Wedding Photography

[Nicole]

Just thought I'd pull together a few threads and tips to one location for those people who have been asked to photograph a friend / family member / random person's wedding / etc. and who are looking for some tips. So, here are some questions I've seen a lot of, and some info I thought was really helpful:

Help, I've been asked to shoot a wedding, should I do it?

Answers to this question range from you've got to start somewhere to vehement "No"s. So, it's kind of up to how comfortable you are doing it. As mdwsta4 said on a thread called Shooting Wedding as a favor for a relative (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=932&highlight=wedding):
Make sure they are okay with no wedding photographer because there are no guarantees you'll come out with a single good picture. or you could come out with a couple dozenTechnically, this can be true even for a professional photographer, since there's always a chance things can go wrong, but it's doubly true for someone who doesn't have all the extra equipment, etc that a pro may have in the case of equipment failure, etc.

Ok, I understand things can go wrong, but I'm going to do it anyways because I think I can / want the experience / etc, how do I know what pictures to take?

There are sites out there for checklists, in fact there's one listed at the bottom of this. Google wedding photo checklists and you should be able to find some more information as well. But the best way to make sure you're getting the right shots was said by nacre in the Wedding Photography tips (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=355&highlight=wedding) thread:
The first thing I do when preparing to shoot a wedding is to get together with the couple and ask them what kind of photos they like. I then have them prepare a list of the shots, ie. the kiss, the signing of the registry, throwing of rose petals etc. that they would like to have. I then make sure I get those shots and I do whatever I can to catch the essence of the day by doing some candid shots of their friends and family.If you don't get the shots that the couple and their family want, they almost definitely won't be happy with the end result, especially if you manage to forget one of the major moments.

So, I know what photos to take, but is my equipment ok?

Leight asked in Wow! Asked to do a Wedding Shoot (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1057&highlight=wedding) if his point and shoot camera would be ok. There was a pretty good consensus that if you have a good flash (especially an external flash) and can shoot raw, you will probably be ok as long as you're ok with doing post-processing.

And acheick got lots of recommendations in the Hello - I'm a newbie that needs major help thread (http://digital-photography-school.com/forum/showthread.php?t=756&highlight=wedding) to get a 50mm f/1.8 for low light situations where you can't use a flash because that's a nice little piece of glass.

A speedlight or external flash can also be really helpful with a diffuser, but make sure that you ask the celebrant if it's ok to use the flash during the ceremony. If you can't, respect that, but you'll need to have a fast lens if you want the pictures to be bright enough.

Ok, I've got a camera and a list of photos, and the wedding is today, what else could I possibly need?
A fully charged battery or 3
Lots of memory cards (better to carry 8 1GB cards and have a problem with 1 card than carry 2 4GB cards and lose half your pictures.
A tripod for group pictures (and a remote is really handy too)
Water (in a separate bag, cause really... cameras and water don't mix)
Comfy shoes that look nice since you'll probably be running around
Some sort of easy to eat (and clean) snack (see the tip just above this one for why)
A smile and a good attitude and the knowledge that you're the photographer, and that means that you kinda get to boss some of the people around so that you get the right shot ;))
Probably lots of other things I'm forgettingSome other helpful links:
Wedding Photo Checklist and Tips (http://www.weddingsgalore.com/photos.html)
11 Tips for Better Candid Photography (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/11-tips-for-better-candid-photography/)
Techniques for Better Flash Photography (http://www.planetneil.com/faq/flash-techniques.html)Ok, so there's a bit of info about wedding photography just from all the tips we've gotten and given here in the forum.

Feel free to add your own advice / questions / etc. (I just like to organize things :p and was doing a bit of procrastinating this morning)

[Saralonde]

Thanks for all the work, Nicole. Maybe this should be a sticky.

[Nicole]

It's been stuck Saralonde ;)

[Tiberius]

A nice little tip I picked up for group photos...

it's always the case that at least one person will have their eyes closed when there's a group of 5 or more people. So, to make sure that everyone has their eyes open when you press the shutter release, tell everyone to close their eyes. Then, tell them you'll do a countdown - 3, 2, 1, OPEN! - and wait for half a second or so when you say open, and everyone will have their eyes open.

[AgNO3]

this tips for flash is a great read.. thanks..

[thingy]

I feel nervous just reading this :eek:

[a.saliga]

Very helpful tips.

I am considering doing a friend's wedding in February, and was just asked to do another wedding for hire (very low cost). I was sure to clearly explain to the gentleman that I am not a professional, and could possibly get few good photos.

I'm confident in my abilities, and realize I must start somewhere. Not necessarily looking for advice as to whether I should do it or not, but I am wondering what you guys thing the most common mistake is in wedding photography.

[Nicole]

Some of the more common mistakes I can think of can be either technical or not. All things considered, forgetting that you can tell people what to do in order to get the shot can be a big detriment. If you're not shooting for a close friend / family member, it's not like you're trying to make sure that everyone likes you. You just want the bride and groom to be happy with the final result, so if you have to tell Bob over there to put down his beer and smile, you've got to remember that is ok. :p It sounds simple, but sometimes it's harder than it seems.

Then there are some simple technical problems like forgetting to charge a battery or not having a spare, or not having enough memory cards or having one break. But those are easily solved with good planning.

And then there are the more technical mistakes, like shooting with the wrong white balance (Raw is good here), or forgetting to change the ISO for the conditions.

