Shooting a Wedding

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Mephiloco

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I've just been asked to shoot my cousin's wedding this coming fall on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. I don't want to turn her down, but I also don't want to go in and do a terrible job. That being said, I've never shot a wedding, and I'm not an 'event' photographer. She's seen my pictures online and likes them but I'm not sure how well I'll be able to shoot a wedding with my gear or my 'shooting style.'

The wedding is being held in a small boutique hotel on the shore, something like 35 or 55 hotel rooms and then a larger room for events (ie this wedding).

My gear consists of a Leica M2, M5, IIIc, and a Bessa R as well as a Canon XTi. I have one tripod which is unfortunately a Bogen/Manfrotto and an old Minolta flash that I took from a broken SRT which appears to work fine, though the flash does not swivel/tilt at all.

As far as lenses I have a CV 15/4.5, CV 21/4, 35/1.7 Ultron, Canon 50/1.2, Leica 50/3.5 Elmar, 50/2 Jupiter 8, Canon 85/1.9, Leica 90/4 Elmar, and then for the Canon DSLR a 17-50/2.8.

In short, I have from 15mm until roughly 90mm covered, nothing tighter than that. I shoot with b&w stock almost exclusively, which I'm assuming I'd have to change to color for the wedding.

I'm looking for any sort of advice/suggestions regarding shooting this wedding. I figure if I agree to do it I'd probably need to upgrade the XTi to a 7d or 5d and get a zoom and probably use that as the primary camera and use one of my Leicas for the ultrawides and 'pretty' b&w shots.

If it helps any, http://www.daddyohotel.com/lbi/main.asp is the venue. Also, this would probably all be done as a wedding gift, so I'd not be getting paid for the event.


Woops, Forgot that I have a Canon T90 as well
 
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I used to do Weddings with a Canon EOS 630 and 21-35, 35-135 lens with a 420 flash. I shoot Fuji Reala 100 and Fuji 400

The DSLR will be you safest bet. I'd get a Canon E-TTL flash and a flash bracket. If your body can use Wifi off camera flash, get the flash that offers it as an off camera option, or get a OCF cord also.

Get a moderate zoom, You don't need to get an f/2.8 zoom, in-less you don't mind the expense. but a 70-200 range is fine. You may use it that much, but, it is nice to have it. Look at the Tamron

Ok, Now, what to shoot...
Break it up into "Sections"

Pre-Wedding" at Brides Room.. take a few of the Bride getting ready, group photo's of her Wedding party. Bride and Mother alone. A few detail photo's like Shoe, flowers, hair decor if any, (for fillers on composite pages)

If, you can get her side of the family Group photo's before the Wedding, do it. typically the Brides side will be at the ceremony room before the Grooms side is there. If not, make sure you have the family of the B/G stay behind after they go through the "receiving line" for ALL the Group Photos. Start with the BOTH sides and the Wedding Party, and subtract the eldest family to just the B/G Wedding Party and Both sides of the parents. It may be take up to 1 hour at most. (Old School or not, The Bride will be very happy you took these)

The Ceremony. Check the place out ahead of time to get photographic advantage points., Check the lighting, and see if you can NOT use flash during the Ceremony proper. Ask the Bride for the order of Ceremony of Events, so you can think ahead of where you need to be.

The Receiving Line.... Get a nice vantage point, and photograph each guest with the B/G

Getting in the Limo... Be READY and Work FAST... Have the B/G pause for pose 1/2 in and 1/2 out of the Limo door (The 4' door)

The B/G will drive around the block, and come back for the Formal photographs... Make sure the the Minister asked the immediate family (2-4 generations), does not go to the Reception until after the formal photo's are taken.

Reception:
Leica territory if you want to have a mix of film and digital photographs... ISO 400-800 film, fast lenses are best... Wides... 21/28/35 mostly, 50/90 for tighter personal photographs.

There are Events during the Reception that need to photographed....1st Toast, Cake Cutting, 1st Dance, etc..

hope this helps, but not overwhelms you.
 
