About to shoot first wedding - Where to start?

Besides reading every note about weddings here, that is! I mostly do portraits, from children to seniors to families and even some glamour, and I also do some sport shooting. Friend of a friend has asked me to be the primary shooter at their son's upcoming wedding. I'm excited about the opportunity and the challenge, but I have a lot to learn in a short amount of time, and I'm wondering if there's a "guide" or "how to" for idiots that I could read to get started. I'm all set as far as camera and lighting gear, although I'll need advice on what to bring, and it's mostly knowledge that I seek.

Wedding and reception are taking place at the same indoor location. So that makes it somewhat easier. I figure I can pick a spot to setup a couple of strobes and modifiers to take formal shots of different combinations of guests and family with bride and groom (could use a list of must-get pictures here). I suppose I'll use the 580EX on my camera-rotator bracket when I need to be more mobile. I have various modifiers I can use on the 580EX as well. Should I plan to use a strobe to illuminate the dance floor as well?

There must be a list of do's and don'ts for the wedding and the reception and especially during the wedding ceremony itself. I could use some help here.

I will have a second shooter with me to mostly take candids, and he's really good at that. So I'm less worried about that area. Between the two of us, I think that will be well covered.

I'm sure most of this has been discussed a million times before here, and I don't want to clog things up with repetitive info. So if there's stuff I can go off and read to better prepare myself, that would be great. Thanks.

Eager to see some good replies to this..

You are certainly the most prepared individual I've ever seen create a "first-time wedding" thread, im jealous

You have access to way more gear than I do so take my advice with a grain of salt. I'd pair the 1Ds with the 24-70 and 70-200, the 50 1.4 would be great for capturing the "getting ready" moments. Since you already have experience with posing families Im sure you'll be fine with the group shots (shot list might help too). I would ask the b/g if the church has any restrictions on where you and your 2nd can go.

Well, let me add more detail at this point. I'm planning to shoot with the 1d4 and have the 1d3 as a backup, just in case. Second shooter will be using a 5dii. I was thinking of bringing the 16-35 instead of the 24-70 for any large group shots. I'm definitely bringing the 70-200, the 50L, and the 85L. Second shooter will also have the 17-40. He has a 430EX flash, and I have the 580EX and a Newton camera rotator bracket I can mount it on. I might also use the Lumiquest ProMax system on the 580EX.

I'm coordinating this with the groom's parents. We've just started talking about it. Should I ask them for a list of pictures they want? What "standard" pictures should I be sure to get, like cutting the cake, first dance, etc.? Is there a list of these somewhere?

The wedding ceremony and reception are being held in a country inn. I'm not even sure who to ask about restrictions, like flash usage, during the ceremony...or how "intrusive" I should be or can be during the ceremony. I guess the bride and groom can decide that and tell me.

I'm experienced with group shots using off-camera lighting, both in my home studio and on location. I guess I'm just wondering what to bring. I plan to bring a couple of Elinchrom 600RX strobes. It would be easy enough to bring a couple of 60" Softlighter II's and even use them as reflective umbrellas for large group shots, but I prefer a smaller light source for 1-2 people, like the 39" deep octa. I don't want to get carried away and bring an insane amount of gear. I'm not sure what's typical.

I read in another note that someone used a strobe to bounce light off the ceiling over the dance floor. Is this typical too? Or would it be better to just use my 580EX on camera and wander around?

Thanks!

Hi sdipirro,

I echo what Bheims has already stated about your gear, which is normally not the case when people ask these questions.
Personally I would shoot with both the 1d's, don't just shoot with one as you cant afford to mess about changing lenses at a fast pased wedding.
I would take the 16-35, 24-70, 70-200 with a toss up between the 50 or 85 2.8

The formal family group shots I am not even going to go there as you already do this.
Just remember though they will be larger than your traditional family portraits though the tecnique would be the same.

I read in another note that someone used a strobe to bounce light off the ceiling over the dance floor. Is this typical too?
There is no golden rule and everyone has there own style, If you can go off camera and bouncing from the cieling then go for it,
But your on camera 580ex bouncing from the cieling will also suffice.

You are in a much better possition than most, You knwow how to get people to pose for portraits, you shoot sporting events.
Mix the 2 together and you have all the components of a wedding. Only you have to be the athelete in this event LOL.

With regards what you can and can't do depends on the registra'
Speak to whoever is performing the service on the day. Some will allow flash some will not.
Some will say no clicking of cameras while I am talking, (wait for them to take a breath) (i guess they do not want to be put off)
If your not familur with the location please take this advice and check it out before hand. It will save you so much time on the day.

