Last minute wedding advice/tips?

Hey all,


Covering my first wedding on Saturday. Feel I've prepared more than sufficiently, but figured I'd throw up a thread on here to see if anyone has any advice or opinions to throw out, anyway.


I've done plenty of searches and found lots of useful replies and advice on the forum, but most of the decent/lengthy threads seem to be a bit older, and everyone's always learning, so I figured I'd fire up a new one.


The only thing I'm a little confused on, at the moment, is when does the photographer take the shots after signing the register? As far as I'm aware, the signing is the very last thing done in the church, and therefore, once it's signed, the photographer springs into action and gets his posed shots? (after they sign, the ceremony is actually over and done, if I'm correct?)

(well, after they sign, I believe two witnesses need to sign, and then the photographer can pop into action?)

(May seem a silly question, but although I've seen weddings and such, I've never really been one to keep my eyes on the photographer during the ceremony to see what he's up to). The only photographer I ever really kept my eyes on during the ceremony was for my brother's wedding (but that was in lanzarote, where the ceremony routine was done a bit differently, and I was only looking at the photographer because I thought he was a prick and didn't like him at all).


I've got a good shot list of what I hope to accomplish during the day and I hope all goes well (hoping it won't rain, but Google is so far predicting morning rain. The wedding isn't until 2pm, though, so I'm just hoping it's not raining after the ceremony. I want to get a group shot outside the church, as it's the most practical thing to do).


Also, does anyone know how long the meal in the reception venue usually takes? I'm being told that from the end of the speeches to the first dance can be anything up to three hours? (it never felt that long to me?)


Anyone got any nuggets of knowledge they'd like to share?

the_doctor199

Deleted User wrote: »

Hey all,


Covering my first wedding on Saturday. Feel I've prepared more than sufficiently, but figured I'd throw up a thread on here to see if anyone has any advice or opinions to throw out, anyway.


I've done plenty of searches and found lots of useful replies and advice on the forum, but most of the decent/lengthy threads seem to be a bit older, and everyone's always learning, so I figured I'd fire up a new one.


The only thing I'm a little confused on, at the moment, is when does the photographer take the shots after signing the register? As far as I'm aware, the signing is the very last thing done in the church, and therefore, once it's signed, the photographer springs into action and gets his posed shots? (after they sign, the ceremony is actually over and done, if I'm correct?)

(well, after they sign, I believe two witnesses need to sign, and then the photographer can pop into action?)

(May seem a silly question, but although I've seen weddings and such, I've never really been one to keep my eyes on the photographer during the ceremony to see what he's up to). The only photographer I ever really kept my eyes on during the ceremony was for my brother's wedding (but that was in lanzarote, where the ceremony routine was done a bit differently, and I was only looking at the photographer because I thought he was a prick and didn't like him at all).


I've got a good shot list of what I hope to accomplish during the day and I hope all goes well (hoping it won't rain, but Google is so far predicting morning rain. The wedding isn't until 2pm, though, so I'm just hoping it's not raining after the ceremony. I want to get a group shot outside the church, as it's the most practical thing to do).


Also, does anyone know how long the meal in the reception venue usually takes? I'm being told that from the end of the speeches to the first dance can be anything up to three hours? (it never felt that long to me?)


Anyone got any nuggets of knowledge they'd like to share?

Register: I'm usually there when they do the actual signing of it, they'll get the paperwork side of things cleared up then we'll do a posed photo. The priest has almost always told me how we'll do it anyway and it's always been the above way anyhow.

As for the meal/reception, it can be done many different ways. Lots of weddings will have the speeches between main course and dessert, some do it after dessert, the standard gap between end of the meal to first dance is probably 90 minutes I'd think.

The piece of advice that is always helpful with me is to have a list of shots that you must get, I keep mine in order of when I'll shoot them also. With everything going on, it can be easy to forget an important shot, a wedding a while ago I almost forgot bridesmaid and best man with the couple.

the_doctor199

the_doctor199 wrote: »

Register: I'm usually there when they do the actual signing of it, they'll get the paperwork side of things cleared up then we'll do a posed photo. The priest has almost always told me how we'll do it anyway and it's always been the above way anyhow.

