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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday

 
 


szerangue
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May 22, 2007, 8:02 PM

Post #1 of 25 (1513 views)
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My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday Can't Post
I have a photog friend who is coming along and acting as my coach/second shooter. I am really looking forward to it and am afraid I am going to get the photog bug. Last weekends wedding I was able to get the still camera out at the end of the reception and instead of the guests turning thier backs to me when I walked up to shoot video of them dancing, they would stop and pose. It was great.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


Brackish
Veteran


May 22, 2007, 9:55 PM

Post #2 of 25 (1501 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
... I am going to get the photog bug. Last weekends wedding I was able to get the still camera out at the end of the reception and instead of the guests turning thier backs to me when I walked up to shoot video of them dancing, they would stop and pose. It was great.
Congrats, Shane!

Is it indoors or outdoors? Are you doing the full day of ceremony
and reception?

I had the same experience as you at a recent reception. Guests
paying me no attention for hours while shooting video. At the
end of the evening I went to grab a still cam and within
1 minute of me having it out people were approaching me
wanting me to take pictures - and they willingly posed.
Then, an attractive member of the opposite sex flirted
with me big time, asking my name, complimenting me
on my camera, wanting to have their picture taken with
me. Having a still cam in the hand seems to work magic.


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"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


Jeko
Enthusiast


May 22, 2007, 9:58 PM

Post #3 of 25 (1499 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
No doubt that the shutter bug has you...

Simple suggestion for the first time out: Cut and paste a few inspirational photos for yourself into one place and look at it just before you start going --it helps with creativity and may be useful if you get a block.

I also think you should make a short list of shots YOU want (not the bride's list, as she may add-on). Consider how you will be using them when you make the list. If for simple sales of direct images, they should be able to stand alone. However, if you are albuming they should be left and right sided for some, or designed to spread both sides for others. For examples, think Bride/Maids on left side of album with the groom/guys on the right in a mirrored or complimentary pose. Also, when the bride goes past you (at ceremony start or when departing) you can shoot left and right side of crowd to use in album. These shots make no sense by themselves, but work nicely into the album.

You've seen the flow of weddings/photogs enough to be pretty well set. So enjoy travelling lighter!!

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.


szerangue
Veteran


May 22, 2007, 10:18 PM

Post #4 of 25 (1493 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Brack,
This is a whole day, Prep to Reception. It is a small affair and they are asking for just traditional photos. I do plan on going in with some samples for inspiration, like Jeko says. I do want to try to get some nice shots for my portfolio.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


szerangue
Veteran


May 22, 2007, 10:20 PM

Post #5 of 25 (1492 views)
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Re: [Jeko] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
It does and I am very much looking forward to this day and travelling lightly. Thanks for the heads up and the suggestions. I will plan on bringing some inspirational photos with me, I have a few on hand. I will try to keep in mind your suggestions for the album as I hope to put one together at least for my portolio.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


Shadow
Veteran


May 22, 2007, 11:10 PM

Post #6 of 25 (1485 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Hope you have lots of fun!


__________________________
My boring blog: www.pawspun.blogspot.com


Brackish
Veteran


May 22, 2007, 11:48 PM

Post #7 of 25 (1481 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Brack,
I do want to try to get some nice shots for my portfolio.
How would Rusty put it ... "And here ends Shane's video career". Laugh


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"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


szerangue
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 12:09 AM

Post #8 of 25 (1480 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Well, I don't think it will end my video career... what little video career I have. I do enjoy putting together my wedding movies and have started to create a small niche in my community. Life Productions is slowly building its way to the top of the Wedding Movie Producer's local list.

I am very interested however in portrait and model photography. I have started networking with other part time photogs in the area and hopefully will get a few 2nd shooter gigs soon.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


Brackish
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 1:12 PM

Post #9 of 25 (1451 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Will you be shooting the bride outside at all? I just heard an
exposure tip I could pass along.


----------------------------------------------
"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


szerangue
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 1:41 PM

Post #10 of 25 (1445 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Yes, I will be shooting outside. send the tip
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


RustyB
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 1:49 PM

Post #11 of 25 (1445 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Well, I don't think it will end my video career... what little video career I have. I do enjoy putting together my wedding movies and have started to create a small niche in my community. Life Productions is slowly building its way to the top of the Wedding Movie Producer's local list....

Yep, all too familiar story. Laugh I've made quite a name for myself here as well....since I've dropped my price back down, I'm told by clients that I'm once again the hot ticket with the Knotties. Laugh BTW, your new 'Wedding Day' special package, makes your pricing identical to mine, except instead of 5 hours for $1200, I charge $999 for 4 hours, plus $200 for each additional hour...so I guess I'm still $1 cheaper. TongueTongue

We'll see how you feel about it after Sunday. Having never professionally photographed a wedding myself, I'm looking forward to your report!! I bet you have a new photography website up within 24 hours. SlySly

j/k


Quote

I am very interested however in portrait and model photography. I have started networking with other part time photogs in the area and hopefully will get a few 2nd shooter gigs soon.

Same here, that's what I'd really like to do instead of weddings, even if there's not much steady money in it at first. So far the only thing holding me back is....still learning, no money for more gear, and most of all....fuggin' staying bogged down with cheap wedding videos. I'm like a meth-head cheap wedding video junky...I keep getting sucked back in, and it consumes my life just trying to pay the rent. I'm still waiting for my sister to gather my family and friends together at my apartment while I'm out shooting a $999 wedding, and be waiting for me to come home, along with the camera crew from A&E's Intervention.






faith poison films
it's better than nothing


Brackish
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 2:04 PM

Post #12 of 25 (1438 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Yes, I will be shooting outside. send the tip
Well, this is what I heard but I haven't tried it but it sounds
reasonable. (Maybe someone else here will chime in.)