Uh, hope that doesn't put you off :p lol I know that a lot can go wrong, so it's knowing that and planning how to fix things that go wrong that can make all the difference :)

[a.saliga]

Very useful advice Nicole. Thank you.

I'm good at foreplanning and troubleshooting, so I'm not too worried about that. :)

I have a 4GB CF card which allows me around 400 shots when shooting RAW. How many shots should I be prepared to take?

I am soon to purchase a flash unit as well. I have a Canon 400D. Any recomendations for the flash?

Also I realize this flash will shorten my battery life, so an extra battery needs to be added to my list. Anyone have any experience with 3rd party batteries?

[Saralonde]

Battery: Sterlingtek (http://sterlingtek.com/cabpbapaeq.html) I use this for my 400D. Works great, as good as Canon.

Flash: Sigma EF-500 DG Super (http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=154682e15d41084/shopdata/product_search.shopscript?query=SGEF500SUDCA&pc=6) bought this for my son's XT.
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx)
Canon Speedlite 430EX Flash (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx) I own this one and I'm very happy with it.

[Nicole]

Hmmm, it depends on how you shoot and how long you're planning to be there. For example, I took approximately 1100 shots at the last wedding I shot. However, that was from some shots of the reception hall before everything started, as guests were coming in to the ceremony we did quick portraits, and then did table portraits as well as the usual shots and candids. Plus I have a tendency to shoot way more than I need just so that I can be sure that at least one or two of the shots come out the way I want :p But like I said, a lot depends on your shooting habits. If you don't shoot a lot in burst mode, 400 might be ok.

Are you doing formal group shots as well? Because that will easily start eating into the number of pictures since you'll want to take a few shots to try to make sure that nobody is blinking (see the blog post on group shots (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-to-take-great-group-photos/)). So that could easily take 50+ of your shots.

So I'd really probably say get another card or two, just to make sure. At least memory is one of the cheaper things you're looking for :)

[Kiwijack]

Hi
I just did my first wedding solo.
Although it was for a family friend, I was thee only photographer so everything was on my shoulders. I usually just take lots of photos at the weddings of family and friends as a hobby, along with the paid photographer.

I was shooting for 11 hours, went through 4 2GB memory cards, at least 3 camera batteries and 2 sets of AA batteries for the flash. By the end of the night my hand was completely cramped and so were my legs!

The most difficult part of this is that I shot in manual mode so that I could choose the ISO and white balance settings b/c I don't even know what to do w/ a RAW photo. Some of the pictures came out horrible, some fantastic. But I didn't get paid for it, and saved them about $4,000. That's the last time I won't charge for my services.

Another thing - getting the dress to be white, not grey, is difficult with indorr lighting. Practice

[angeleyes216]

Very helpful tips.

I am considering doing a friend's wedding in February, and was just asked to do another wedding for hire (very low cost). I was sure to clearly explain to the gentleman that I am not a professional, and could possibly get few good photos.

I'm confident in my abilities, and realize I must start somewhere. Not necessarily looking for advice as to whether I should do it or not, but I am wondering what you guys thing the most common mistake is in wedding photography.

I have done 3 weddings now and the most difficult thing for me was the lighting. If you can its a great help to go and check out the lighting before the day. Make sure you know how to change settings fast to suit different light situations. ( something i didnt prepare for). And relax, not so easy when all you want is to give them fantastic photos.

[rjb_FotoTaker]

Big thanks to all for this topic. I'm shooting my first wedding in Dec.
I got a chance to visit the location and yes, the lighting issue is frightening.
Also as was just mentioned, I thought I was familiar with my camera setting until I had a little pressure on me and felt like I was stumbling to get what I wanted.

* Visit Location and get familiar with the light you will be shooting in.
* Be familiar with you camera, test yourself changing some setting in low light.

[baseballboy828]

rjb_Foto: Be sure to buy a 50mm f/1.4 and a 85mm f/1.8 lens. They will be invaluable for low light, especially if you will be unable to use flash for any part of the ceremony.

[rjb_FotoTaker]

rjb_Foto: Be sure to buy a 50mm f/1.4 and a 85mm f/1.8 lens. They will be invaluable for low light, especially if you will be unable to use flash for any part of the ceremony.

Thanks, if I have not sold my Sony gear by the wedding I have a 50 1.4 with it.
If I sell the sony gear before the wedding. I be sure and get one for the Canon. I'll probably also get one of the Rebels for a backup.

Thanks again baseballboy828

[Osprey]

Very useful advice Nicole. Thank you.

I'm good at foreplanning and troubleshooting, so I'm not too worried about that. :)

I have a 4GB CF card which allows me around 400 shots when shooting RAW. How many shots should I be prepared to take?

I am soon to purchase a flash unit as well. I have a Canon 400D. Any recomendations for the flash?

Also I realize this flash will shorten my battery life, so an extra battery needs to be added to my list. Anyone have any experience with 3rd party batteries?

I've just done a wedding shoot with a photographer friend (I was invited for the experience) and took over 600 photos for the wedding and reception. The principal photog took over 800. There was very limited use of the flash from either of us and we both had a 580EX. Instead we used zoom lenses with a constant aperture of f/2.8 and upped the ISO where necessary.

Nothing wrong with 3rd party batteries (I have a few that are more reliable than the original Canon one), but with the flash using its own batteries, you shouldn't find a loss of power on your camera.

[phanee]

Thank you very much for the effort and links.. very helpful..