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I'd say if you want to shoot all rangefinders, you have it covered.
Use the IIIc and the Bessa for wides and use the M bodies for longer, faster lenses. Changing lenses during any type of dynamic environment like that is just begging to miss a shot, but you have enough cameras that you won't have to do that at all.
Ask if you can shoot black and white. It's the stock you're most comfortable with, so you're going to give the best results with it.
As for flash, you may want to get an optically slaved flash for off-camera on a light stand or tripod just for some nice fill. The Nikon SB26 is one of the best for this purpose. You should only need flash for the posed shots though. If you're doing the photojournalistic wedding shots, then ambient light and fast lenses would work best.
One thing you'll really want is an assistant. Loading film, holding cameras, knowing where to put lights and how to operate them.
Good luck.

Phil Forrest
 
Hi,

Great advice already... Just one more idea:

I'd use the DSLR and zoom/flash as my main camera, always hanging from my neck... It would shoot more than half my shots.

And I'd have two film bodies (no flash for them) inside a small shoulder bag (with B&W and color) for shallow depth of field portraits exclusively... Fast film and your two fastest lenses...

Good luck!

Cheers,

Juan
 
I was thinking a 5dMk2 or 7d with a 70-200 and a flash around my neck, IIIc with the 21/4, M5 with the 50/1.2, and the M2 with the 35/1.7. The canon around my neck while the others stay in a shoulder bag, or maybe the 35/1.7 on a shoulder so I could go wider than 70mm without reaching into a bag.


As much as I'd like to just use my Leicas, I probably won't have an assistant, it'll just be myself, so it probably makes the most sense to use my XTi with the 17-50/2.8 and then the 7d/5d with a 70-200 and go back and forth between those two, with maybe one of my leicas with either the 15 or 21, or the 50/1.2 for shallow DOF shots and portraits.

Reception probably throw the 17-50 on the 5d/7d and drop the 70-200, grab another M.

Also, I haven't told her I'd do it yet though I'd prefer to and save them a few grand on a real wedding photographer since they're both in their early 20's and strapped for cash
 
Be sure to ask the Minister if there are places in the ceremony where he may not allow flash. Don't overwhelm him or the couple during the ceremony. You want shots of it for sure, but don't distract them with constant flashes.

You need to be in charge of the photography, but find out what the bride and groom want especially, then be in charge of how you deliver that. Be diplomatic with everybody, but firm. They all have other priorities than waiting to be photographed, you don't.

It is the bride and groom's special day. Do what you can to accomdate then. God willing, it's the only time they will ever get married. Watch out for the overbearing mother of the bride (or bridegroom). Just be diplomatic but firm. Enlist their aid in getting what they want, as in, "Yes I would love to shoot that. Can you get everybody together while I finish these other shots?"

Always remember, it is the bride and groom's special day.

Stay calm. Keep a list on a notebook of the shots they asked for, and you decided you want. Check them off.

Stay calm, just do what you know you know how to do.

Good luck. :D
 
I did one wedding for a relative. It came out fine, but it is stressful. I really had to step up my flash knowledge a lot.
  1. I would use the digital for most shots. I don't think you need to get a new body.
  2. If the ceremony is small and you can get close enough, you may not need the zoom. You won't use the zoom at the reception.
  3. As DNG suggested, get a E-TTL flash. Learn to use it well and learn things like "dragging the shutter." You will use a flash on almost everything. It will get dark during the reception and I don't care if you have a Noticlux, there isn't enough light.
  4. The venue looks to have a ceiling that is low enough to bounce the flash off, so you got that going for you.
  5. Just use ISO-400 film. You don't want to change film and forget to change ISO.
  6. Portra 400 is a great wedding film. Black & white digital stinks.
  7. Besides the DSLR, I would just bring two bodies. Keeping track of 3 will be challenging. I would got with the Bessa R and M5. A hot shoe is nice for flash and you should be able to use the Canon flash in some sort of auto mode. You won't use a iiic with the 21/4.
  8. You will have some downtime when everyone is eating to taking a wide angle of a the entire room. You can change a lens then. You will still need a flash.
  9. Talk to the bride and groom to make sure you know what formal shots she wants. It is usually, bride & parents, bride and immediate family, bride and extended family, bride and bridal party, but also may be bride and favorite aunt. Do the same for the groom's family. Those shots happen before the wedding. After the wedding, then you have photos of everyone together.
 
