Everyone panic..!

[Arun Nicklen]

Ok so I've just accepted a job. I am to take photo's for my boss's sisters wedding (It's my first). OK well where to start...

The wedding is in 10 weeks. I still have to meet the couple, and arrange places and what not. I'm panicing because I am the main photographer, and I don't know whether I'm ready for this or not. I am going to do the photography for cost price of the prints, because I'm using it as experience.

- What do I need to take?

- How should I proceed with a schedule? (I.e, Brides house first, ceremony second, snaps around town third, reception last, etc.)

- How do I present photo's to bride and groom before sending them away to print?

Any help will be greatly appreciated because I am freaking out. What do I do if all pictures are sucky? :eek:
How many photos should I take? (Fill up all my cards?) Should I take them RAW or JPG?

Cheers guys. I have 10 weeks to learn how to do this.

[MistieWatters]

If you have the software to do PP on the photos, shoot them RAW so that you can retain as much information as humanly possible so that you can do some super duper edits for the B&G.

Take a deep breath! 10 weeks is a decent length of time to get yourself together. I have seen your work, trust me, you are ready for this!!!

As for presenting the pics to the B&G before sending them off for printing, put them on a CD, but WATERMARK EVERYTHING! Remember, you would have put a lot of work into these images and you don't want them printing them on some crappy home printer! If you are going to have someone else displaying your work and they are not paying top dollar for it (just the price of the prints as you say) then the least you can do for yourself is make sure the images are printed on your terms, not theirs. Remember, word of mouth is a powerful tool when it comes to exposure, so you don't want crappy inkjet photos being displayed for the world to see, you want decent quality prints so that when someone sees your marvellous work they can appreciate the full quality of the photo.

Having never shot a wedding in any other capacity than that of a guest, the rest of your questions I will leave for someone else to answer.

Trust me, you will be fine!

P.S. If you need help editing..... ;)

[Arun Nicklen]

Ok cool. What would be a good prgram to use to apply watermarks. Also can I do it in photoshop elements? Thanks for positive feedback.

[Smorter]

If you had of posted this on a wedding forum you'd be hammered like crazy :D

But seriously though, make sure you get a 2nd camera (either second 450D but a 5D would be preferable), a second flash (580EX II and also a CP-E4 Battery pack) and faster lenses (specifically 2.8 zooms or primes if possible) and possibly a monopod or tripod for the ceremony shots from the back of the church. Also get a decent UWA. 16-35mm f/2.8 II (or even 14L II) plus 5D is ideal but may be too costly for you so I'd suggest a Tokina 11-16 f/2.8

e.g. 17-55 IS, 70-200 2.8 IS, 35L, 85L, 135L on monopod/tripod etc.

Unlike landscape photography or macro, where often skill and patience is more important than equipment, wedding photography requires the right gear as well as top notch skills and experience

Good luck!

[findonsa]

You may want to check the magazine Practical Digital Photography (UK magazine) issue June 2008, in there they have a very nice article on how to shoot wedding, which covers everything from preparation, gear, how and what to shoot with sample shots, etc. I found the article very comprehensive and useful. There're still a few copies at the Central Plaza Newsagency (under David Jones in Rundle Mall Adelaide - I recalled you live in SA right?).

And yeah of course good luck.

[MistieWatters]

Ok cool. What would be a good prgram to use to apply watermarks. Also can I do it in photoshop elements? Thanks for positive feedback.

Yup, you could do it in Elements. I could possibly make you a brush you could use which has a copyright symbol and whatever name you wanted to use (I use my artistic name on my watermark - never my real name) then you just set the brush colour to whatever colour you like and deem fit for the image and then set it to 50% opacity.

What version of elements are you using? I say "possibly make you a brush" depending on the version of elements you have.

CS3 is going cheap on ebay at the moment (under $200), if you got a copy of that, I could definitely get you set up with a brush for watermarking :)

[Arun Nicklen]

What version of elements are you using? I say "possibly make you a brush" depending on the version of elements you have.



I am currently using Photoshop elements 6.0
I am still fiddling with it and learning more every photo I edit.

I live in Queensland so that magazine might be a little hard to get hold of. Might check out in brissy when down there next.

Cheers guys

[findonsa]

I live in Queensland so that magazine might be a little hard to get hold of. Might check out in brissy when down there next.


Oops, my bad, must be mistaken with someone else. But I reckon you should still check out some newsagents to see if there's anything. I also suggest you try to master the post processing techniques because that is an essential part. Try Google to find some tutorials or buy a book on how to post process portraits etc.

Just my another 2c.

[Photogenic]

I think your first step would be to talk to the bride and or groom (or both) to find out exactly what type of photos they would like. Then work from there.

