HOTEL wedding, what would you do?

the weather forecast has taken a turn for the worst for saturday, my bride just called and nixed the outside stuff. Which means, everything is at the hotel. Any tips on how to make this work? I have a few ideas, but the formals are going to be a problem, unless they have a nice suite

Maybe there's room in the foyer, with some plants around? How about a staircase? You didn't say if there was a party room for the reception?

-Mcikey

Nice staircase is the best bet. Also, make sure if you get a room, you take studio lights with you. We took portraits at a hotel where the photographers put a nice gray backdrop from ceiling to floor and it was very nicely lit. If you have a grand staircase, take a nice prime and get the subjects in focus and everything else slightly off.

go ahead of time, scout it out. Regardless of shooting locations, find another locations as a backup incase you aren't allowed there, too many others in the way etc.

a few umbrella shots are always fun too

there is no staircase at this hotel. they have a bar area in the lobby, and a restaurant
off to one side. I cant remember if there is a fireplace there or not. I am going to look at it tomorrow, since it has been a while since i have shot there. going to take the white lightning and two speedlights. What is a good color backdrop? I may make a quick stop at teh fabric store friday. I have a nice blue muslin, but would prefer something darker to work with.

backdrop?

whats the point in going to the hotel then? you could do the same thing in studio.

I'd fine a very elegant hotel or unique building and have some fun. The couple is already being limited in photo opportunites by the weather, so have some fun with them

backdrop is a backup. I plan on using environment. I think we can have some fun.

Must scout out the hotel. Sometimes the lobby is very nice. Other times, you may be able find something at the hotel restaurant, etc. You never know. Too bad the weather is bad. I went to a reception that took place on the roof of a very nice hotel and it was glass covered. Inside or out, it was great.

yeah, I am going to go with a simple, portable lighting setup (580ex and EF500 Super)
to shoot around the foyer of the hotel.

Disneyland (California) Hotel Wedding.

http://www.danpettusim​ages.com/yulfo/

The ceremony was outside but everything else inside the hotel. We attempted to get the couple (individually) outside as much as possible before nightfall.

Inside we use two 600 W/S radio slave strobes pointed at the ceiling along with the on camera 580EX units. We always do this if possible in dark room or the images look like “snapshots”. At least we get some fill around the subjects along with the on-camera strobe units.

…Dan … http://www.danpettusph​oto.com

Definitely agree to scout out the hotel. A couple of my favorite weddings (where I got to be most creative) this year didn't do outside because of weather but the hotels were great fun. You'll find couches, chairs and tables stuck away in corners, cool furniture in the bar, etc. Unless, of course, it's a Motel 6 or something

I did some scouting

I did some scouting yesterday. there is a gorgeous piano setup in the lobby. the bar area is large, and lots of nice windows inthe restaurant. There is going to be another reception taking place near the fountain at 4pm, along with people being at the bar
watching the football game. The rain will most likely be over by the time they are
ready, but I doubt she is going to go anywehre once the dress is on.

Duhh just shoot where you are nice and sharp whats the problem? not yours for sure as you can only do what is available, with what you have. lets face it you still get paid


Martin

wilky95 wrote in post #2248737
Duhh just shoot where you are nice and sharp whats the problem? not yours for sure as you can only do what is available, with what you have. lets face it you still get paid


Martin

A truly 'professional' attitude.

The bride has booked a photographer, based on his portfolio, which contains some genuinely artistic photo's. Presumably that's why she chose him?

So just turning up and shooting some stuff without a care for the results would not really be an option, whether he's getting paid or not.

Let us know how you get on Scott. and Good Luck.

OK - yesterday's wedding was in a hotel, step below a Holiday Inn, but a step above a Motel 6. Basically I had a lobby and a bar to work with - and the wedding was in a big meeting room that was also the reception room. It was also 34 degrees F and windy - chilly day! We did go outside and I used the maintenance shed garage door along with a woodpile in a corner to get a couple "artsy" shots for the couple. The bride & groom hired me for my "artistic" approach and didn't want very many formals - wanted "fun" and "casual" and "romantic" as well as capturing the day. Here's my take on a budget hotel wedding:

http://www.allurephoto​graphystudio.com/share​/sara&raymond.exe (12.15 MB)

Two weeks ago was another hotel meeting room wedding/reception. This was a nicer hotel, but still pushed the creativity. A nice waterfall/rock sculpture in the lobby worked for formals and such (it mirrored the rock/waterfalls in our town) and I was able to find a few chairs/tables tucked away for a couple images, plus make use of some heavily windowed hallways. Here's my hotel wedding, type 2:

http://www.allurephoto​graphystudio.com/share​/melanie&ray.exe (12.90 MB)

And another wedding from a couple months ago that was purely in a hotel, though the slideshow isn't quite as polished as the more recent ones:

http://www.allurephoto​graphystudio.com/share​/charissa&jeremy.exe (9 MB)

Hotel weddings shouldn't be any less creative than church/park weddings. Just make good use of natural light, windows, architectural details, etc., and you should be able to deliver a decent product.