Top Wedding Tips

[Snapaway]

Hi,

I photographed my first wedding on the weekend, thankfully a very casual affair with no church, just a marquee in the garden. Clearly I learnt a lot from doing this, but I'm curious - all you 'pros' out there, what is your top tip for photographing a wedding?

thanks

[jessika]

hi, i 2nd shoot for a few wedding photographers .. i dont know what mode you shoot in (e.g 'm' or manual) but i recommend shooting in AV mode .. just found this out a few days ago .. i was shooting in manual mode and had a wedding on saturday and the weather was horrible and manual had way to many things to change around so quikly but AV is a life saver, i spose you could say im converted lol .. but also shoot in RAW .. and invest in a good 'quick' lens .. do you have any pics to post so we can see?

cheers,
jess

[mbrown]

1. Have backup gear
2. Get plenty of sleep the night b4
3. Take a packed lunch and drinks
4. Fill your car the day b4
5. Fresh batteries, fresh batteries, fresh batteries
6. Be nice to everyone at the wedding (never know who your next client is)
7. Shoot as much in natural light as possible
8. Fast lenses
9. Set up the groups, ask everyone nicely to wait until you are done so that they don't distract the group, then let them get their shots.
10. Watch the light!! Careful with harsh side lighting outside, nothing worse than a big white blotch on the Brides face
11. Keep an eye on the outfits, hair, makeup to see if anything has gone out of whack.
12. Get a list of must have photos of Family members before the event, then organise with the B&G to have an usher help you get them on the day, you probably won't know who they are.
13. Visit the venues with the B&G in the couple of weeks b4 the big day, try and get there around the same time so you can check the lighting
14. From point 13, you should now be able to get some shots in your mind that you can be ready for on the day, example: I visited 2 venues on the weekend, and I have most of the set up bridal shots already planned, including the lighting I need etc. Usually these take a bit of setting up, but they end up being the wall shots.
15. Have fun, but not too much, try not to drink. Sometimes this is hard as some cultures may be insulted if you don't accept a celebratory drink, with these don't go overboard.
16. Comfortable shoes

There are easy another 100 or more that I could put up, but someone else can chime in now.

Oh and make sure you have FUN, there is nothing worse than a stiff photographer, you need to be enjoying yourself so that the subjects can relax and do the same.

[Snapaway]

Thank you both for your suggestions.

I did have lots of fun, but am a little disappointed with the outcome. I didn't really do any of the wonderful creative stuff you can do, but I was limited by the bride and groom not wanting the photographs to run the day. So I kinda just took some nice family shots, a few at the ceremony and then tried to get as many guests as I could.

It's certainly a full-on occupation. No time for a lot of thinking, you definitely need to have it all planned well in advance.

I'm not sure when/if I'll get the opportunity again, but I appreciate your suggestions.

Camilla

[jessika]

hi .. yes it can be a quick thinking game. thats why i asked what mode you shot in. AV makes it so much easier .. where are you located?

[Snapaway]

I actually got courageous and shot in manual mode but now see the sense in your suggestion to shoot AV - one less thing to think about is very appealing.

I'm located in Sydney - You Jess?

[jessika]

hah yeah .. i use manual every now and then .. inside mostly but AV is great when the wather is chopping and changing .. im located in brisbane .. do you have any pictures to post of this wedding???

[Snapaway]

My photoshop skills are totally non-existant, but I'm just doing some basic adjustments to some of the pics at the moment (struggling to find some time because of the school holidays). I'll post some in the next day or so though.

I just noticed your lenses, which is your favourite??

thanks

[jessika]

my lenses .. hmm .. i like them both .. but LOVE my 24-70mm f/2.8 .. very clear .. i usually shoot a wedding with it .. im looking at getting the 24-105mm just for that little bit more of a range so i dont have to lug the 70-200mm around.

i had photoshop but upgraded on computers and the ps i had wouldnt run on them so i got just an adobe element. i got element 6 i think ad it does the trick. i can do some fancy stuff if i need to but i just like to enhance colours etc to show off my photography.

[Snapaway]

Do you mind not having image stabilising in your lens??? I love the look of the 24-70mm but concerned I'll end up with some camera shake???

Now I'll have to figure out how to attach a couple of photos - they aren't true wedding shots, but hopefully they will be nice 'couple shots'.

[DG77]

Do you mind not having image stabilising in your lens??? I love the look of the 24-70mm but concerned I'll end up with some camera shake???


Just shoot at a faster shutter speed.
Usually most photos are taken outside with weddings so it's really not an issue. IS doesn't make that much difference on short lenses anyway, the 24-105 doesn't really need it IMO, if you want to shoot really slow shutter speeds use a tripod ! :)

[jessika]

yeah, i agree. i dont find that i get much camera shake .. well none at all that i can pick. its a very good lens .. i like it and it works for me .. try renting one and having a play and see what you think :)

[Snapaway]

thanks for the tips - i'll give one a try and see how I go.

[mbrown]

You don't really need IS in the shorter lenses, I have never had an issue with shake at that end.