I like to break the shoot up into separate portrait sessions instead of looking at the wedding as a whole - helps to make it less daunting.

Eg say they want shots of the bridge getting ready, the groom waiting at the venue, the brides arrival, formal shots after the wedding and informal shots at the reception this is 5 separate portrait sessions.

Find out what shots they really want in each session and make sure you get these - people always have an idea of at least a few photos that they really want so you have to be aware of these before the day and work them in.

Secondly you have to look at timing for everything - what time will the ceremony start? You need to make sure you time all the photos so you are not rushed. Remember to take into account travel time if you have to drive from where the bride is getting ready to the wedding venue. I like to leave about 45 minutes for the getting ready shots if they only want a couple of photos with makeup and then fully dressed before the ceremony - the same with the groom and groomsmen.

Thirdly once you have worked out the above - write it out and go through this with the bride and groom to make sure you have covered everything and then work to this schedule on the day. You probably won't be able to follow it exactly as someone always holds up proceedings but as long as you get it close you will be right.

As for equipment, if you feel you need something else look to see if you can hire something in your area. I am hiring a f(4) 24-105mm L IS USM lens for a wedding I am doing in October - the cost to buy would be out of my reach but hiring for the weekend is more than reasonable - if you plan on doing this make sure you include the cost of the hire in what you charge (especially for this day as you are doing it really cheaply for them).

Lastly have a look at different wedding photos - online, in magazines etc to get a feel for the types of photos you would look for.

I hope this isn't too daunting, I like to do a bit of research before I do any photography session like this so I feel as prepared as possible. I am also just starting out so it isn't all second nature to me yet.

Linda

[MDSimpson]

Well said, Photogenic.
I am going through the same thing, just not my boss's sister??
I had my meeting with the happy couple at the reception/ceremony venue yesterday.
Got details of numbers, colours, style of photos required and names of all relevant people. Took some test shots inside and out (praying for an overcast day) and I am now comfortable in the fact I have all the gear I am going to need.

Arun,
All I can offer is ask lots of questions of EVERYONE, get some ideas in your head.
I have also printed hand notes and also some thumbnail images of what I would like to take shots of, different styles etc and I'll have these with me as well to make sure I do not forget anything.
I don't know who is more nervous, bride and groom or myself....

[Photogenic]

That's a great idea with the hand notes and thumbnail images - I did that for the first maternity session I did and it worked really well, strangely I never even thought of doing it for weddings - great idea.

MDSimpson - how do you like the EF 24-105mm L lens? I have a feeling this should give you a great range for during the ceremony because you can't exactly tell the bride to stop walking down the aisle while you change lenses can you?

I think it would be easier to do the first session for a total stranger - I am doing my first paid one for a friend and it does put extra pressure on you. I have photographed weddings before but never charged for them - strange how a bit of money changing hands makes all the difference.

Also great idea with doing test shots of the location - I am going to do this for my wedding (luckily it's an outside ceremony so provided it doesn't rain I at least don't have to worry about lighting inside a church).

I guess something I didn't think to mention is knowing when sunset is going to be. I know this was a factor I discussed with the bride as they wanted photos before sunset but also some shots on the beach with the sun setting on the horizon - I luckily have a disk with this information but you would be able to find it on google - then if the timing of their wedding is going to be too late for lighting conditions they may have to move it forward so you can get the photos they want. (If the wedding is in 10 weeks from 22nd August I'm guessing it's about 1st November - sunset in Gladstone (which is the closest I have for your area) on this date will be 6:09pm)

[MDSimpson]

[QUOTE=Photogenic;38763]That's a great idea with the hand notes and thumbnail images - I did that for the first maternity session I did and it worked really well, strangely I never even thought of doing it for weddings - great idea.

MDSimpson - how do you like the EF 24-105mm L lens? I have a feeling this should give you a great range for during the ceremony because you can't exactly tell the bride to stop walking down the aisle while you change lenses can you?


[QUOTE]

Hi Linda, I LOVE the 24-105. IS is great. The etst shots I did on Sunday with my 20mm f1.8 allowed me to test lighting, at the same time of the wedding, at various f/stops. I found there is just enough light to do F/4 handheld, thanks to IS. Great investment.

[WitnessOnly]

OK PhotoGenic is all over it...

Sunset bl@@dy importatant!

OK You have most of the advice you need to get you over the line...

What's your boss like??? Doesn't matter. His SISTER will be all over you if you stuff it up ;-)

Don't Panic!

You are in a mess of bother, but I suspect you know that ;-)

OK All the bad has been tabled, good....



Now time for some problem solving!

