First Wedding - HELP

MDalby

So... I received a call today and a friend would like me to shoot his daughter's wedding THIS WEEKEND. I have been strictly shooting sports in the past so my composition skills are zero. The wedding is going to be outdoors and I will be taking shots indoors for her dressing etc.

Should I shoot manual? I am worried with everything moving so fast and I am not experienced in this type of shooting. The last thing I want is blown exposure shots etc. I am going to have to live with less perfection in order to protect myself from complete failure. :rofl

So... is there a good link for menus setting on my D300 and flash specifically for weddings? What are the best AF settings for a wedding?

I am thinking I will primarily use my 35-70mm f/2.8 D lens? Will my DOF be lacking if I use the 70-200mm f/2.8D? The ceremony is outdoors so I am thinking the 70-200mm f/2.8D may be good for that and then switch to the 35-70mm f/2.8 D for the close ups etc.

I really appreciate any help you can give a rookie.

Thanks,

MD

Photog4Christ

MDalby wrote:

So... I received a call today and a friend would like me to shoot his daughter's wedding THIS WEEKEND. I have been strictly shooting sports in the past so my composition skills are zero. The wedding is going to be outdoors and I will be taking shots indoors for her dressing etc.

Should I shoot manual? I am worried with everything moving so fast and I am not experienced in this type of shooting. The last thing I want is blown exposure shots etc. I am going to have to live with less perfection in order to protect myself from complete failure.

So... is there a good link for menus setting on my D300 and flash specifically for weddings? What are the best AF settings for a wedding?

I am thinking I will primarily use my 35-70mm f/2.8 D lens? Will my DOF be lacking if I use the 70-200mm f/2.8D? The ceremony is outdoors so I am thinking the 70-200mm f/2.8D may be good for that and then switch to the 35-70mm f/2.8 D for the close ups etc.

I really appreciate any help you can give a rookie.

Thanks,

MD

Honestly.... IMO, don't shoot this wedding. Professional wedding photographers do not shoot for family or friends (at least I don't and I know others that don't too). Do you still want to be friends afterward?

He called you today to shoot a wedding that is less than four days away. That is not enough time to prepare. If he were to call me up and say "My daughter's getting married this weekend. Are you available?" My answer would be "No" (even if I were available).

I'm sure that he knew before today that his daughter was getting married (unless they just woke up this morning and decided to get married).

RUN FOREST!!!! RUN!!!!!!!

MDalby

Photog4Christ wrote:

Professional wedding photographers do not shoot for family or friends

RUN FOREST!!!! RUN!!!!!!!

First of all, I am not really a professional photographer. I do freelance stuff for the community paper but that is really it. If I was a pro I would have more of an idea to not ask you guys these basic questions.

I really need to help this guy out. His daughter has had a rough go of it.

Photog4Christ

MDalby wrote:

First of all, I am not really a professional photographer. I do freelance stuff for the community paper but that is really it. If I was a pro I would have more of an idea to not ask you guys these basic questions.

I really need to help this guy out. His daughter has had a rough go of it.

I understand and if it came across that I was getting down on you, then I'm sorry, because that's not what I was trying to do.

A wedding is a very stressful event for everyone involved. I'm going to stick to what I said. If your friend wants photos of the wedding, then he needs to hire a wedding photographer.

But, this is just my opinion. I'm sure you'll get other responses.

jeffreaux2

Well my guess is that at this point if you dont shoot it then it wont be shot...unless a guest does it with a point and shoot....

If so then telling you to run isn't really offering any help at all....now is it?

Good news....

The "fast glass" that you mentioned from your sports shooting will serve you well shooting portraits and events such as a wedding.


I think you could shoot everything you need to shoot with the shorter of the zooms, but if you have a second body or could borrow one....then mounting the longer zoom would give you a different perspective for some of the shots. Just be sure if you use the shorter zoom to get near the action.....as in the front row...or behind the officiant. Position yourself to enable you to get shots of the couples faces as best you can. That is the main difference between sports and wedding photography that you might find uncomfortable.....no sideline shooting here....get in the game!


As for settings......

Im sure as a sports shooter you are comfortable shooting manual. Shoot manual. Shoot RAW.

