Yet another wedding

[CyberPet]

OK, yesterday was the wedding that I did say yes to this fall (and in preparation for it I've shot 3 weddings with my mentor, and one by my own last weekend), and here's the result of that shoot (well I have 100+ images, but I won't post them all here). There was a hot and sunny day with harsh shaddows (not good for the portraits). We were sweatting like pigs indoors and outdoors. But it was GREAT FUN!

So here goes, lots of pictures:

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_3875.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_3879.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_3927.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_4015.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_4025.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_4049.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_4082.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_4110.jpg

http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/images/IMG_4117.jpg

Unless something special happen this fall, this is the last one for me this season. But I hope it'll be more of them next year since it's so much fun! By then I hope to control those nasty shadows too and not let the dude block his bride with more shadows than needed.

[Cleo199]

I really love #6, the bride and groom walking away from you. It's like they're ready to go leave and start their new lives together. Beautifully done. All of them were..... ;o)

[CyberPet]

Thank you! I had that image in my head as soon as I saw that long dock, so I had to make it... and I hope they'll like it too! :)

[AjP]

I like pics, as always u make great shots, one question (no effence) did u use flash for outside pics? the last image shadows a little bit rough and the pic itself are great. I do like #4,6 alot

[exposingmyself]

great work!!!
i really like them all but i'm especially attracted to the one with the car because of her lit veil and the position of the cans.

[CyberPet]

Yes I used flash on all pics outdoors unless the one with the 80-200/2.8 since those were too far away for the flash. The last picture was used with a flash, but the guy was shadowing her, so I should have moved them around since he's in her road (and she wouldn't have shadowed him). Lessons learned. :)

Thank you all!!! :D

[pdrow]

Great job again Petra. I am so impressed.
Good going!
Pam

[CyberPet]

Thanks Pam, I really appreciate it... you know that! :D

[Maureen Souza]

You have a quite a knack for this.... hope you keep it up, Petra. The photos are lovely. What lenses are you finding you like best?

[hoihtah]

is that a tattoo on her left arm? looks like a star.
was that a distraction for you?
a tattoo would seem like a distraction to make such image work.

of course, it was the bride's choice to have it, so i'm sure she wouldn't mind having it photographed there.

[CyberPet]

Marueen, thank you very much!! I found that i use the Tamron 28-75/2.8 most of the time, it's great for semi wide and semi tele. Then I have my huge LOVE, the Magic Drainpipe (80-200/2.8 L), but you can't use it indoors much, at least not in this church that's so small you need to go out to change your mind.

I wish I had a better wide angle, so I'm looking for something that's fast and have a decent wide (like 15-16 mm at the widest). In the church I used my kit-lens since I had nothing better. Luckily it was a very bright church (got shutter speeds around 1/60 s in 400 ISO). Anyone want to sell a good one to me? :D

Matthew, yes it's a tattoo and I don't find it a distraction at all, there's so many girls with tattoos now and they find it as a jewel on their body. It's part of the girl and she did choose to have a dress that showed it off, so she's not ashamed of it either (it looks like a french lilly). The girl I photographed last week had a tattoo on her shoulder that I really liked too (and it looked great together with her black/grey/red corsette). I personally wouldn't want a tattoo though... proably because I don't like needles. :D

[Claire]

I loved your photos. Just going to say it in public now!!!! :D :D Now I think you should move to Gothenburg so we can start a wedding photography business together. hehe

[CyberPet]

Claire, Thank you!!! And it sounds like a very good plan! Now we just need to find hubby a job, and we're all set! :D

[gsniegow]

Very nice job! I hope to one day be able to capture the moments like you have. Heck, even 10% would be nice! ;)

Anyway, excellent work!

[CyberPet]

Bloo Dog... wow, you really shocked me with that comment. I'm very flattered! THANK YOU!

The thing I stressed most about was BEFORE the wedding, just plain nervousness. I had some anxiety about not being able to move around in the church. But I met up with the minister about 20 min before the ceremony and asked him about how I should go about and he told me "I'm the boss here, so I make the calls... you move around as you like, it won't bother me, nor the congregation". That was when I started to relax about the church photo's.

Next thing that stressed me was the bright sun that I felt I wasn't competent to handle properly. I had my fill-flash, I had a reflector, but I just didn't get it. I got bad shadows due to the fact I had no idea I could actually move them around, i.e. move the guy so he stood on the left side and not blocking her, so she didn't have to get shadow both on her left and right side. And some odd shadows to boot.