All right, PG is a guiding light on this one, GOOD advice!

My little tip, 'The Bride' is the focus, everything else is bling...

OK Keep her happy! Simple,

Here's the equation for a successful wedding shot. Keep Bride Happy, be sharp, watch time...

A priest said that the most important person at a wedding is the photographer..... We set the Vibe and the Pace...

Charge your batteries, clear your cards...


Now 'RECORD' the day


Don't try for to many fancy things, focus, and exposure... Oh yeah, and smile!


If it helps think of it as a 'Play'... start, middle, end.

Be aware of what the 'next bit is'... the rest...... read over, from the top!

YOU'LL BE FINE!


WO

[Arun Nicklen]

Thanks everyone for all the import info that I wouldn't have remembered or even thought about. I went into Brissy today to TED's in Queen St. Bought another battery, Polarising filter, and new lens hood. Hopefully I wont need to much more, maybe another 4g SD before the big day, and was hoping to have, I think its a "EF 85mm f/1.8" for some portraits.

This is the gear I have to shoot this wedding.
- Canon 450D
- 18-55mm Kit lens
- 75-300mm Kit lens + Lens hood
- 430EX II Flash
- Hoya Polarising Filter
- Reflector
- 2x Batteries
- 24x AA Batteries
- 2x 4gig SD + 1x 512mb SD
- And in an EMERGENCY Fujifilm S5700 if all else fails.

Anything I've forgoten?
Cheers Arun

[Shaddsi]

Get a bounce card if you can, they are cheap and usually velcro onto your flash, it can help with your indoors shots. This way you can bounce more light onto your subject without having to worry about high ceilings or coloured walls!

[Smorter]

Thanks everyone for all the import info that I wouldn't have remembered or even thought about. I went into Brissy today to TED's in Queen St. Bought another battery, Polarising filter, and new lens hood. Hopefully I wont need to much more, maybe another 4g SD before the big day, and was hoping to have, I think its a "EF 85mm f/1.8" for some portraits.

This is the gear I have to shoot this wedding.
- Canon 450D
- 18-55mm Kit lens
- 75-300mm Kit lens + Lens hood
- 430EX II Flash
- Hoya Polarising Filter
- Reflector
- 2x Batteries
- 24x AA Batteries
- 2x 4gig SD + 1x 512mb SD
- And in an EMERGENCY Fujifilm S5700 if all else fails.

Anything I've forgoten?
Cheers Arun

Hi Arun

I know I sound like a broken record but you forgot an extra camera. I mean a usable extra camera, P&S are fine for holiday snapshots but not for weddings. I don't mean any offence with what I'm suggesting below, just offering my personal opinion:

Imo another body was more important than what you purchased (battery, hood, polariser). Out of those 3 the battery was perhaps the only thing you really needed whereas the hood and polariser money could have gone to a body. Both are useful, especially the polariser when outdoors to get the sky bluer, but again, I'd take an extra body over those any day.

Also you need to save money where you can, for what you paid at Teds for a spare battery you could have got probably two batteries off here: http://www.diamondbackbatt.com/canonequivalentlp-e5battery.aspx
(very reputable, last longer than OEM Canon batteries)

You need another flash as backup, as on board is not an acceptable option unless you're photographing entirely outdoors, in which case it is not ideal but usable. Flashes do fail, and I always get 580EX flashes now as they are faster and more powerful (430EX is great, but requires more chimping for me as it doesn't have flash exposure bracketing)

Sorry is 24X AA necessary? If you had a Battery pack for a 580EX maybe, but otherwise just get two sets of rechargeables e.g. Maha Powerex or Imedion or Sanyo Eneloops. If those are too costly, then the 2650mah duracells work great with their standard charger. Don't get the 15min fast chargers they kill the life of the battery.

What if your 18-55 breaks?

What if the church doesn't allow flash, is your 75-300 fast enough?

What if your 450D locks up with ERR99s?

Imo you need:
1. Extra body (e.g. 400D can be had for about $600 canon aus warranty now)
2. Extra normal zoom lens or instead you can get two primes to act as backup, and also for available light shots(ideally 24L/35L and 50L/85L but if on budget a 85 1.8 and a 35 f/2 would have to do. Maybe 50 f/1.8 but I wouldn't personally use it for available light as AF is a bit patchy though people get good results)
3. Extra Flash Gun (preferably 580EX)
4. A fast telephoto lens and monopod/tripod if no IS for the back of church stuff (e.g. 135L for about $980) Ideally the 70-200 f/2.8IS would be best here

If you can't afford try and borrow some stuff off a friend, but really I wouldn't dare going to a wedding with one of each item.