[maykesplana]

don't forget to pray! it helps.

[Megs Sixx]

I did my first wedding photography 3 years ago when I was 15, the photos came out really nice and the bride & groom loved the shots. they're available for view on www.stphoto.zoomshare.com under Wedding.

All I had was a Fuji FinePix camera next model up from the S5600, first time i used it as well lol (it was the bride's camera).

I can say, please keep a back up of the photos, the bride lost all of her wedding photos and was upset but luckily for her I had a spare CD of her wedding shots, she was so relieved

[Haeretik]

I was asked last week by a friend... I said no thanks, he's going to bug me in a month he said... man, after reading this thread - a lot of good tips and pointers, but I think I'll still be teetering on the no side! Gah...

[JMBull]

I did a wedding last year and it was the only one I have ever done and the one thing that I think helped me was to have a assistant. She made things go so much easier for me. I felt inadequate because I only have a advanced point and shoot camera but I have a couple of teleconverter lens and it really helped. I don't know if I will ever do another wedding but it sure taught me a lot of things. You have a lot of good advice here.

[case]

one trick i picked up having the photos done at my own wedding is this: for the portraits of the wedding party in between the ceremony and reception, have the bride and groom make a list ahead of time to give to you of what shots they want. (i.e. bride/groom, bride/groom/bridesmaids, bride/bridesmaids, etc...) when this time comes, everybody you are taking pictures of will be more interested in getting to the reception than posing for you, so it helps to be very organized and know you are getting all the shots they want and not wasting time taking extras. you can also order the list ahead of time to ensure you spend the least possible amount of time changing people. (like, if there are 7 different shots with the groomsmen, group all those together.) you can also consider things like taking pictures including young kids first before they get bored.

[Dr. WooD]

Don't people have wedding rehearsals anymore? Every wedding I've ever been in has had a wedding rehearsal. If I was shooting a wedding, and they had one. You could plan out, and practice every shot of the actual wedding ceremony.

[rickysu]

this is a great thread... nice post :)

[cmyers]

This is great stuff! I'm shooting my first big wedding this fall and am trying to figure out what exactly I need to do. Threads like this are very helpful

[charliere]

Great tips, sometimes the equipment its secundary, the actitude and your eyes tell you when its the perfect moment to press the button.

[ditch_azeroth]

Don't people have wedding rehearsals anymore? Every wedding I've ever been in has had a wedding rehearsal. If I was shooting a wedding, and they had one. You could plan out, and practice every shot of the actual wedding ceremony.

just proves to show how people are so in love these days that they can't wait... can't afford to see a bump on the tummy when she walks down the aisle. lol.

[augustns]

I asked my novice friend to photograph my wedding and he had no idea how to take pictures in dim and candlelight (it was a night wedding on the lake with lots of candles) and I only got two ugly shots of my wedding the rest were pictures of real pretty blurs.

Also, remember that yeah your friends would be utterly upset if they didn't get those overly abused posed pictures but remember that candid photos of the bride and groom either before or after the ceremony (all in love staring lovingly into each other eyes) will be the ones hanging on the wall and rest will be in a album, guarantee!!!

As always remember to take extra batteries and memory cards and please, please take a thousand pictures and prayerfully you'll get a lot of pics!

Good Luck

[Dajavue]

I had the same situation happen to me and I think the shooting went well, now I just don't know what to do about making them look like wedding photos in post production.

[Pasq]

this is a well timed thread! :D

my niece's friend asked me to shoot her wedding this coming May. mostly, they wanted to save some money. i said i would as an unpaid backup to the hired photographer. i explained i just started photographing and couldn't promise 1 good shot.

they agreed, thankfully.

[SinnedCBU]

These are great tips, i have been asked by a friend to be her wedding photographer. The event is going to be later this year, this gives me ample time to prepare and all this tips are helpful. I've been saving up for a 50mm 1.4 lens to get good portraits. :D this would be my 1st time, but I am also trying to convince her to get a professional photographer and I'd be the backup.

[sastio]

Battery: Sterlingtek (http://sterlingtek.com/cabpbapaeq.html) I use this for my 400D. Works great, as good as Canon.

Flash: Sigma EF-500 DG Super (http://www.sigma4less.com/sess/utn;jsessionid=154682e15d41084/shopdata/product_search.shopscript?query=SGEF500SUDCA&pc=6) bought this for my son's XT.
Canon Speedlite 580EX II Flash (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-580EX-II-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx)
Canon Speedlite 430EX Flash (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-430EX-Speedlite-Flash-Review.aspx) I own this one and I'm very happy with it.


thank you so much for the tips, it is very useful for me
coz next month i will be a photographer on my friend wedding :)

[Nicole]

I can across a link to this free e-book (Wedding Photography (http://www.onlinefreeebooks.net/hobbies-ebooks/photography/wedding-photography-ebook-pdf.html)) on DIYPhotography.net (http://www.diyphotography.net/six-and-two-halves-must-read-free-digital-photography-ebooks) today :)

[i_luv_ph0tos]

Thanks for collecting all those data.. It is very nice to have a lot of hardworking moderators!

[Matthias099]

I don't remember if anyone already posted this link but you can download tons of eBooks from wowio.com. (http://www.wowio.com) The are free and have many titles about photography (digital, wedding, portrait, etc.).

[lobodrl]

thanx for tis post.the links are very useful Thanx again.