It was also stressing that they had a very short time frame between the ceremony and the reception, so I had to hurry most of the portraits (and probably might have come with the bright idea to move them around, since I did that at the end in one shot.. but never followed through). I had less than an hour really and I wanted to do so many more things and play around. It was the perfect couple for it, since they didn't need much guidance when it came to posing. I told the guy to not let his hand down, but to embrace her and he did all the time. He even helped me count to three with closed eyes to avoid squinting so much.

I'm disappointed of course of the fact that I couldn't handle the shadows better. But being a beginner, I am allowed to make mistakes (and the couple was aware of me being a newbie). I wish I had more time and that I got to do more "fun stuff". But next time (if it'll be one... which I hope) I'll know what errors to correct and try to anticipate more.

In general, despite the shadows and the hard sun (the latter I could not do much about), I'm very pleased with the day. I had a great time and I felt very inspired and were very much "in the flow". I felt totally drained and dizzy as soon as we got in the car to drive the 20 min drive back home. So it's like a hypnosis somehow, you just give it all and try to make the best out of it. For the next time I also wish to find some place with more shade, like under some larger tree's, etc. By the sea (it was really by the sea, if you had crossed the water you'd end up in Finland) it doesn't offer much shade, to make some stunning images and I'm most happy with the ones I could take under the shade.

What surprised me the most was that my kit-lens did so well. I just needed that extra wide angle, so I brought it along and the results are great, at least they are too my liking. So the next thing I wish for is a great wide angle, preferably a fast lens so you can shoot with low ISO's in the church.

gsniegow, thank you!! I told the couple that I'm a newbie and they laughed and said if they get ONE picture that's good, it's going to be worth it. I think I got more than one good picture, so I hope they will be pleased. :D

[AjP]

Petra, I hope didn't offend you with my little comment, as I said all images, not onlyt from this wedding are great, I wish there were more wedding photographer like you. I honestly love all your wedding pics. So plese don't worry about little things like showdows (it is really hard to photograph during the day wiht bright sun), more your shoot, more experience you get, I bet if you will continue this way, in year or two gonna be best wedding photographer in Sweden :)

[CyberPet]

AjP, noooo... I'm not offended at all! I got thick skin. Plus, I'm still learning so any comments to point me into the right direction is GOOD comments! I'm grateful for your comments and especially now when you say I'll be the best wedding photographer in Sweden. That means I can come and visit you guys. :D

[Maureen Souza]

I use my Tamron more than anything but for the larger, wide angle group shots, I really love my 16-35mm/2.8. Just a little hint!!

[Rob612]

I'm no expert at weddings (I didn't even had a photographer at my own wedding) but I think that you did a great job. If I will ever get married again, I'll call you :)

[CyberPet]

Maureen, hint taken!! Maaaaaan.... I want that lens sooo badly (It cost a fortune right now), was looking at it yesterday and was dreaming. Hubby said "No more lenses until we've fixed the basement" and he doesn't even know how much it is yet. :D

Rob, well I'll be there. I haven't been in Italy yet, so I'd love to see it and practice the little italian I know (Vorrei uno gelato e una birra, graci). :D

[Arnie1]

These are great shots, the second one captures a very tender moment perfectly.

She is also a very beautiful girl....she looks a natural in front of the lens.

[Andy_T]

Petra,

really great shots!

You did very good.
I especially find the lighting very nice ... must have been a very nice day, as well.

Best regards,
Andy

[roanjohn]

Lovely lovely shots!!!!

They should be happy with these photos.

Ro1

[CyberPet]

Thank you guys! I'm beeming with pride here from all your nice words! :D

I got a text message on the phone today that they had looked at a few picturers and they were, and I quote: "super satisfied" with my job done. That made me smile big!

[cameron]

beautiful photos. i like what you've captured.

[Rob612]

Rob, well I'll be there. I haven't been in Italy yet, so I'd love to see it and practice the little italian I know (Vorrei uno gelato e una birra, graci). :D

Actually I'm happily married, so I do not foresee any future wedding in my life. But if the needs arise, you're hired from now :D

As far as your italian goes, I think that once you have ice cream and beer you're all set !!! Personally, Perhaps, I'd rather have a coke with the ice cream instead of a beer :D

[cmM]

4 and 6 are great shots. I especially like the color contrast in #4

[Claire]

Petra, well by the time I get married I think you'll be even better. Remind me to give you a call when that happens! Eh, sorry Bloo Dog, but she's closer geographically. Besides, I've never seen any of your photos. You're more than welcome to be the toasmaster though and entertain the guest with outrageous stories. :)

[CyberPet]

Rob, well who said you can't renew your woves? And besides, just like Bloo Dog said, beer and ice cream is actually good. Coke and ice cream too... :D (I can also ask if you smoke in italian... *giggles*)

cmM, I like the same images you picked too... I wish we had have more time by that red wall, cuz it was stunning, but we just stopped there to change to the Morris minor car, so it was a short stop. But next wedding (if there'll be any, I hope so!) I'll be stopping by that place for sure.