A potential problem when shooting the bride's white dress outdoors
is that the details will get blown-out due to overexposure.
The tip I heard is to use the cam's spot meter on the dress
when it's in the sun. Make note of the indicated settings
of the shutter and aperture. Then, add 1.5 stops of exposure.
So, say the meter reads f/5.6 at 1/500th second, you would
change that to between f/2.8 and f/4, at 1/500th. So what
you are doing is opening up the aperture about 1.5 stops.
You would have the cam in M (manual) mode for this.


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"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


(This post was edited by Brackish on May 23, 2007, 2:59 PM)


szerangue
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 2:07 PM

Post #13 of 25 (1433 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
I am not quite following you... in order to reduce the over exposure you are saying to open the aperature? That just does not make sense Brack.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


RustyB
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 2:30 PM

Post #14 of 25 (1429 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
I am not quite following you... in order to reduce the over exposure you are saying to open the aperature? That just does not make sense Brack.

Seems like it would be better to use a fill flash, or an assistant with a reflector? Or maybe you could use the exposure bracketing feature of the camera, and let PhotoShop combine the images, although I've never tried using bracketing, and it sounds like that would be a PITA with a buggyload of wedding pictures. Shooting a wedding alone, I'd probably just blast away with a high powered flash, and maybe your Gary Fong thingy so it looks more natural?



faith poison films
it's better than nothing


DarrenS
Veteran

May 23, 2007, 2:45 PM

Post #15 of 25 (1427 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
One of the most difficult things to do in wedding photography...shooting bride outside on an perfectly clear day.


Brackish
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 8:32 PM

Post #16 of 25 (1395 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Another thought too, Shane, is to try auto exposure bracketing.
I worked with a veteran photog recently on an outdoor
ceremony. The sun was quite direct and contrasty and
he made the comment to me that he was using
exposure bracketing.

I've tried it just testing it out. You set it up in the menu.
Also, I believe you have to have the cam in burst mode
instead of one-shot.

What it does is takes the first shot at your best guess
of exposure. Next it takes a shot a bit darker. And third
it takes a shot a bit lighter. Between the 3 shots should be
one that works.

I'm going to try auto bracketing with my outdoor formals
until I'm more confident.


----------------------------------------------
"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


szerangue
Veteran


May 23, 2007, 8:55 PM

Post #17 of 25 (1390 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
I worked with a photog at a wedding who used bracketing to shoot the first dance. The place was very very dark.. I asked him how he had his camera set and he explained that he was using bracketing.

Thanks for the tip on the dress. Actually there will be very little shot outside and I was planning on just using Program mode with my flash point straight at the subject. Of course that will only work with portraits and fairly closeup but that is the plan.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


Laura K
Veteran


May 24, 2007, 1:53 PM

Post #18 of 25 (1374 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Drives ya nuts doesn't it?

Prom 07 and my daughter and right hand gal Amanda on our invitational tour of
the top St. Louis news station KSDK.

I have a lot to learn on the photo end of things and some more equipment
to buy. I can usually get a lot out of my subjects though.
L
"... it seems that if you're passionate about something, it freaks people out. You're considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just means you know who you are." - director Tim Burton


Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.


(This post was edited by Laura K on May 24, 2007, 1:58 PM)


szerangue
Veteran


May 24, 2007, 2:08 PM

Post #19 of 25 (1371 views)
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Re: [Laura K] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Those are nice, your daughter looks just like you. What is an invitational tour of tv stations?
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


Laura K
Veteran


May 24, 2007, 3:13 PM

Post #20 of 25 (1365 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Poor kid.
Wink

Most all TV stations no longer (after 911) give tours.
Our local president is married to the robotics guy at
KSDK so she finagled a tour for us. It was a once in a
life time opp'! Very interesting.

Show us pics when you are done.
L
"... it seems that if you're passionate about something, it freaks people out. You're considered bizarre or eccentric. To me, it just means you know who you are." - director Tim Burton


Today's mighty oak is just yesterday's nut that held its ground.


Brackish
Veteran


May 24, 2007, 5:23 PM

Post #21 of 25 (1356 views)
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Re: [Laura K] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Hi, Laura.

Are you involved in pro photo? Thinking about it?


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"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


Brackish
Veteran


May 25, 2007, 3:31 PM

Post #22 of 25 (1342 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Are you going to rehearsal? I know most photogs don't go
but when first starting out I would go - make some
test exposures and scope out the lighting and backgrounds
for doing the formals.


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"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


szerangue
Veteran


May 25, 2007, 4:50 PM

Post #23 of 25 (1334 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
no rehearsal.. I have a wedding to video on Sat and the photo wedding is on Sun. I have a pro photog that I am paying to accompany me and coach me throughout the day so I am expecting good result. I will post some pics after it is done.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE


Brackish
Veteran


May 28, 2007, 3:39 PM

Post #24 of 25 (1290 views)
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Re: [szerangue] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
Will be looking forward to hearing how your first
photo wedding went - the good and the bad.


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"We'll always show up at the wedding with a gift bag for the bride. Inside we have these incredible fuzzy slippers in the teal of our branding."


szerangue
Veteran


May 28, 2007, 7:03 PM

Post #25 of 25 (610 views)
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Re: [Brackish] My first Photo Wedding coming up this Sunday [In reply to] Can't Post
I will be online later and give you guys the rundown... later I will post samples.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE