First wedding for friends. Registrar advice

[my22334455]

Hi

I have been asked by friends to photograph their wedding. This is the first time I have done this. I have done lots of research and practice etc but have one question:

How do people deal with the Registrar? Do you ask them their expectations before the wedding or is it normal that the photographer walks around discretely during the ceremony? Also what about flash if required?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[sovietdoc]

Usually, during the ceremony flashes arent allowed. For the wedding as a whole a flash is a must, and I am not talking about your built-in pop-up. I'd try to find out if the flashes are okay during the ceremony.

I may have totally the wrong approach here but the less modest you are, the better shots you'll get. I just shot my friends wedding ceremony and I was getting in their face for the shots I wanted. At first they kept giving me looks but after they saw what their pictures turned out to be, they had no regrets.

 

[12sndsgood]

I would sit down with them and go over everything, get there expectations, find out what they want, what is important to them.

And don't just take the bride and grooms advice about how to shoot during the ceremony. make sure you get in touch with the church and the person doing the ceremony itself to find out what is truly allowed and what isn't. I have read about ministers stopping the ceremony because of a photographer not following protocol.

 

[Golfcart]

I agree with other replies, find out first what your limitations are in regard to flash. If you are unable to pop a flash you will need fast glass(which I recommend anyways). Also check your camera capabilities if you don't know it regarding noise caused by high ISO. That's why many pros don't use flash. They can shoot 6400 ISO and higher with little to no noise. If you pair that with fast glass you can do wonders in low light.

I'm assuming your starting out like most of us did where renting gear is ultimately the best decision. If your serious about it, rent gear. If your not. Have someone else do it. You'll be happier that way.

Most people can show off their style of work to clients, but since you don't have any yet you can't. I'd try to make sure you know exactly what's important to them and give your best shot.

When starting out, we can never capture too many shots.

Good luck!

 

[DiskoJoe]

Sovietdoc is right. You have to get up in there and get the shots you want. Dont be modest. They are hiring you to be the photographer. So be the photographer and run the shoot. Try to keep your distant only during the actual ceremony. Dont ruin it for guest or the bridal party because you are trying to get a shot. This is what 70-200mm lenses were made for. But before and after dont hesitate to get up close and make people pose for you. What your backgrounds! I have a problem with this.