First Dance Advice

[guitarman2977]

So I am at one of my close friend's weddings for the rehearsal dinner tonight and the couple asked me if I would take some pictures of their first dance tomorrow (surprise to me). I brought my camera (I bring it everywhere) but wasn't planning on taking it to the reception. They hired a photographer from 12-8 but think their first dance might be after 8:00.

I'm not necessarily new to event photography -- I do a lot of live bands and have done a couple rehearsal dinners. I have not, however, done a couple's first dance. I'm used to low light situations but would really appreciate any advice on short notice about capturing this event. I have the following gear with me:

30D
100mm f/2
50mm f/1.8
17-85 IS
Sigma 24-70 2.8 (which so far I think is really lacking in sharpness, contrast, and saturation)
380 EX flash

I could also borrow another friend's XT if necessary.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

Jake

[tim]

Either the 24-70 or 50 F1.8, high iso, mix of Av for ambient light or M wide open 1/50th with bounced flash (off wall or ceiling).

[guitarman2977]

Either the 24-70 or 50 F1.8, high iso, mix of Av for ambient light or M wide open 1/50th with bounced flash (off wall or ceiling).

Thanks, Tim.

Anyone have tips, tricks, or ideas about composition, etc., or the one or two things you absolutely should or shouldn't do during a first dance?

[picturecrazy]

Thanks, Tim.

Anyone have tips, tricks, or ideas about composition, etc., or the one or two things you absolutely should or shouldn't do during a first dance?

here's a tip... don't get INBETWEEN the couple to get your shot. I've seen some wedding photographers stick their noses between them to get a fisheye shot... ruining the moment for the couple. haha I know you won't do that but just give them enough space to enjoy the moment.

[angryhampster]

If the bride is wearing a dress with a long train, step back and get a wide shot to get the whole dress into the frame.

[jacquelin]

What is a good dance move to represent excited?This is a dance for dance pe and I has to represent an emotion and we are doing excited. But the catch is it can't be a turn jump leap or trick . Btw a leap is jumping off one leg but landing on the other.

[djvkool]

use 50mm f/1.8 or 100mm f/2

IMHO I would do it in 2 ways, frozen, and the one with blurred movement to add impact, the best way to do this is to select auto ISO, for the frozen one do 1/250 and if you want to show a bit of movement blur do 0.5 sec shutter...

[tim]

use 50mm f/1.8 or 100mm f/2

IMHO I would do it in 2 ways, frozen, and the one with blurred movement to add impact, the best way to do this is to select auto ISO, for the frozen one do 1/250 and if you want to show a bit of movement blur do 0.5 sec shutter...

100mm is too long in most cases. 50 F1.8 isn't good at focusing accurately under difficult situations. Manual exposure works best for me for dances, it minimises the chances of things going wrong.