Pentax Weddings - who's doin'em? - Page 4

little laker · 07-24-2008, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by rmtagg

I called around to a few wedding photogs and got laughed at, really! Laughed at. well turns out the very first photog I called wants me to come out and shoot with him to see how I like it. He actually likes my work that is posted on my web site, lol. Seems some of these photogs are a bit full of themselves. I know shooting weddings is a different animal but did they really feel it necessary to laugh at me??? thank goodness I have a tough skin!

Rosemary,
I've had more than my share of other photographers laugh at me and my equipment.
And then they see my work, and then they're suddenly very quiet

I just don't fit in with them, and I could really care less

*rmtagg* · 07-24-2008, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by little laker

Rosemary,
I've had more than my share of other photographers laugh at me and my equipment.
And then they see my work, and then they're suddenly very quiet
I just don't fit in with them, and I could really care less

LOL, I can identify! But I did get one photog to look at my site and he did call me back. we will be working together despite the fact he doesn't under stand how I do my impressionist stuff. He does however really like it. I am so wanting to sneak in a few attempts at getting an impressionistic bride and groom, lol he he he

*Venturi* · 07-24-2008, 06:32 PM

I've no intent on becoming a wedding photog but I am being dragged (kicking and screaming) into shooting one for a relative the second weekend of August. The bride, my spouse's cousin's daughter, says to me "we're not looking for anything special, just a few nice pictures and you've got a really great camera." Ugh.

I made it completely clear that I am in no way, shape or form a commercial photographer and that there's every possibility that they'll hate the pics. I told them I sometimes look through the wrong end of the camera when taking pictures - they did not relent. So, I took them out for an "engagement shoot" earlier this month, as someone suggested in another wedding thread here, and while I wasn't thrilled with the results they really like them and still want me to do it.

I'm flipping between being scared out of my head and eager for the challenge. I've definitely got an angel cheerleading on one shoulder and a devil screaming "IDIOT!" on the other. I suspect they both are right.

I picked up a copy of Digital Wedding Photography to help wrap my brain around things and have been reading as much as I can find online - there are some great threads here full of sane advice and tips. Would love to get feedback on what I've pieced together thus far.

Gear-wise I think I'm okay. This sped up my timeline for a 2nd body and some LBA I had planned for late this year, but I was really uncomfortable going into this without a backup body and I wanted a fast wide-zoom for candids. So I have K20D and K10D, DA18-250, Tam17-50, FA50 and Tam 90 2.8 macro. I expect zooms mounted w/ 50 & 90 there for "artistic" shots and backup. I have a dedicated flash and a Viv 285HV and 3 sets of NiMH batteries for each. I also have lightstands, umbrellas and triggers that I suspect I won't need but taking just in case. Probably too much gear? But I'm not Lee Trevino and I couldn't play St. Andrews with only a 5-iron.

This weekend I'll be going on a recon mission to the chapel to get a lay of the land, take shots of everything make as many notes as I can; the goal being to have the mechanics known so I can focus on timing and composition on game day.

The wedding party is going to be small. 1 bridesmaid, 1 groomsman, ring bearer and flower girl. The dressing room end of things shouldn't be too chaotic I hope? I have clearance to take shots of the procession and vows as I promised no flash and to be "invisible".

I'm also planning on doing my own "dress rehearsal" at the wedding rehearsal and dinner to iron out kinks in my shoot plan but most importantly to break the ice with everyone involved so they get used to my presence and establish some rapport. I'm a also bit introverted around new people so this is as much to get me relaxed as them.

So there's my "nutshell". For those who stuck around for the whole read, I thank you and eagerly await hearing how off-course I already am.

*bigben91682* · 07-24-2008, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Venturi

I've no intent on becoming a wedding photog but I am being dragged (kicking and screaming) into shooting one for a relative the second weekend of August. The bride, my spouse's cousin's daughter, says to me "we're not looking for anything special, just a few nice pictures and you've got a really great camera." Ugh.

I made it completely clear that I am in no way, shape or form a commercial photographer and that there's every possibility that they'll hate the pics. I told them I sometimes look through the wrong end of the camera when taking pictures - they did not relent. So, I took them out for an "engagement shoot" earlier this month, as someone suggested in another wedding thread here, and while I wasn't thrilled with the results they really like them and still want me to do it.

