 Senior Member
 |
Join Date: May 2011
Location: perth scotland
Posts: 284
 |
Tips Please
HELP....I need as many helpfull tips as possible as soon as possible so i can try them out. I have been asked to photograph a friend of the wifes wedding, she knows im no pro but has seen some photos i took by chance when another friend of the wife got married and that person has recomended me.The wedding is not untill 2nd august and i have allready been to the church and had a scout about the area but i must admit im bricking it incase i mess up.
|
Kit 1 Nikon d300 18-55 kit lens Nikor 55-200 sigma 10-20 |
|
Senior Member
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: east sussex
Posts: 3,484
|
have you contacted the vicar/priest to see what they will or will not allow within the church
Same with reception have you checked out the best photographic places
What arrangements have you made for bride preparation shots and grooms
what about flower -ring -shoes -bouquet/s-dress shots first
do you have a backup camera
What does the bride and groom want in the way of photos
have you done some pre practice shots with them to get them happy familiar and comfortable with you being there taking their photos, will help getting them relaxed.
Just a few things going through my mind
Spend an evening with them so your more as a friend than there as a unnecessary must have part of the occasion
My strongest tip would be go out with them somewhere and learn how to give direction as to how you want to frame them in a photo ie positions.Best when just the three of you there without uncles -aunties and children distracting you. May be an idea to have a second shooter on standby as well as you can't be everywhere at once.
Ask the bride away from the groom if the wedding gown is white as this could determine any filters you may consider necessary and remember if she is in white no doubt the groom will be in a dark suit so give that some consideration as well.
Are they going to feed you or you taking your own as it is a full day. Remember you can't be a guest and the official photographer it doesn't work I should Know with my sons wedding. But that's a different story.
Don't forget to take a brolly for the couple in case it rains.
My be advisable to have some sort of contract saying what you expect as well as the couple requirements and some sort of third party insurance incase things go pear shaped.
Wedding photography must be for a photographer daunting to say the least one chance only, so make sure you have the camera set to lock the photos and if a dual card camera use both cards together not as an overflow.
Oh just one more thing
often brides like photos taken in hairdressers and makeup shots and getting dressed so do you have a lady photographer who can do this for you or do you intend to do them yourself.
Troll the net for wedding photos for inspiration
Same with reception have you checked out the best photographic places
What arrangements have you made for bride preparation shots and grooms
what about flower -ring -shoes -bouquet/s-dress shots first
do you have a backup camera
What does the bride and groom want in the way of photos
have you done some pre practice shots with them to get them happy familiar and comfortable with you being there taking their photos, will help getting them relaxed.
Just a few things going through my mind
Spend an evening with them so your more as a friend than there as a unnecessary must have part of the occasion
My strongest tip would be go out with them somewhere and learn how to give direction as to how you want to frame them in a photo ie positions.Best when just the three of you there without uncles -aunties and children distracting you. May be an idea to have a second shooter on standby as well as you can't be everywhere at once.
Ask the bride away from the groom if the wedding gown is white as this could determine any filters you may consider necessary and remember if she is in white no doubt the groom will be in a dark suit so give that some consideration as well.
Are they going to feed you or you taking your own as it is a full day. Remember you can't be a guest and the official photographer it doesn't work I should Know with my sons wedding. But that's a different story.
Don't forget to take a brolly for the couple in case it rains.
My be advisable to have some sort of contract saying what you expect as well as the couple requirements and some sort of third party insurance incase things go pear shaped.
Wedding photography must be for a photographer daunting to say the least one chance only, so make sure you have the camera set to lock the photos and if a dual card camera use both cards together not as an overflow.
Oh just one more thing
often brides like photos taken in hairdressers and makeup shots and getting dressed so do you have a lady photographer who can do this for you or do you intend to do them yourself.
Troll the net for wedding photos for inspiration
|
Senior Member
|
Join Date: May 2011
Location: perth scotland
Posts: 284
|
Thanks for those tips bazz. I have another question. The brides dress is Black and White how will i expose for that??
|
Kit 1 Nikon d300 18-55 kit lens Nikor 55-200 sigma 10-20 |
|
Senior Member
|
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: east sussex
Posts: 3,484
|
I would suggest you don't expose yourself you might get arrested. Sorry could not resist say it.
can't really answer as it depends on what light there is.It would be different from indoors to outside. All I would say is shoot in RAW ,that way you have more chance of PP if something is not right.
One thing not to forget is DON'T scrap a colour photo, more often than not they can be saved by PP it into a black and white photo
can't really answer as it depends on what light there is.It would be different from indoors to outside. All I would say is shoot in RAW ,that way you have more chance of PP if something is not right.
One thing not to forget is DON'T scrap a colour photo, more often than not they can be saved by PP it into a black and white photo
 Senior Member
|
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Cheshire United Kingdom
Posts: 293
|
You don't say whether it is a paying job or you are doing them a favour? Has a fee been agreed?
Great comprehensive advice from Bazza. The only other thing I can add is to ask the bride/groom for a set list of formal shots that you can work to.
Eg. Bride Groom with respective parents and then both sets of parents, bride with brother/sister, groom with brother/sister, bride and groom with all brother/sisters, etc etc.
if you don't get this right there will be recriminations after the wedding, asking why Aunt Sally and Uncle Ted didn't get a photograph with bride/groom etc.
Mix black &white with colour shots to give atmosphere. Take close ups of table arrangements, table plan cards, poignant messages etc.
Who owns the copyright to the photos? My daughter got married 4 years ago and they hired a pro, he charged £500 for four hours, that turned into 8 hours and he gave her ALL the photos on a CD after editing them first.
I think that was a special price as he charges £1200 for the same thing now.
Great comprehensive advice from Bazza. The only other thing I can add is to ask the bride/groom for a set list of formal shots that you can work to.
Eg. Bride Groom with respective parents and then both sets of parents, bride with brother/sister, groom with brother/sister, bride and groom with all brother/sisters, etc etc.
if you don't get this right there will be recriminations after the wedding, asking why Aunt Sally and Uncle Ted didn't get a photograph with bride/groom etc.
Mix black &white with colour shots to give atmosphere. Take close ups of table arrangements, table plan cards, poignant messages etc.
Who owns the copyright to the photos? My daughter got married 4 years ago and they hired a pro, he charged £500 for four hours, that turned into 8 hours and he gave her ALL the photos on a CD after editing them first.
I think that was a special price as he charges £1200 for the same thing now.
|
Kit 1 Nikon D90 Nikon VR 70-300 Nikon 12-24 f4 Sigma 105mm Macro Sigma 28-105 |
|
|
My Compact/P&S: Fuji X100 |
 Senior Member
|
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 1,442
|
Best tip I heard when doing weddings is to check your settings every 3rd shot.