August 11 2007

So I finally finished shooting my first wedding as the main. I've shot about 8-10+ weddings as a second/third shooter (although a few of those I felt like the main!), but this latest one I can officially call myself the main, meaning that I've had to deal with everything from the initial consultation, contracts, phone calls, emails, wedding coordinators, guest books, and more! Nobody told me there was 'this' much work involved, but you know, I've had a BLAST!

This was also my first time shooting a wedding with Cosworth. You've seen his pics already, so you know Cos is a pro, so shooting with him was like shooting with another main. Seriously, I probably asked him more questions throughout the day! We worked like gel together always knowing where the other would be, without having to say much. The odd glances across the rooms with the camera in one hand, grin, and head shaking usually meant 'CF FULL' or 'ERR 01'. We also never getting in each others way (unless purposely :P). Thanks again man!

I've got half of Cos's photos (350) and with all of mine I'm at around 1600 total. I probably need another 400 or so from Cosworth before I can really start going thru all the images. Just looking at some of the shots, I can't see how shooting such a wedding could be captured by one photographer. Specially when the groom and his groomsmen came over to the Brides house to bring her back to his house, having one shooter outside with the men, while the other shooter (me) was inside with the girls playing games before they allowed him in, could honestly ONLY of been done with two perspectives.

The shoot was about 16 hours long. Gear ready and in bed at 1230am, up at 7am, and shooting at the brides house by 830am. Cos started the day off at the grooms house. It was a Chinese wedding with two tea ceremonies at both houses before the wedding at a church, then to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen gardens, with a quick studio shoot at their grooms church, then to the Hyatt for the 12 course meal/reception. Last photo taken on my camera was at 12:07am. Wow. Lets just say I am 'feeling' it today. This was not only the first Chinese wedding I've captured, but also the first I've attended. It was a BLAST! I had SO much fun the entire day, I didn't even realize how fast time was going. The couple and their family were SO amazing, and I'm glad to say that I was blessed to shoot such an eventful day.

Okay well its already past my bedtime, but I figured I'd throw up a few shots from the morning of at Eva (brides) house.

Checking out her makeup:

Really nice images, even on my blackberry they look great first 3 are my faves, like the angle on the shoes and the lines on the silohette really add to it.

I hear yah on the two shooters comments and this is why ii never shoot alone, I don't think its possible to capture the story with 1 shooter.

I really like how they came out! I am only a beginner at weddings (if you can even call me one, i shoot my first wedding in september...and i have a lot to learn) and dont really know too much about them...

I would really like to see some more!

Banbert wrote in post #3718073
Really nice images, even on my blackberry they look great

Addict.

I do it too!

Thanks for your comments!!

Its been a crazy busy week and I have been preparing for my own engagement party this saturday (stay tuned for pics as Cosworth is taking snaps for me).

I'll skip ahead here in the day, as this one shot, is simply amazing. It was taken during our photo shoot between the wedding and reception at the Dr. San Yat-Sen Gardens. I wanted a nice and classy shot of the entire bridal party, and the backdrop of this building just did it for me. Then Cos had a great idea to hold up the veil and run as I took the shot, and it just simply turned out gold in my books! Great idea bro!

I love this photo. Such a great group to work with and this captures it perfectly.

Guju still has lipstick on him.

Very impressed. I can see your skills are waisted as a second shooter. You have a lot of creativity. I love your color and composition.

The group photo is great. I love the way the couple on the left is behind the wall. I am probably still thinking to symmetrical. Not sure I would have thought of that.

Post more!!

I really like #2!

ToddziLLa wrote in post #3719258
Addict.

I do it too!

What better way to kill time in an airport eh

Great work! I especially love the group shot!

Lynn

The group shot is cool. Can you reduce the highlights and bring up the shadows a bit? Then again it might spoil the photo - perhaps give it a go?

I love all the pictures, especially the group shot. What a beautiful couple.

Fixed

Visual Bride wrote in post #3748565
Very impressed. I can see your skills were wasted as a second shooter. You have a lot of creativity. I love your colour and composition.

He was main shooter on this wedding. I was there to just help out.

Nice pics! I agree with the rest, the group shot is really good!

I love a good traditional Chinese wedding! Congratulations! The tea cups are just like the ones I have, but mine are plastic.:o because I have little kids. But very nice reflection shot. I also like the group shot, very non-traditional, but really works. There is so much tradition. At my son's wedding festivities, the owner of the restaurant are old friends of my son and gave him the ceremonial red veil to put on his bride's head. The groom uses a huge chopstick to remove the veil from the bride at the end of the ceremony. I've never seen that done before, but it was neat! Yes, it is an all day affair. Glad you were up to it.