I'm flipping between being scared out of my head and eager for the challenge. I've definitely got an angel cheerleading on one shoulder and a devil screaming "IDIOT!" on the other. I suspect they both are right.

I picked up a copy of Digital Wedding Photography to help wrap my brain around things and have been reading as much as I can find online - there are some great threads here full of sane advice and tips. Would love to get feedback on what I've pieced together thus far.

Gear-wise I think I'm okay. This sped up my timeline for a 2nd body and some LBA I had planned for late this year, but I was really uncomfortable going into this without a backup body and I wanted a fast wide-zoom for candids. So I have K20D and K10D, DA18-250, Tam17-50, FA50 and Tam 90 2.8 macro. I expect zooms mounted w/ 50 & 90 there for "artistic" shots and backup. I have a dedicated flash and a Viv 285HV and 3 sets of NiMH batteries for each. I also have lightstands, umbrellas and triggers that I suspect I won't need but taking just in case. Probably too much gear? But I'm not Lee Trevino and I couldn't play St. Andrews with only a 5-iron.

This weekend I'll be going on a recon mission to the chapel to get a lay of the land, take shots of everything make as many notes as I can; the goal being to have the mechanics known so I can focus on timing and composition on game day.

The wedding party is going to be small. 1 bridesmaid, 1 groomsman, ring bearer and flower girl. The dressing room end of things shouldn't be too chaotic I hope? I have clearance to take shots of the procession and vows as I promised no flash and to be "invisible".

I'm also planning on doing my own "dress rehearsal" at the wedding rehearsal and dinner to iron out kinks in my shoot plan but most importantly to break the ice with everyone involved so they get used to my presence and establish some rapport. I'm a also bit introverted around new people so this is as much to get me relaxed as them.

So there's my "nutshell". For those who stuck around for the whole read, I thank you and eagerly await hearing how off-course I already am.

You've already done the most important thing which is to make very clear you abilities and clarify their expectations of what you can produce.

Digital Wedding Photography is a great book, I read it before my first wedding and it had some very helpful tips. Glen is quite a photographer, and has a lot to offer.

Sounds like you certainly have the equipment. You may think extra stobes/triggers is overkill, but once you get to the reception (and things slow down, if only slightly) you can get some great stuff with off camera flash.

Best of luck. If you make a point to have a good time, it will reflect in your pictures. At least that's what I've found....

*rmtagg* · 07-24-2008, 07:21 PM

Can't wait to see some posted shots afterwards. Seems like you are doing all the right stuff to get ready

MJB DIGITAL · 07-24-2008, 07:49 PM

camera one: k10d, 16-50 2.8, 540fgz

camera two: k10d, 50-135 2.8, 540fgz

i come with 12 gigs i think, 24 rechargeable aa batteries, one lightstand, and a lenscloth

Flickr: mitchel109's Photostream

*rmtagg* · 07-24-2008, 07:52 PM

which lens do you think is better for wedding use, the 18-50 2.8 or I saw someone uses a 28-70????

*bigben91682* · 07-24-2008, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by rmtagg

which lens do you think is better for wedding use, the 18-50 2.8 or I saw someone uses a 28-70????

my vote would be the 18-50, wide is good....

Frogroast · 07-24-2008, 09:59 PM

Wide is definitely good, specially in large venues/churches, but you definitely need something in the 50-150 range as well. Heck, I would love a DA*18-250 IF 2.8 (Hello Pentax!) that's sharp at both ends, lol

MJB's setup is right up my alley, except I carry the two lenses and switch as needed.

I shiver at the thought of carrying two cameras around my neck and them banging onto each other like a digital hell version of Newton's cradle

little laker · 07-24-2008, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Frogroast

I shiver at the thought of carrying two cameras around my neck and them banging onto each other like a digital hell version of Newton's cradle

I've never had that happen while shooting with 2 cameras at once

With me the biggest problem is the added weight hurts my neck

I have neck problems, so I don't know if it'd be the same on the average person.

