When to take the ring shots?

[cmpowell125]

I've had a quick search and nothing really came up, was wondering when you guys prefer to do the ring shots? Before the Ceremony, whilst the Bride/Groom are getting ready or afterward the Ceremony?

Just wondered as I've always tended to them before, however I've seen quite a few shots where they are taken on the cake, or items found at the Reception. Do you not find the Bride and Groom reluctant to remove them after the actual ceremony.

My next wedding next week the rings will be kept at the grooms house, therefore I'll be limited to the type of backgrounds/Items I can include in the Photo. How would you recommend getting around this?

Thanks, and I look forward to your replies.

Chris

[cmpowell125]

Just noticed the new Discussion forums, Apologies, could you please move this across.

[shaggymatt]

Depends on what you are looking for?

Has been my experience so far that most don't see each other before the service, so a closeup of the hands before the service isn't an option.

Usually do something before the service with the rings hanging in the cleavage of the dress before it goes on, and laying them against the dress and using my macro. With being at the grooms house, if there is a ring bearer there, you can make use of him/pillow if they are using one. I'm after the detail of the rings, so you really don't need much of a backdrop as the focal plane is so narrow.

Guys don't take much time to get ready, so you can always find a bible, program or whatver, to play with if YOU have the time before hand as well.

After the service, do something against the cake holding the knife or something along those lines.

[FamilyJules]

I do both before ceremony and after.... it just depends on the wedding. Sometimes, while I am shooting the bride getting ready, she has both rings, and I'll get the "off hand" ring shots then.... But many times one ring is with her, and the other is with the Bestman accross town, so then I have to get the shots after ceremony. I just do that when they sit down and eat for a few minutes and take the rings somewhere that I can incorporate their decor into the shot. I have never had a problem with the B&G not wanting to take off the rings to create an addition to their wedding album.
I always ask the bride when she is getting ready, (if I cannot shoot the rings before the ceremony) if it would be ok to get some shots of them while they are eating...... she's always more than happy :)

[cmpowell125]

Excellent, Cheers for your replies guys.

[samnz]

If you have access to the rings before the ceremony, by all means grab them. I prefer to shoot rings unworn. You can get really creative and add a bit of personal touch to them...place the rings on items such as wedding invitations, cards etc.

I also carry a ring box so when I ask the couple for their rings, I get them to pop them into it...also adds a bit of reassurance that their rings will be safe. Oh and clean the rings before you give them back. If you're really paranoid, ask one of the bridal party to accompany you and they can carry them and place them for you. Believe me, a newly wed bride isn't just going to part with her dream $25,000 ring to have a photographer drop it. At least if the chief bride's maid drops it, you're pretty safe ;)

Depending on how creative you want to get, make yourself up a kit if you like. I use my wife's old make up bag to carry alot of ... crap. I have chips, beads, silica sand, rectangle mirrors, square and circle mirrors, velvet and silk cloths, doilies, miniature pillow thingies....heaps of little knick-knacks you can pick up from necklace making outfits. Comes in really handy when you've got a bit of time on your hands. Leave it in the car obviously when not in use or you could get a few wierd stares :)

It's great fun photographing rings. It's unfortunate I suck at it though :LOL:

[form]

In most situations I shoot the rings by themselves before the wedding. In cases where there's no time for that, I shoot them whenever the chance presents itself, such as during the dining break of the reception.

[MDteX]

What lens do you use to shoot the rings? Do you use a macro or will a non-macro lens do?

[tim]

I take them before the ceremony in their box if possible, or during dinner if it's not. I also take photos of the rings on their hands near the end of the evening.

[RogerAylstock]

I usually wait for a lull in the reception and go get them from the bride and groom and pose the rings on the invitation with flowers or whatever table decorations I have around. I set it all up then go grab the rings, take the shot and get them right back.