christenb

I have now assisted with several different photographers and one tip that I would

give would be to be clear on expectations on both sides up front so you are not

disappointed or frustrated during or after the wedding. I have had great experiences

second shooting and assisting but I have been upfront in asking the primary

photographer what he/she expects, how can I best assist him/her the day of the

wedding, when are appropriate times to ask questions, compensation amount, if I

will be given the images that I captured on that day for my portfolio, etc...

Because you won't be as tied up capturing the formal group shots, you will have

more freedom to get the candid shots. Look for the moments happening between

people in the back of the church during the group shots that may go unnoticed if you

weren't looking. Capture the bride praying/crying with her bridesmaids right before

the ceremony, etc... these are shots that the primary photographer may appreciate if

he/she is occupied in another part of the church/reception.

Some photographers would prefer you use their equipment so that it is consistent

with the equipment they are using while others prefer you bring and use your own.

This is a helpful question to ask before the day of the wedding.

Have you sat down and talked with the photographer or talked on the phone about

what he/she wants you to do, other than capture some images? My role as an

assistant and second shooter have also included assisting the photographer in

gathering the groups together, finding missing people, checking pictures off of a

checklist, keeping an eye on the groomsmen, carrying the shootsac, setting up

lighting, looking for great shots and letting the photographer know so that he/she can

capture it, finding nice light for the dress shot, etc.

All that I have mentioned above completely depends on the personality and

expectations of the photographer who has hired you... but I thought it may be helpful

to share a little of what my experiences have been like. Have fun! Learn and

observe as much as you can. Spend a lot of time near the photographer to learn as

much as you can about he/she handles the day and sets up great shots!

Thank you all so much for all your wisdom and input... I will go prepared to do fill

flash should I need it. I went out to the beach at the same time the ceremony will be

held and made my husband be my model with his white long sleeve t-shirt. I really

appreciate you all taking the time to share your thoughts. Although I am not a 'purist'

when it comes to photo-journalism, as someone alluded, I much prefer to use

available light - however, i realize that only using natural light limits me, at times, to

the quality of images I will be able to capture. And you guys are right - their wedding

is too important not to use a little fill flash as it is needed. I think the thought of

adding in one more 'element' to worry about on the day of the wedding is a little

intimidating - but I am willing to learn all I can in the next two weeks.

I will let you know how it goes... again, thank you. =)

I would like some input from you all... In the past six months, I have been shooting only in Manual

mode, without a flash or any extra reflectors. In most situations, I am quite comfortable only using

the natural light that is available. However, I have an event I am shooting on the beach in 3 weeks

here in West Michigan. Although it is not at noon, a 4pm wedding on Lake Michigan may potentially

provide harsh light. I plan on finding open shade for the formal shots- However, I also know those

who have hired me will want pictures in front of the scenic shores of Lake Michigan.

My question... Is it crazy to just plan on natural light on the beach? The sand will provide a natural

reflector for me - but do any of you have any experience doing wedding photography with only

natural lighting? I also am hesitant to start working with a flash for this event when I am not overly

comfortable with using a flash. I have several lens that will work well in low light situations should

we get rained inside for the day.

If you do advise me to use a flash, would a Canon 430 do the trick?

Thanks in advance for taking time to share your wisdom and thoughts on this matter!

-Christen