[Arun Nicklen]

I'll have to work a fair bit more overtime to buy all that stuff, lol. I'll see what I can do before the wedding...

[DG77]

Smorter forgot to mention you'll also need a 1200 5.6L, can't do a wedding without it.
You need to be able to shoot the wedding from the next suburb, and only this lens can achieve that.. :)
I think your biggest omission (appart from the 1200 of course :)) is a fast constant aperture lens. A 24-70 2.8L would be very useful, I think you should at least considering hiring one if you can't afford it.
Plenty of people on here always recommend the 50 1.8.
Yes it's cheap, but you get what you pay for. I have the 50 1.4 and it's not that great, shooting wide open with these types of lenses it fairly hit and miss, I wouldn't be risking it at a wedding.
Think you should also look at a decent diffuser for your speedlight. I just picked up a Gary Fong Lightsphere 2 for just under $70 incl. freight and have to say I'm very impressed. It gives you the ability to bounce your flash when you have nothing to bounce off of, and pretty much eliminates almost all flash shadows making it look like you have shot with available light.

[wadesta]

Okay Arun, number 1, Relax!! How can you focus on shooting somthing this important if your flustered and stressed?? I know its hard and what not but jusst relax. Next, ask lots of questions. Meet up with the Bride and Groom at the venue and go through with them what you can and cant do and ask them what they were looking for. Not everyone is after artistic photos, some are still after the traditional "ma and pa" holding the pitchfork pose! And most importantly, look at your presentation, especially if you are looking at getting into this a bit more profesionally. Not that long ago, I spoke to a wedding photographer (He was shooting my girlfriend, expanding his portfolio to lingere shots and what not) and he was saying that he gets his hair cut a week before the wedding and makes sure his suit is all nice and clean. You dont want to be rocking up looking like a bogan!

Now, he went through his equipment with me and he had 2 bodies! Not one as a spare, rather he had 3 lenses in his bag and used to run 2 lenses at the same time. This way, he wasnt wasting time swapping lenses all the time. He could just set his 2 bodies up for what he wanted and run from there. You never know what sort of shot you are going to miss from having the wrong lense on your body! He also had 3 flash guns, all with diffuses and 2 transmitters (Is it too late to mention that he uses 30D's With battery grips) This allowed him to either run on camera or off camera flashes and also he could set his light where ever he wanted. And, if needed, he could slap one on each camera and not worry about off camera, yet still have a spare. He also had like 4 tripods. One for each flash and one for the camera if needed. He stressed that its important to have at least 2 spare batteries for each item (Bodys and Flashes) and a spare CF card for each setup, just incase of failure.

He was saying that he tries to get along to the rehersals and go mega snap happy with different setups so he can see which setup is going to be optimal for him before the big day. This way, you get the right lense setup and you can also play around with flash position and setup.

Im sorry I cant help with which lense setup you should be using, but honestly, I think that only you can decide that because you know what the venue looks like, what the lighting is like, etc. I mean, for all we know, this could be an outdoor wedding.

I hope it all goes well for you! And just remember, if all goes wrong, there is always Mexico! But I think you will be fine! Just look at it as another bunch of photos that your gonna take! Enjoy it!

[Smorter]

Smorter forgot to mention you'll also need a 1200 5.6L, can't do a wedding without it.
You need to be able to shoot the wedding from the next suburb, and only this lens can achieve that.. :)
I think your biggest omission (appart from the 1200 of course :)) is a fast constant aperture lens. A 24-70 2.8L would be very useful, I think you should at least considering hiring one if you can't afford it.
Plenty of people on here always recommend the 50 1.8.
Yes it's cheap, but you get what you pay for. I have the 50 1.4 and it's not that great, shooting wide open with these types of lenses it fairly hit and miss, I wouldn't be risking it at a wedding.
Think you should also look at a decent diffuser for your speedlight. I just picked up a Gary Fong Lightsphere 2 for just under $70 incl. freight and have to say I'm very impressed. It gives you the ability to bounce your flash when you have nothing to bounce off of, and pretty much eliminates almost all flash shadows making it look like you have shot with available light.

The 1200L's FOV is too narrow for most wedding venues I reckon, unless it was a huge one in a stadium or something. Also its limited availability make acquiring it very difficult and onerous, if not near impossible. There were only what, a dozen or so ever made?

I agree about the fast normal zoom lens a la 24-70. As alternative, there's also 17-55 IS for the 450D though as its slightly more versatile focal length and a tad cheaper.

Gary Fong may be a good idea, I got a Joe Demb Flip it instead for about $40 off his site. But between ordering it and receiving it I changed my bouncing technique so I don't have much use for diffusers now.