Wedding

[Hrshycro]

Hey,

I just got a job shooting a wedding in about 2 weeks. I've never shot a wedding or a lot of people before, so this will be new to me. It's going to be mainly indoors and they don't expect pro photos, just a lot of shots. I'm going to buy the SB-600 speed light for my D40x since it will be indoors shooting and I've been wanting to buy it anyhow. I would like any tips you have about shooting this type of work.

You can see my other photography here: flickr.hrshycro.com

[KathrynWilson]

If you really must shoot only indoors, then try to find a nice location without any clutter or distracting background. Make sure to consider varied composition as it would be really easy in that situation just to get a lot of shots of people standing directly facing you and smiling. Get lots of practice with your flash and maybe use some kind of diffuser so things aren't too flashy.

[SusanH1970]

This thread is a sticky at the top of this section; it should answer any questions you have.

Wedding Photography

[candleman]

be sure to practise ALOT with the flash, concentrate on WB and different lightsources, and make sure you do as KathrynWilson suggested... use a diffuser and bounce wherever possible.

try taking a portrait in direct sunlight and removing the shadows on the face with the flash wothout blowing any highlights.
chances are you'll need to be able to do that.


weddings are exceptionally challenging.
technically, artisticly, physically... just straight damn hard.
so practice, study, plan ahead and plan for the worst.
something will go wrong, or not as planned. thats a given

be sure to shoot in RAW and expect to spend a massive amount of time behind the computer when you're done.
all the best.
Susan has given a good link.

[Hrshycro]

Wow. Thanks for the help so far. I've been reading for over an hour now.

I'm going to order the flash soon so that I have time before the 20th to figure out how to use it properly. Also, this wedding is going to be held in the Basque center. Best I remember since I haven't been there since I was very young, is that it's brick, got higher (20"+) ceilings, and probably not the best lighting. Therefore, I don't think I'm going to be able to bounce the flash off very much. Would I be ahead to get something like this? See: http://foxyurl.com/5ca

Thanks,

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Hrshycro

Would I be ahead to get something like this? See: http://foxyurl.com/5ca

I can't give you a pro recommendation but check out Gary Fong Lightsphere 'cloud' diffuser.

[agresbach]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

I can't give you a pro recommendation but check out Gary Fong Lightsphere 'cloud' diffuser.

i'm looking to pick up a Lightsphere later this summer.....is there a general preference for the cloud over the clear versions?

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by agresbach

i'm looking to pick up a Lightsphere later this summer.....is there a general preference for the cloud over the clear versions?

Many people in the other forums preferred the cloud version but it depends on how you going to use it. Cloud is for better diffusion and softer light while clear is restricted less light while still allowing for soft diffusion.

BTW, I have the cloud version.

[agresbach]

Originally Posted by LoveDSLR

Many people in the other forums preferred the cloud version but it depends on how you going to use it. Cloud is for better diffusion and softer light while clear is restricted less light while still allowing for soft diffusion.

BTW, I have the cloud version.

awesome thanks for the info! and since you 've been using it, does it really make that great of a difference? is it much more compared to if you would just bounce the flash off a near wall or something?

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by agresbach

awesome thanks for the info! and since you 've been using it, does it really make that great of a difference?

I use the Lightsphere in situations where I would use a sto-fen and it does make a difference.

is it much more compared to if you would just bounce the flash off a near wall or something?

Because the light is already diffused, the bounced light will be softer.