Questions to ask the bride and groom

What type of photography is being requested? Formal portraits, Candid, Documentary?
What is it they have seen that they like?
What are the Bride and Grooms expectations / Wish List and wants.
What Time Is the Wedding Service?
How long is the service?
Any Rehearsals Planned?
Is there any photography limitations?
How many Guests?
How Formal is the wedding?
Any Colour schemes?
When will the reception be dressed and ready to photograph?
Will there be any table centre pieces and decorations?
What Time is the Reception?
How many at reception?

How much time between the service finishing to the reception starting is allowed for Photo’s?

Does the Bride require photos of the preparations?
What time is the Bride getting ready?
Where will the bride be getting ready?
Will there be any bridesmaids?
How big is the bridal Party?
Ages of Bridesmaids

Does the Groom require photos of the preparations?
What time is the Groom getting ready?
Where will the Groom be getting ready?
Will there be any Groomsmen?
Ages of Groomsmen
How big is the Grooms Party?
What Time is the Groom arriving?

Will there pre drinks / canapés And what time?
When will the Speeches take place?
When will guests be eating?
When will the cake cutting be?
Will there be a receiving Line?
Presents to parents?
Will there be any traditions such as Garter and Bouquet Tossing?
When will the first dance be?

Can they supply any invitations? (photograph of this along with the rings can often look good)
Family Dynamics – Seperations etc..
Any surprises? Fireworks / Doves etc….


Example of photo list.

Please take in to account how much time you are allowing for photos and create a list of any group shots that you simply MUST have. Please also note that 5 minutes for each posed portrait should be allowed, Please make sure the photographer has enough time.


Example photo list

Bride alone (full length and close up)
Bride with Maid of Honor
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with bridesmaids
Bride and Groom with bridesmaids
Bridesmaids with Groomsmen
Bride with parents
Bride & Groom together
Bride & Groom with parents
Bride & Groom with families
Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
Groom with parents
Groom with best man
Groom with groomsmen
Bride with groomsmen
Bride and Groom with groomsmen
Bride and Groom outside sitting on lawn with brides train spread out around her

Shots of outside of ceremony site
Guests walking into ceremony site
Bride and father entering ceremony site
Parents being seated
Grandparents being seated
Bride walking down stairs
Maid of honor walking down the aisle
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Groom waiting for bride
Ceremony musicians
Officiant
Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance
Bride and father walking down aisle
The back of bride and father walking down the aisle – with the groom waiting in the distance
Bride's father and Bride hugging at end of aisle
Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
Exchanging the rings
Close up of hands
The kiss
Signing the register
Bride & Groom walking up the aisle
Receiving line
Bride & Groom outside on steps
Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/rice
Bride & Groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations

Bride & Groom arriving
Bride & Groom greeting guests
Table centerpieces
Table setting
Bride & Groom's table (head table)
Musicians or DJ
Guest book
Place card table
Closeup of bride and groom's place card
Wedding cake
Groom's cake
Gift table
Decorations
A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table
The buffet or, if having table service, a dinner serving
Bride & Groom's first dance
Bride & Father dancing
Groom & Mother dancing
Guests dancing
Bride & Groom cutting the cake
Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
Toasts speeches (specify who is giving them: _______________)
Bride & Groom drinking champagne
Bride throwing bouquet
Groom retrieving garter
Groom tossing garter
Garter/Bouquet dance


Guests the photographer shouldn't miss: (provide your photographer with a seating chart so that he can easily identify them)
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________

I have my clients fill out this document which I basically use as my run sheet for the day. Being organised is very handy as it will actually create time for you to respond to situations where you wouldn't be able to otherwise.

With regards to "expected shots" it does vary depending on your style. John's list above covers most of them though. Personally I don't have a comprehensive list for the must have shots.

I don't even know how to say thank you enough for all this detailed information! It's exactly what I was looking for...even if it did make me more nervous and wonder if I have enough memory cards! Thanks so much!

sdipirro wrote in post #12864018
I don't even know how to say thank you enough for all this detailed information! It's exactly what I was looking for...even if it did make me more nervous and wonder if I have enough memory cards! Thanks so much!

If you are worried about having enough memory cards, go out and buy double what you have now.

Regarding the memory cards, I'm planning to do exactly that. So I spoke to the groom at length last night, and there's a little wrinkle to what I was told before. They are planning to have the wedding ceremony outside, on the grounds of the Inn. They would also like to do the family and group photos out there before moving inside for the reception. So now I'm trying to figure out lighting setups for the outdoor shooting as well as indoors.

