First time wedding reception photographer (HELP ME! )

I am going to be taking photos at a wedding reception this coming

week. This is the first time for me to do such a exciting task. Are

there any pointers you can give me on how to approach the matter?

Ie. shots, tips on what to be expecting, past experiences good or

bad. I need all the advice I can get!

THANKS MUCH!! Erika Gratz

Just relax and do what comes natural. Don't over think the situation, have fun!

Think fun and do the above suggestion as far as shots. One thing I like to do is get up high and use a small step ladder (4ft.) to include the ambient mood and lighting. example below...<div></div>

Have a couple of extra sets of batteries on hand (or in pocket). Get wide shots and then use a longer lens (approx 100mm +) to get in for head shots and expressions on their happy faces.

 

Just some ideas, there will be more (and most likely better ones) to come.<div></div>

bounce strobe (+2 with card) and a shutter about 1/15 --just follow the bride<div></div>

bounce strobe (+2 with card?

 

could u elaborate plz

We used a Canon 550, plusing the exposure by +2 and a white card about 3X5in bouncing at a angle ---shutter is 1/15

F4.o --400 asa

...in other words all strobes are 1 stop under from factory already----i.e. a 550 flash @ full power ASA 100..is about 5.6 @ 10 feet. So if you have a subject, in bright sun, partial back light (1/250 @ F 11 ) >> your strobe will underexposed your subject --just will not make enough light to balance your bride. We use a Quantum or Norman flash generally--a true F8 at 10 feet, if not more.

 

So if you have "a perfect" situation for bouncing >> white ceiling - 7 ft or less -a good wide white card and enough power in your strobe...you can shoot a "ambient feeling" room image. You just have to remember the distance from the flash UP and DOWN to the subject and realize the weakness of the strobe output--hence the +++2 exposure and the max of F4 light is all you can expect~~~~Hope that explains some<div></div>

C Jo,

I like your picture very much. What kind of soft filter did you use to take that picture?

 

Regards,

Hoang

the only one that works --SOFTAR 1 >>>Nikon --Zeiss-- B&W -- expensive but well worth the quality resulats

If you're doing 'documentary' style shots, try and get in every guest. There's nothing worse than missing out someone just because they don't look interesting to photograph (!) - if you don't know who they are, make sure you've shot them at least once to be safe. I try and use as much natural and available light as possible when photographing in color. When light is low, I switch to black and white. I find this to have a better effect just because I don't like using flash with color. I always use two cameras, one with black and white and one with color film. Be discrete, as much in the background as you can be. People always appreciate that. But finally and most importantly, have fun, enjoy it, and do what comes naturally to you. Good luck. Parisa

as an amature myself i do get asked to alot of fuctions including the odd wedding for the purpose of taking photos.i take the normel set up shots like group or cake and the bride and groom but it is also expected to take a few of the bride on her own and with various groups like family and friends at table or around the floor after that a few candids from a distance with a short zoom lens