As for the meal/reception, it can be done many different ways. Lots of weddings will have the speeches between main course and dessert, some do it after dessert, the standard gap between end of the meal to first dance is probably 90 minutes I'd think.

The piece of advice that is always helpful with me is to have a list of shots that you must get, I keep mine in order of when I'll shoot them also. With everything going on, it can be easy to forget an important shot, a wedding a while ago I almost forgot bridesmaid and best man with the couple.

Well the wedding I'm doing, the speech/es will be before the meal (which personally, is something I agree with, as it gives the best man a chance to relax and enjoy his meal, rather than worrying about the speech throughout).

I have my list typed out on A4 pages, but I'm thinking of re-typing it and cutting it up to A5, to make it easier to carry around. I've spoken to the priest already a few weeks ago, but nothing in detail at all (there are two aisles in the church, I was just finding out which one is used, for my test shots).


Does the priest generally give you the go ahead for when to start your posed shots at the register? This, to be honest (when to start shooting at the register signing) is the only thing that's throwing me at the moment. I know it's a minor enough detail, but I don't want to jump the gun and make a tit of myself (nor do I want to be standing there looking at them, not knowing they're waiting on me to get a move on).

richardbradley

Couple of things in no particular order:

1) take your time. It's about quality of pics rather than quantity. There are moments in the day to gather your thoughts, insert a fresh memory card, flash batteries etc. take 5 mins when you arrive at church, 5 during communion, 5 when you arrive at reception etc. break the wedding into sections like this and think what's your 3 most Important pics in each session- the only time you'll actually use your list is for any group shots the couple want.

2) think light light light before any pictures you set up - especially this weather where sun is in/ out and can leave harsh shadows etc. light makes the biggest difference between the bride looking beautiful or not.

3) eat and drink. You are on the go the whole day and it is easy to ignore these basics - all it means is by early evening you're tired and you lose concentration.

4) check your camera settings at key points - especially when moving from outdoors to in before and after church. Walking down the aisle in particular - if you're still in ap priority, shutter speed may go too low and blur etc. know what settings you want to use beforehand.

5) have a good bad weather plan and some shots in your repertoire that will look great whatever the venue. If it rains you think "great I get to work indoors where I have full control over the light" rather than "crap it's raining my photos won't be as good"

6) sounds daft but it's the little things the books don't tell you like when you're working with people talk with your camera round your neck until the shot is how you want it and then raise the camera to your eye - you will find yourself trying to talk thru your camera at your first wedding.

7) take pics off memory cards onto laptop during dinner - its great knowing you have the pics in two places before the bride takes her dress off and the opportunity to reshoot the odd pic is gone - I've never had a problem but it's nice to know when you go to bed after a hard day that everything's backed up etc.


could think of many more but just enjoy it - the natural pics of people are always the brides favourite anyway so with the exception of any requested groups don't stress over the list.

Good luck.

herrys

Along with all above said advises. One of the most important to consider is the wedding insurance. Wedding insurance will cover all uncertain events of your wedding like, postponement of your wedding due to any reason, problem due to wedding photographer, or attire mistake.

richardbradley

richardbradley wrote: »

Couple of things in no particular order:

1) take your time. It's about quality of pics rather than quantity. There are moments in the day to gather your thoughts, insert a fresh memory card, flash batteries etc. take 5 mins when you arrive at church, 5 during communion, 5 when you arrive at reception etc. break the wedding into sections like this and think what's your 3 most Important pics in each session- the only time you'll actually use your list is for any group shots the couple want.

2) think light light light before any pictures you set up - especially this weather where sun is in/ out and can leave harsh shadows etc. light makes the biggest difference between the bride looking beautiful or not.

3) eat and drink. You are on the go the whole day and it is easy to ignore these basics - all it means is by early evening you're tired and you lose concentration.

4) check your camera settings at key points - especially when moving from outdoors to in before and after church. Walking down the aisle in particular - if you're still in ap priority, shutter speed may go too low and blur etc. know what settings you want to use beforehand.