Claire, if Bloo Dog isn't married, maybe you guys could tie the knot (match making here) and I get to shoot your wedding. Talk about a nervous photographer, knowing that I'd be shooting two great photographers that will look at every image I take with a magnifying glass. OK, so strike that... marry a blind guy, then I'll have less stress. But sure, I'd LOVE to shoot your wedding... now find a guy!! :D

[dsze]

I like 'em! Nice work. They should absolutely be pleased with this!
-daniel

[Nabil-A]

Well done !!!!

Absolutely flabergasted
I hope to be this good some day.

By the way did you find a need for the 50mm f1.8 ?? during the wedding?

[antaine]

What surprised me the most was that my kit-lens did so well. I just needed that extra wide angle, so I brought it along and the results are great, at least they are too my liking. So the next thing I wish for is a great wide angle, preferably a fast lens so you can shoot with low ISO's in the church.
. :D

Petra, what are you thinking of getting? I have my first wedding as a newbie for people in Sept (who have told me that they are not fussy!) and will be using my Tamron, but for the group shots this will not be wide enough. Thinking of either Sigma 18-50EX (f2.8) or Canon 17-40L. If I don't buy one I will have to use my Sigma 18-50 DC (cheap one).

A.

[Jakov]

I'll just concentrate on things that could be better (that is much shorter list ;-) because the shots are great )

I woul like to see more of the groom in the first shot, I think i is too tight crop from the left side. The bride's face expression is great, good moment captured.

Second image.. camera angle could be alot better. You should move much more to your right. In this shot we can't see who is the groom, but I'm sure we can guess :-)

Third image.. Ahh that hand.. Yes I know. It is a matter of splitsecond when this happens. Hold your camera in burs shot mode. Have all potencial obstacles removed before bride and groom show up. The man to your left, some lady in front of you (perhaps) kids that run around you....

Shot #4 is just great. Wouldn't change anything. Great job!!

Atractive car shot. Well composed, and a few thing to say. Noticable flaire in upper left corner. You should use lens hood or cover the lens with your left hand. Too tight crop, we miss the car rear end you have cutoff.

Now to comment my favourite image. The bride and groom walking away from you. Nice shot. Just love it. It's just simbolic as Cleo199 said.. The beggining of new life. Wery nice. Just to make sure I'm the evil poster ;-) who's job is to find better in this image I would like to say.. ahh.. You see the horizon line going slightly above her head and directly through his head? Higher camera angle (if possible) could avoid this. The shot is great and I love it, but it would be a killershot... that I can imagine in all kinds of fashion/wedding magazines..

For the next two shots I have nothing to add, I can see the sun was distracting the bride to look at you. Ring shot - well composed (I'll have this shot in mind next time I shoot wedding ;-) )

As for the shade stuff a short advice.. Put them in some kind of counterlight, opposed to sun. The bride and the groom can open their eyes normaly, and then use fill flash to light the shades. Shutter speed at 1/250s and f/11 with fillflash at ISO 100 should cool of the strong sun.. Try this at home and you'll see what happenes.

So for the end of this long post.. Don't throw me to the lions :-) I've said so much that can be better, so somebody can think I don't like your shots. That is not true. Love them all but just think this can be better done next time. Hope you understand me.

[lostdoggy]

Petra

Great Shots.

[Jackal]

Nice shots!

What was your aperature on the first two? Was it the Tamron you used for those?

[CyberPet]

dzse: Thank you so much! I hope they will be pleased.

Nabil-A: You should seen the bad shots. I just posted the ones I liked. :D (thank you!!!!)

Bloo Dog: Oh bummer... well can't you join a religion that allows polygamy?

antaine: Well, the dream lens would be that Canon 16-35/2.8 L Maureen did mention. I've been drooling over it for a great while. But I might have to settle with something similar that you're thinking of. My wallet is pretty empty. :D

Jakov: Wow, you sure have taken time to look at my images. Let me see if I can comment on some of your great observations (I really appreciated it!!!).

#1 It was a quick grab of her expression, so I didn't have much time to re-compose the image. She was really something else, her face was so expressive all the time and in different moods. That was the shot when the minister said "Ok, you're now Man and Wife" (I should have anticipated that of course, but sometimes my fingers push the trigger before my brain is with me). Good point to think about, even if I like tight crops.

