Table Pictures - Is there an alternative?

[photography by trish]

I have a couple that is planning to take pictures with guests at each table.

I prefer not to do this, as I've never seen a great table picture before. Is there an alternative to this without being a huge inconvenience (considering time and older guests)?

The couple is expecting 224 guest to come to the reception.

Thanks in advance!

[gmacmt]

Group shots like this are not a time where you make a great picture, it is a time to document the people. Just because these shots might not be awesome in your portfolio doesn't mean they will not be valuable to the couple. Remember, you are the one getting paid.

And after (20+?) tables, you should have it dialed. Then you can post up your shots and show us how to take a great table picture.

[photography by trish]

Group shots like this are not a time where you make a great picture, it is a time to document the people. Just because these shots might not be awesome in your portfolio doesn't mean they will not be valuable to the couple. Remember, you are the one getting paid.

And after (20+?) tables, you should have it dialed. Then you can post up your shots and show us how to take a great table picture.


that's a great point. i needed to hear that. thanks for bringing me back down to earth. :)

i guess i'll just watch for bottles and glasses, to make sure they don't get in people's faces.

[tim]

The couple want photos with all their guests? That will take an half an hour if they don't talk to any of the guest, 2 hours if they do (which is inevitable). If you want photos of the guests without the couple then it can be done more quickly, and you can use multiple photographers if you have them - just have everyone use the same settings so you can batch the photos easily.

[photography by trish]

The couple want photos with all their guests? That will take an half an hour if they don't talk to any of the guest, 2 hours if they do (which is inevitable). If you want photos of the guests without the couple then it can be done more quickly, and you can use multiple photographers if you have them - just have everyone use the same settings so you can batch the photos easily.

The couple has only set aside one hour for table shots. Unfortunately, that will not be enough time and I'll have to tell her to choose the most important shots or allot more time. This female seems to do a lot of wishful thinking whenever I tell her what the realistic expectation is. She wants to have shots with every table. :confused:

[tim]

With every table or every couple? With every table, easy, but the photos will suck. With every couple, maybe doable, better photos but she'll have to rush around and not talk to anyone really. If she has photos without her in them it's easier. Or you could set up a portrait booth with a studio light and have everyone come to you, the photos will be better.

[photography by trish]

With every table or every couple? With every table, easy, but the photos will suck. With every couple, maybe doable, better photos but she'll have to rush around and not talk to anyone really. If she has photos without her in them it's easier. Or you could set up a portrait booth with a studio light and have everyone come to you, the photos will be better.

oh man. they WILL suck. she wants one with every table. i would prefer having a set up that everyone will go to, but my gear is limited.

i have 3 cameras: 5d II, 40d, xsi, tripod, ste2 (tranmitter) 2x580exII, shutter cable for xsi. (this is just the relevant equipment that i've listed)

do you think i NEED a backdrop or more lights to do a set up?

[photography by trish]

The couple want photos with all their guests? That will take an half an hour if they don't talk to any of the guest, 2 hours if they do (which is inevitable). If you want photos of the guests without the couple then it can be done more quickly, and you can use multiple photographers if you have them - just have everyone use the same settings so you can batch the photos easily.

by the way, it's just myself and my husband who holds the light that doesn't have a stand. he's my human light stand/bracket.

With every table or every couple? With every table, easy, but the photos will suck. With every couple, maybe doable, better photos but she'll have to rush around and not talk to anyone really. If she has photos without her in them it's easier. Or you could set up a portrait booth with a studio light and have everyone come to you, the photos will be better.

i also have one light stand and umbrella. maybe i can make a makeshift lightstand out of my old tripod... just a thought.

[tim]

One light stand with an umbrella and a 580EX, on 1/4 power, camera with ST-E2 on it will work fine. I say 1/4 power to avoid trying to burn out the speedlite. You don't need a backdrop, just find someone neutral like a wall or curtain.

[photography by trish]

One light stand with an umbrella and a 580EX, on 1/4 power, camera with ST-E2 on it will work fine. I say 1/4 power to avoid trying to burn out the speedlite. You don't need a backdrop, just find someone neutral like a wall or curtain.

would shadows be an issue if i use a wall? or is there a way to avoid that?

i've never burned out my speedlite before. is that a temporary problem, or does that ruin it completely?

[tim]

If you use a speedlite on full power shooting two shots of each of 100 couples it could burn out - it's permanent, the flash head needs to be replaced.

Yes you could get a shadow on the wall. Just put them close to the wall and it won't be a big issue, and keep the light near the camera. A 2nd light on the opposite side would help, but isn't necessary.

[photography by trish]

If you use a speedlite on full power shooting two shots of each of 100 couples it could burn out - it's permanent, the flash head needs to be replaced.

Yes you could get a shadow on the wall. Just put them close to the wall and it won't be a big issue, and keep the light near the camera. A 2nd light on the opposite side would help, but isn't necessary.

(fingers crossed) i'm waiting for the bride to approve the setup idea. she's 6 months pregnant so i'm expecting a yes. thanks tim for sharing your wedding wisdom.

[tim]

Welcome! If she's six months pregnant keeping her still would probably make things way easier.