5) have a good bad weather plan and some shots in your repertoire that will look great whatever the venue. If it rains you think "great I get to work indoors where I have full control over the light" rather than "crap it's raining my photos won't be as good"

6) sounds daft but it's the little things the books don't tell you like when you're working with people talk with your camera round your neck until the shot is how you want it and then raise the camera to your eye - you will find yourself trying to talk thru your camera at your first wedding.

7) take pics off memory cards onto laptop during dinner - its great knowing you have the pics in two places before the bride takes her dress off and the opportunity to reshoot the odd pic is gone - I've never had a problem but it's nice to know when you go to bed after a hard day that everything's backed up etc.


could think of many more but just enjoy it - the natural pics of people are always the brides favourite anyway so with the exception of any requested groups don't stress over the list.

Good luck.

Thanks for the thought out reply. I've actually been doing a fair bit of event coverage type stuff for local papers for a while (moving from one event/place to another to another etc. during the day) so I'm handy enough with changing settings on the fly.

I'm handy enough with a camera. It's more the actual etiquette/way of approaching people at the end of the ceremony and at the start of the reception that has me a little thrown.


I've my shot list written and revised repeatedly, so I should be okay to do that (i'm trying to look at the day in the way you mentioned above: like lots of small events, rather than one big one).

Dreading the thoughts of the videographer standing beside me, analyzing every move I make with a real disapproving look on his face


Bad weather will definitely throw me a little bit (as the planned group shot is an outdoors one, and the indoors equivalent won't be anywhere nearly half as good).

I'll be bringing a big enough diffuser (well, big enough for two people) that my assistant will carry around, incase of sudden direct sunlight.

I'll need to start looking more at proper poses for the Bride & Groom (& wedding party). Just feeling a bit anxious about it now, as it's so close. I don't really see anything major going wrong, but... ah... I dunno... it's a wedding.

herrys wrote: »

Along with all above said advises. One of the most important to consider is the wedding insurance. Wedding insurance will cover all uncertain events of your wedding like, postponement of your wedding due to any reason, problem due to wedding photographer, or attire mistake.

I've never heard of this before. It sounds like something the bride/groom should be buying rather than me? (I know of public liability and professional indemnity, but I've never heard of just Wedding insurance?!)

3 princesses

just wondering does anyone have advice on how I could get someone like a media student to video my wedding.. I would love to have it as a record.. but budget is tight so I cant afford one of the big companies.. getting married june 30th in clare.. any advice greetly accepted..thanks:)

pete4130

Have you not assisted at weddings before this and seen/know how they usually go???

Good luck.

3 princesses

3 princesses wrote: »

just wondering does anyone have advice on how I could get someone like a media student to video my wedding.. I would love to have it as a record.. but budget is tight so I cant afford one of the big companies.. getting married june 30th in clare.. any advice greetly accepted..thanks:)

You might be better off starting a new thread altogether in the Weddings forum;

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/forumdisplay.php?f=670


I'd imagine you'll have more luck in there. Best of luck on it though. Regardless of whether you get a pro or an amateur or a student, etc. make sure you take a look at at least one thing they've done, regardless of what it is, to have an idea of what they'll give you afterwards.

pete4130 wrote: »

Have you not assisted at weddings before this and seen/know how they usually go???

Good luck.

I appreciate the well wishes (though I'm sure they're sarcastic).

It's just the end of the ceremony/taking photos at the register that has me slightly thrown at the moment.

PopeBuckfastXVI

Best of luck tomorrow.

FWIW at my own wedding the photographer stepped in and controlled the signing of the register, it's not a religious document so the priest shouldn't really care how it's signed, just that it is signed.

She arranged the bridesmaids & groomsmen around us and posed us with the pens and set up her shots, taking all the time she needed to get it right.

You can totally control the pace of the signing, really it's just another setup shot, so don't worry about it.

Good luck!

The Snipe

If you can, get a fancy looking quill for the signing! Makes everything look a lot better!

The Snipe

The Snipe wrote: »

If you can, get a fancy looking quill for the signing! Makes everything look a lot better!

That would be pretty cool, but I actually thought the church would have a pen/quill/etc and it'd be the same one everyone uses?

PopeBuckfastXVI wrote: »

Best of luck tomorrow.

FWIW at my own wedding the photographer stepped in and controlled the signing of the register, it's not a religious document so the priest shouldn't really care how it's signed, just that it is signed.

