Hints and tips from wedding photographers if you have time pls

kp-pix

Ok hi

I have a technical nightmare ahead, a harbour cruise with potential thunderstorms predicted - a bride and bridesmaid with many tattoos that they don't wish to be shown. Thankfully, the bride is wearing a cropped jacket over her 'amazing' dress, so it will be angle and PS for any missed bits mostly for her.

The ceremony was aimed for a sunset, which won't be fantasmo according to the weather.

I have 'some' ideas and seriously, limited background due to the amount of people who get married at the 'same' time around that area on a Saturday, like central Sydney around the quay and the Opera House. I am thinking tripod will be taken but might be a waste of time if the harbour is choppy :huh

Gear is two Nkons, with appropriate speedlights, two good portrait lenses, a zoom and a very decent prime.

Obviously, we will have to play it by ear on the actual day, but if anyone has experienced being on the water through a thunderstorm and produced great shots - some technical know how would be muchly appreciated :cry

Freaking out as our recent thunderstorms have been like mini-tornados :cry

kp-pix

Right! I didn't think many people would have shot in thunderstorms on a harbour but if you know a friend of a friend of a friend

If not, candid city it is, much PS and prayer

Pixel Popper

Right off the top of my head, I would say that a tripod, or at least a good monopod, would be the choice piece of gear to have with you, considering the movement of the water. It could make hand-held shooting quite the challenge.

I know tripods can be a bit cumbersome, especially when there are lots of people about, and they don't always allow the most spontaneity for your shooting. That's why I would recommend a sturdy monopod at a minimum.

You have plenty of means at your disposal to deal with ambient light, or lack thereof, no matter what it is. The real challenge, in my opinion, is going to be the motion of the boat, so some way of stabilizing the camera is important, and I would also consider boosting the ISO so you can use as fast a shutter speed as possible. If the boat is in motion, chances are the people will be moving relative to the deck, and the faster shutter speed will help with subject motion-blur.

I'm sure there is more to consider, but these are the first that came to mind. Good luck! Let us know how it turns out.

urbanaries

I am not sure how much a tripod would help if the boat itself isn't stable, but others may disagree.

I would personally rely on flash and fast lenses to stop action.

Even if it's not sunny I would think a lens hood, and a lot of lens cloths would help keep water droplets off the lens. That would be my biggest fear while shooting at sea.

As far as the scenery, I have seen some amazing shots done while storms are a-brewing! I think you'll do just fine!

Pixel Popper

While it's true that the boat might be in motion relative to the surface of the water, the tripod will hold the camera motionless relative to the deck surface upon which, presumably, the subjects will be standing.

You might still have challenges with people movement, but at least the tripod will eliminate the chance of camera shake.

I think urbanaries' comments about flash and fast lenses are correct, and should complete the equation for you.

If sea spray is an issue, you might also consider keeping the lens cap on throughout the shoot until just before you are ready to compose the shot, then replace it as soon as you have the shot. It's an extra little thing to worry about, but could save a lot of shots, too.

Good luck!

Travis

I have to agree with Lynne on the tripod but for a different reason. The vibration from the boat's engines can wreck havoc on the image. Your body naturally cushions the camera so that the engine vibrations are not as evident. If you do choose to use a tripod, I recommend purchasing some beanbags from a toy or craft store to place under the tripod's feet. It will help dampen the vibrations.

urbanaries

Travis wrote:

I have to agree with Lynne on the tripod but for a different reason. The vibration from the boat's engines can wreck havoc on the image. Your body naturally cushions the camera so that the engine vibrations are not as evident. If you do choose to use a tripod, I recommend purchasing some beanbags from a toy or craft store to place under the tripod's feet. It will help dampen the vibrations.

yeah!! yeah, what travis said....that's the ticket!!!

jeffreaux2

I also say skip the tripod. IT will be more trouble than it is worth for any advantage you might THINK you can gain. There are folks who shoot birds with Loooooong lenses from boats everyday with no issues. They rely on higher ISO's and Fast shutterspeeds. Also they are at a worse advantage because their subject is not on the boat moving with it, but is either perched somewhere or flying. Your subjects will be moving with you and the boat....no problem. The issue with the engine vibrations is your main concern as posted above, and also rules out the use of a monopod. I wouldn't stress about the BG. If there are other boats nearby...so be it. That is the arena that they wished to get married in, and it might actually benifit the photos for another boat to be in the BG.

As for the tatoos.......I think this is going to be the greatest challenge!!!
Why would you want a tatoo.....then not want it to show in a photo?

Anyway. I hope you will be compensated for the extra time it will take to hide the tats!!!

GP Images

kp-pix wrote:

Ok hi

a bride and bridesmaid with many tattoos that they don't wish to be shown.

I guess I don't understand this? They get tats all over and then don't want them to show?

photogmomma

GP Images wrote:

I guess I don't understand this? They get tats all over and then don't want them to show?