[Matthew James Norman]

Thanks to everyone who has posted a link or some other helpful advice.

I have four weddings to attend this year, the first being my brither's in June. The photographer he has booked has spent the last six years or so as an assistant so this will be her first job as official photographer. My brother has asked me if I would mind taking my camera along as well, not that I'm any good and he rates my pics, but just in case the ones the woman he's hired don't work out very well. Even if I capture only a few good moments throughout the day at least that's a few more shots he has.

[a.saliga]

So months after posting to this thread I've finally shot my first wedding. It was my best friend's wedding, but it wasn't one of those "friend's wedding" nightmare stories. I was paid nicely, so it was good...

Here is what I have learned from my experience this past weekend and also a bit about how I went about it all. So here are my scattered thoughts as they come to me.

I went into this as a second photographer. A great relief for my first wedding. I shot the details and candid shots, while the primary photographer shot the formal photos. My gear was my Canon XTi, Canon 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5, Canon 50mm f/1.8, two 4GB compact flash cards, three batteries, and a tripod. I scouted out the location the day before (during the rehearsal) and planned my shots. I took around 700 shots and deleted about 100 of them right after uploading to my computer. This almost filled up both of my memory cards, so more memory is on the list to buy. I didn't even use up one battery, but I hardly used my flash. I found that I used the 50mm a lot because it is so much faster and the light was so scarce in the church. Also, I realize I need a wide angle lens. With the 1.6x crop factor of my camera the 28mm just wasn't cutting it in some of those tight rooms. I used my on camera flash for a handful of shots and they gave me harsh shadows even when I turned down my flash exposure compensation. Some type of addon to bounce of diffuse the flash is needed if you are using on camera. A monopod would have been ery useful. I wish I would have taken more initiative in gather people to get shots. I would have taken more close ups, and more detailed shots. I wish I would have been able to take more creative shots too, but I was concerned with getting what I needed.

So to sum it up...
-I needed more memory.
-I needed a monopod.
-I needed a wide angle lens.
-I needed a flash diffuser, bounce flash, or hot-shoe mounted flash.
-I should have put more thought into some shots to gain creativeity.
-I should have taken charge and asked people to pose for photos.

[Cindy Venter]

it's so ironic..
i was ask by somebody here in angola to shoot their wedding in a month.
and was just surfing the internet for some tips. waht a great site this is.
its nervous to know that you have to shoot somebodies most important day and it may all come out blanks. but this is what i want to go into here. and i have to do it a first time. if i don't try i will never start having experience.
so i just have to prepare and drink that morning and confedance pill!!

[Golfwidow]

Here are two tips i got for being a 'second photographer' (as well as others already noted in thread)
- wear quiet shoes and muted coloured clothing that is flexible as you will be bending down etc
- Remember hired photographer is the main person so be nice and try not to get in the way. If possible contact them BEFORE wedding to let them know you will be helping and also helps make 'good relations'
:)

[kencaleno]

My take on Wedding Photography - Kenneth William Caleno

Essential Equipment

Two camera bodies that share the lenses
Two flashes (strobes) plus cables, etc.,
18mm-55mm zoom
50mm standard lens F1.8 or even better F1.4-for low-light situations
Not essential, but handy for candids and from back of church images- 70mm-300mm zoom lens
large capacity digital storage cards
At least triple batteries as you think you will need
Two white reflectors
Diffusion (soft-focus) filter
85c warming filter for grey days
Tripod for formal photos
Lens hoods to control flare


Planning the wedding shoot

You must have a timetable to work from, or you will fail miserably.

You must always remember:

The Bride is never on time
Cars are sometimes late arriving
Ministers will often talk for longer than expected
Traffic may be chaotic
Something may have been forgotten somewhere

Murphy, being the Patron Saint of Wedding Photographers, will no doubt ensure that if anything can go wrong-it will, and usually at the most inopportune moment. Allow for plenty of time for each section of the shooting script.

Planning Session

Planning is crucial, so make sure that time has been allowed for photography, and travelling to each location.

A: Who is Paying?

Find out who is paying for the photography, because the person footing the bill is the client, and needs to be consulted-If the bride’s parents are paying, and want nice, classic portrait shots of Bride & Groom, and the Bride wants cross-processed, arty, or black & white images-you had better get nice safe photos for Mum and Dad as well!

It is very important to find out and determine EXACTLY what the client wants, and is expecting to get. Quite often people do not know what they want-until you have shot it.
What you don’t want to hear is: “ We didn’t want half of this stuff, we want a refund!!!”

Whoever is paying, make sure you get paid up front. I usually ask for my daily rate photography fee on signing the contract, and the balance seven days before the wedding date. (This saves you wondering if and when you are going to be paid, and saves you chasing clients for payment.) I also only charge for the day’s photography up front-prints are priced separately - I take around 2000 shots per wedding, and shave these down to around 500 and put as proofs on CD’s made to show to my clients-then they can choose what they want for their albums.

B. Working with schedules and timetables

Once you have found out what is wanted and who is paying, start working out your shooting schedule. I usually type these out and give to attendants in the bridal party, to organise everybody for their photo to save time.

I also type my schedule on small cards for my pocket while I am shooting, so I know when the next sequence is due.

Let your clients know that formal photos of the bridal party should take between one to one-and-a-half hours.-Any longer will drag the proceedings, and any less time will limit the number of set-ups wanted.

Subtly point out that the guests should be advised of what is going on.