She arranged the bridesmaids & groomsmen around us and posed us with the pens and set up her shots, taking all the time she needed to get it right.

You can totally control the pace of the signing, really it's just another setup shot, so don't worry about it.

Good luck!

From what I understand, it seems to be a toss up between it being the end of the ceremony and you can do what you want photo wise, so long as it's signed, and then it being a part of the ceremony and the priest won't let the photographer pose anything until both have signed it (and the two witnesses also).

I called into the priest today, but no sign of him. Won't see him until before the wedding tomorrow, now.

PopeBuckfastXVI

Deleted User wrote: »

That would be pretty cool, but I actually thought the church would have a pen/quill/etc and it'd be the same one everyone uses?






From what I understand, it seems to be a toss up between it being the end of the ceremony and you can do what you want photo wise, so long as it's signed, and then it being a part of the ceremony and the priest won't let the photographer pose anything until both have signed it (and the two witnesses also).

I called into the priest today, but no sign of him. Won't see him until before the wedding tomorrow, now.

Even if that's the case just set everyone up afterward, you don't have to capture the actual signing itself, just the couple holding a pen up to the paper.

PopeBuckfastXVI

PopeBuckfastXVI wrote: »

Even if that's the case just set everyone up afterward, you don't have to capture the actual signing itself, just the couple holding a pen up to the paper.

Ah I know that. I'm just worrying over nothing, I suppose. It's the only part of the ceremony/day where I don't know what's happening so it's throwing me off a little bit. I'll survive.

Eye of the tiger and all that, I suppose.

pearljamfan

was it yesterday? how did u get on!!?

i did my first wedding in feb and all the preparation went out the window as soon as it started, i just went with the flow of the day and it all turned out fine, lol, all that stress i had in me for nothing.:D

pixbyjohn

One of the most important things to remember is to make sure that they look at your lens when you are taking shots. With a lot of the guests flashng cameras it is all too easy for lots of your subjects to be looking away from you. And watch out for the lurkers in the background smoking and slouching etc.
Best of luck.
PS, I know this post is too late for the OP.

It was Saturday, yeah, so it's over now.

It went quite well. Stomach was like a washing machine all the morning of it and I didn't feel right at all until during the ceremony (which I probably moved around too much during).

After that the day kinda started to take shape and I settled in a bit. Some beginner mistakes made. I missed a few photos I wanted to do, and I took some that weren't entirely necessary, but all in all I think it went better than I had anticipated.

I was dreading the thoughts of working alongside a videographer all day, but he turned out to be a really sound bloke and not only very easy to get on with, but also extremely helpful with letting me know what was happening next and what'd be a good idea to try and such.

I had a million brilliant photos in my head that I was keen to try and that I knew would look well, but throughout the day I just kept drawing a blank.

At the same time, the Bride and Groom didn't really seem that fussed about the photos (okay, I'm aware they're paying a photographer, so they're expecting good results, and that's fair enough, but what I mean is I don't think they cared anywhere near as much as I did) so a lot of my effort throughout the day was also based on keeping things simple and easy for the couple and the bridal party.


My biggest regret is rushing a family shot at the reception. Time started working against us and I didn't want to be the one to hold up everything on my first time, so I ended up rushing a shot of the bride/groom/& their families. The photo didn't turn out too badly, but it could've (and should've) been better.

What's more annoying is that it turned out the band had delayed things by 30 minutes anyway, so I was rushing things and panicking to get things done, when, unbeknownst to me, I had loads of feckin' time. Always the way!



Ultimately I'm a happy camper and I think I did pretty well for my first time. I'll be keen to hear what the Bride/Groom think of the photos when they get to see them. I'll be pressing for an honest opinion.

BlastedGlute

The bride and groom aren't photographers so their opinion shouldn't be paramount in how you compose yourself in future.

Also, press too much and you'll look completely insecure in the work you've already carried out. This won't get your future bookings.

I suggest you do your best to act collected and confident in the work you've carried out, even if it's sub-standard to what you had hoped. Maintain a positive tone and attitude.

And above all else, learn from your mistakes.