Set your exposures to keep the highlights on the white dress under control. Use the histogram and expose to the right....but again...watch the highlights. When you are done with post processing you want to be able to see all the details in that dress. Keep the histogram view set up on your camera during the outdoor stuff so that you can check exposures between shots...as the outdoor natural light changes minute to minute. Shooting rAW will give you some leeway for exposure mistakes to be corrected in post.....but try to keep things manageable.

As in sports, you want to isolate your subjects with DOF, so use those larger apertures.

Do you have a flash?....you will probably need it for the indoor shots unless there is ample light to shoot. If so....use it bounced off walls or ceilings, and use higher ISO's to allow a nice mix of ambient light into the exposure.

Im sure over the next few days you will get a lot of solid guidance here...but that's a start....

Lastly...and most importantly....relax!!!....Im sure the parents and couple will be extremely happy with whatever you are able to offer.:D

MDalby

So, this is what I have been thinking.

Aperture Priority
f/8 or f/11
NEF 14 bit per channel
ISO 1200 inside, ISO 400 outside
51 point auto focus

Do I dare go to JPG? I have three memory cards but I don't know if I have enough for RAW.

MDalby

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Im sure as a sports shooter you are comfortable shooting manual. Shoot manual. Shoot RAW.

Lastly...and most importantly....relax!!!....Im sure the parents and couple will be extremely happy with whatever you are able to offer.:D

I should have waited with my earlier post. My initial thoughts were pretty much opposite of your recommendation.

Thank you for the help!

MD

MDalby

I have a SB-800 and a Demb Flip it but I haven't used the Flip it much. I will be practicing over the next few days.

jeffreaux2

MDalby wrote:

So, this is what I have been thinking.

Aperture Priority
f/8 or f/11
NEF 14 bit per channel
ISO 1200 inside, ISO 400 outside
51 point auto focus

Do I dare go to JPG? I have three memory cards but I don't know if I have enough for RAW.

Aperture priority would be a second choice for me....but you would still need to babysit the exposures with the exposure compensation wheel...so....why not just go manual?

F8 might be about as small as I would go. I never shoot F8 unless its a head shot or Im at like 200mm. You would safely have everything in focus, but the backgrounds also would be in focus....not neccesarily a goodness for this type of work. Ive shot entire events at 55mm and wider at F4.5.

Expect to shoot around 1000 shots...and have room to store them. If you need more storage...buy the cards...You will always be able to use them in your other efforts, so you arent really wasting anything there. If you cant swing that, then at least shoot the stuff requiring trickier exposures in RAW. Like shoot indoors jpeg and RAW out in the sun? RAW files may be a blessing later....and there is no need to shoot jpeg plus RAW....its redundant...and wastes precious card space.

I wouldnt guess an ISO ahead of time. You should keep the ISO as low as possible to give you hand holdability at your chosen aperture and shutter speed. You wont need those super fast shutter speeds to stop the action here. 1 / 250 may be overkill on many of the shots.....but you might have to make do with 1/60 indoors in natural light.....or slower.

Focus.... use a single point. Normally Id recommend choosing the single point that is on your subject in the framed image, but if this is new to you just use the center point to focus on your subject....and then keeping the focus/shutter half pressed recompose the image before tripping the shutter.

A multi point AF might focus on something altogether different than what you intended.

You can use servo mode or whatever Nikon calls their focus "tracking" mode for shots of the processional and recessional....just be sure to switch to single point after.....or THAT will ruin some images.

Im not familiar with the Demb, but have seen praise from others on the device. Can you use it and still bounce the flash? Be familiar with using flash exposure compensation(thats what canon calls it) to dial back the harshness of the flash.

Hopefully a brother or sister Nikonian will jump in to give you flash pointers.

jeffreaux2

FWIW,

I visited your galleries. I didnt look at everything, but saw enough to know that you not only have a nice gear set, but also know how to use it. I know that you are stressing becausing its something alien to you and it's...once in a lifetime...stigma. BUT. All those jump shots...and blocked shots....those are once in a lifetime too. I have to shoot sports now and then too...and I REALLY suck at that! Its tough to keep the action in the viewfinder...especially on a basketball court. You will do fine. Aside from practicing what you think you should practice.....spend some time looking through wedding photos...and entire events of other wedding photographers....just to get your mind right for the types of situations and compositions to look for or reproduce. AND. If at all possible.....take someone dressed in white and black to the venue at the time of day you intend to shoot ahead of time. Shoot some practice shots....see where things fall out. Go over the plans for the course of events with the bride. You want to know when things are about to happen ahead of time as much as possible/practical.

