Wedding Photography

[polarismagic]

If a amateur photographer wanted to attempt a low key wedding what are some things needed? What are some ideas on how to get the most out of the pictures? any other hints tips or tricks?

[Jim Bryant]

Depends on the type of gear you are using and if you can or cannot use flash during the ceremony. If no flash is allowed, you might want to go out and rent some fast lenses.

[rspears]

f2.8 and be there. (sorry... couldn't resist)

Seriously, you'll need a camera and a good eye. If you want your pictures to be something that the bride and groom will treasure forever... you might have to work a little harder.

Although I shouldn't admit it,... the very first wedding that I shot with a digital camera was done with just a kit lens. If you want your pictures to look good, consider a good TTL flash, and a lens that will open up to at least 2.8 for low light. If your camera handles high ISO, that's just gravy.

Study the pictures on other wedding photographer websites. Look at the types of pictures, the angles, and the emotion in the pictures. Google Sal Cincotta and look at his work. Or if you want to see a slideshow of pure wedding ART... check out Inku at this link

Google Tony Hoffer. Every time I see his work, I smack myself because I suck in comparison. Learn from the masters.

The best "tip" I ever got was to watch for the emotion. Focus on the mother of the bride as the bride is walking down the isle. Focus on the eyes as the bride and groom share their first dance. watch for the emotion. f2.8 and be there. Done.

[Biomech]

Tell us what equipment you have my little chicken noodle

[zona5101]

"low light" is the real constraint. I think to pull it off you need a body with very good to excellent high iso performance, fast lenes and good post processing noise reduction software. (and of course the ability to effectively use all 3)

[ajax_andy]

"low light" is the real constraint. I think to pull it off you need a body with very good to excellent high iso performance, fast lenes and good post processing noise reduction software. (and of course the ability to effectively use all 3)

Yep this is it in a nutshell. I've been shooting with a 7d but am going to upgrade to a 5D MK III in a few weeks I think as even the 7d struggles with some of the locations I have to shoot weddings in...

I shoot with a 7d and a f/2.8 lens and even then sometimes there's a fair bit of noise reduction to be carried out.

[moreinmind]

You know what sucks?

Wedding photography.

[bhursey]

You know what sucks?

Wedding photography.

Yep.. almost not worth it is it? To the OP definitely the most challenging thing you will ever do you better have allot of experience under your belt.

I revert to a famous thread here. It will put it in prospective..

So You Think You Can Shoot - Lessons from a First-Time Wedding Shooter

[shawnartistic]

Hey Polarismagic, frankly speaking the main thing you require is the talent and interest to capture the good moments. Apart from that a good proficient lens is needed. Other things you can learn with time and experience. Try to examine the photographs of some other professionals. You will get some good ideas from that also. Best of luck.

[Biomech]

A backup camera.