Wedding Photography

[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 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). 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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by 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?

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