The wedding starts at 3pm. So at least the sun won't be directly overhead, assuming it's a sunny day. My plan is to find a scenic spot where the sun makes a nice hair/accent light. I don't yet know how many people I might have to shoot in some of these group shots. It's still being worked out. Can I get away with one off-camera light and modifier to fill shadows if there's decent ambient light? If so, would the 580EX flash be enough? I can use it with any Elinchrom modifier I have or my 22" beauty dish. Being able to use ETTL outside, with the changing lighting conditions, would be a plus, and I could just setup the strobes inside and leave them there. If I need a strobe for the outside shooting, it'll just complicate the transition from outside to inside...although I suppose I could just bring an extra strobe if I have to. The reception area lighting looks pretty poor. I'll probably set up two strobes in there and bounce them. Is bare bulb the right way to go for this or should I use reflectors to direct the light a bit more?

memoriesoftomorrow wrote in post #12862188
I have my clients fill out this document which I basically use as my run sheet for the day. Being organised is very handy as it will actually create time for you to respond to situations where you wouldn't be able to otherwise.

With regards to "expected shots" it does vary depending on your style. John's list above covers most of them though. Personally I don't have a comprehensive list for the must have shots.

Hi Peter...

Just wanted to thank you for providing this document.... its fantastic.!!!

Ernie

johnpricephotography wrote in post #12862049
Hi sdipirro,

I echo what Bheims has already stated about your gear, which is normally not the case when people ask these questions.
Personally I would shoot with both the 1d's, don't just shoot with one as you cant afford to mess about changing lenses at a fast pased wedding.
I would take the 16-35, 24-70, 70-200 with a toss up between the 50 or 85 2.8

The formal family group shots I am not even going to go there as you already do this.
Just remember though they will be larger than your traditional family portraits though the tecnique would be the same.

I read in another note that someone used a strobe to bounce light off the ceiling over the dance floor. Is this typical too?
There is no golden rule and everyone has there own style, If you can go off camera and bouncing from the cieling then go for it,
But your on camera 580ex bouncing from the cieling will also suffice.

You are in a much better possition than most, You knwow how to get people to pose for portraits, you shoot sporting events.
Mix the 2 together and you have all the components of a wedding. Only you have to be the athelete in this event LOL.

With regards what you can and can't do depends on the registra'
Speak to whoever is performing the service on the day. Some will allow flash some will not.
Some will say no clicking of cameras while I am talking, (wait for them to take a breath) (i guess they do not want to be put off)
If your not familur with the location please take this advice and check it out before hand. It will save you so much time on the day.

Questions to ask the bride and groom

What type of photography is being requested? Formal portraits, Candid, Documentary?
What is it they have seen that they like?
What are the Bride and Grooms expectations / Wish List and wants.
What Time Is the Wedding Service?
How long is the service?
Any Rehearsals Planned?
Is there any photography limitations?
How many Guests?
How Formal is the wedding?
Any Colour schemes?
When will the reception be dressed and ready to photograph?
Will there be any table centre pieces and decorations?
What Time is the Reception?
How many at reception?

How much time between the service finishing to the reception starting is allowed for Photo’s?

Does the Bride require photos of the preparations?
What time is the Bride getting ready?
Where will the bride be getting ready?
Will there be any bridesmaids?
How big is the bridal Party?
Ages of Bridesmaids

Does the Groom require photos of the preparations?
What time is the Groom getting ready?
Where will the Groom be getting ready?
Will there be any Groomsmen?
Ages of Groomsmen
How big is the Grooms Party?
What Time is the Groom arriving?

Will there pre drinks / canapés And what time?
When will the Speeches take place?
When will guests be eating?
When will the cake cutting be?
Will there be a receiving Line?
Presents to parents?
Will there be any traditions such as Garter and Bouquet Tossing?
When will the first dance be?

Can they supply any invitations? (photograph of this along with the rings can often look good)
Family Dynamics – Seperations etc..
Any surprises? Fireworks / Doves etc….


Example of photo list.

Please take in to account how much time you are allowing for photos and create a list of any group shots that you simply MUST have. Please also note that 5 minutes for each posed portrait should be allowed, Please make sure the photographer has enough time.


Example photo list

Bride alone (full length and close up)
Bride with Maid of Honor
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with bridesmaids
Bride and Groom with bridesmaids
Bridesmaids with Groomsmen
Bride with parents
Bride & Groom together
Bride & Groom with parents
Bride & Groom with families
Bride & Groom with entire wedding party
Groom with parents
Groom with best man
Groom with groomsmen
Bride with groomsmen
Bride and Groom with groomsmen
Bride and Groom outside sitting on lawn with brides train spread out around her

