Approaches for altar formals

[aaron_lee___minneapolis__m]

<p>Tim Haut's first wedding reminded me to ask this question: How do you prefer

to frame your altar formals? Keep it close and fill the frame as much as

possible with the subjects (allowing for 8x10 crop), OR staying at a wider angle

to include the altar, cross, etc? If it were a perfect world, would you do

both?</p>

 

<p>I'm going to use Tim's example, hope you don't mind, Tim! <a

href="http://www.photo.net/photo/4538680">Tim's example of wide

crop with environment</a></p>

 

<p>Aaron Lee</p>

[picturesque]

Both for the shot of the couple. For a big family group, both--why not since you have to back up anyway? Smaller groups, crop closely, keeping without 8x10 proportion.

[picturesque]

That should be "within 8x10 proportion". For the example shown, I'd include the cross because the vertical composition with train is almost there anyway.

[timhaut]

Noo problem Aaron. Good question to bring up. You've got some great pics on your site by

the way.

[jon jacobson]

In the case of Tim's shot, an 8x10 crop will be an awkward challenge. Schilling's shot is very nice. Lot's of lines. An 8x10 crop will be unfortunate, but will still be a nice image. But's that's just a matter of keeping 8x10 crop in mind.

<p>

It's also a matter of personal taste. I tend to prefer context in a shot. There's no rule that says you have to have the entire alter or the entire cross in the shot. Or for that matter, any of it at all while shooting at the alter. HOWEVER, if it's a beautiful room, you really need to show it.

<p>

<img src = "http://www.picturemichigan.com/blog/uploaded_images/b&k7338-717889.jpg">

<br>

This is a 5x7 crop, ready for an 8x10 crop. Losing a little of the cross is okay by me.

[wedding-photography-denver]

I try to include the environment if it meant something to the couple to be married there. If it didn't mean anything (IOW, it was just a venue and could have been any) I work with its appeal. I always try to shoot formals with a mind set of being able to crop to an 8x10, however, there are times that I love to think in pano terms to. It just works for some things.

 

In Tims example, it would be a natural thing from the angle he shot it to include the alter. If he shot from a tall tripod or ladder, it may not have.

 

All in all, crop room is better than not IMO.

[dennis_heltemes]

It really depends on the situation. For most family shots I tend to put the train behind the bride so I can frame a little tighter because that is the focus of the shot. For bride alone or bride/groom I'll do both tight and wide depending on what the altar area looks like.

 

Using Tim's example I would have also done a shot with her train behind her to frame the shot a little closer.

[35mmdelux]

Not cool.

 

Otherwise great fotos. Love the softar approach -sweet!

[aaron_lee___minneapolis__m]

Thanks all for the responses! I'll be remembering to take a few of both with the b&g, and use

my judgement with the beauty or lackthereof.

 

Sorry I wasn't back sooner to check in and reply. I have totally been bombarded at home.

 

Tim, thank you :)

 

Aaron Lee