#2 This is very funny! Honestly, you have no idea how lucky I was to get ONE shot of the kiss. In Sweden we normally don't kiss by the altar, there's nothing in the ceremony where the minister say "you may now kiss the bride", so I was actually in the middle of changing lenses, since I was getting ready to scoot back to the back of the church to grab them while walking out as man and wife. So I saw in the corner of my eye that they were kissing and I sort of shouted "oh wait!" and they kept kissing for a while (not sure they heard me) so I got TWO pictures, one blurry and this one that was sharp. :D (I just have to remember this for the next time!)

#3 I have loads of images when they are showered with rice and flower petals, I thought I'd post this because it added movement in the image. I have loads of pictures without the hand. So it was my choice to post it since it gave more action to the picture.

#4 Thank you!! It's my favorite too and I wish we could have stayed longer so I could get a few more shots with a few more poses.

#5 Yes I agree, it was a quick and dirty shot and the lens flare was the last thing on my mind. The lenshood isn't good enough (going to get a better one). I was in a hurry and didn't compose the image well enough (they were going to sit down in the car and I sort of stopped them in their tracks, bad excuse, but a good point to always keep in mind to get it *all* in).

#6 hehehe.... love your critique... well there's a problem for me to get higher up, I stand 5'4" and they were pretty far away since it was shot with the 80-200 at 200 mm. :D But I'll take it as a good idea to think about horizons breaking lines too like that. Good point! :D

#7 & 8 Yes, that darn sun was no fun and I am not skilled enough to know how to deal with it. It dawned on me too late I could move him around to now cast shadows on her. It was enough as it was with the strong sun itself. I tried a trick to have them at least looking at me a bit (without squinting extremely) where they were closing their eyes and counting to three before they open it. But the sun was bad, so I don't think it was comfortable for anyone. The ring/flower shot was something that just dawned on me at that moment, so it wasn't planned. I had taken some other ring shots, but I didn't like them, so I tried again when we had a few moments waiting for the car to pick them up on their way to the reception.

The shadows just were something I wasn't used to. I used fill-flash and a reflector, but I was too dumb to figure out that most of the hard shadows were due to wrong placement of the B&G.

I'm sorry, but I won't throw you to the lions. I really appreciate your comments. And as you see I wanted to "defend" myself for some of the shots. :D

If you really want to be mean, then take a look of the rest of the 100 images I posted: http://the-halls.se/brides/pernilla_fredrik/ (but maybe then do it through PM so people don't get bored of reading 100 comments on each image) :D :D :D

Thank you for taking the time and wanting to teach me something!!

lostdoggy: Thank you!!

Jackal: #1 was taken at f/3.5 at 70 mm (ISO 800) and 1/125 sec, taken with the Tamron. #2 was taken at f/2.8 at 113 mm (ISO 800) and 1/125 sec, taken with the Canon 80-200/2.8 L.

Phew, this *has* to be the longest post in this forum. :D

[CyberPet]

Bloo Dog, yes, I feel I need to learn more (I say that a lot, don't i?). But one day I'll nail it. :D (har har har, yeah right, but close to). The mystery of the fill-flash is going to take some work, but I hope I will soon get it. I guess trial and error is the best teacher, even if I'm impatient want to know how to do it NOW.

And you are right, this couple didn't need much direction at all. They just interacted, looked at eachother the way they did, I didn't put any hand on that. All I tried to remind the groom of was to mind his hands, so it didn't just hang there like a dead fish. We had met twice in person before and have had some mail contact (they are not from town, but married here in the girls hometown) and I think we got to know each other a bit since I did show an interest in their wedding and their plans. Trying to calm a nervous bride and all that stuff. So it was as we knew one another good enough to be relaxed together.

I am somewhat serious about this, I mean I want to do the absolute best I can when I do it. But I don't think there's a big market for me to cut in, to do this as a profession. Although I do want to be professional while I do it.

When I sat down in the car it was like a black curtain that fell over me. I got dizzy, not from lack of fluids or energy bars, but from the total concentration I had been in the whole time. I was scared like CRAZY before I saw the images and started to feel somewhat satisfied. The curch shots were pretty much as I had hoped for to get, so they calmed me enough to think "well at least they have them". It was a 20 min ride back home, so it was a lot less than waiting days for the lab to developing the film, but it was sooo horrible to not know how it did turn out. Sure I checked the histogram now and then, but it's hard to see in bright sun, so I wasn't sure at all what would happen. I was terribly disappointed about the shots with the harsh shadows, I was mad about it. I am an amatuer but I really am my worse critic and I was mad that I didn't know how to deal with it while I was there. It wasn't a surprise about the shadows, I just didn't know what I was supposed to do to fix it there, on the scene.