^+2
I was asked a year or so ago if I would photograph a wedding for some dear friends. I asked them if they loved me, and they said "yes." I told them that I loved them too, and we wanted to keep it that way and to hire a wedding photographer.

--michael
 
I would say that you should do it. But you must lay down your terms and your cousin must accept them.
Do what you know and if thats black and white then insist on black and white only. Explain that you haven't photographed a wedding before and you will be comfortable doing what you know. If your cousin wants colour (and it won't end there) you will be completely out of your comfort zone and will likely make a mess of it as a first wedding.
Having told them this they may change their mind about having you do it. But on the other hand, if they go for the black and white then you have a head start. I'd us your M5 and M2 and have just three lenses (maybe 4)

35/1.7 Ultron, Canon 50/1.2, Canon 85/1.9 and then maybe the CV 15/4.5 or CV 21/4 for indoor wide shots.

Tell your cousin you do available light only photography unless absolutely essential to use flash. So use a 400 speed film which you have tested at box speed. Your lenses are fast enough if light is reasonable.

But whatever you do, don't let them start dictating about eleborate setups. Stick with informals for most of the images and a few small groups of 6 max.
And do a course on how to herd cats before hand. And once the guests have a drink or two inside them, forget about trying to organise anyone.
 
Indeed skip this job, it will cost you money because you already are thinking to upgrade with expensive gear. I know that it can be a landmark to you to prove yourself that you can perform such a job, it will give you stress and your work will stretch much further than only that day.
If you say yes to it, then keep it simple, a (hired) full frame DSLR with a 24-70 lens, a good flash and a few batteries and memory cards is all you need.
I never used digital on weddings though, only film. The postprocessing of the negs kept me busy for weeks.
 
I'd look at laurencekim.com for some examples of how to shoot a wedding by a talented wedding shooter.

In terms of gear, the DSLR is probably your best choice. All you really need is a 35mm-equivalent lens. Or, maybe a midrange zoom and a 50/1.4. Wedding receptions tend to be held in low-light venues. Most wedding shooters use flash, but it can be hard to learn if you aren't used to it.

Mostly, you have a half-dozen or so "set piece" shots, the usual bride and groom and parents, and then it's mostly candid.
 
Alright. Here's what I've done.

I talked my cousin into getting a real wedding photographer, I explained to her that I've never done a wedding, and it's not my 'style' and that I dont feel comfortable being as intrusive as a wedding photographer needs to be to get the shots she's going to want.

She understood, and I told her that this will be better overall, because she'll get the traditional wedding photos that everyone wants, and I'm going to the wedding anyways with my camera, so whatever I shoot that turns out well is a bonus

Edit: Thanks to everyone for the advice. I wasn't really worried about laying out money for a 7d or 5d; It's bigger than I like for still photography, but it'd pay for itself pretty quickly on video alone.
 
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Mephiloco said:
Alright. Here's what I've done.

I talked my cousin into getting a real wedding photographer, I explained to her that I've never done a wedding, and it's not my 'style' and that I dont feel comfortable being as intrusive as a wedding photographer needs to be to get the shots she's going to want.

She understood, and I told her that this will be better overall, because she'll get the traditional wedding photos that everyone wants, and I'm going to the wedding anyways with my camera, so whatever I shoot that turns out well is a bonus

Edit: Thanks to everyone for the advice. I wasn't really worried about laying out money for a 7d or 5d; It's bigger than I like for still photography, but it'd pay for itself pretty quickly on video alone.
Click to expand...