DsrtVW

Definitely the short notice makes it tough.
You have the equipment to handle it. Just think of it as a sporting event and anticipate the action to be ready for the shot.
I shoot a D300 too. Was approached by a coworker to shoot his wedding. I am a nature/landscape shooter. I informed him and his bride of my limitations in this area of photography but he ask me to give it a try they were really limited on budget.
The agreement was that I would document the wedding but they were not to expect a traditional type posed portrait photography.
I had months to prepare but was really nervous the day of, but once shooting commenced all went pretty naturally as far as camera handling.
I have shot 2 more wedding since then also coworkers with same disclaimer. Still editing third wedding which was 2 weekends ago
I was using a SB600 with diffuser first wedding, had SB-900 for second and third when needed. Most shot in aperture priority. Outside ISO 200. Inside depends on what I am shooting but try not to go over 800
But shoot with what you are most comfortable with. Keep an eye on the histogram and highlight blinkies
First venue I was able to go out and see and take shots for advance exposure settings.
Single spot AF continous servo using AF lock to focus and recompose when needed
I have lots of CF (Sansdisc Extreme3)cards so I shoot RAW mostly have filled 1 8gb, and 2 or 3 4gb cards but I shoot a lot of frames to be on the safe side
My 2 cents worth hope it has been of some help.

link to galleries if you want to look http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/Weddings

ChatKat

Talk! That is a very important tool
I suggest you talk to the Bride and ask them what they want from their photography. Make them feel compfortable with you so that they will relax when you take the photos. It make a huge difference.

Find out how things are supposed to work out and then prepare that they wont so you will be ready. Talk to the officient and find out the signal for the kiss. Ask the bride and groom to hold it and count to 10 so you won't miss the real kiss.

Just remember you can only do one job: Tell the story of the day. Everything else can be grip and grins if needed. Just remember that is your job - document what happens. Same as sports. Just a different game. Watch your camera settings. Relax.

Photog4Christ

I would like to apologize if my post last night came across the wrong way. I work second shift and it was late (almost midnight), so my brain cells may have been at rest.

You got some great advice. You have some very good glass, so go ahead and use it!

I looked at your portfolio, and you certainly do know what you are doing with a camera. I am not saying that you are not capable of shooting a wedding, but a wedding is a unique event. You don't get any do-overs if you miss an important shot.

I look forward to seeing the results.

MDalby

Photog4Christ wrote:

I would like to apologize if my post last night came across the wrong way.

Neal,

There is no need for an apology. You were fine. I didn't take anything wrong. I appreciate the comments.

MD

Nicolas

In the past friends of mine (who do not have much money) have asked me to shoot their wedding. My response is always the same: I try very hard to talk them out of it. I explain to them that yes I may have taken some good shots here and there, but that weddings are entirely different. If that still doesn't work then I explain that the great shots they see from pro wedding photographers are shots they have taken over and over again and can continue to do so from experience. If that still doesn't work then I go ahead and do it. I have done two weddings and feel ok about the results. They were not spectacular, just ok (in my mind at least, I think they liked them more).

My only advice is this- do not feel bad about moving around to get the shots that you need. I did not hesitate at all and moved from behind the alter to the back of the isles and so on...

Good luck.

Photog4Christ

MDalby wrote:

Neal,

There is no need for an apology. You were fine. I didn't take anything wrong. I appreciate the comments.

MD

No problem.

Some advice...

Is this a church wedding (you said outside ceremony, so I'm going to guess the answer is "no"). I would talk to the officiant before the ceremony starts. Go up and introduce yourself. Find out if they have any rules regarding photography. I shot one wedding where the pastor told me that he didn't care what I did or where I shot as long as I didn't draw attention. I've had many pastors come up to me later and say "I didn't even know you were there." Trust me... unless you do something to make people notice you everyone is going to be looking at the Bride.

MDalby

Any fellow Nikonians out there that can share your menu setting recommendations etc for weddings?

MDalby

Gretzky09 wrote:

I've shot a few weddings before and they're really not that bad after you've gotten through that first one.

I think the key word is AFTER the first one.

The first one is stressful, for me at least.

Thanks for the comments.