That's the most frustrating thing to know that something is not right and you haven't the skill to fix it. That sure is the difference between a pro and an amateur. I need more technical knowledge, I hope I have "the eye" to take the shots, now I just need to be able to control them.

I might have to go to the US and meet Scott so he can teach me "hands on" how to control the light... it feels like I can't absorb the words I read when it comes to this. Scott, are you ready?? :D

[Claire]

Good hands... I know many girls go for manicures before their wedding as they know their hands will be in focus. The grooms should do the same. Seriously. My friend tried to make her man do a manicure on himself at home. Nothing fancy, just cut his nails a bit and make them look tidy. Looking at the photos I took I'm doubting if he did it. Maybe you should hint that to future brides Petra. And no, I don't mean he should have a French manicure. :p

What I like about everyone on POTN who attempts wedding photography is their attitude. Everyone really wants to do their best and be as professional about it as possible. I like that. :)

Petra, I am sure Bloo Dog is happy with his wife. Besides, he'd probably rather spend money buying new camera gear than another wedding ring. Mom and I looked at some in Gothenburg the other day. She really liked a diamond one that cost app. 58 000 Kr ($7250). I found two rings I loved; one for 48 000 Kr ($6000) and one for 14 500 Kr ($1812.50)...

[InskiP]

Absolutely LOVE #6.

[Croasdail]

You know - its not fare when you have a great looking couple in a great looking location - that's cheating. I was second gun on a very "country" wedding last weekend. Came home from holiday early specifically to help. Best as I could try - I didn't come back with anything as beautiful as you have ... and I am blaming it all on the subject matter - couldn't be me... could it?

[CyberPet]

Claire, I agree... men should care of their hands too, not just women. Regarding Bloo Dog, I'm trying to convince him he should get into polygami... after all, it'd be fun to photograph. :D

InskiP, Thank you! :)

Croasdail, I know. I decided to cheat and here on I'll only photograph beautiful people. I'll say to those ugly ones "sorry, my sensor doesn't record ugly ones like you". I'm sure I'll get a lot of jobs that way *tongue in cheek* :D

And yes, it's not the photographers fault. Blurry images = unfocused subjects. Dark subjects = not bright enough people. The list goes on. :D

[Claire]

CyberPet, as a kid I used to make up a list of men I was going to marry. I apparently believed in polygamy at the age of 11. :lol: I had to cross of the ones who got married though, but I guess I can put Brad Pitt back onto the list nowadays. LOL ;)

[CyberPet]

Brad Pitt I'd only marry for his money *big grin* (no, he's fine).

[CyberPet]

I'm in my 40's and most of my friends are either: (a) Married, (b) Divorced and refuse to remarry or (c) Will never marry, they dont like the concept of marriage at all and think it's capitalistic and a load of BS.

So to be honest, I don't know those I've photographed well. Reason: 3 of them were shot together with my mentor/friend/pro and he met and set up the arrangements. 1 couple asked me from seeing my photo's online (not even close to wedding related) and 1 couple (well the guy, since him and I was on the same bbb forum) heard I was starting out and asked if I could do theirs to get some experience.

I was lucky that all of them were beautiful people. I love to see the next one.... :D

[PhilHannah]

These are great wedding pics Cyberpet, I know some pros around who dont produce this standard.

People can get fussed about shadows etc but at the end of the day the clients only want their day recorded for posterity, and are not interested in minor technical details!

[CyberPet]

Thank you PhilHannah! I'm overwhelmed with nice comments here. You guys sure knows how to make a girl feel like a million dollar. :D

The shadows are something I am annoyed by, but hopefully the clients won't think of them as much as I do. I guess it's like when you get a stain on your favorite pants, you know it's there, not many notice it, but it bugs you to no end, knowing it's there and ruins the "whole outfit".

[PhilHannah]

Thank you PhilHannah! I'm overwhelmed with nice comments here. You guys sure knows how to make a girl feel like a million dollar. :D

The shadows are something I am annoyed by, but hopefully the clients won't think of them as much as I do. I guess it's like when you get a stain on your favorite pants, you know it's there, not many notice it, but it bugs you to no end, knowing it's there and ruins the "whole outfit".

The one with mild shadow on her face I wouldnt have noticed it if it hadnt pointed it out, and anyway its hardly noticeable. Im like you, I worry about things like this when I shouldnt , and Ive been taking Wedding photographs for nearly 14 years!