*Peter Zack* · 07-24-2008, 11:03 PM

Venturi, I think you have prepared the gear and done the scouting needed. I have 2 tips for you.
1) relax. Shoot the day and take lots of images (I usually shoot around 1200+). Take a deep breath and have fun.
2) Spend an evening on the web looking at pictures. Download or take screen shots of any you like. Divide them into groups. a) brides house. b)Church (and various parts of the ceremony from entering to departing). c) family and formal portraits. d) intimate shots with only the couple and finally, e) reception shots.

print the best images off and make a little booklet that fits in your pocket. Use it as a reference. The day moves very fast and you will have all these great ideas before you leave home and forget most of them when the shooting starts. Keep the booklet small. 3-4 significant ideas per section.

Oh yeah last tip. breathe!

ps If you look at my site below, you might find one or two you like.

davek · 07-25-2008, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Peter Zack

Venturi, I think you have prepared the gear and done the scouting needed. I have 2 tips for you.
1) relax. Shoot the day and take lots of images (I usually shoot around 1200+). Take a deep breath and have fun.
2) Spend an evening on the web looking at pictures. Download or take screen shots of any you like. Divide them into groups. a) brides house. b)Church (and various parts of the ceremony from entering to departing. c) family and format portraits. d) intimates shots with only the couple and finally, e) reception shots.

print the best images off and make a little booklet that fit in your pocket. Use it as a reference. The day moves very fast and you will have all these great ideas before you leave home and forget most of them when the shooting starts. keep the booklet small. 3-4 significant ideas per section.

Oh yeah last tip. breathe!

ps If you look at my site below, you might find one or two you like.

Some great tips here, thanks! (My nephew has asked me to shoot his wedding next summer - lots of time, but I don't want to leave it to the last minute).

davek · 07-25-2008, 06:36 AM

I notice that many of you are using the 360 flash at weddings. Do you not find that the lack of swivel a killer for portrait oriented shots? Or are you shooting off-camera?

I bought the Sigma EF500 Super rather than the 360 simply for the swivel function. (I bounce with a Joe Demb flip-it anytime I'm using flash).

Also, those shooting with 2 bodies (with flash?), how do you manage them to work with them?

I'm debating whether I should get a flash for my second body, The 540 is out of budget range, 360 has no swivel, might end up with another sigma.

little laker · 07-25-2008, 08:49 AM

I use the Sigma EF500 Super flash, and it works great
I use it as a remote whenever possible, and even when I don't it's often on a grip still giving that 3d effect to the photo's

I haven't been all that pleased with my results when I've tried just bouncing the light, so I don't think I'd miss the swivel function.
However I like the effects while aiming it straight up using a diffuser.

*Peter Zack* · 07-25-2008, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by davek

I notice that many of you are using the 360 flash at weddings. Do you not find that the lack of swivel a killer for portrait oriented shots? Or are you shooting off-camera?

I bought the Sigma EF500 Super rather than the 360 simply for the swivel function. (I bounce with a Joe Demb flip-it anytime I'm using flash).

Also, those shooting with 2 bodies (with flash?), how do you manage them to work with them?

I'm debating whether I should get a flash for my second body, The 540 is out of budget range, 360 has no swivel, might end up with another sigma.

I do wish the 360 had a swivel but I have the old Pentax Grip and when the 360 is on that, I just loosen the handle to allow me to turn the 360 as needed. You should be able to do the same thing with some brackets I'd assume.

My 360's are mostly used with umbrellas though and the 540 is on one camera. I basically use it as Stu suggested.

The second body in my case is a *istD with an AF400T flash and Quantum battery on my waist belt. Loads of power and endless shooting reserve with 1-2 second recycle times. It is simply the best particularly when things are moving fast.

Much of the time one body is on a tripod from a primary shooting location and I carry the other one. Other times one is over the shoulder while I use the other. It just avoids lens changes. I'll often have the DA16-45/4 or Tamron 28-75/2.8 on one and the Sigma 70-200/2.8 on the other. In a waist belt is an FA50/1.4, Sigma 24mm/2.8 and a Sigma 28mm/1.8. That's more than enough for creative stuff but the primes get light use unless I can't use or don't want the flash in dim situations.