|
Forum: Photographic Technique
02-12-2011, 09:45 PM
|
| |
Trish,
Peter has given some very good advise, wish I had known some of these things prior to shooting my first wedding...My first was one of the most nerve racking expirences ever, but fortunately the bride and groom were very happy with the results. So here is my two cents.- Always have at least two camera bodies that you are completely comfortable using!!!I mean always.( First wedding I did my camera locks up right after ceremony(K10D), which had never happened before. fortunately removing the battery and putting it back in took care of it.) If you only have one, consider renting one from Cameralensrental.com. I have used them on many occasions for bodies, flashes, and many lenses.
- I most often will shoot with a combination of two cameras for the ceremony. One with a wide to normal zoom and one with a telephoto zoom appropriate for the venue. Trying to switch lenses in the middle of a ceremony is a bad idea. I also have a 50mm 1.4 and have rented a macro as well since I don't own one yet. The macro can not be beat for detail shots of rings, cakes, settings, decor, and other various small things.
- I f you can go to the location prior to the day of the wedding, but the same time of day it will take place do it! I will often take some mental notes of settings if a particular location poses some lighting diffaculties. This will also help you with getting an idea of compositions that you may want to try and capture the day of.
- If you have not already sat down with the couple to find out if they have any particular things they want you should do so. Some people are addimate about making sure you capture so and so. Or perhaps they have some ideas of there own that they would like you to try and accomidate. I try and have a very open communication line before hand so I know exactly what to expect and what they expect.
- Multiple batteries are very very important. I recommend at least two for each body. Plenty for your flashes as well!
- Make a shot list, perhaps on a note card that you can keep in your front pocket. It can be easy to foget things when things get moving.
- Go early so you can get all your detail shots with plenty of time to spare. A good rule is "if they paid for it, photgraph it"
- Shoot in the method you are comfortable with now. the wedding is obviously not a good time to learn how to use your flash effectively or mess with settings you don't normally use.
- A way to back-up you photos up at the event is a very good idea as well.
- If you are planning on doing posed group shots it's not a bad idea to bring a small step stool unless you are are a tall person, as in over 6'. For group shot I like having the option of being a foot or two taller then the tallest in the group. It can also help with neck lines and making certain individuals look a little less stuffy.
I am an amateur myself and shot my first wedding two and a half years ago. I have only done three since then, but I have learned a little bit in that time. The first one I did was relatively small with about 150 people attending and ten total in the wedding party. I remember the pace seemed like it was a hundred miles per hour. That was a combination of being nervous and unprepaired. Again try to stay calm and shoot in your natural style and remember to relax. I know when I am nervous it shows and it doesn't help your subjects loosen up and have fun either. The recommendation to try and learn from an expirenced shooter is a very good one. I have done this only briefly, but it made a big differance with my confidence and I learned a couple tricks as well.
|