Goodluck

BlastedGlute

BlastedGlute wrote: »

The bride and groom aren't photographers so their opinion shouldn't be paramount in how you compose yourself in future.

Also, press too much and you'll look completely insecure in the work you've already carried out. This won't get your future bookings.

I suggest you do your best to act collected and confident in the work you've carried out, even if it's sub-standard to what you had hoped. Maintain a positive tone and attitude.

And above all else, learn from your mistakes.

Goodluck

Oh I'm sure I came across professionally on the day. First lesson anyone learns when dealing with people is that even if the batteries are dead in the camera, you still smile and nod. Crap photos or a broken camera, etc. are the photographers problem, no one else's.


That said, I'm very happy with the photos. Genuinely better than I had anticipated. I'm just upset that I missed a few of the shots I had in mind when I was going through it in my head in advance. All in all, a good first Wedding (again, in my opinion. I'll report back when the Bride/Groom get to see the photos and give their thoughts).

dinneenp

Hi,
do you have any of the photos that you can share, can't see any on your site.

I'm doing two weddings for friends this year, never did any before (I'm an amateur) so find this thread interesting.

First one is in July, second one later in the year.
I'm looking forward to them and already planning some stuff, looking at sites for tips etc. This is extremelly detailed, haven't read through it all yet.

I'll be shootin the wedings on my own.
One question-
1. I'm planning on a shot of the bride & dad entering the registery office (Aula Maxima, UCC) from behind them (going through the door). But ideally I'd also like some of them walking up to their seats too.

What does one do if you're shooting the wedding on your own, sacrifice one of them or interupt them after the enter and run walk quickly up like a fool?

dinneenp

dinneenp wrote: »

Hi,
do you have any of the photos that you can share, can't see any on your site.

I'm doing two weddings for friends this year, never did any before (I'm an amateur) so find this thread interesting.

First one is in July, second one later in the year.
I'm looking forward to them and already planning some stuff, looking at sites for tips etc. This is extremelly detailed, haven't read through it all yet.

I'll be shootin the wedings on my own.
One question-
1. I'm planning on a shot of the bride & dad entering the registery office (Aula Maxima, UCC) from behind them (going through the door). But ideally I'd also like some of them walking up to their seats too.

What does one do if you're shooting the wedding on your own, sacrifice one of them or interupt them after the enter and run walk quickly up like a fool?

None of the photos are online yet. I only just got them to the Bride and Groom on Tuesday evening. I'm gonna give it a few more days and then ask if they mind me using them online (I know they won't, but I'd like to be sure, anyway).

Bride also has a facebook account, so if she's planning on putting them up there, I think it'd be a nice gesture to allow her to do it first, rather than me putting them up ahead of her.


If you think the shot from behind them will look good, then just tell them your predicament and explain any possible workaround to them. Tell them you think it'll be a good shot, but the only way you can do it, and get in front of them, is if they pause at the top of the aisle and allow you to get in front of them for the walk.

I don't think they'd mind that. Alternatively, do the bridge + groom leave first in a civil ceremony? If so, you could pose a shot at the end, where the bride and groom get to the door and turn around, and get everyone to cheer them on in the room or give them a round of applause or something, in the background?

(I do realise you specified bride and dad, and obviously if you did the shot at the end, it'd be bride and groom, so it'd be worth thinking about, as it could be a great shot to use for bride and groom, but I'd be hesitant about using the same idea twice in the one ceremony).


I've no idea what the place you're shooting in looks like, obviously, but there's a lot less to work with for a civil ceremony. It's not as stretched out as a traditional wedding day.

I'm covering a Civil Ceremony in August, and I have to admit, off the top of my head, I can't think of any decent posed shots. The registry office looks nice, so the actual ceremony coverage should be find, but before/after that, I'm at a bit of a loss. The bride mentioned a group shot, but I'm not sure I can think of anywhere in the venue that a group shot will work (though I'll do some serious brainstorming and re-visit the venue before hand and take a walkaround, to see if I think of anything).

Kenny Logins

Ask them to turn around on the way out.

dinneenp

dinneenp wrote: »

Hi,
do you have any of the photos that you can share, can't see any on your site.

