[vulkan75]

Well ive managed to be prised away from the coast and have been comissioned to do my first wedding in June followed by another three later in the year.

So first of all....what lenes Do you(assuming you do weddings) tend to use most and in what circumstances?.

I was thinking of taking a 70-200 f2.8,50mm f1.8 of low light indoor stuff and a wide angle 17-35 F2.8 or maybe sigma10-20 for some wacking angles.Ill be taking a full frame body as well as a crop body and a couple of flash guns.
How would you mange your shoot based on that?.

How do you mange dim churches where flash is no go?...Im assuming that some extreme iso's are going to be needed.....thankfully the D700 will do ok there...but what do they look like in print... iso 6400+?

And finally the albums and print.

Ive looked at Spicer Hallfield but they need some kind of proof of professionalism before you can get an account....how stringent is this vetting process?and How can you get proffesional stuff when your just starting out?.

What about alternatives?.

Then there is the print Labs...Obviously Photobox and the like arnt up to the quality paying customers want...the might want Kodak endura textured prints or whatever..

What labs should I use and what prints (paper,finish) do you use for your albums.? Do the labs work the same way as Spicer Hallfield and if so how do you make the first step on the ladder?

I think there is a Lab in scotland somewhere most if the togs by me use...cant think of the name though.

Anyway thanks in advance.

[mark.carline]

Have you read any books ?

There seems to be alot available...

Amazon.co.uk: wedding Photography digital: Books

[Alty08]

I'm sure some one will come along with more experience as I've only ever done 3 weddings (for friends) as I normally would never do any, but I would do a recce of the church (if you can) and surroundings for suitable sites for the photos and you may find the light in the church brighter than you think (depending on light outside), go along and have a chat with whoever is in charge and find out what is allowable and what isn't. (Tripod indoors, where can you stand, can you move around, etc....)

Also depending on how many people are going to be there, take a whistle to get everyone's attention for group shots, ever tried getting the attention of 50 chatting, exited people before and getting them to all look one way at the same time, it's not easy....

Wear dark casual but smart clothes, and remember if it's hot take an umbrella (and short sleeved shirt) for shade and someone to help if possible, friend, family member, stay calm whatever happens and DON'T forget batteries, batteries, batteries....

If it's something you want to do more and more then it's your professionalism and pictures that will get you more work above anything else, if it was me I'd take as much kit as I could at first then as you do more then you'll get a feel of what's needed and what's not then you'll be able to sort your kit out accordingly.

And lastly whilst the ultra-wide seems like a good idea it will soon be restrictive and I'd only use it sparingly and for the more relaxed situation.

Good Luck in your endeavours.

[hot-fuzz]

You can read as much as you like about Wedding Photography, but at the end of the day just go in, have fun, get stuck in and try to take shots that you may already have planned.
I look at others people work and see what works and what doesnt and try different things at weddings (when i do them, which isnt too often).

As for lenses, i rent mine. 16-35 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 and a 50 f/1.4, all 3 for £70

But generally i only rent 2 out of the 3 aboive depending on how big the venue is.

Get loads of storage as theres nothing better than making sure you get the right shot by tkaing 3 of them.
Then when you get mire used to doing them you will know what you want and just go in and take one shot and be done (im not there yet).

Mainly its experience and the more you do, the easier it is as i was sh***ing myself on the first one, but now im a bit more relaxed (and assertive).

HTH

[pixelpixel]

Are you free in november and do you want another go ?

Maybe you should sell what you like ? Then give some options on that.

Good luck and remember november

[Some Bloke]

PM sent

[vulkan75]

Originally Posted by mark.carline

Have you read any books ?

There seems to be alot available...

Amazon.co.uk: wedding Photography digital: Books

Yes Im pretty clear on what I need to do and have an idea of what shots Id like to produce(style)as well as specific request by the couples.

I was hoping for more personal experiences...Real life situations etc.

Originally Posted by Alty08

I'm sure some one will come along with more experience as I've only ever done 3 weddings (for friends) as I normally would never do any, but I would do a recce of the church (if you can) and surroundings for suitable sites for the photos and you may find the light in the church brighter than you think (depending on light outside), go along and have a chat with whoever is in charge and find out what is allowable and what isn't. (Tripod indoors, where can you stand, can you move around, etc....)

Also depending on how many people are going to be there, take a whistle to get everyone's attention for group shots, ever tried getting the attention of 50 chatting, exited people before and getting them to all look one way at the same time, it's not easy....