I actually agree... While I don't have any, to me they're part of who they are!

Anyway, I'd definitely charge extra for their removal. And I wouldn't remove them until they order photos from you. (Unless you're giving them a DVD.) It's just a LOT of work and you'll find out that doing that much PS work is very tedious!!!

Good luck! I can't wait to see photos....

Travis

GP Images wrote:

I guess I don't understand this? They get tats all over and then don't want them to show?

I guess the real question is... Is it them or the mother that doesn't want them to show and who's footing the bill?

kp-pix

Thanks for answering I am glad I was on the right track re: tripod, I didn't think about the motor on the boat but that makes more sense. Now this is the day you wish you had the D3 or Canon 5D, so hello noiseninja I get through OK at ISO800, but I will have a practice run the next few nights a bit higher and see how much quality we lose. I will definitely have to use some flash but that is also going to have its issues because it is one of those catamaran/cruise boat thingies - small, with lots and lots of windows to bounce all over But so be it, I can't be a complete magician.

This job is going to send me grey before I get there!

You know, I totally agree on the tatts as well. We met them for lunch on Saturday and I mentioned this fact - they're part of you and they're actually quite nice.

The bride is the mother and an older, lovely lady as well. I can see her point but yes, it will be difficult. I did tell her that we can work hard on that with the formals but she has to expect that there will be candid images where they show. I can't shoot the whole thing with one look, like Zoolander! She was fine with that but not for her daughter, that will be one-look Zoolander. The daughter has a complete set of fairy wings apparently and a backless dress! I think I nearly brought back lunch hearing that when she said 'don't take back photo's of my daughter'.

I wasn't as nervous or worried until the weather reports. A beautiful sunset on the harbour, clear view of the city lights, would have made everything better and helped it be completely workable.

Well, I didn't think about the water spray either and if it is rough, motion sickness or falling overboard

Oh fun, fun!

rwells

Sounds like you've gotten a lot of good info.


As to steading the camera without a monopod or tripod.


You might try this out:

• Take a quick release plate.
• On the screw "ring" attach two pieces of rope the same length
• Attach to camera
• Now, step on one rope, slide the other one over a bit, step on it.
• Pull up on camera to tighten the ropes (pre-cut ropes to the right length for your shooting height)

You have now created a setup that will give stability side-to-side, and up and down but also will not transmit vibrations.

Cost is near zilch.

Be careful not to step/trip on the ropes while moving around on the boat.

anwmn1

rwells wrote:

Sounds like you've gotten a lot of good info.


As to steading the camera without a monopod or tripod.


You might try this out:

• Take a quick release plate.
• On the screw "ring" attach two pieces of rope the same length
• Attach to camera
• Now, step on one rope, slide the other one over a bit, step on it.
• Pull up on camera to tighten the ropes (pre-cut ropes to the right length for your shooting height)

You have now created a setup that will give stability side-to-side, and up and down but also will not transmit vibrations.

Cost is near zilch.

Be careful not to step/trip on the ropes while moving around on the boat.

This is a nice little suggestion- you could do this even cleaner with one of those exercise bands or another semi elastic material that is black. Make loops at either end which you can step on or through.

A tripod would come in handy if you have time to shoot while on land. If you can take them down to the waters edge and get some crashing waves in the background with a longer exposure you could capture some amazing and unique shots.

Look forward to seeing the results!

kp-pix

Thank you all. You know, I never did think to ask a bird photographer, but what better specialist in reality!!

Bit too scared to throw ropes around a catamaran/cruise boat thingy. Imagine the bride tripping over and going over-board I don't think our public liability would cover that

No tripod!! High ISO, just tested my 1600 and it sucks, so just going to hang with the 800, save for a d300 and flash lots, PLUS pray!

Thanks again and if I get anything decent, be sure to share

ChatKat

Catamaras can be quite smooth even in choppier waters because of the double hull design. Not sure how big the Cat is, but, I have shot from numerous boats, handheld, even in the dark without flash. The lightening could be a very cool effect! Open wide will blur the background but you might minimize any motion that way being closer, You can often predict the chop on the water by paying attention to the timing of the chop. You can also pan when you predict the motion. If there is a lot of motion from the boat, you won't be able to move so the tripod won't be much use either. You might need to be seated not to be hurt! Oh - don't sit on the sides or the far back to avoid the spray - it's worse back there!

Have fun with it. If it does lightening WOW you could have some great shots that will be unique.

kp-pix wrote:

Thank you all. You know, I never did think to ask a bird photographer, but what better specialist in reality!!

Bit too scared to throw ropes around a catamaran/cruise boat thingy. Imagine the bride tripping over and going over-board I don't think our public liability would cover that

No tripod!! High ISO, just tested my 1600 and it sucks, so just going to hang with the 800, save for a d300 and flash lots, PLUS pray!

Thanks again and if I get anything decent, be sure to share

kp-pix

awesome tips! thanks so much!

