Wedding help

Artemis

Just Punked Himself
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I cant honestly believe it...but I went for the interview yesturday, and the man said that next month (cant remember exact date) he would like me to come on a wedding shoot with him...and he doesnt mean carry his bags...he means take pictures :D:D Im really astonished...and really excited.

He also said that if my work is good enough, they may consider taking me on to work with them in a kind of temporary contract, as in if he has a wdding comming up, they will call me up and ask if id like to help, and pay me I guess :D:D

So...I need to impress him...so I want to learn all I can learn, and get ideas ready for this wedding shoot, I want to know all the new trends, ideas, and everything there is to know...

My dad says he's seen some videos on ebay that do a 4 hour course on how to do weddings...and im tempted to buy them...I need to impress this guy and I dont care how much it costs (I do because I cant really afford more than £20, but you see my point :))

All you proper wedding photographers that come here...of whom I know so well...please help me...I beg of you *bows to the wedding gods*

Thanks in advanced, Arty :)
 
First off, Congrats! That's so exciting for you :)

I'll answer with things I would look for if someone is shooting a wedding. Aubrey and I have shot a few together and the most important thing is to make sure expectations are clear on both sides. You're going to need to know exactally what he expects from you and you'll need to make sure you don't get in each other's way. If you're not going to be able to meet with the bride and groom before the wedding you'll want to know what style they are looking for. Lots of posed portraits or more photojournalistic coverage of the day.

Make sure you have the equipment nailed down. Is he providing extra camera, batteries, flashes, etc or are you to have your own? If you're bringing your own make sure you have extra batteries as wedding coverage tends to be several hours long and you'll be taking a lot of photos.

As for wedding trends, that I probably can't help you with since I'm in a different country. Look for other wedding photographers, visit their website and view all the photos in their galleries. There is a sticky at the top of this forum that has a lot of websites for ideas.

While you are going to be there taking photos, you're still going to be assisting the photographer in some ways. Make sure you're available to grab a lens if he needs it. People skills are important as well. Be confident it what you are doing and they will listen. Arranging a large group can be difficult but if you have authority in your voice they will follow your lead.

If you can, visit the site of the ceremony and reception before hand. Know the layout, scope them out for potential photo ideas. When you get to the reception follow the other photographer's lead. He may want you to talk to the band/DJ to find out the events for the evening. When will the first dance be, the bouquet toss, etc. And one thing Aubrey taught me was to carry a bad of snacks. Many couples will provide you with dinner, but finding the time to sit down and eat can be tricky.

Have fun! I think the most important thing between two photographers doing an event is that they get along well, respect each other's space and keep communication open.
 
Congrats Artty,

I wouldn't be too concerned with the latest trends, just try to pick up the basics and do that well. Like Allison said, you will need to be on the same page as photographer you are working with. Always make sure that you know where he/she is and be aware if they are trying to signal you to give instruction or direction.

I think that if you could find out where the wedding will be and went there beforehand to scout it out...that might really impress him. Maybe you could even check out a another wedding there and see what the photographers do.

If you are not already, become very familiar with your gear. You should be able to control your camera very quickly without having to look at it for very long. You should be able to change lenses, batteries, film or CF cards very quickly. If the photographer has to wait for you because you are fumbling with your gear...they will not be happy.

Remember that you have two ears and one mouth...so do twice as much listening as talking. Try not to question him during the event, or at least not in front of the clients. They will not want to know that their photographer is training you during their wedding. Try to remember your questions and ask him after the wedding or when you have time to talk.

I don't know if you really need to spend money on videos. I have found that different wedding photographers will tell you different things. The instruction on the video might be completely opposite to what your photographer wants you to do. There are plenty of resources on the web that you can read. Do some research but be open to what he wants to teach you. You will eventually develop your own style but it will really help if you learn as much as you can from him.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for all the advice..and I dont know alot about whats going on...but what I do know is that when they have 2 photographers, they split up.

One watches the people coming in, while the other watches the people already there and getting ready...one then watches the groom, and one the bride...I believe...or I think, he will be sending me of to one side and that he will cover the other...but maybe thats a bit of a big jump for me to be thinking that....I dunno what else to think...but I am dying to impress him and get him atleast 1 shot he can sell.
 
I wouldn't worry about "how to" videos. Visit as many wedding photog sites as you can, and see what other folks are doing. I think you'll find some stuff you really like, and some stuff that you don't think is so hot.