Wear dark casual but smart clothes, and remember if it's hot take an umbrella (and short sleeved shirt) for shade and someone to help if possible, friend, family member, stay calm whatever happens and DON'T forget batteries, batteries, batteries....

If it's something you want to do more and more then it's your professionalism and pictures that will get you more work above anything else, if it was me I'd take as much kit as I could at first then as you do more then you'll get a feel of what's needed and what's not then you'll be able to sort your kit out accordingly.

And lastly whilst the ultra-wide seems like a good idea it will soon be restrictive and I'd only use it sparingly and for the more relaxed situation.

Good Luck in your endeavours.

Thanks some could suggestions there...not sure about the whistlemight just nominate a gatherer from each family.

Originally Posted by Spaced_K

You can read as much as you like about Wedding Photography, but at the end of the day just go in, have fun, get stuck in and try to take shots that you may already have planned.
I look at others people work and see what works and what doesnt and try different things at weddings (when i do them, which isnt too often).

As for lenses, i rent mine. 16-35 f/2.8, 70-200 f/2.8 and a 50 f/1.4, all 3 for £70

But generally i only rent 2 out of the 3 aboive depending on how big the venue is.

Get loads of storage as theres nothing better than making sure you get the right shot by tkaing 3 of them.
Then when you get mire used to doing them you will know what you want and just go in and take one shot and be done (im not there yet).

Mainly its experience and the more you do, the easier it is as i was sh***ing myself on the first one, but now im a bit more relaxed (and assertive).

HTH

Thanks....where do you rent your lens out of interest?.

Originally Posted by pixelpixel

Are you free in november and do you want another go ?

Maybe you should sell what you like ? Then give some options on that.

Good luck and remember november

Thanks Pixel....what do you mean "I should sell what I like,then give some otions on that".

WHATS HAPPENING IN NOV...YOU GETTING MARRIED?

Originally Posted by Some Bloke

PM sent

Thanks mark



So What about the Albums and Print LAbs then??

[mr ooops]

Lenses For Hire Ltd. offer a fast and reliable service

[StuartM]

All of the above is good advice... one thing I would suggest is making a list of shots you want, confirm with the bride and grrom and see if there is anything you missed but write it down and tick them off as you go through!.

With regards lenses I would possibly consider using Nikon 18-200mm AF-S VR lens, this is pretty good in low light (and a high ISO to compensate on the D700 is very good), and it will reduce the requirement to keep changing your glass. The choices above are good for the formal shots, but for the evening event this lens makes life easy.

Just enjoy it.. its great fun

[hot-fuzz]

Originally Posted by mr ooops

Lenses For Hire Ltd. offer a fast and reliable service

Thats the place, and not too far from me.
16-35L - whats the point in buying one when you can rent it for £48 for 4 days ??

You could rent it for 5 months solid in a row and it would still be cheaper than buying it new. !!!!

[Pirate!!]

Originally Posted by vulkan75

I was hoping for more personal experiences...Real life situations etc.

#1 FAN SPEAKING

Father of the Bride totally mashed and having barfed all over himself, ends up trying to grope his Son in Law's mother. Priceless!

You need to liaise with the Head Usher. The Groom should give your details to him and he should be the Grooms right hand man and liaison. This is assuming the wedding is traditional. You ought to speak to the B&G and establish some ground rules regarding timings and locations (which you would need to scout out in advance).

Having discussed the type of shots and finish (B&W/soft focus/selective colour etc) and the album or CD package you're going to put together, it would pay to have a second shooter. You will likely miss more than you'll get, particularly candids.

Are you visiting the Bride at her home for informal shots with her, the Mother of the Bride and the Bridesmaids prior to going on to the church/venue? What about parking at the venue. Are there reserved spots? Will you get a windscreen sticker for free parking? If the venue is away from your home/base, pack accordingly to 'dress down' for the evening (if invited), and take a flask and refreshements. Suss out where you will be able to change and store your gear safely (speak to venue co-ordinator).

Get intros to the people conducting the ceremony and the reception. Talk to them, and get inside info about any do's, don'ts and best locations. What about if the weather turns nasty? What will be the alternate options? Talk to the venue/wedding co-ordinator.

Ask whe B&G what the dress-code is for the day and suit/boot appropriately. You're not paparazzi, so no jeans and trainers.

Is the Bride going to 'trash the dress'? If so, where is the water where she will walk into/through? These 'after wedding' shots would (IMHO) be the cream captures.

