Trying to improve my wedding ceremony shots...

[dnpayne]

Hey everyone, I thought I would try and get some advise from you guys (and gals) on some ways I could maybe improve my ceremony shooting skills. I feel it's the weakest point of my shots currently.

I'm always leary of using Flash as to not distract from the ceremony. Some places restrict flash, but even for venues that allow it, I've been a little hesitant to use it. What are your thoughts on this? Usually, they are lowlight, so I know by using flash that will help improve right there.

But as far as positioning, I also try to stay invisible if possible. Is it worth getting a little more in the middle of things to get better photos? Obviously, there is a line there.

Anyway, looking for some tips. I always want to be improving.

[zona5101]

If you are getting paid, get in there and get your shots. Don't worry about blocking a guests view or being the only person standing. Get your shot then get out of the way, duck down , what ever it takes. Be fluid and work the room, anticipate the action and be in the right spot at the right time. That's what you're getting paid for.

[bhursey]

Like Bruce Says you have to work the room. You have to move around descreet let as possible and as quick as possible. This is what you are being paid for. Normally I am low in front of the front puew during the person getting the people going down the isle. Then I quickly back up getting the father giving the bride away, Then normally I get a few shots from one side. Then go around to the other side. I go to the isle when they are saying their vows and are about to kiss. I get that shot normally with my 85mm f1.8 then switch to my 28-75mm camera. I then go up and walk backwards taking pictures of them leaving. Be careful of fountains when doing this.




A second photographer is a must I found out. I normally park them in the back with a longer lens to have a backup on the important shots. The best thing is to go to the rehearsal the day before. I normally ask and they normally are fine with it. I do this so I know the order of everything and where I need to stand. I literally take pictures at the rehearsal just like at the wedding. When I get home I look at them and see if I made any mistakes if I do I adjust my technique and technical settings for the wedding the next day. To me this is almost a must but I have done weddings where I did not go to the reception and they definitely seemed much harder.

[Niresangwa]

So are you wanting to improve technically or creatively?

[dnpayne]

Originally Posted by Niresangwa

So are you wanting to improve technically or creatively?

Well, I just feel like that's my weak area. I'm not sure if it's just the lighting conditions, or the restricted movements or what. I think I'm always worried that I'll be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I usually try to crouch down in the isle about 5 rows back. I'll move to either side and get a couple shots, then grab a few from the back as well. I've been wanting to get the Canon 70-200 1.8, but I haven't had the budget yet. So, I'm usually using my 28-75 during this time. Obviously, this limits my tight in shots.

I don't want to have the thought process of my lens is limiting me, but maybe it actually is.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by dnpayne

I'm always leary of using Flash as to not distract from the ceremony. Some places restrict flash, but even for venues that allow it, I've been a little hesitant to use it. What are your thoughts on this?

I have been married for 20 years now

I can tell from the pictures if flash was used or not, but I sure as hell do not remember any flashes going off.

The only people that seem to have issues with flash are the odd officiant.

If I am given rules that I can only be at the back of the church, with no flash etc I mount the 80-200 2.8 on a tripod and shoot handheld with the other body on either the 17-50 2.8 or 50mm 1.4 if that works for me.

When shooting with ambient light and high ISO, expose far right and fix in post. You will get less noise and grain that way. Just be careful not to blow out the dress or other highlights.

[Niresangwa]

Originally Posted by dnpayne

Well, I just feel like that's my weak area. I'm not sure if it's just the lighting conditions, or the restricted movements or what. I think I'm always worried that I'll be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I usually try to crouch down in the isle about 5 rows back. I'll move to either side and get a couple shots, then grab a few from the back as well. I've been wanting to get the Canon 70-200 1.8, but I haven't had the budget yet. So, I'm usually using my 28-75 during this time. Obviously, this limits my tight in shots.

I don't want to have the thought process of my lens is limiting me, but maybe it actually is.

Well, I think you're looking at two maybe even three separate issues here, (as far as I can tell from a couple of dozen lines of text).

If your gear only goes out to 75mm, well, yes that's going to severely limit what you can do...both technically and creatively. By comparison, we have four pieces of glass in use during a ceremony, (a FE 10-17, wide angle 16-50, medium zoom 50-135 and a 200 prime). I think Tamron does a relatively inexpensive workhorse zoom (70-200 2.8 or something, around $600) that would really help open up some different options for you..

Flash, as Scott says, it's not unusual to use it which could help, though I never do.. it's just personal choice as far as your style goes... no one will care if you do, people know photographers use flash, period...as long as you're capable of doing it without when the celebrant is a d!ck, don't worry..

As far as movement, yes, it is awkward sometimes, but you just have to do it. Personally I do not enter the sanctuary, but will shoot from the front row and the aisles. The center aisle is really a waste of time aside from a couple of required standard shots...ultimately, if you're moving, do it quickly (not running like your ass is on fire obviously) and if you're stopped, either crouch down, or stay by the walls, and whenever possible, don't get into the congregations field of view for extended periods...

Discussing the creativity is a whole 'nother ball of wax though...

[dmann]

Originally Posted by dnpayne

Hey everyone, I thought I would try and get some advise from you guys (and gals) on some ways I could maybe improve my ceremony shooting skills. I feel it's the weakest point of my shots currently.

I'm always leary of using Flash as to not distract from the ceremony. Some places restrict flash, but even for venues that allow it, I've been a little hesitant to use it. What are your thoughts on this? Usually, they are lowlight, so I know by using flash that will help improve right there.

But as far as positioning, I also try to stay invisible if possible. Is it worth getting a little more in the middle of things to get better photos? Obviously, there is a line there.

Anyway, looking for some tips. I always want to be improving.

You could try posting a picture in the critique section and see what advice you get from there.

[bhursey]

No one liked my video?

[dmann]

I meant to comment on it and forgot. Poor guy that looks like quite expensive gear to go for a swim. Also what the heck took him soooo long to get out???