I am assuming they won't go anywhere too wild, and probably stick to the bays for a wedding. Weather today is saying flat out rain and I agree about the lighting. Umbrella hunting tomorrow as what we have now for normal rain isn't sufficient. The lightning was about the only thing I was looking forward to

we shall see, mother nature is going to keep us in suspenders!

Travis

Well.........
How'd it go?

kp-pix

Hi Travis I was going to post a note and link to the little slideshow the other day, but this post was 6 pages deep and I got shy

It actually went a lot better than I expected. Still a noise nightmare with the Nikons and I am keen to get one of their new cams

No storm until the very end and amazingly, all the guests buggered off, leaving the bride with one umbrella to get off the boat in teeming rain!! Thankfully, we were still there and had 3 but then, on the walk back to our car lol we were harassed and threatened for our umbrellas by drunk people!!!

The tattoos!!!!!! The daughter and bridesmaid must have had a word with mother as she was fine to have them show on the day. The bride wore a little black cape jacket most of the time BUT I was really touched when we were at the Opera House and she just said 'I feel so comfortable with you' whipped off the jacket in front of hundreds of people! That was a compliment I felt. That wasn't even that difficult to shoot around either, just positioning them certain ways and they weren't the main eye-catching element.

The backdrop of the Opera House is still a nightmare as there are SO many people and weddings going on. Beautiful place but difficult to get anything decent.

No place for a tripod unless you have hired those things with very few people. They are big but cramped. Lighting was fine inside but the whitebalance went out badly through the ceremony for both of us. Too much reflection but easily fixed in lightroom. The chop was nothing, as was mentioned above, you just bob up and down with the boat and it doesn't effect the images unless you are aiming for blur. It was no different than anywhere else except cramped so difficult to get certain perspectives. The lighting actually inside was very good.

The biggest problem of the whole day was my off-sider leaving their D70 on ISO800 all day. If he wasn't my husband, he would be fired LMAO

Anyway, the couple were really happy, we got paid and I managed a few shots that I am extremely happy with.

Here is the slideshow anyhooooooooooooo - which I will be updating soon, just whacked it up whilst editing.

Thanks for asking!!!

Harbour wedding

Travis

Wow! The photos are beautiful and I'm sure the happy couple will be incredibly pleased. If it wasn't for all of the tattoo discussion, I never would have noticed. You did a great job regardless of the conditions!

kp-pix

Thanks very much I would do another in a blink, I think just because it was SO different to do!

Yep, they're really happy actually, which is all it is all about in the first place

Thanks again!

Elaine

You did a Great job! I love that B&W where she's leaning on the railing and showing off that gorgeous and unique dress...very striking! I also really enjoyed the B&W shots of the hands and the hand with the ring, and the colorful reflections in the water...and many more! Very nice!

kp-pix

Thanks for looking, Elaine and your kind words! That shot on the railing was actually an attempt to emulate one she showed me of her dress (stunning wasn't it) when she booked us. So, the pic had a sandstone wall and blue water lol we did alright with a metal railing and a cloudy sky

Thanks again !! I think some of these will be favourites of mine for years, just because it was so limited to actually do a top, artistic job. There was no room to pose or setup, and time was limited too, so yeah, we did alright with what we had before us I feel.

Oh and sorry to send to the slideshow. I am still in the upload/organise/burn stage and haven't fully sorted all out yet!

Icebear

Tatooed brides
Took me back a few years. My daughter went through a stoopit stage in her college years. She didn't have any extra money to speak of, and wanted tattoos. Rather than ask me for $$, she got crappy tattoos. Sheesh. I'd have paid for good art, rather than the drek she ended up with. Anyway, she did the jacket thing at her wedding so her grandmothers wouldn't see her tatoos . It was hot as hell, so she paid for her stoopidity.

Anyway, now she has a child of her own, her 87 yr old Granny (the only one still living) thinks her crappy tattoos are "cool" so she tortured herself with the jacket unnecessarily!

Ain't life funny. Oh by the way . . . really nice photography!!! Wish I had the guts to do a wedding.

kp-pix

That's hilarious and probably something that would happen to me

Well, I studied to work in the media, shot a couple for friends, bridal shows etc on film and just decided this is what I wanted to do full-time when we shifted to digital.

If you get the chance, do it. So much fun, really challenging but super satisfying when you make people happy!

photogmomma

I have to completely disagree with you, Karen! I am not a big wedding fan! ! I get SOOO tired and my creativity just goes downhill with every minute I'm on my feet. Bah!

Your photos are awesome!!! Mine look SOOOO boring compared to yours! Just gorgeous! (I'm hoping to finally rank all my 2000+ images by Friday. ACK!)

Awesome job!!!

kp-pix

Awwwww...my husband gets like that too. In a coma by the time we get home. We were lucky this time as it was only 7 hours, so we had half the homework

and patooey, yours will be gorgeous!!!!!! Can't wait to see clap and many thanks I will stalk your project in waiting hee hee