These are the BASICS. You need to TELL them what they are getting for their money and get a list for all formal gathering shots, and who will be in them. Once finalised, make sure the Head Usher has a copy as it's his responsibility to get all persons gathered at the approriate time/location for the specific shots the B&G have asked for.

And if after all that, you get an invite to the evening reception for yourself and guest (this may be offered when you make the initial home visit), take it. The B&G would understand if you couldn't attend, but it would be 'gracious' to accept and they would very much appreciate your being there to enjoy the evening for all you hard work. Remember, your images will be their lifetime memory of their special day.

And one last thing. If you screw it up, get a plane ticket and leave the country. There is no second opportunity to do it again. Unlike a bad meal at a restaurant, you might a free meal and/or an apology. A wedding is a one-time deal.

And if you think this is all guesswork, I've been there, done it and walked the aisle, so what I've posted is based on personal experience, not copied/pasted off some cruddy website. This is just an overview, so if you want to pick my dead brain cell further, ping me an email and ask away. It may be useful or not as the case may be, but it will be based on actual experience (which is what you asked for).

And make sure you have spare batteries and memory card(s). A VG and external flash would be ideal if you have them (don't forget the rechargables for the flashgun).

My fee . . . free lifetime PP of images (non negiotiable). I reckon that's a reasonable 'trade'.

[tonkie]

Originally Posted by Pirate!!

Father of the Bride totally mashed and having barfed all over himself, ends up trying to grope his Son in Law's mother! Priceless!

You need to liaise with the Head Usher. The Groom should give your details to him and he should be the Grooms right hand man and liaison. This is assuming the wedding is traditional. You ought to speak to the B&G and establish some ground rules regarding timings and locations (which you would need to scout out in advance).

Having discussed the type of shots and finish (B&W/soft focus/selective colour etc) and the album or CD package you're going to put together, it would pay to have a second shooter. You will likely miss more than you'll get, particularly candids.

Are you visiting the Bride at her home for informal shots with her, the Mother of the Bride and the Bridesmaids prior to going on to the church/venue?

Get intros to the people conducting the ceremony and the reception. Talk to them, and get inside info about any do's, don'ts and best locations.

Ask whe B&G what the dress-code is for the day and suit/boot appropriately. You're not paparazzi, so no jeans and trainers.

Is the Bride going to 'trash the dress'? If so, where is the water where she will walk into/through?

These are the BASICS. You need to TELL them what they are getting for their money and get a list for all formal gathering shots, and who will be in them. Once finalised, make sure the Head Usher has a copy as it's his responsibility to get all persons gathered at the approriate time/loacation for the specific shots the B&G have asked for.

And if after all that, you get an invite to the evening reception for yourself and guest, take it. The B&G would understand if you couldn't but it would be 'gracious' to accept and they would very much appreciate your being there to enjoy the evening.

And one last thing. If you screw it up, get a plane ticket and leave the country. There is no second opportunity to do it again. Unlike a bad meal at a restrauant, you might a free meal and/or an apology. A wedding is a one-time deal.

Having read the above and not knowing anything about doing weddings or any other shoots, I just would like to add that Pirates advice seems spot on(not that any of the other advice is not) and I would feel slightly more at ease if I followed his advice, but there again what do I know.

[vulkan75]

Originally Posted by StuartM

All of the above is good advice... one thing I would suggest is making a list of shots you want, confirm with the bride and grrom and see if there is anything you missed but write it down and tick them off as you go through!.

With regards lenses I would possibly consider using Nikon 18-200mm AF-S VR lens, this is pretty good in low light (and a high ISO to compensate on the D700 is very good), and it will reduce the requirement to keep changing your glass. The choices above are good for the formal shots, but for the evening event this lens makes life easy.

Just enjoy it.. its great fun

18-200VR IS A DX LENS I JUST SOLD MINE AS IT ONLY GIVES 5MP ON THE D700.

GOT A LIST THOUGH

[pixelpixel]

Originally Posted by vulkan75

Thanks Pixel....what do you mean "I should sell what I like,then give some otions on that".

WHATS HAPPENING IN NOV...YOU GETTING MARRIED?

I was just saying if you do something that you like then others will buy into it. If not you still have something that you like.

Yes getting married in November. Just something small. Need to start looking for someone to take some pictures or it will be me. Surely you ca't take your own wedding pictures

[Radiohead]

I've posted a load of stuff here before so it might be worth searching for that.

Also, you'll find all this and loads more at Homepage - Digital Wedding Forum. The DWF!