accessory wedding photo tips...

[IIIMik3]

ok, so a cousin of mine is getting married in a couple months, and she hired a professional to take care of recording the special day. But in addition to the pro she asked that i shoot the wedding also, mainly doing candids and what not at the ceremony and reception, nothing serious. But even still, i'd like to do the best i can. I for one am far from professional, but a step above from the usual ameture, so, i'd like to ask you guys for some input. First, let me list off my equipment (and please don't poke fun at some of the stuff, i'm currently a starving college student :) )

Canon 10D
50mm F/1.8
28-90mm f/4-5.6 USM (a crap lense that came with my elan 7 a couple years ago)
28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM (on it's way)
70-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM (non IS)
550ex w/ omnibounce (also on its way)

So i ask, what can you guys give me as for tips on what to look for, and how to set my exposure or what not. I have not done too much flash photo, so i'm trying to learn a little here and there before the day comes along. Thanks in advance guys!

Mike

[robertwgross]

I would guess that you'll get the most good out of the 28-135mm zoom. I assume that this will be inside a church or wedding chapel. You'll use the 550EX for just about everything.

However, you might keep the longer lens handy. Sometimes you can get a non-flash shot right in the middle of the ceremony, from the back of the room. A flash shot during the ceremony might or might not be OK, so ask in advance.

For candids, you'll be moving around quickly, but you might have time to set up a tripod and do it right.

Make absolutely certain that you approach the pro photographer in advance. Tell him that your cousin asked you to "just snap a few candids" and that *you don't want to get in his way at all*. Then make sure that you don't get in his way at all. His work is being paid for, so they are slightly more important than yours. No offense intended.

Some pros will get all bent out of shape when you do this. Others don't.

---Bob Gross---

[Malaxos1]

I do weddings as well. I must say that you have sufficient gear for the wedding, the only thing I would add is a flash bracket. I would say that it is a must. I have a Stroboframe, with the flash that high off the camera there is no problems with harsh shaddows or redeye...Dean

[cowman345]

Beware the photographer's contract, it may contain a section naming the photographer as the sole photographer for the wedding, and many photographers will disallow friends/family to shoot any shots posed or set up by the photographer. Just an FYI.

-dave-

[robertwgross]

... the only thing I would add is a flash bracket. I would say that it is a must.

Yes, I agree. I leave my 550EX permanently mounted on my flash bracket, so I just think about it as one item.

The first time you will use a flash bracket, it will seem awkward, and your left forearm will ache afterward. Practice in advance.

---Bob Gross---

[DaveG]

If you were shooting the wedding as the primary photographer I'd chime in about getting the bracket to hold the flash directly over the lens. This means that the shadows fall directly behind the subject and can't be "seen" by the lens.

But I think that if you are the auxillary photographer then perhaps you should concentrate on available light shots. That IS lens you are getting should lend itself to that, but I'd probably suggest a monopod as well. I just shot some of my son's Cub Car races (little wooden cars on a gravity track) and I used my non IS 70-200 f2.8. I wanted relatively noise free captures so I used ISO 800 and I was getting shutterspeeds of around a 60th of a second in the gym.

Now this wasn't action - there's no way 1/60 would freeze that - but quieter moments when the kids were watching the races or just putting their cars onto the track. Anyway it was remarkable how sharp everything turned out and I'm sure that it had to do with using a monopod.

So I'd think that I'd just shoot the "colour" in the sports TV argot. Pick out the little things that the pro won't see because he's busy setting up groups. Avoid flash since it spoils the candids, and look to tell the story, 'cause that's what it's all about.

[typer77]

how about a battery pack?

[IIIMik3]

Thanks guys, i was already thinking of picking up a flash bracket, but i guess now i'll really look into it. Are there any specific stroboframe models you'd suggest? I was thinking maybe the "camera flip" any word on that one? As for the monopod and battery pack, although these are things i'd love to have in general, i don't think i can afford them right now (student bank account strikes again). But again, thanks a lot for the input, and if anyone else has anything else to add, i'd love to hear it.

Mike

[Malaxos1]

Thanks guys, i was already thinking of picking up a flash bracket, but i guess now i'll really look into it. Are there any specific stroboframe models you'd suggest? I was thinking maybe the "camera flip" any word on that one? As for the monopod and battery pack, although these are things i'd love to have in general, i don't think i can afford them right now (student bank account strikes again). But again, thanks a lot for the input, and if anyone else has anything else to add, i'd love to hear it.

Mike

I have a quick flip, the are around $50. The bracket arm easily flips up so that if you take a vertical shot the flash will still be above the lens and not to the side. I also agree about the battery pack. I have one and have taken over 1,000 photos before recharging...Dean

[debaser]

I agree with Dave.

Im also a wedding photographer and I consider myself pretty relaxed about things. However two flash systems going off during a ceremony is too much. Hired photogs have to take the heat from the minister (even if the bride and groom never here about it). Also try not to take too much advantage of the photog setting up shots.


instead I would focus on available lighting very candid shots (stuff the pro will not be able to get.

matt