MD

DsrtVW

Yes the first one is the toughest. It is a lot of work. The thing that makes it so stressful is you are documenting a once in a lifetime thing, if that did not way on your mind we would have to check for a pulse.

After the first I was so jazzed I could not wait to do it again. I guess it could be looked at like bungee jumping or skydiving. You dread doing it at first but once you get past the first jump you want to do it again.

If the responsibility of the success of the event ways on one it is the person that ask you 4 days before it. If you accept it, you are there to shoot another game. Just get the last shot at the buzzer(the kiss)

I would not go changing the way you have your camera setup on such short notice. You know what to expect from it at your settings.

I have such deep respect and admiration for Pro wedding photogs, they have a really tough job. Shooting the event is just the beginning of the work.

Just make sure expectations between the you and the bridal party are clear. Regardless of the outcome you were there to do them a great service on such short notice. I pray that all will turn out well.
May the force be with you:D

I started out mainly shooting nature because it replaced hunting with firearms, same aspects of hunting everything has to be right to get the great shot. But as I venture further into the craft I find myself expanding into other areas of photography, because each area presents new challenges and keeps it exciting. Have not quit my day job yet, but ya never know.

donek

MDalby wrote:

I think the key word is AFTER the first one.

The first one is stressful, for me at least.

Thanks for the comments.

MD

Mark,

You've received some good advice here. On the nerves side, consider your compensation as a measure of what's being expected. We talked a few months ago about my first wedding ($100). I felt there was little expectation, so I was not too concerned about making mistakes. It's too bad it's so soon, or you could have tagged along with me for a couple before hand. I'm shooting this weekend as well, but you're welcome to call if you want to talk about it. You'll produce results that dissapoint you and others that are very satisfying. It's a great learning experience and you'll likely be out buying books on wedding photography next week, so you can be ready to do a few next summer.

The best advice is to look at other wedding photographers photos and use them as guides. Take a look on Craiglist for the low end guys too. While they aren't usually the greatest photos, they can be very instructive and sometimes help you decide what not to do. Enjoy the day, don't stress, and most of all make sure you eat.

MDalby

donek wrote:

My first wedding ($100). I felt there was little expectation, so I was not too concerned about making mistakes. It's too bad it's so soon, or you could have tagged along with me for a couple before hand.

Sean, I am not charging my friend for this since it is my first gig. It is just as all of you have said though, there is always another football or basketball game. It is hard to redo a wedding shot!

I wish I could tag along and see how you do a wedding. I'll drop you an email. Yell at me if I can ever help out learn from you.

donek wrote:

...and most of all make sure you eat.

I haven't missed too many meals in my day.

Qarik

MDalby wrote:

Sean, I am not charging my friend for this since it is my first gig. It is just as all of you have said though, there is always another football or basketball game. It is hard to redo a wedding shot!

I wish I could tag along and see how you do a wedding. I'll drop you an email. Yell at me if I can ever help out learn from you.

I haven't missed too many meals in my day.

For the reception if it is after dark and poorly lit..you'll probably want to be in the f/3.5-6 range with shutter sppeds in > 1/100 sec assuming you are using the you standard zoom. TTL flash bouncing off the ceiling with a diffuser of some sort to bounce some forward. ISO 400-800 should be fine and this should be the last adjustment you make for exposure.

Just keep chimping often to keep things dialed in. I think the technical aspect for the seasoned hobbyist is actually the least challenging part. The most challenging part is runing around and dealing with the stress of getting all the "shots". My advice would be to take deep breath once in while and focus on compositions. imo if you miss a few shots..no one will notice as long as you get other good ones.

Lastly don't for get detail shots of rings, bouqets, centerpieces, cake, gift tables, etc. I think they bring a lot to a set and help break up the monotony of people shots.

goldenstarphoto

I found this checklist to be helpful when I took pictures at my daughters wedding on New Years Eve. She had a friend of a friend as the official photographer who did a crappy job. Glad I brought my camera even though she didn't want me to.

http://weddings.about.com/od/photographer/a/Photogchecklist.htm

Make sure you talk with the couple about what shots they absolutely want and then just relax. You will do fine!

MDalby

Qarik wrote:

For the reception if it is after dark and poorly lit..you'll probably want to be in the f/3.5-6 range with shutter sppeds in > 1/100 sec assuming you are using the you standard zoom. TTL flash bouncing off the ceiling with a diffuser of some sort to bounce some forward. ISO 400-800 should be fine and this should be the last adjustment you make for exposure.