Perfect!!!

This will give you a chance to see 1st hand what is required, and frees you up to do what you do best...

BTW, Leica M (Film or Digital), Weddings are not dead.... It takes a bit of thoughtful planning using a few primes on 2/3 bodies. 28/50/90 is a good lens combo... at least f/2 for all..

Shewwwwww, glad that over.....Have fun.
 
Mephiloco said:
Alright. Here's what I've done.

I talked my cousin into getting a real wedding photographer, I explained to her that I've never done a wedding, and it's not my 'style' and that I dont feel comfortable being as intrusive as a wedding photographer needs to be to get the shots she's going to want.

She understood, and I told her that this will be better overall, because she'll get the traditional wedding photos that everyone wants, and I'm going to the wedding anyways with my camera, so whatever I shoot that turns out well is a bonus

Edit: Thanks to everyone for the advice. I wasn't really worried about laying out money for a 7d or 5d; It's bigger than I like for still photography, but it'd pay for itself pretty quickly on video alone.
Click to expand...


Awesome.

I was going to 2nd the recommendation you'd received from another wedding photographer to pass on this, but now you're free to enjoy the wedding and have fun shooting your way!

Changing lenses too often during a wedding is asking for trouble, never mind shooting with so many different body types. And TWO bottom-loading Leicas? Yikes! :eek::p
 
Mephiloco said:
I've just been asked to shoot my cousin's wedding this coming fall on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. I don't want to turn her down, but I also don't want to go in and do a terrible job. That being said, I've never shot a wedding, and I'm not an 'event' photographer. She's seen my pictures online and likes them but I'm not sure how well I'll be able to shoot a wedding with my gear or my 'shooting style.'

The wedding is being held in a small boutique hotel on the shore, something like 35 or 55 hotel rooms and then a larger room for events (ie this wedding).

My gear consists of a Leica M2, M5, IIIc, and a Bessa R as well as a Canon XTi. I have one tripod which is unfortunately a Bogen/Manfrotto and an old Minolta flash that I took from a broken SRT which appears to work fine, though the flash does not swivel/tilt at all.

As far as lenses I have a CV 15/4.5, CV 21/4, 35/1.7 Ultron, Canon 50/1.2, Leica 50/3.5 Elmar, 50/2 Jupiter 8, Canon 85/1.9, Leica 90/4 Elmar, and then for the Canon DSLR a 17-50/2.8.

In short, I have from 15mm until roughly 90mm covered, nothing tighter than that. I shoot with b&w stock almost exclusively, which I'm assuming I'd have to change to color for the wedding.

I'm looking for any sort of advice/suggestions regarding shooting this wedding. I figure if I agree to do it I'd probably need to upgrade the XTi to a 7d or 5d and get a zoom and probably use that as the primary camera and use one of my Leicas for the ultrawides and 'pretty' b&w shots.

If it helps any, http://www.daddyohotel.com/lbi/main.asp is the venue. Also, this would probably all be done as a wedding gift, so I'd not be getting paid for the event.


Woops, Forgot that I have a Canon T90 as well
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I shot a wedding in my family, I was asked because "you do nice B&X pictures".

Ok I said

Then, 2 days before, I was told that the bride wanted colors pictures, ok, I had no choice even If I can't stand shooting colors.
The wedding day I was told by the husband and the bride what to do, how to frame..... (WTF, I am the photog !!!! , I know what to do :bang::bang::bang: ) , they gave me only 20 minutes for the "official shooting, telling me that I had to frame like this etc etc.........
Then they send me daily an email to have the pictures, but well, it takes time so scan all these rolls

Of course they weren't that satified because they espected me to make better pictures, but, well, I had no choice in framing, shooting and having B&W films

So **** it, I decided it was the last time I bring a camera in a wedding :rolleyes: , next time I will enjoy the wine , have fun and even if the official photog is a moron with a compact camera, I won't care :rolleyes:

it seems like the noun **** is automaticly censored :D
 
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