I'm going to put my 2 cents in on this topic also. I began a pro
photography business a little over 2 years ago. I went into it with the
edict of NO wedding photography, basically just because it scared me
half to death. Well. one thing led to another, and I ended up doing a
wedding. It was a large, Catholic church affair, with all kinds of
stipulations about not using flash and standing in ONE spot during the
ceremony. Needless to say, I was wondering if I had made a HUGE
mistake. I was so nervous the night before I probably got no more than
a hour sleep. Well anyway, the big day came, and you know what, I
enjoyed it!
Some important points:
KNOW your equipment. It is amazing how your brain takes leave under
pressure. You need to know instinctively how to set your camera. If you
can do some test shots in the church before the wedding, DO IT. I
actually contacted the church weeks before the wedding and arranged to
allow them to let me in and turn on the lights just as it would be
during the wedding. I took my wife, and shot just like I was doing the
wedding. This helped a LOT to ease my mind as to camera settings and
flash power.
Probably lots of people will balk at this, but I have found just
shooting in Program, (auto), mode works great 90% of the time. I use a
Gary Fong lightsphere dome on my flash, increase power about 1 EV, and
let the camera do the rest as far as setting shutter speed and
exposure. Only in some really extreme circumstances it works great, and
frees my mind with one less thing to worry about. I shoot digital, so I
can usually make a quick check of the monitor after the shot to see if
exposure is in the ballpark.
I shoot a 1Ds, and ONLY use L lenses no slower than 2.8 at all focal
lengths. My main lens is the 24-70 2.8, just be careful to not use the
wide length for portraits to avoid ugly perspective problems. My other
lens is the 70-200 2.8 IS. This lens could almost be used exclusively
except that it is so heavy my arms nearly give out after using it for
hours. The main thing needed in my opinion is FAST glass.
I use the 580 flash, though the "lower" flashes are great too. I do use
the Canon external battery pack, for faster recharging and longer
battery life. I also use AA Lithium batteries ONLY. I have never had to
change batteries during a wedding and reception afterwards.
Just have fun and let your creative juices flow. Yes, it is a more
serious affair than any other casual shooting that you can always do
over, but it is not rocket science, just have a little confidence, get
into the "flow" of the whole thing and you will be amazed how many
great shots you can get.
One thing that has not been mentioned. I shoot RAW only. This can give
you LOTS of peace of mind. Have lots of memory card capacity! I keep
four 2 gig cards with me. A photo that may be a little off with
exposure and white balance, can be made spot on in post processing.
Also, I think you need to be at least decent at PS for cropping and
tweaking of color and effects. What you do with the photos AFTER the
wedding can made a big difference.
Everyone has to start somewhere. Do be prepared, flow with it all, and
realize you are just taking pictures like you do any other time. It is
just a time when you want to do your best and let your ideas reign.
A word to remember.... DETAILS. Don't just concentrate on the people.
Take photos of the reception table, any decorations on the pews, the
dressing room doors, bride or groom's clothes on the hanger, the church
building itself, (I get this shot days BEFORE the wedding... same with
the reception venue if at a different location). Just keep your eyes
open for EVERYTHING that says WEDDING. These photos can always be used
as backgrounds in creating wedding page montages too.
DO have an assistant with you. If for nothing else than moral support,
but also to carry photo gear so you do not have to try to keep up with
it or keep your eye on it. My wife always goes with me. If you do not
have that luxury, it is worthwhile to PAY a friend to help you out.
Doing a decent job is nearly impossible alone.
Guess that is some of the main pointers I can think of off the top of
my head.
Go for it and have FUN!
Steve
www.parrottimaging.com
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