Shots of outside of ceremony site
Guests walking into ceremony site
Bride and father entering ceremony site
Parents being seated
Grandparents being seated
Bride walking down stairs
Maid of honor walking down the aisle
Bridesmaids walking down the aisle
Groom waiting for bride
Ceremony musicians
Officiant
Close up of bride, just before she makes her entrance
Bride and father walking down aisle
The back of bride and father walking down the aisle – with the groom waiting in the distance
Bride's father and Bride hugging at end of aisle
Close up of bride and groom saying the vows
Wide shot of bride and groom saying the vows
Exchanging the rings
Close up of hands
The kiss
Signing the register
Bride & Groom walking up the aisle
Receiving line
Bride & Groom outside on steps
Guests throwing confetti/rose petals/rice
Bride & Groom hugging guests, laughing, getting congratulations

Bride & Groom arriving
Bride & Groom greeting guests
Table centerpieces
Table setting
Bride & Groom's table (head table)
Musicians or DJ
Guest book
Place card table
Closeup of bride and groom's place card
Wedding cake
Groom's cake
Gift table
Decorations
A shot of bride & groom with guests at each table
The buffet or, if having table service, a dinner serving
Bride & Groom's first dance
Bride & Father dancing
Groom & Mother dancing
Guests dancing
Bride & Groom cutting the cake
Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
Toasts speeches (specify who is giving them: _______________)
Bride & Groom drinking champagne
Bride throwing bouquet
Groom retrieving garter
Groom tossing garter
Garter/Bouquet dance


Guests the photographer shouldn't miss: (provide your photographer with a seating chart so that he can easily identify them)
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________
_______________

Hi John

Thanks for this info... You really have thought of everything.... its really useful..

Thanks

Ernie

Ernie

Quick question. In a Group shot in a church wedding, are you gonna use modifiers like umbrella and all?

I was thinking of my speedlight only on top of my camera with a diffuser. Time seems to run so fast during the wedding so setting up lighting is i guess a waste of time. I'm also in the same situation. Mine is gonna be Sept the 18th.

sdipirro wrote in post #12877784
Regarding the memory cards, I'm planning to do exactly that. So I spoke to the groom at length last night, and there's a little wrinkle to what I was told before. They are planning to have the wedding ceremony outside, on the grounds of the Inn. They would also like to do the family and group photos out there before moving inside for the reception. So now I'm trying to figure out lighting setups for the outdoor shooting as well as indoors.

The wedding starts at 3pm. So at least the sun won't be directly overhead, assuming it's a sunny day. My plan is to find a scenic spot where the sun makes a nice hair/accent light. I don't yet know how many people I might have to shoot in some of these group shots. It's still being worked out. Can I get away with one off-camera light and modifier to fill shadows if there's decent ambient light? If so, would the 580EX flash be enough? I can use it with any Elinchrom modifier I have or my 22" beauty dish. Being able to use ETTL outside, with the changing lighting conditions, would be a plus, and I could just setup the strobes inside and leave them there. If I need a strobe for the outside shooting, it'll just complicate the transition from outside to inside...although I suppose I could just bring an extra strobe if I have to. The reception area lighting looks pretty poor. I'll probably set up two strobes in there and bounce them. Is bare bulb the right way to go for this or should I use reflectors to direct the light a bit more?

Your best bet is to make a pre-visit to the location (if possible) at this time of day. Are there any areas of open shade that will accommodate the groups for portraits? If so, you can use those. It may be possible to pose the groups so they are facing natural reflectors and OCF may not be necessary. I've always found it very difficult to use OCF in the first half of the wedding day, and I would think it would be extra difficult on a first wedding. People are always running late pre-ceremony, there is so much to cover between details, getting ready, the first look if there is one, formals, and ceremony logistics anyway. Then in post-ceremony portraits you have to hurry so you don't hold them up getting to the reception. I work a lot with Mint Photography out of San Antonio/Austin and we always make the best of the setting and the natural light. It works out

Just to folks reading this thread - it's a year old and presumably the OP has shot this particular wedding by now and no longer needs advise.

vinmunoz wrote in post #14890650
Quick question. In a Group shot in a church wedding, are you gonna use modifiers like umbrella and all?

I was thinking of my speedlight only on top of my camera with a diffuser. Time seems to run so fast during the wedding so setting up lighting is i guess a waste of time. I'm also in the same situation. Mine is gonna be Sept the 18th.

Sometimes you can get away with just bounce flash for formals. I try to use speedlites and umbrellas for indoor formals as much as possible. IMO it makes for a better quality photo, you get more consistent results, and it will make processing the photos much easier. Also many churches have high and/or dark ceilings making bounce flash very inefficient.

This thread is freakin' awesome. I'm shooting my first wedding next week. It's a very intimate, outdoor, super small wedding (more of an elopement), and it's friends, but I am getting paid well and I want to do a good job. So much gratitude for this site and for all the advise and wisdom here!!

Michael