first wedding reception

[photosnappr]

Hi everyone! My name is Amy and I'm a photographer in Montana. I have a girl who is interested in having me photograph her wedding reception. She got married in Vegas and is apparently having a wedding reception at home in October. I haven't found out yet if the reception is indoors or out, but if its indoors I'm not sure what techniques I should be using. I typically shoot outdoors because I don't have a studio, and I normally do seniors, couples and families. I've never been asked to photograph anyone or any even indoors. I need some advice and maybe even a few tips. I'm using a Canon DSLR Rebel XS, no external flash. Is not having an external flash a problem? If so what can I do to compensate for it? Thank so much! I'd love to do this shoot for her so I hope you all can guide me in the right direction! Thanks!

[AnonymousKiwi1]

Hi Amy!

Could I direct you to the thread entitled "One body or two" in this very forum. (Sorry, I'd link to it but I haven't figured out how!)
If you read it carefully you may find all you need to know.

Cheers, Lisa

[candleman]

Originally Posted by photosnappr

I need some advice and maybe even a few tips. I'm using a Canon DSLR Rebel XS, no external flash. Is not having an external flash a problem? !

yes, its a big problem if the lighting is really bad.
i turn people away if the celebrant doesnt allow flash

seeing as this is a reception and not a Ceremony, it should be much more forgiving...

Originally Posted by photosnappr

If so what can I do to compensate for it? !

nothing you can do.. i basically dont shoot without it.
if you're lucky you can position people near a window if its day time, or near a lamp if its a dim room.

the XS is horrible at high ISO's so shooting ambient is.. well.. asking for trouble.

i'd recommend getting a flashgun
580EX should do the trick, and check out planet neil for how to bounce, use it as fill light, and gel the light.

all the best with it.

[Niresangwa]

you really ought to get hold of an external flash and learn its wily ways asap, whether the event is outdoors or indoors. there are plenty of threads throughout the forums that will help you out, so get comfortable

if you can be more specific on questions or tips you want, im sure youll get more specific advice.

[photosnappr]

as soon as I get an email back from the girl letting me know if its indoors or out I should be able to ask more specific questions on how to go about doing this. I also want to mention that I have been doing photography work for quite a while now, and have taught myself everything I know, but have just recently started to get noticed and have decided that seniors and couples are the direction I want to follow. I also need to mention that I don't have a flashgun or external flash because of limited funds at the moment (husband is just finishing up college so its tight around our house right now). Is there any good place to find a relatively cheap flash?

[lemonjenny]

Originally Posted by photosnappr

Is there any good place to find a relatively cheap flash?

Have you considered renting one? Most cities have at least one photography shop that rents equipment.

[photosnappr]

well yes most cities do have a camera shop where you can rent equipment, but I don't live in most cities, lol. I live in Butte Montana....and living in Montana in general means you live by limited means. I was born and raised in Montana and wouldn't change it for the world but sometimes its hard getting what you want/need here. There are NO camera shops in this town, swear! There are plenty of photographers, but no shops. So renting one is out of the question, but now that I think about it, my uncle may have a flash I can use. Its amazing the things you think of just randomly, lol. Thanks for the suggestion tho!

[Jonbar18]

almost all rental companies can ship equipment

[gturner]

renting one will not teach you how to use one for 1 day.
Flash use is technical and tricky, even more so in big venues.

would look at renting a 5D mkii and some fast lenses (35,mm L + 24-70) If it is indoors you will not use a longer zoom like a 70-200 unless the place is exceptionally well lit.

Does the bride have a budget?

[kelleyrie]

You will definitely need at least one external flash and time to learn how to use it if you are going to be shooting indoors. All the receptions I have photographed have been very dark, almost like being inside a movie theater. I even blew up a flash at one of these receptions