Just threw a few onto my pix, Dineenp, as you were asking;

http://pix.ie/chokeslamcena/album/441325

EDIT: I've made the album visible to 'everyone' about 3 times, and everytime I log out of Pix I can't view the photos... is it the same for everyone or is it just me?

zero19

I can't see them anyway

Hmm.. odd.

Facebook link;

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.357816067613261.82419.12267416127454&type=1

pete4130

They honestly look like P&S snaps to me. I wouldn't be happy if I'd paid someone to shoot my wedding and these were the results.

They just don't evoke anything for me. They aren't intimate. They seem like generic pictures of a wedding, almost like "painting by numbers" with wedding photography. The couple aren't isolated enough from the background in the church enough for me and it just creates clutter.

There are blown highlights all over the place too. I know the outdoor light was very strong/harsh and the venue didn't look like to most scenic place which makes it more hard work.

There's just no dynamicism in them for me. Granted these are a small selection on your facebook page & I understand that.

I appreciate the feedback, but I wasn't looking for C+C, Pete, to be honest.

I was posting them up as Dineenp was curious as to how they turned out. That said, regardless of whether everyone on here loves or hates them, the Bride and Groom are happy with them, which is all that matters, really.

Strong, harsh sunlight was a killer on the day, unfortunately. Though I still maintain that, all in all, I'm very happy with how they turned out. Lots of room for improvement, of course, but I feel I'm off to a good start, personally.

EDIT: Do you have any wedding photos you could share, Pete? I'd love to see some of your own work; perhaps get some inspiration for my next wedding.

A lot of my time before this wedding was actually spent watching a video that Borderfox posted before of a day of his coverage. Can't seem to find it again, but it was extremely helpful (not only in photography terms, but also in trying to make sure i had the order of how things go on the day down properly).

I find boards users are generally pretty good, though I'd be curious to see some of your own wedding work, Pete, as, generally we tend to disagree quite a bit on here, so I'd be very interested (I've seen some of your BMX stuff and your recent 'rotation' (i think they're called) photographs, but I don't really recall any posed portrait or wedding work being posted by you, off the top of my head, to be honest.

pete4130

Weddings are something I really don't enjoy shooting at all. They are not for me at all.
The last wedding I took photos at was for a good BMX friend of mine. I told him I'd bring my camera and take a few snaps. He'd already booked a wedding photographer and I spoke to her and her 2nd shooter and told them I wouldn't interfere with their work during the day (distracting the group shots when she was taking them etc...) as I knew a lot of the wedding party personally, they all knew I shoot photos and would be easily distracted by me and my camera. I obviously didn't have the same access as their photographer and all the major group shots were dealt with by her.

So basically I said I'd shoot random candids and informal shots of the day with no pressure on me and no expectations if I didn't feel like shooting.























[/url













For what these photos are, I still wouldn't be comfortable to charge somebody for them. They are OK images, not great images.

See, they just seem like random candids to me (which wouldn't be as difficult as a second shooter as you'd have no responsibility to ensure you get the formal/posed shots etc.).

I think we just have very differing opinions, Pete.

That said, fair play for taking the initiative to approach the photographer and explain what you were up to. I'd imagine a lot of photographers get annoyed with other guests who suddenly turn into 'photographers' the morning of the wedding (not that I've experienced it myself, of course, but when I think of photographers that are doing weddings for years, I'd imagine they get frustrated by it).

pete4130

I'm not going on about the content. I've explained that to you. They are what they are. You've missed the point.
It's about quality and capturing the moment and not getting so tied up into a formulaic wedding shoot.
I was offered to shoot the wedding for cash but refused because I don't enjoy them. The posed/formal shots should be the easy part.
For me, your shots don't have anything engaging or captivating going on to hold my attention. My eye wanders far too much.

As a 2nd shooter you do have a lot of responsibility to get those informal shots. It's a different style of photography that you have to be on your toes as much if not more than the main photographer. You always have to be running around, hunting for those images. It's naive to think otherwise.

I don't post much wedding or posed work because its not what I enjoy shooting.

dinneenp

Thanks for posting Shane.

brandnewaward

kelby training do a good video course on how to shoot wedding , a google search will find it handy enough. some savage courses on lynda.com too