It is important to let the client know that if they cut your time, you will need to cut the amount of photography to shoot.

Protocol and family Politics

You need to tread very carefully where family politics are concerned, as you set up groups- ex-wives versus new wives, step-children, recently divorced couples. Better to let people sort themselves where they want to be, then just arrange set-ups accordingly.

If everyone, guests included, know exactly what happens, and when, and with whom, it will alleviate, the Bride’s and groom’s stress, your stress, and you will get results that please your clients.

Once PLAN “A” ( Beautiful sunny day, no wind,) is in place, work out alternatives- “B”; “C”; “D”; etc., You need somewhere to photograph if it’s raining, snowing, gale-force winds etc., And a choice of idyllic locations.


A Typical Schedule Plan


a). Groom’s House

Photos at the Groom’s house happen rarely, but if they are wanted, then you must make sure things run on time, in order to get to the Bride’s house on time

b). Bride’s House

Get to the house early, showing you are organised and professional. The Bride may be very nearly ready, and being the early bird may give you a chance to get things in order without rushing. Confidence is the keyword, so compliment the Bride, say she looks nice, and has nothing to worry about (Do not, under any circumstances tell her she is beautiful, because, if she isn’t, she will know, and this could turn her against you.)

If you can help the bride and her family to be calm at the house, the tone of the whole wedding will reflect on this.
Let the family know what you are going to photograph outside the church, or wedding venue.

c). Church or Wedding Venue

Get to church, or wedding venue as soon as you can to get set up for what follows.
Talk to, and photograph the Groom.
Talk to minister/celebrant, checking all is ok, use/non-use of flash, etc.,
Wait outside for cars to arrive
While the ceremony is taking place, look around for photo opportunities-is the Bride’s Mother crying? her Father, crying or smiling?
Once the vows have been made, register signed, etc., Bride and Groom will walk down the aisle, or things will just finish. This can be an awkward moment-one of two things usually happen:

a) The Bride & Groom will be surrounded by guests, and if there are lots of guests the crowd may take a time to clear.

b) (Usually at churches) when Bride & Groom come out there is no-one at first, then all guests file out slowly and stand around the couple looking at them.

Some guests will want to take photographs at this point, so set up the shot and let them fire away, after you. Work with these people throughout the day, and some of these people could be your next client.

Start the family photos, beginning with the Bride’s side, then the Groom’s, then all the friends and hanger’s-on.

d). The Formal Photos

After all the ceremony kerfuffle, the bridal party will want to relax a bit, maybe have a drink and a smoke for 10 minutes or so, while you are getting ready. But when you are ready, you need to get them back on track to get all required images done on time Bride and Groom, at this point, aren’t usually the problem, it’s generally the best man wants another beer, or the maid of honour who wants another smoke, or someone gets loud. You need to gain control of this.

If there are children in the party, use them first, as they have a very short attention span.
No matter what happens here,-stay calm, even when things go wrong, keep calm you won’t get good photos if you are stressed.
When you think you have finished, better check with Bride and Groom that you have all they wanted, or if you were pressed for time, that you have the set-ups they wanted the most.

Now you have to get back to the reception before the wedding party do.

e). Mock Cake Cutting

This is done when budgets are tight, and you aren’t required to attend the reception, due to funds being tight.

f ). The Reception

Before the bride and Groom arrive at the reception venue, Be ready to catch them arriving.
Things that usually happen at reception are: (in any order): speeches, toasts, food, then the first dance. While there is potential photography, don’t eat, or drink, just in case you miss something worthwhile.
Before leaving be sure that the Bride, Groom and whoever is paying for the photography, have all the shots they need with nothing missed.

g ). After it all

Get the finished prints to the Bride & Groom as soon as possible, that’s good business, You will want them to see the prints while the day will still be fresh in their memory. Do not get caught in the middle of any disputes-The prints are always to be delivered to the Married couple, and not to anyone else. (unless arranged otherwise). If someone other than the Bride & Groom is paying for the photography, it should be explained to them beforehand that the Bride & Groom get the prints.
When sorting out the finished prints, take out the blinks, and the ones that aren’t up to par.

[kencaleno]

The Photography

A blow by blow account of a typical wedding - Ceremony at 4pm

You have your little schedule cards on a loop of string

You have your flash/strobe set to ¼ Iso (for fill-in, or all outdoor photos if you want to play safe, use at full Iso for indoor shots)
You 18-55 zoom lens on camera

1. At Groom’s house 10:00 am - 11:30am ( All times can only be approximated)

Groom, getting ready,
Groomsmen, playing around
Groom, in mirror
Groom dressed, GQ pose, jacket over shoulder
Groom Full length
Groom with mother Close-up
Groom with Father Close-up
Groom with both parents full length
Groom with both parents close-up
Groom with Grandparents Full length
Groom with Grandparents close-up
With sisters
With brothers
With immediate family
Groom and Best man full length
Groom and Best man Close-up
Groom and best man shaking hands
Groom and all groomsmen 1

2.At Bride’s house 12:30am - 3:00pm

Bride dressing
Mother helping with veil
Mother/maid of honour adjusting veil
Bride looking in mirror

