Wedding on a boat!

[phsv]

I have around 4 weddings under my belt and have learned new things from each one of them. Last week, I was asked to be the photographer for their wedding, which is going to be taking place on a small boat. She informed that the party is going to be around 40 people and the court is around 4 people. I am really excited about shooting this wedding but at the same time a bit uneasy.

I have some shots in mind but I really think a lot of the "creative" shots are going to be on the spot. But I wanted to get some ideas and/or advice on shooting in this type of setting. Like, "is camera shake going to be an issue?" :P

Thanks.

[phsv]

Any tips or suggestions?

[MischiefK9s]

Go out and practice taking photos on a boat. The rocking will drive you nuts. I went out with my husband a couple of weeks ago and used my monopod to help me stabilize the camera a little better. The trip before that, I just used the fastest shutter speed I could.

Will the boat be docked or anchored?

[phsv]

I think the boat is going to be navigating in the lake. The hard part is that I don't have the luxury to practice on a boat. But I'll keep the shutter tip in mind. :)

[stathunter]

It should be fun. Take full advantage of the surroundings and come up with some creative shots. You should be fine and the boat should not be the unstable. I did a wedding on a tiny boat that I that was going to tip......got some real killer photos where I had the couple on the front looking directly at me --- wind and the boat flag and all.....have fun.

[phsv]

Thanks for the advice. I really want to make the best of it and really have a good time while shooting. I'll keep you posted on how it goes :)

[puddlepirate44]

You're not going to have a lot of room, I think. Keep that in mind when choosing your lens. Also, if it's a motorboat, a monopod might not be the best choice, as the vibrations from the boat's engine will transmit vibrations through the 'pod to your camera.

Sounds like a fun shoot. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[Stocky]

lakes can get choppy in high winds, but most of the time the movement from the boat should be less of an issue than your normal camera shake. Any boat big enough for a wedding shouldn't be too bad to work on.

[phsv]

Yeah, I was considering the tight space, that is why last week I added the Tamron 17-50 to my camera bag. I got it for a good price at Best Buy out of all places! More about the Best Buy story if your interested. :)

I shot for a week w/the lens and it's a great lens. It's not really much of my style but I am sure I will be glad to have it when I am in those tight spots.

[limeydal]

Definately no monopod! Not just vibration ,but the pod will transmit any movement of the boat up to the camera.
You are better of using your "sealegs" to compensate for any pitch and roll.
On the ocean, you will get used to timing you shutter release in the "calm spells".
Saying that, shouldn't really be an issue on a boat big enough to take 40+ people. (especially on an inland waterway) Just ramp up the shutter speed a little and you should be fine.
I shoot a few wedding "candids" from a small inflatable with the bridal party on another boat and it works just fine.Good luck and look forward to the shots
cheers Dal

[phsv]

Nice photo! Thanks for the advice.

[MikeMcL]

At least you dont have to worry about a dark church, i think it sounds like fun.

best of luck

[joedlh]

How come the sailboat was so far bow-down with most of the weight in the cockpit? It doesn't look like it was very wavy. It looks like the bride and groom are going down with the ship!

[limeydal]

How come the sailboat was so far bow-down with most of the weight in the cockpit? It doesn't look like it was very wavy. It looks like the bride and groom are going down with the ship!
A large boat had just passed and created a large rolling wave. So cant see it well, but it tossed the boat pretty well.In fact the shot next, caught it breaking over the bow. Fun memories this couple will have
cheers Dal