First Wedding... What did I learn?

My brother in law asked me to shoot his wedding. It was a very interesting experience. Had it not been he asked me, because he didn't have the money for a 'professional' photographer, I wouldn't have done it.

I'd consider myself a 'reasonably compliant' photographer, but I have had no experience shooting weddings previously, and new it would be a challenge, and should be able to get some great photos; it would be fun, but no doubt a learning experience. I spent a lot of time researching and reading.

What did I learn?

PREVIEW THE VENUE: This venue was EXTREMELY tough. Did I mention they were on a very tight budget? Had I visited in advanced I think I would have been better prepared. Those who shoot regular weddings might be more familiar with the nuisance of each, if you don't know it, go visit the venue in advance if you can.

GEAR: I shot with a 7d. Not the 'ideal' body for this sort of an event, but its all I had (except a backup rebel which I didn't think I would have to use). I used a Speedlite 580ex II (a must have), had backups of flash cards, batteries etc. I backed up the photos to my laptop with my son's help during the event. I shot with a 28-70 2.8 mostly because it was so dark, (yes the older 28-70), and the 24-105 4.0 because I like that lens so much, a wide angle canon 10-24 (a bit). What did I learn? on the 7d (or any crop body) the 28-70 2.8 is not wide enough for most wedding shots. (the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 would be better the 24-70 *might).

2.8 DOF: 2.8 can create very shallow DOF when your close, be careful when your close to your subject, back it off to 3.2 or higher. Just have to be more careful than you think, even if you 'get' this principle.

FLASH is CRITICAL: Get a good flash (and a backup for weddings).. .(no 'on camera' flash), and get a diffuser or certain. Practice flash photography, I did in advance, and its essential, I need to learn more about it too. Bounce flash when you can. I left it on ETTL and it works fine.

SHOOT ON MANUAL MODE: Just practice, you'll find it will give you what you need with practice, makes the flash work they way you want. The flash makes up for a TON in lack of lighting etc.

TAKE LOTS OF SHOTS: Need I say more? Better to throw away a bunch, then not have enough.

WATCH YOUR BACKGROUNDS: I had so many distracting background elements to watch out for, your location might be better, but watch it closely in each shot. Nothing new here, just something that was more prominent to avoid than I realized.

OTHER 'PHOTOGRAPHERS': Everybody has a camera now-a-days. You have to now when and how to get the attention of those you photograph. Even if its your 'setup', everybody pull out their camera and distract your subjects. This makes group photos very hard to capture, so take charge, raise your hand, ask others if need to hold off a sec.

ASSISTANT: Having somebody to trail you looking for wardrobe malfunctions etc, while you take photos can be very helpful, for other stuff too, that you won't see until you post process photos.

There has been a lot said about weddings, but these were the high points that I learned. If you are going to shoot a wedding, I would HIGHLY recommend doing it 2nd camera 1st (a luxury I didn't have). Then read a lot on the subject, its time well spent.

Here are a couple photos from the event.. Enjoy.. any CC on them is fine.. I find a few problems in each.

Bridal photos done before the wedding at a location of my choosing

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

Not bad for a first go.... Would like to see more!
Although I don't understand why you would think a 7D is not an ideal wedding camera.....I totally disagree with you there. Full frame isn't the only way to shoot weddings. The 7D is a very capable camera, and personally I think it's more about the driver than the car.

A full frame is better for low light, and from the range of lenses I had, 7d is too long. Having said that, I think the 7d is VERY capable, just not 'ideal'... and yes, the driver is more important than the gear, we agree. Thanks for your feedback.

Your equipment list is missing one thing - ADVIL.

28 is too long on a crop frame? I mean, perhaps for an extreme wide angle, but how close are you standing to them exactly? For the ceremony, I think it's preferable to shoot long and stand further away. Being full frame has nothing to do with low light capabilities. Low light capabilities are affected by the ISO handling on the body and other than that, they are affected by what kind of lens you're using.

auroraskye wrote in post #10108307
28 is too long on a crop frame? I mean, perhaps for an extreme wide angle, but how close are you standing to them exactly? For the ceremony, I think it's preferable to shoot long and stand further away. Being full frame has nothing to do with low light capabilities. Low light capabilities are affected by the ISO handling on the body and other than that, they are affected by what kind of lens you're using.

Most situations yes, shooting long is better, it was so dark however, that it made it difficult. I was shooting more stuff from say 10-15 ft, the ceremony farther.

No.1 is a great location, the coloring of the marble stairs really compliments the dress. The pose seems a little awkward for me.

I think these are excellent, esp considering it is your first wedding! I appreicate your pointers, as my husband & I are shooting our first wedding 5/29. I second let us see more!

Canon 7D is great for weddings. If you're talking about low light, then your lenses listed in your signature are the weak point. I do all my weddings with the 7D and a 50D and both are great but the 7D is even better with the advanced focusing system... paired with an f/2.8 lens or larger and you have a great setup.

Your pics are nice, only the first pic.. I don't like the shadow around the bride.

I prefer the 7d over my 5d without getting into the full crop sensor issue.

The 7d is so sweet in low light and add a nice L series lens to it and it takes a lot of beating.

I use a 7d with 17-55 F2.8 is and a 5dII with 70-200 L series IS F2.8, makes life so much easier without lens changes.

auroraskye wrote in post #10108307
28 is too long on a crop frame? I mean, perhaps for an extreme wide angle, but how close are you standing to them exactly? For the ceremony, I think it's preferable to shoot long and stand further away. Being full frame has nothing to do with low light capabilities. Low light capabilities are affected by the ISO handling on the body and other than that, they are affected by what kind of lens you're using.

Actually Full Frame Sensors are able to handle higher ISO settings with lower overall noise, which is why Camera's like the 5D Mark2 and the Nikon D700 are able to have such tremendous High ISO performance... simply because the MP's are not so crowded on the sensor as they are with a crop...

FamilyJules wrote in post #10107387
Not bad for a first go.... Would like to see more!
Although I don't understand why you would think a 7D is not an ideal wedding camera.....I totally disagree with you there. Full frame isn't the only way to shoot weddings. The 7D is a very capable camera, and personally I think it's more about the driver than the car.

HERE HERE!!! I've been using a 50D and it's served me well. Time for an upgrade, yes, but a 7D is not a bad camera to shoot a wedding with.

Excellent work for the first time out. Would enjoy seeing more of your work. I maybe in the same situation a year from now.

great post on tips. I started doing Weddings about a year ago and was lucky enough to assist two pros who pretty much taught me the ins and outs. I never really think about now what its like for people who don't normally shoot weddings and don't have that knowledge. Great job on your 1st go. I would concur with what a few others have said that crop bodies aren't necessarily better. In fact, I personally prefer crop bodies at weddings for the extra reach, especially during ceremonies.

I like your shots, at least you get to see faces.