Bride with mother looking in mirror
Bride putting on garter
Bride putting on garter with bridesmaids looking on
Bride full length
Bride half length
Bride close-up
Bride with Mother close-up
Bride with Mother full length
Corsage being pinned on Mother
Bride with Father full length
Bride with Father close-up
Bride pinning-on Father’s button-hole
Bride with both parents, full length
Bride with both parents, close-up
With Grandparents close-up
With Grandparents full length
With sisters
With brothers with immediate family
Bride and maid of honour full length
Bride and maid of honour. Close-up 2
Bride with attendants
Bride with flower girl/ring bearer
Bride leaving house with parents and Bridesmaids
Father helping Bride into limo



3. At the Ceremony 3:30pm - 4:45

Groups of guests and everybody [ 28mm or 28-70mm zoom]
Flower girl walking down aisle
Ring-bearer walking down aisle
Maid of honour walking down aisle
Bridesmaids walking down aisle
Father walking down aisle with Bride
Father “Giving Bride away” [You may choose to change to 75-300mm zoom
Bride & groom exchanging vows for these shots]
Bride and Groom exchanging rings
The Kiss
Bride signing register
Groom signing register
Bride and Groom walking back down aisle
Bride and groom outside church

Bride and Groom getting into limo 3

4. Formal Photos 5:00 - 6:30

Bride alone Full length

Bride alone ¾
Bride alone close-up
Bride alone head shot
Bride alone peeping over flowers

Bride & groom Kissing
Bride & Groom full length
Bride & Groom close-up 3
Groom full length
Groom ¾
Groom close-up
Close-up of rings
Group shot of bride & bridesmaids [18-55mm zoom]


5. At reception

Wedding party announced
Bride and Groom announced
Bride & groom’s first dance

Wedding party dancing
Bride’s dance with Father
Groom’s dance with Mother
Best man toasting Bride & Groom
Bride & groom toasting each other
The cake

Bride& Groom posed at cake
Cutting cake
Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
Throwing bouquet
Bouquet catch
Groom taking off garter
Groom throwing garter
Garter catch
Bride & Groom with catchers
Guests leaving 4
Posed departure of bride & Groom ( Kissing, waving etc.,)
Bride & Groom leaving reception venue
Bride and Groom leaving in limo
Close up of invitation
Picture of band or DJ






Ken Caleno

Creative People Photography Phone/Fax :


Standard Wedding Photography Contract

Wedding date_____________
Bride’s name____________________________ Phone:______________
Address___________________________________________ ________
Groom’s name___________________________ Phone:_____________
Address___________________________________________ ________
Address After Wedding________________________________________
1. This constitutes an order for wedding photography. It is understood that any and all negatives remain the property of the client, but neither party may sell the photographs without written consent of the other.
The client agrees that editorial use of photos and/or advertising use by Ken Caleno is acceptable unless otherwise noted. Ken Caleno may make use of these wedding photos for samples to show future customers.

2. Although all care will be taken with the negatives and photographs taken at the wedding, Ken Caleno limits any loss, damage or failure to deliver pictures for any reason, to return monies paid ( Except for Scheduling fee )


3. Upon signature, Ken Caleno reserves the time and date agreed upon, and will make no other reservations for that time and date. for this reason, Scheduling fee is non-refundable, even if date is changed or wedding cancelled for any reason.

4. A scheduling Fee is due on signing this contract; the remaining balance to be paid 7 days prior to wedding date.
All terms of this agreement are understood and agreed upon.

Agreed price for photography $_________________________

Signature of photographer:_________________________________
Signature of signing party__________________________________
Address___________________________________________ ____
Date________________



© Kenneth William Caleno (Dip Phot) 2008

[MWerner]

Holy cow! I will definitely be bookmarking this thread. Do you have another contract for an entire wedding package (any combination of engagements, bridals, bridal party, bachelorette/bachelor parties, etc.) or do you do separate contracts for each session or event?

[EnticingArt]

The Photography

A blow by blow account of a typical wedding - Ceremony at 4pm

You have your little schedule cards on a loop of string

You have your flash/strobe set to ¼ Iso (for fill-in, or all outdoor photos if you want to play safe, use at full Iso for indoor shots)
You 18-55 zoom lens on camera

1. At Groom’s house 10:00 am - 11:30am ( All times can only be approximated)

Groom, getting ready,
Groomsmen, playing around
Groom, in mirror
Groom dressed, GQ pose, jacket over shoulder
Groom Full length
Groom with mother Close-up
Groom with Father Close-up
Groom with both parents full length
Groom with both parents close-up
Groom with Grandparents Full length
Groom with Grandparents close-up
With sisters
With brothers
With immediate family
Groom and Best man full length
Groom and Best man Close-up
Groom and best man shaking hands
Groom and all groomsmen 1

2.At Bride’s house 12:30am - 3:00pm

Bride dressing
Mother helping with veil
Mother/maid of honour adjusting veil
Bride looking in mirror

Bride with mother looking in mirror
Bride putting on garter
Bride putting on garter with bridesmaids looking on
Bride full length
Bride half length
Bride close-up
Bride with Mother close-up
Bride with Mother full length
Corsage being pinned on Mother
Bride with Father full length
Bride with Father close-up
Bride pinning-on Father’s button-hole
Bride with both parents, full length
Bride with both parents, close-up
With Grandparents close-up
With Grandparents full length
With sisters
With brothers with immediate family
Bride and maid of honour full length
Bride and maid of honour. Close-up 2
Bride with attendants
Bride with flower girl/ring bearer
Bride leaving house with parents and Bridesmaids
Father helping Bride into limo



