I handed the deliverables over to the clients on Sunday, and have had a day to reflect on the assignment. Here's a few thoughts that might be helpful to other newbie wedding photographer.
Being the prime wedding photographer was a pressure cooker, but was a glorious experience. Rather than just being an observer, I was part of the ceremonies, and was allowed to share in a wonderful array of emotions over the course of the day.
I handled the PJ aspects of the shoot OK, but need improvement in my technique for the formal shots. I'll probably use a backdrop and a light kit the next time around.
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I didn't take advantage of the high ISO capabilities of my camera during the indoor shoots. I was too conservative, setting the ISO @ 200, and that resulted in unnecesarily slow shutter speeds. Next time I'll use ISO500 for all interior shots.
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I have an sc29 sync cord, but didn't use it. I was just uncomfortable holding the flash in one hand, and the camera in the other. I'm going to look into a flash bracket, so I can avoid casting shadows directly behind the subjects.
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Other than these items, it was all good . My advanced scouting trip paid great results, particularly in the chapel, where every shot was backlit. Pre-determining the flash settings necessary to narrow the dynamic range allowed me to concentrate on the subjects, and still get them and the background properly exposed.
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My biggest reward of the adventure was the comments from the mothers of the bride and groom. I knew from the start that they would be my biggest critics. Here's what the bride's mom wrote:
"Uncle Frank you have created a beatiful chronology of Nici & Cody's wedding that this family will always cherish. Your immense talent is evident in the artistry and sensitivity you brought to the scenes. Thank you for this extraordinary gift... "
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Wow, that's almost as good as a paycheck 8). I'm encouraged to try another wedding... someday.
View attachment 8154
Being the prime wedding photographer was a pressure cooker, but was a glorious experience. Rather than just being an observer, I was part of the ceremonies, and was allowed to share in a wonderful array of emotions over the course of the day.
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I handled the PJ aspects of the shoot OK, but need improvement in my technique for the formal shots. I'll probably use a backdrop and a light kit the next time around.
View attachment 8149
I didn't take advantage of the high ISO capabilities of my camera during the indoor shoots. I was too conservative, setting the ISO @ 200, and that resulted in unnecesarily slow shutter speeds. Next time I'll use ISO500 for all interior shots.
View attachment 8150
I have an sc29 sync cord, but didn't use it. I was just uncomfortable holding the flash in one hand, and the camera in the other. I'm going to look into a flash bracket, so I can avoid casting shadows directly behind the subjects.
View attachment 8151
Other than these items, it was all good . My advanced scouting trip paid great results, particularly in the chapel, where every shot was backlit. Pre-determining the flash settings necessary to narrow the dynamic range allowed me to concentrate on the subjects, and still get them and the background properly exposed.
View attachment 8152
My biggest reward of the adventure was the comments from the mothers of the bride and groom. I knew from the start that they would be my biggest critics. Here's what the bride's mom wrote:
"Uncle Frank you have created a beatiful chronology of Nici & Cody's wedding that this family will always cherish. Your immense talent is evident in the artistry and sensitivity you brought to the scenes. Thank you for this extraordinary gift... "
View attachment 8153
Wow, that's almost as good as a paycheck 8). I'm encouraged to try another wedding... someday.
View attachment 8154