Quick Tips

Hey guys, looking for some quick advice.

This monday I am going to be assisting my friend in shooting another friends wedding. Neither of us have had experience in shooting a wedding so anxiety levels are kind of high. we are not new to photography, but do not want to deliver anything less than greatness.

What are some key tips to remember throughout all of the processes, the before, the ceremony, the end shots, as well as the reception.

We have a good game plan for the beginning but attaining the proper shots in the low light of the reception area is where I am the most nervous.

My friend is a nikon guy with his own stash of gear, i will be shooting with my gripped 5dII, 430 exII with a fong diffuser, i have a 16-35 2.8L, 50 1.4, 24-105 4L and a 100-400 4.5-5.6L

i can post up a candid from my other friends reception i took last weekend while just messing around (i was a groomsman, no time to photograph) but the background is way too dark, the reception hall was nearly pitch black, so i'm not sure how to even everything out.

thanks in advance to anyone who can assist

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​868292680/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​868292616/

Kit Cloudkicker wrote in post #12665578
...but the background is way too dark, the reception hall was nearly pitch black, so i'm not sure how to even everything out.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​868292616/

OCF.

But if that's not an option, the best thing you can do is to boost your ISO even if you are using flash to get as much ambient lighting as possible, but that might be a futile attempt. Depends on the venue. Not to mention the color balance issues you may or may not encounter depending on the lighting.

Oh yeah, and ditch the Fong.

Here's a good guide on lighting receptions: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=646469

nicksan wrote in post #12665692
OCF.

But if that's not an option, the best thing you can do is to boost your ISO even if you are using flash to get as much ambient lighting as possible, but that might be a futile attempt. Depends on the venue. Not to mention the color balance issues you may or may not encounter depending on the lighting.

Oh yeah, and ditch the Fong.

Here's a good guide on lighting receptions: https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=646469

OCF? (sorry ive been a member of the forum for some time but havent been very active until recently)

and may i ask why i should ditch the diffuser? i don't own a stofen diffuser or anything like that and i thought it was a big help when not having glare on the subject

off camera flashes... haha sorry, mental lapse...

my friend with the nikon has 2 alien bee b800s, i'm not sure if he intends to use them during the reception or not, it will certainly be something to think about.. thanks for all of your help

Kit Cloudkicker wrote in post #12666009
and may i ask why i should ditch the diffuser? i don't own a stofen diffuser or anything like that and i thought it was a big help when not having glare on the subject

Just bounce if off a wall or ceiling. Plenty good enough. (Of course, assuming the walls/ceilings are of appropriate color to bounce off of!)

Kit Cloudkicker wrote in post #12666028
off camera flashes... haha sorry, mental lapse...

my friend with the nikon has 2 alien bee b800s, i'm not sure if he intends to use them during the reception or not, it will certainly be something to think about.. thanks for all of your help

That certainly will help. Read the link I provided you with. Has some good information on how to light up a reception hall. Make sure no one trips over the light stands or power cord though!

Maybe you have already but I'd ask for a shot list, specifically pertaining to the dinner/reception. Hopefully your friend decides to bring his Alien Bees, if not I'd definitely consider renting a 580 (at minimum). If you get the chance I would scout the location before the wedding.

Don't worry! There are tons and tons of great threads with fantastic example shots. You guys will be fine, Nikon+Canon = ultimate team : )

these shots could be instantly improved using "Fill Light slider" and Then some "Noise reduction" in PS or Lightroom..

Kit Cloudkicker wrote in post #12665578
Hey guys, looking for some quick advice.

This monday I am going to be assisting my friend in shooting another friends wedding. Neither of us have had experience in shooting a wedding so anxiety levels are kind of high. we are not new to photography, but do not want to deliver anything less than greatness.

What are some key tips to remember throughout all of the processes, the before, the ceremony, the end shots, as well as the reception.

We have a good game plan for the beginning but attaining the proper shots in the low light of the reception area is where I am the most nervous.

My friend is a nikon guy with his own stash of gear, i will be shooting with my gripped 5dII, 430 exII with a fong diffuser, i have a 16-35 2.8L, 50 1.4, 24-105 4L and a 100-400 4.5-5.6L

i can post up a candid from my other friends reception i took last weekend while just messing around (i was a groomsman, no time to photograph) but the background is way too dark, the reception hall was nearly pitch black, so i'm not sure how to even everything out.

thanks in advance to anyone who can assist

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​868292680/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​868292616/

gave it a quick shot with the fill light slider, it did a good bit to improve them, thanks for the help

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​879359556/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …/32334320@N08/5​879359430/

I wouldn't use strobes at a reception unless the lighting was absolutely putrid. Even then I'd try other things first. They could get stolen or knocked down, someone could trip on the cords. Some do, but I like to as inconspicuous as possible- and studio strobes (even small ones) going off make you quite noticeable.

Another tip? Since there will be two of you, don't both shoot the same thing with the same focal length lens. You don't need duplicates of the kiss all at 200mm (or 20mm, etc.) Mix it up and get different angles. If he's shooting wide, shoot tight. If he's shooting tight, shoot wide.

There's more people to the day than just the bride and groom. Get pics of the kids playing, grandparents talking, the DJ doing their thing...

PMCphotography wrote in post #12668548
I wouldn't use strobes at a reception unless the lighting was absolutely putrid. Even then I'd try other things first. They could get stolen or knocked down, someone could trip on the cords. Some do, but I like to as inconspicuous as possible- and studio strobes (even small ones) going off make you quite noticeable.

Another tip? Since there will be two of you, don't both shoot the same thing with the same focal length lens. You don't need duplicates of the kiss all at 200mm (or 20mm, etc.) Mix it up and get different angles. If he's shooting wide, shoot tight. If he's shooting tight, shoot wide.

There's more people to the day than just the bride and groom. Get pics of the kids playing, grandparents talking, the DJ doing their thing...

best tip with the tight and wide. I rented a 70-200 f/2.8 for the wedding, as I'm lacking in the proper lens department. I'm the nikon guy kit is referring to. Definitely considering bringing the strobes just in case. it's going to be an outside ceremony so that's also going to be in our favor. I'm going to be scouting the venue on saturday during the rehearsal to get ideas.

At this point in time, i feel that i'm more worried about the group and "romantic" portraits after the ceremony. any tips on getting the right shots and a way to make it as seamless and smooth as possible?