3. At the Ceremony 3:30pm - 4:45

Groups of guests and everybody [ 28mm or 28-70mm zoom]
Flower girl walking down aisle
Ring-bearer walking down aisle
Maid of honour walking down aisle
Bridesmaids walking down aisle
Father walking down aisle with Bride
Father “Giving Bride away” [You may choose to change to 75-300mm zoom
Bride & groom exchanging vows for these shots]
Bride and Groom exchanging rings
The Kiss
Bride signing register
Groom signing register
Bride and Groom walking back down aisle
Bride and groom outside church

Bride and Groom getting into limo 3

4. Formal Photos 5:00 - 6:30

Bride alone Full length

Bride alone ¾
Bride alone close-up
Bride alone head shot
Bride alone peeping over flowers

Bride & groom Kissing
Bride & Groom full length
Bride & Groom close-up 3
Groom full length
Groom ¾
Groom close-up
Close-up of rings
Group shot of bride & bridesmaids [18-55mm zoom]


5. At reception

Wedding party announced
Bride and Groom announced
Bride & groom’s first dance

Wedding party dancing
Bride’s dance with Father
Groom’s dance with Mother
Best man toasting Bride & Groom
Bride & groom toasting each other
The cake

Bride& Groom posed at cake
Cutting cake
Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
Throwing bouquet
Bouquet catch
Groom taking off garter
Groom throwing garter
Garter catch
Bride & Groom with catchers
Guests leaving 4
Posed departure of bride & Groom ( Kissing, waving etc.,)
Bride & Groom leaving reception venue
Bride and Groom leaving in limo
Close up of invitation
Picture of band or DJ






Ken Caleno

Creative People Photography Phone/Fax :


Standard Wedding Photography Contract

Wedding date_____________
Bride’s name____________________________ Phone:______________
Address___________________________________________ ________
Groom’s name___________________________ Phone:_____________
Address___________________________________________ ________
Address After Wedding________________________________________
1. This constitutes an order for wedding photography. It is understood that any and all negatives remain the property of the client, but neither party may sell the photographs without written consent of the other.
The client agrees that editorial use of photos and/or advertising use by Ken Caleno is acceptable unless otherwise noted. Ken Caleno may make use of these wedding photos for samples to show future customers.

2. Although all care will be taken with the negatives and photographs taken at the wedding, Ken Caleno limits any loss, damage or failure to deliver pictures for any reason, to return monies paid ( Except for Scheduling fee )


3. Upon signature, Ken Caleno reserves the time and date agreed upon, and will make no other reservations for that time and date. for this reason, Scheduling fee is non-refundable, even if date is changed or wedding cancelled for any reason.

4. A scheduling Fee is due on signing this contract; the remaining balance to be paid 7 days prior to wedding date.
All terms of this agreement are understood and agreed upon.

Agreed price for photography $_________________________

Signature of photographer:_________________________________
Signature of signing party__________________________________
Address___________________________________________ ____
Date________________



© Kenneth William Caleno (Dip Phot) 2008





WOW! I wish I knew all of this before Aug 8! LOL my first photoshoot was a wedding, I was upfront with them and told them that theirs was my first wedding shoot, they didn't care and said this will be my break =).

[Rextter]

Should shots of the bride be over exposed or underexposed? When I have tried some test shots the underexposed shots have lots of dress detail but the dress looks grey. The over exposed ones have a lovely white dress but without much detail. Which is the best way to go?

[kencaleno]

Should shots of the bride be over exposed or underexposed? When I have tried some test shots the underexposed shots have lots of dress detail but the dress looks grey. The over exposed ones have a lovely white dress but without much detail. Which is the best way to go?

What you do is use a flash meter and get an incident light reading off of the shadow side of the bride' face, this will nail the exposure exact, and will give you detail in both bridal dress and black tuxedo. regards, Ken

[FGPhotography]

Me to!!! :eek:

I feel nervous just reading this :eek:

[FGPhotography]

:eek::confused::eek::eek: Now I'm really scared lol

The Photography

A blow by blow account of a typical wedding - Ceremony at 4pm

You have your little schedule cards on a loop of string

You have your flash/strobe set to ¼ Iso (for fill-in, or all outdoor photos if you want to play safe, use at full Iso for indoor shots)
You 18-55 zoom lens on camera

1. At Groom’s house 10:00 am - 11:30am ( All times can only be approximated)

Groom, getting ready,
Groomsmen, playing around
Groom, in mirror
Groom dressed, GQ pose, jacket over shoulder
Groom Full length
Groom with mother Close-up
Groom with Father Close-up
Groom with both parents full length
Groom with both parents close-up
Groom with Grandparents Full length
Groom with Grandparents close-up
With sisters
With brothers
With immediate family
Groom and Best man full length
Groom and Best man Close-up
Groom and best man shaking hands
Groom and all groomsmen 1

2.At Bride’s house 12:30am - 3:00pm

Bride dressing
Mother helping with veil
Mother/maid of honour adjusting veil
Bride looking in mirror

Bride with mother looking in mirror
Bride putting on garter
Bride putting on garter with bridesmaids looking on
Bride full length
Bride half length
Bride close-up
Bride with Mother close-up
Bride with Mother full length
Corsage being pinned on Mother
Bride with Father full length
Bride with Father close-up
Bride pinning-on Father’s button-hole
Bride with both parents, full length
Bride with both parents, close-up
With Grandparents close-up
With Grandparents full length
With sisters
With brothers with immediate family
Bride and maid of honour full length
Bride and maid of honour. Close-up 2
Bride with attendants
Bride with flower girl/ring bearer
Bride leaving house with parents and Bridesmaids
Father helping Bride into limo



