAW because if the exposure does go screwy or the WB is off then using C1LE you can work to correct this. I would recommend getting at least another 512Mb of CF too, I did a friends wedding reception - candid only - and I was amazed at how quick I tore through 512Mb!
Still on image storage, if you could borrow a laptop and download the images from the wedding onto it before the reception that would give you a bit of a breather and the chance to check the shots out before the occasion is over.
Get a spirit level if your tripod doesn't have one, tilted group shots look really bad and it is better to get the composition right out of the camera :)
FInally check the point where the wide angle ofyour lens starts to distort, and then avoid that range for the groups :)
Hope this helps you in your decisions
Good luck

[Malaxos1]

Another thing to note is that while formals are important the trend seems to be moving away from this and more towards the photojournalism style. I took a wedding photography course last year at a local college and the teacher himself did not take formals. Funny but I took the course so that I could learn the formal positions. Anyway I have become very comfortible with formal shots now and that is because of experience. Until I learned some positions of my own I simply aske the couple to think of some poses that the would like and I will shoot that. It made them feel like they were important and that they had some say, I also used "I shoot journalism style myself" as a excuse which does seem to wrok...Dean

[robertwgross]

RichardtheSane wrote:
...
Get a spirit level if your tripod doesn't have one, tilted group shots look really bad and it is better to get the composition right out of the camera :)
...


On my main tripods, the quick release mounts have little spirit levels built in. That gets me started for level. Then I have a larger one (3" long) that came from the hardware store.

The problem at the wedding is that you will have a hundred people staring at you, and you will feel that you should hurry up. That is the point when you will begin to make stupid mistakes, like forget to level the camera.

When we shoot formal shots after the ceremony, we have one woman to perfect the posing (since women are good at that sort of thing). She walks up in front of the subjects and straightens this necktie, or straightens this dress line, and little stuff like that. If she does that on your cue, then that gives you the extra minute that you need to get your camera straight.

So, have you gotten over to the wedding hall to do your practice yet?

---Bob Gross---

[Mark Kemp]

Only do this if they otherwise would not be able to get a pro!

If you mess this up you will upset your friends a lot!

I would only do a wedding for someone who would not otherwise hire a pro and then I would make it very clear that they should not expect too much of me.

A better idea is to take a long lens and stand away from the crowd where you are inconspicuous. Then you can get some really nice, unposed candid shots that complement the work of the pro.

If the pro is at the brides place for the preparation, you can also hang out with the groom for a few more unusual shots.

[Malaxos1]

I have had a lot of success doing the foramals before the wedding itself. This works for a few good reasons 1) no makeup runs from tears, 2) B&G are not being bombarded with congrats from their guest, 3) no problems with others wanting to take their photos. One problem that I the first time I heard of doing this was; what about that magical moment when the groom sees the bride for the first time? Well I have come up with a few clever ideas like have the groom sit on a bench if that's where you plan on shooting them and have the bride tap him on the shoulder, when he turns to look at her, whalla the magic moment. He could also be standing at the alter when she taps him on the shoulder. Also doing the formals before the wedding allows for more time, I did a wedding in which the grandparents didn't want to leave and go to the place the B&G picked for formals. They told me not to worry and that I could simply skip the photos, I had to convince them that they were making a big mistake because after the day was said and done it was only these photos that they will have. Also the guest were restless as the reception was held where the ceremony was.

[cubfan]

I don't shoot off of a tripod because it slows me down too much. If I'm off level, I just crop it and straigten it up on photoshop...couldn't be easier. I only use a tripod for time exposures and for these, it is a must. I've done a lot of weddings over the years and this system works well for me. I use a white lightning flash about 10 feet up on a sturdy lightstand. I get no shadows at all.

[GenDEM]

Be prepared to lose a friend if you do this.

It's silly of them to expect you to be able to handle a wedding on your own, and it's silly of you to expect that you can do it without training or mentoring...but if you mess it up they will only be upset with the results and won't care why. Sorry if this sounds harsh. I know it all seems exciting and all that now, but reality is what it is. This is a can of worms ready to be opened.

[scottbergerphoto]

cubfan wrote:
I don't shoot off of a tripod because it slows me down too much. If I'm off level, I just crop it and straigten it up on photoshop...couldn't be easier. I only use a tripod for time exposures and for these, it is a must. I've done a lot of weddings over the years and this system works well for me. I use a white lightning flash about 10 feet up on a sturdy lightstand. I get no shadows at all.

