Wedding Rule of Thumbs

Thought I'd get some input from all the 'pros' out there on the must have rule of thumbs in wedding photog, such as comp when metering dresses, etc etc. If there are any out there, it would be appreciated for those of us learning - albeit wedding photog is so run and shoot that there may not be many 'rules'.

Hello,

We're just getting started with wedding photography; however, from talking to folks who do weddings all of the time, these seem to be common tools to always keep in your bag:

- a cheerfull attitude
- confidence
- preparation for the unexpected
- backup equipment (body, lenses, lights, flash cards)
- punctuality
- rapport with the bride, groom, and your clients

A white balance card (whi-bal) and light meter are a good idea, but you probably won't have time to use them as often as you'd like to. For an outdoor event, an assistant wearing an 18% grey shirt with a white/gold bounce reflector and a second camera is also a good idea.

The most important thing to remember about people photography in general is that happy people make better / more sellable portraits. Your customers will not want to remember a bad experience, so get the shots, be as unobtrusive as you can, and do everything within reason to make sure that the day is as positive and memorable as possible.

Good luck!

Firstly I'd call it "Rules odf Thumb"

My tip - Don't panic!

this is a hard question to ask because there are so many! i think my fellow georgian says it very well. i think preparedness is the best thing. having what you need to get the job done and being prepared for the unexpected. a keen eye for candids are important! every shot counts! gud luck

OK I admit I'm a newb, but do they actually make those?

EOS_JD wrote:
Firstly I'd call it "Rules odf Thumb"

My tip - Don't panic!

the hardest "rule" for me to nail. I've only done a few, but I still freak a bit. Unfortunately, it causes for quite a few missed or bad shots because of stupid mistakes. But I'm getting there!

So yeah, don't panic!

I guess that the "Don't panic" and the "Be prepared" things come with experience only ...

well its not going to be a perfict 18% grey, but you can get darned close. Just buy a greycard, and walk into a store trying to match it the best possible. I'm sure you can get close.

I had never thought if this idea before, Ill have to try it.

Actually, they do make them. I've seen them on more than one occassion. Only problem is...what if it fades?

Ronald S. Jr. wrote:
Actually, they do make them. I've seen them on more than one occassion. Only problem is...what if it fades?

Buy a six pack Gotta wonder if Wall-Mart has some T's that will do the job

I've shot a few weddings, but it's been years. I didn't enjoy it very much, but
one thing that made some of them far less stressful; an assistant or photo
director. In that case, it was my wife.
While I was setting up cameras, changing film, she was getting everyone
together, getting them posed for the next shot. It made things go a whole
lot smoother. We got all the shots the Bride & Groom wanted, with a minimum
of fuss.
Also, take at least 2 of each piece of gear you'll be using. Three would be
better. I can testify to how happy you'll feel when your camera stops working
for no reason you can understand, but you have a backup. Lenses don't
malfunction as much, but things happen. You can get by with another lens
but no camera body..you're toast! Flash/strobe units, almost as important
as the bodies.
And never eat or drink at the wedding reception. Particulary if you're getting well paid, and not just doing a family favor. It's bad form, and
sometimes, people who are paying, resent you eating their food. I've been
offered, but always politely refused. I'm there to work, and I looked more
professional that way. What if you miss a shot because you're eating cake?
Eat befor e you go. Even if the clients don't mind, you still look more professional not eating at the reception. At least that's my opinion.

Summary:

1. Always have backup gear, always. Don't even take the job if you don't
have at least two bodies, and two strobes, and two of your most used
lens. Three would be even better.

2. Use an assistant if at all possible, to organize the wedding party photos.

3. Don't eat or drink at the wedding reception.

And before the wedding, weeks before, if you've met with the Bride and groom, and established a list of shots/poses you know they want, it can
be most helpful. Believe me, it makes it easier.

Just my .02 worth.

I'm going to go against a lot of what Jeff said, perhaps because times have changed, or because things are different in different locations. Backup gear is essential, no professional would work without a backup body at least. Backup lighting is useful, a couple of speedlites is helpful, i'm not sure if Jeff means portable lighting or studio lighting when he says strobes. Studio lighting is nice to have, though not essential here. Very few pro's take studio lighting with them to a wedding here.

I've used an assistant a few times, and for large weddings it can help. In general though I prefer to work by myself. Having a 2nd photographer who can cover things you can't get to can be helpful sometimes, but in general once you get used to the stress and busyness of a wedding you shouldn't need one.

As for eating and drinking, that varies by location. Here it's assumed that you will eat, even if it is from the buffet after the guests have eaten. I've read that in some parts of the US, the south IIRC, people are offended if you don't eat with them. Unless it's a very expensive served meal I always eat at a reception. Given I work for 8-10 hours unless I eat I have to leave the wedding to get some food, or eat something i've bought with me.

Tim,
How could you go against anything I say...you know I'm always right..if you don't believe it, just ask me.
Seriously, just wanted to clarify some statements I made.

I still refer to on camera units as strobes, so I did not mean studio lights. I guess that's possible, but I've never done a wedding with studio lighting, nor have I seen it done. That is not to say it's not or hasn't been done, just that I've not seen it.

Assistant refers to a helper, not another photographer. In my case, my wife. In other cases, maybe a friend, associate...anyone who can help organize people for the wedding shots, will make it easier. I've shot weddings without an assistant, and it's much easier with one.

Eating at receptions. I'll just say, it's better not to, if you're getting paid to do the wedding. Although, customs are different from area to area. I've never offended anyone by not eating, but I've seen some people get upset watching a highly paid photographer eat, instead of take photos. Then again, I'm in the SE USA, so it may be different elsewhere.

Bottom line, you dont' want to do anything to offend your clients.

Not eating isn't an option for me, it's the when and where that's negotiable! At my last wedding I knew there was no meal, I bought a sandwich, went and sat by a lake, and ate my lunch in peace! It was great

I explain to the customer that if i'm given a seat at the reception and a meal i'll be there at all times, if i'm not I will go away for a half hour to eat. If i'm there I almost always end up leaving my meal for a few minutes to take a shot of this or that, which would've been missed if i'd gone to eat somewhere else.

This is definitely something that will vary between countries, regions, and the people having the wedding.

Now I understand a bit more. If I was invited, had a seat reserved..etc, that would be different. I was thinking from the standpoint of wandering around the reception hall, and "helping myself".

You are right of course, that customs will vary by region and country. It's just important that your clients be happy with you.
I attended two weddings one summer, 2 months apart. (I had 2 brother in laws get married the same year.)
Two different photographers. First wedding was well done, but photographers were arrogrant, acted like they were doing everyone a favor by doing this wedding. (they were being well paid)
Second wedding, the photographer was friendly, courteous, sort of blended in, almost like he was part of the family.
Guess who had the best photos?