Last Minute Reception Advice Please

[sdcozad]

I thought I had until May before my next wedding, but as of 10 minutes ago, I found out I am going to be the main photographer at a friends reception tomorrow. I offered up my services a while ago my wife just received a "oh by the way, does your husband still want to photograph our reception" email. Supposedly they have a friend covering the wedding, but I am not sure to what capacity that is, so I plan to be ready.

I have only photographed 1 wedding back in August, and since have completely switched over from a Minolta unit, to Canon. I have a 40D and a 400D, the 28 - 135 kit lens, Tammy 17 - 55 2.8, the nifty 50 1.8, and 430ex. Last wedding I used an old Vivitar 285 flash which did not help in the focus assist department. I was planning on mostly using the 40D with the 17 - 55 and 430ex set-up, and having the 400D ready with the nifty 50 for avail light. I also still have the Vivitar 285 I could use on one set-up/keep to the side for B/U. I also have a cam flip bracket, but not sure if I want to use it or not (I have heard many mixed reviews)

I have attached a photo from the restaurant website the reception will be held at. Notice the black tiled ceiling. Have any of you ever bounced off such a ceiling? I do not have a diffuser for the 430ex only my Vivitar. I do have one of the diy foam material bounce cards I could use, or should I just try to bounce?

I am doing this for free of course, but really want to do a nice job for the couple, and of coarse my flimsy portfolio.

Any advice you guys/gals have, would be greatly appreciated. I have not posted here much, but spend countless hours reading all of your discussions every day, and have really learned allot. Long Live POTN!



http://www.tastedining.com/wp-content/welcome.jpg

[Rumjungle]

I think you've got it all worked out in terms of setup. I have a feeling that you'll be on the 40d/17-55/430 for most of the night. I'd use the DIY bounce card. Try bouncing off the white walls as well. Plus, bring plenty of AA's or a battery pack. Bounced flash in dim rooms with dark ceilings will take some firepower. Other than that, just have fun. Receptions are easy after you get your exposures worked out.

[restech]

that wine racks would make a nice background.

[Jon Rouston]

Bounce of those walls

[sdcozad]

Thanks for the advise guys. My Sto-fen for the 185 with the help of a rubber band fits like a glove on the 430ex, and I did pick up a off camera shoe cord to use my bracket, so I think I have plenty of options. I do like he wine racks, problen is they are everywhere.

Well, I just got back from shooting a soccer leagues team and individual portraits, so I better go download, top off my batteries and get cleaned up before the wedding.

Thanks again, and wish me luck!

[jenne]

Good luck and don't forget to post your photos here after!

[sdcozad]

Haven't had time to PP yet, but posting a few.

Please be gentle. I haven't been posting here long and still have thin skin.

1.
http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/photos/202952173-M.jpg (http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/3575368#202952173-L-LB)
2.
http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/photos/202952242-M.jpg (http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/3575368#)

[sdcozad]

and a couplr more:

3.
http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/photos/202952207-M.jpg (http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/3575368#)

4.
http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/photos/202952287-M.jpg (http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/3575368#)

[mizuno]

Always choose the beef, not the chicken.

You will thank me.

[didavko]

Looking good for unedits! nice detail shots! especially #1

[sdcozad]

I actually chose the Quail that night Dan.

http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/photos/202964779-M.jpg (http://sdcphotography.smugmug.com/gallery/3575368#)

[asxu]

very nice snaps sdcozad, i'm pretty sure the b+g will be more then happy.

edit: just noticed that they aren't even edited. WOW, i'm very impressed. great work.

[csm328]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2453681

[sdcozad]

Ouuch!

A virtual slap on the nuckels.

Yeah csm328 you are right. This whole thread probably could have been avoided with a bit more reasearch on my part. Sorry, I just got excited. At least there were some photos to look at.

Thanks to all who had nice comments/advice. :P