A question about the White Lightening. Do you use the Vagabond Battery? How is it? Is there any reason it can't be used with other studio lights? The White Lightening web site says only to use it with Paul Buff lights.
Scott

[cubfan]

Scott, I've answered this on another post but I will say that I use White Lightning plugged in at most churches and whenever possible but the Vagabond is very good in outdoor lighting situations where you just can't find a an outlet in that Oak tree!!!Feel free to ask about it. I've had the battery system for about 3-4 months and have used it on a couple of jobs...worked great!!!!

[Buster]

I got in a similar position as you, my friend. Acquaintance of mine asked to be their wedding photographer. I tried to avoid it and recommended to find a pro and even gave a few links on closet ones. But finally I was in it with all my limbs :). Well, I read a lot about the wedding before and knew how hard it could be. I read a lot of topics in forums to get prepared. And actually I pulled it off, they loved the photos. Here is a link to some of the photos: http://www.romanzolin.com/category.php?cat=77.

I had and used:
- Canon 10D
- 16-35 2.8L USM
- 28-105 USM
- 550EX flash
- Canon flash cord (hot shoe)
- Flash braket
- a monopod
- 1 spare battery
- 512Mb & 1Gb CF cards
- Notebook (to download images)
- 20+ flash batteries (buy even more)
- battery charger
- car power converter (to recharge the camera batteries)

I had but not used:
- flash bouncer
- 50mm f1.4
- tripod
- polarizer
- some other small stuff :)

So here what I found out in topics and in my short experience:
- Use flash in manual mode (1/50-1/60 and f4.5-5.6), the flash will adjust its power
- Use spot metering and aim for the face, but don't forget to recompose the frame (the face is not the dead center)
- Bounce the flas from the ceiling - It's a must. I cannot emphasize it more. The only problem is in the church, you may try flash bouncer.
- It would be good to pull out the 550EX diffuser (standing straight) to create some catchlights in the eyes when the flash is directed up to the ceiling
- Use the monopod in church - easier to move.
- Use ISO 400 or 800 inside
- Don't forget to check ISO when change the location
- Check the histogram - it's the first alert you have
- Get closer to people, they won't obstract your shot (especially at the greetings)
- Shoot vertical frames and don't forget to adjust the flash
- Change the flash batteries after each part, they have to be fresh to get the shot (the suckers die pretty fast)
- Try different angles and compositions. Be creative. They love it.
- Try to shoot in RAW. You may save a lot of underexposed shots.
- If you see that there 10-20 RAW shots left - switch to Large JPEGs if you cannot change the card right away, better that then no shots at all.
- Definitely check the ground before shooting - talk with the priest and the owner of the inn (or wherever the reception takes place) and discuss your possibilities.
- When the wedding party moves to another location, talk with the driver of the limo and tell him to give 15-20 minutes frame to get ther, tell him to leave the place only after you. So you can take pictures of B&G getting in the limo and from it.
- Be there first, leave it last - it applies to the whole day. Be there in the beginnig to take pictures of the bride getting ready - nice shots :)
- Always smile and be relaxed, but aware. Most valuable advice I got is to ENJOY IT. If you enjoy it, the joy will be in the photographs.
- You HAVE TO know the flow of the ceremony, so you could anticipate and prepare to the next shot (it was my biggest mistake, so be ready) - ask the bride for the steps (mine had them)
- Aim for hugs, kisses, smiles, expressions. DON'T shoot when people are eating!
- Shoot some shots of them holding the hands, touching each other (just hands)
- Try to shoot from a bit lower position than their eyes - kind cute (worked for me)
- Find (buy or borrow or rent) a wide angle lens - it gets crowdy and you don't have much space to use even normal lens (especially with 1.6 multiplier). I used 16-35L 97% of the time. And it adds some dynamic.
- You may try to download the images to the notebook while driving from one location to another, but be very careful - I did it, and it's no fun :)
- About being close to people - don't be afraid of it. After a few minutes they forget about you, and you can get some nice candids.

So, here are my last words to you: GOOD LUCK,

Roman

[fotog]

A quantum battery pack is critical if you have to blow out your flash sometime and don't want to wait 3-4 seconds for it to recharge. Weddings go kinda slow but when things happen they go fast. You have to have a flash that can keep up. A Quantun is a good tool to have anyway, plus back up batteries when/if the quantum dies.
good luck.....
Bill