3. At the Ceremony 3:30pm - 4:45

Groups of guests and everybody [ 28mm or 28-70mm zoom]
Flower girl walking down aisle
Ring-bearer walking down aisle
Maid of honour walking down aisle
Bridesmaids walking down aisle
Father walking down aisle with Bride
Father “Giving Bride away” [You may choose to change to 75-300mm zoom
Bride & groom exchanging vows for these shots]
Bride and Groom exchanging rings
The Kiss
Bride signing register
Groom signing register
Bride and Groom walking back down aisle
Bride and groom outside church

Bride and Groom getting into limo 3

4. Formal Photos 5:00 - 6:30

Bride alone Full length

Bride alone ¾
Bride alone close-up
Bride alone head shot
Bride alone peeping over flowers

Bride & groom Kissing
Bride & Groom full length
Bride & Groom close-up 3
Groom full length
Groom ¾
Groom close-up
Close-up of rings
Group shot of bride & bridesmaids [18-55mm zoom]


5. At reception

Wedding party announced
Bride and Groom announced
Bride & groom’s first dance

Wedding party dancing
Bride’s dance with Father
Groom’s dance with Mother
Best man toasting Bride & Groom
Bride & groom toasting each other
The cake

Bride& Groom posed at cake
Cutting cake
Bride & Groom feeding each other cake
Throwing bouquet
Bouquet catch
Groom taking off garter
Groom throwing garter
Garter catch
Bride & Groom with catchers
Guests leaving 4
Posed departure of bride & Groom ( Kissing, waving etc.,)
Bride & Groom leaving reception venue
Bride and Groom leaving in limo
Close up of invitation
Picture of band or DJ






Ken Caleno

Creative People Photography Phone/Fax :


Standard Wedding Photography Contract

Wedding date_____________
Bride’s name____________________________ Phone:______________
Address___________________________________________ ________
Groom’s name___________________________ Phone:_____________
Address___________________________________________ ________
Address After Wedding________________________________________
1. This constitutes an order for wedding photography. It is understood that any and all negatives remain the property of the client, but neither party may sell the photographs without written consent of the other.
The client agrees that editorial use of photos and/or advertising use by Ken Caleno is acceptable unless otherwise noted. Ken Caleno may make use of these wedding photos for samples to show future customers.

2. Although all care will be taken with the negatives and photographs taken at the wedding, Ken Caleno limits any loss, damage or failure to deliver pictures for any reason, to return monies paid ( Except for Scheduling fee )


3. Upon signature, Ken Caleno reserves the time and date agreed upon, and will make no other reservations for that time and date. for this reason, Scheduling fee is non-refundable, even if date is changed or wedding cancelled for any reason.

4. A scheduling Fee is due on signing this contract; the remaining balance to be paid 7 days prior to wedding date.
All terms of this agreement are understood and agreed upon.

Agreed price for photography $_________________________

Signature of photographer:_________________________________
Signature of signing party__________________________________
Address___________________________________________ ____
Date________________



© Kenneth William Caleno (Dip Phot) 2008

[Rextter]

What do the experienced wedding photographers think about Highlight Tone Priority mode on the Canon 1dMk3? I've seen a video on their website where it is promoted as being ideal for capturing detail on wedding dresses without blowing out highlights.

[annacathryn]

My take on Wedding Photography - Kenneth William Caleno

Essential Equipment

Two camera bodies that share the lenses
Two flashes (strobes) plus cables, etc.,
18mm-55mm zoom
50mm standard lens F1.8 or even better F1.4-for low-light situations
Not essential, but handy for candids and from back of church images- 70mm-300mm zoom lens
large capacity digital storage cards
At least triple batteries as you think you will need
Two white reflectors
Diffusion (soft-focus) filter
85c warming filter for grey days
Tripod for formal photos
Lens hoods to control flare


Ken, I notice you list an 85c warming filter in your 'essential equipment' list. I am shooting my sister's wedding in the UK just after Christmas so it will almost certainly be a grey day. Should I be using a filter or can I achieve the same effect by adjusting the white balance? I would just be worried that I might mess the photos up as I haven't used filters before...

Thanks, Anna

[kencaleno]

Ken, I notice you list an 85c warming filter in your 'essential equipment' list. I am shooting my sister's wedding in the UK just after Christmas so it will almost certainly be a grey day. Should I be using a filter or can I achieve the same effect by adjusting the white balance? I would just be worried that I might mess the photos up as I haven't used filters before...

Thanks, Anna

Hi, Anna, When i originally wrote this, I was using film,but with your camera just use cloudy white balance,or shade white balance if your camera has it- I'll let you into a secret here-I keep my camera on cloudy white balance all the time for any daylight photography-only changing for fluorescent or tungsten lighting indoors-you just get warmer images. Good luck, Ken

[annacathryn]

Hi, Anna, When i originally wrote this, I was using film,but with your camera just use cloudy white balance,or shade white balance if your camera has it- I'll let you into a secret here-I keep my camera on cloudy white balance all the time for any daylight photography-only changing for fluorescent or tungsten lighting indoors-you just get warmer images. Good luck, Ken

Thanks Ken - good tip!

[intoksicated]

reason why i signed up to the forum is because of posts like this. Thank you very much!