The best advice I have is keep it simple. Use gear you are familiar with. Things move fast at weddings, and it's best if you can use your equipment intuitively rather than fumbling with buttons and instruction manuals. Think about the conditions you will encounter, and practice. For instance are you going to be using flash and/or available light? Film and/or digital? Color and/or BW?

Don't try anything fancy your first time out. Just stick to the basic advice on how to take good pics: get closer/zoom in (hey, you're still not close enough, people love tight crops, because they never get close enough themselves when taking pics ;) ), don't center everything, try not to run out of film/mem space right before the kiss, etc...
 
ksmattfish said:
don't center everything

Ohh...good advice. I find that one of the things that I fall into when I'm not paying enough attention (had too much to drink) is centering everything...especially when you don't get nice and close. It looks pretty bad when you have 20 shots of people in the centre 20% of the photo with way too much background around them.

Practice the focus lock and recompose...press the shutter to activate auto focus, get the person's eyes in focus and then quickly recompose and shoot.

Don't be afraid to get up close. Normally people are taken aback when you put a camera up into their face...but at a wedding they are getting their picture taken all the time so they don't mind as much. Take advantage of that.
 
I see what you guys are saying...and I gotto thank you loads!!

You say get in close...so...would it perhaps be better to use a 70-300? that way I can get a nice low DOF and I can be out of the way and not noticed...plus my 70-300 is alot better than my damned 18-55 kit lens :(

As for what ill be using...ill be using my 300D, with 2 seperate 1 gig cards, and mainly available light (I hate my built in flash), and ay perhaps bring my other camera body with perhaps Velvia in it?
If there is any more advice, and if you have something to say about my lens idea, please let me know :D:D

Thanks again.
 
That may be something to ask the photographer. He may want to you hang back and use a long lens or he may not. I think that those lenses will be too slow, especially if you are not using a flash. I suggest you try to get a 50mm F1.8.

You may also want to look into getting a flash or at least borrowing one (maybe from him). Especially if you will be going to the reception.

Two cameras might be a good idea, especially because you can have a lens on each camera for quick use. I don't think Velvia would be a good choice though. Typically you don't want super saturated colors for people photos...and you will want all the exposure latitude you can get (so use negative film not slide film). Maybe ask the photographer if you should bother to bring your film camera and if he will be providing film for you.
 
Congrats! You've got some very good advice here. I don't want to state the obvious, but be sure to dress accordingly.

I'm about to shoot a wedding and (for the first time) will have a helper who can shoot. Usually, all I have is help carrying the gear and holding a second strobe. So I'm wondering from the other side what I will have my helper do.

I think his interest his to see what I do. I will have him help me with the "formals," the posed groups right after the ceremony. But I am looking forward to having a new perspective... someone who will show me some things. I think that after the formals are finished and we get to the reception, I'll ask him to wander on his own a bit... just do HIS thing.

Things I would find helpful is rounding up people for the next shot, helping to watch hair and clothes are in order, collecting any gear I might leave laying around in a pew, and the like.

Allison is absolutely right about people skills. Even though we've never met, I get the felling you'll be just fine. You seem to have the right personality.

Of course, bring a tripod along. It will be essential for shots during the ceremony.

I have been paying just $10.00/hour for my helpers, but will probably pay the new guy $15.00. I don't know how this compares in England.

Take some breath mints with you. Have fun! You'll do fine. I wish you lived near me.
 
Congrats Arti.:thumbup:

Great advice thus far. The only thing I have to say is PRACTICE a lot, with the lens you will be using that day in different ISO's, with and/or without flash. You might have to bump up the ISO if the interior is low lit. Know the necessary controls like the back of your hand.

Enjoy the day!
 
Artemis said:
Thanks for the advice everyone! :D I have looked for a nice 50mm lens...and they are all rather expensive :(

They sell for $70-$100 US new but I have seen them go for more on E-bay, why? I don't' know.

Just look for one at your local store or order one from a reputable dealer.
 
Here is another tip for you...Make your signature smaller.

You have a list of equipment, a quote and a huge banner. Please get rid of the list & the huge banner...it's making the threads hard to read because you signature takes up so much room. Thanks.
 
Arty, I have used a 70-300 at a wedding with ISO 400 film. Big Mike is right, it is slow. The only reason I was able to pull it off was because I was using a tripod and a wireless remote. I did get several usable shots though.

As far as advice, I would visit the guys website and try to mimick his style of shooting. Since he is probably going to think his way is the best way, don't we all?
 

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