Just keep chimping often to keep things dialed in. I think the technical aspect for the seasoned hobbyist is actually the least challenging part. The most challenging part is runing around and dealing with the stress of getting all the "shots". My advice would be to take deep breath once in while and focus on compositions. imo if you miss a few shots..no one will notice as long as you get other good ones.

Lastly don't for get detail shots of rings, bouqets, centerpieces, cake, gift tables, etc. I think they bring a lot to a set and help break up the monotony of people shots.

Thank you for the advice. This is a great help for me.

MD

MDalby

goldenstarphoto wrote:

I found this checklist to be helpful when I took pictures at my daughters wedding on New Years Eve. She had a friend of a friend as the official photographer who did a crappy job. Glad I brought my camera even though she didn't want me to.

http://weddings.about.com/od/photographer/a/Photogchecklist.htm

Make sure you talk with the couple about what shots they absolutely want and then just relax. You will do fine!

Perfect! This is great

fmkjr

A few quick tips
There is no doubt you have the skills to capture the action. :-D

My suggestion is to find a few good sites to review poses and tips for the critical parts of the day.

e.g. The bride with dad, groom seeing bride for the first time, ring exchange, kiss, presentation of the bride and groom

shootsmarter.com has good tips
visit david ziser's blog for great ideas
remember to capture the details, rings, flowers, shoes, etc


ensure you grab a few candid shots of the parents
try to find out where you can stand and if you can use a strobe

When you get to the reception. Introduce yourself to the DJ as the official photographer.

cake cutting - you direct the action. ensure they do not start until you are ready and take plenty of shots

first dance
flower toss, etc
toast

There is great info on david ziser's site on the formal poses and other aspects of shooting a wedding.

on one of my sites is a fast slide show of a wedding I shot earlier in the year.
www.kendrallaphotography.com

I am heading out of town but if you want to shoot an email to me via the contact me on my site, I will give you a few other tips too.

MDalby

fmkjr wrote:

I am heading out of town but if you want to shoot an email to me via the contact me on my site, I will give you a few other tips too.

Thank you for the help

MDalby

For being a rookie at lighting... Should I not mess with gels at all?

MDalby

fmkjr wrote:

on one of my sites is a fast slide show of a wedding I shot earlier in the year.
www.kendrallaphotography.com

Dr Frank... Thank you for the link. This is VERY helpful

MissB

Qarik wrote:

For the reception if it is after dark and poorly lit..you'll probably want to be in the f/3.5-6 range with shutter sppeds in > 1/100 sec assuming you are using the you standard zoom. TTL flash bouncing off the ceiling with a diffuser of some sort to bounce some forward. ISO 400-800 should be fine and this should be the last adjustment you make for exposure.

Just keep chimping often to keep things dialed in. I think the technical aspect for the seasoned hobbyist is actually the least challenging part. The most challenging part is runing around and dealing with the stress of getting all the "shots". My advice would be to take deep breath once in while and focus on compositions. imo if you miss a few shots..no one will notice as long as you get other good ones.

Lastly don't for get detail shots of rings, bouqets, centerpieces, cake, gift tables, etc. I think they bring a lot to a set and help break up the monotony of people shots.

Ahhhh... so good to hear some one say it... "my advice would be to take a deep breath once in a while and focus on compostions. IMO if you miss a few shots...no one will notice as long as you get other good ones"

I have my first wedding coming up... I have the self confidence to know I can do it... and come up with a finished product that they will be pleased about. I underestimate that its the over all picture usually...(ha no pun intended) that they notice... not the check list. Although I will try my hardest to get them all done.

Great imput everyone.

Also... I've realized that with all the stressing I've done about what settings to have my camera at... and what lenses to bring. I really don't know what im walking into... whether it will be cloudy outside and the church will be dark.. or it will perfect. I know when I start to doubt myself... I do so much worse than if I just ease up and have fun. You definatly do need to get in contact with the bride and make sure there isn't particular shots that are must have's.

Best of luck...you'll do fine. Relax...don't over think it.

MDalby

DsrtVW wrote:

link to galleries if you want to look http://kadvantage.smugmug.com/Weddings

Thank you for the link. This has been helpful. Nice work! If I can only be this lucky.