Hi Wedding People- Advice.

[tipsy]

Hi guys,

I frequent the performing arts section of POTN being a music photographer myself, however i felt it neceserry to show my ugly mug here for a bit of advice.

I've been asked to shoot a friends wedding next weekend. It's a small do (14 people in a registry office and some snaps in a local park after) and they weren't going tohave a photog at all, but then i was suggested and they asked me if i'd do it. im getting paid a bit, but not loads.

Technically, im fine, i'm sure i can work out the settings and i'm used to shooting in very challenging lighting and extreme low light situations.
Im no noob to photography by any means.

I've shot informally at weddings before, and in the registry office should be fine, what i really want advice on is the posed photos afterwards.

Shooting white dresses in bright daylight is challenging enough but i should be able to overcome that, thing is- i have no idea what to include.

Who should i take photos of, should the be large groups, how do i compose for them? Thats the main issue as ive never done posed wedding snaps before.

As i say, i should be fine technically, however just so i know what to expect any tips on aperture, shutter speed, and iso would be welcomed. Should i use a higher iso to add texture etc.

Thanks in advance,

Tipsy, x

[TimSewell]

Best thing is to find out from the couple which groups they want to have included. Some of the more popular ones (by no means exhaustive) are:

B&G and B's parents
B&G and G's parents
B&G and all parents
B and bridesmaids (maybe plus both mums)
G & Best man & dads
B&G & each immediate family then both
B&G and everybody from wedding

If there are a lot of kids I like to do one of the B&G and all of them too.

One thing I try to remember is that 10x8 is still the most popular size enlargement (and the size most shop-bought albums are set up for) so it's a good idea to leave some cropping space either side of the groups to allow for the mismatch with your camera's ratio.

If you're worried about the dress etc. then make sure you bracket your exposures. Always double check your focus and, if possible, try to go to at least f8 for a deeper focus.

[tipsy]

Cheers for the sound advice Tim- I hadn't even though about bracketing but now you mention it, makes sense!

x

[picturecrazy]

To play it safe, find open shade and shoot people in there. It's much easier to shoot in the shade. I like putting people in full sun as it makes some unique photos and looks but needs a lot of flash power. Shooting people in super bright light is just as much of an art as shooting people in extreme low light. As a wedding dude, you gotta be up to snuff on both ends.

The last small wedding I did, (12 people) they really appreciated having their picture taken with EVERY guest individually. With such a small group, it's so easy to do. Nobody is hard to find and it goes really quickly and smoothly, so it easy to set up 25 group shots.

Also, read up on posing. There are standard stances that people should be in for formal group photos, all with certain angles and head positions. And in your first weddings, it's so easy to forget the little details... like auntie Sue posing with her camera hanging from the wrist strap, or the bride holding her flowers incorrectly. Keep an eye on all those details... because there's about ten million of them you're responsible to look after... LOL I still have trouble with this which is why I like having an assistant to help spot them.

[tipsy]

More great advice. Thanks!

[SuzyView]

I try not to use flash if I can avoid it. I see you have great gear to use and won't need a flash except in dark situations. I sometimes use a flash bracket. Just make sure you check the exposures periodically and adjust. Watch for distracting images. I always take pictures here in DC where cars come by every so often and I have to wait until the background is clear. My goal is always to catch the eyes. If I can't do that on a close-up, I'll at least try to catch the mood. Children shots are a must for me, as family always remember how old their little ones were at the time of the events. Good Luck!