Wedding Photography II, a photo from Sabah, East

Photographer's Note

Wedding is the start of a new journey for two people whom are in loved with each other. While the rest of us, could only pray and hope, that not only guardian angels looked after the wedding, but God Himself. Because the truth is, wedding has another name. While wedding is for a day but being a Family, it is forever.

If you want to shoot wedding, just remember, do take as much shots as you can. For starter, think 1Gb for the whole day.

Carry the spares with you. Not in your camera bag. And don't forget the 2 spare batteries for your camera as well as for the flash. You will be using a lot of flash for fill ins and lighting. It doesn't hurt to carry enough spares but it will, if you don't.

Always expect you will be shooting from morning till the "Just Married" rattles away into the horizon.

Clothing. Try not to attract attention. Looking better dressed than the best man is definitely a no no. And be as unobtrusive and unobstructive as much as possible.

Lens: I'd suggest 24-70mm/f2.8 for those indoor shots. Forget about long zoom lens like 200 or 300mm. You wouldn't be shooting that far. Usually the wedding couple and the most important people is close to the altar, where you should be.

Flash: Anything which is 100% proof working with your camera. I'd suggest those with maximum guide number of 50m at 100mm at ISO100. Too bright, you could decrease/compensate the exposure. Not powerful enough, well maybe you could walk closer then. But go easy on the flash exposure. The bride is always wearing white and reflective. A little underexposure is salvageable. Overexposed, see whether you could blame your assistant.

ISO: 200 is good to start with but not more than ISO400. Usually most camera starts to add salt and pepper into the image at ISO 400. Not forgetting to mention the heat generated during the shooting and the "warmth" environment,could also contribute grain.

Thank you Richard. Richard (Rgatward)yesterday mentioned about originality, which I'd forgotten to mention. Originality is those "uncommon" subjects. This you have to find out by yourself. You see, wedding is just like the couple. They are different from the rest. So you just have to find those differences.

Wedding photography is not about money or business. It is really about making the couple, remembers the moments of this special day. It is your job, to make sure, they have something nice and sweet to look at and remember by. And hope.

Just remember, the wedding couple, is trusting you this very special day.

Repost Note: Increased Level slightly in PS to compensate underexposure.

kaud, RGatward, Paul65, markoci, Eugene, nwoehnl, verge, erdna, antcreations ha puntuado esta nota como útil.

Critiques | Translate

kaud (1840) 2004-12-21 4:21

The veil played an important role in this photo shot.
A mystic effect is seen.
Good note also.

Zepi (22848) 2004-12-21 4:22

Un seul mot me vient à l’esprit !

J’adore le fait que vous avez fait la mise au point sur le voile !
Le cadrage est excellent ,le modèle d’une beauté qui n’a d’égale que ce moment magique !

Très belle image !

Merci pour le partage !

Amicalement

Sébastien

RGatward (20108) 2004-12-21 4:22

A bit puzzled about why you RPed this, but here's my comment again:

Well you've done it again. I don't know how anyone can take a square on portrait of a bride and make it original, but you've managed it. I should think every couple on Sabah will you to do the job if they see this one

PixelTerror (0) 2004-12-21 5:25

Hi Rabani, your notes are really excellent and I think this one too must be saved for future reference as everybody may need it not only for weddings but also all possible parties. I like here too the tight framing and the capture of the expression of the lady that may lead to many different interpretations. I guess the veil was a bit challenging to get the right focus, but the result is superb !

jrzufferey (7305) 2004-12-21 6:51

Bravo mon cher, ton image est magnifique, ce visage est d'une grande douceur. Amicalement/jr

carper (96) 2004-12-21 12:14

Very good photo my friend,
The portrait is realy nice taken,you took the shot from a nice angle, the result of the shot is great. Rabani for you and your family a very good days and a good start of the new year.

Eugene (971) 2004-12-21 15:21

Fantastic choosen moment. She is just alone with herself behind the veil. Thanks for the interesting note. Eugene

nwoehnl (122) 2004-12-21 16:04

Fine improvement to the first version, Bani, and I have to say it is one of the best thru-the-veil photos I ever saw. A lovely shot of the bride, with delicate colors and the "star" ornament making for a neat detail. Great work, and one of your best notes goes with it all.
Merry Christmas to you.

kinginexile (2598) 2004-12-21 17:36

Very nice, Rabani. The gauze is expertly shot, and it makes us slightly indiscreet to peer at her in that withdrawn and solemn moment. I think you knew you had a special shot when you clicked the shutter.

DaveLarson (798) 2004-12-22 6:35

I must agree with RGatward that what stands out here is the way you have taken something ordinary and made it extraordinary. Well done.

Dave

scalerman (26900) 2004-12-22 13:51

Were you working and just doing this "pro bono", Rabani? It would be nice if you could get paid :) But a beautiful shot nonetheless and the notes are great.

alimo3 (6854) 2004-12-22 16:51

Hi Rabani,
A GREAT image!
very nice expression with those close eyes.
i like how you use the Dof .
very well done.

Tom

Piotr (0) 2004-12-23 8:15

Great wedding photo, focus concentrated on the material, given a nice, artistic effect, great job!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year for You and Your Family Rabani
Regards, piotr

adind (738) 2004-12-23 8:45

Nice expression of face you have captured..

best,
atis

verge (1242) 2004-12-23 19:46

very beautiful portrait full of emotion. she seem nervous and excited at the same time, I think this is the mix feeling usually the girls say when they are getting married...good capture rabani.....rgds

verge

waskahegan (0) 2004-12-26 14:22

I like your introduction, very good, let me join in the wish. This picture is outstanding in every aspects.

jrj (34843) 2004-12-27 9:23

I thinbk your choice of your shots from this wedding was very good. The portrait of the bride is stylish, effectful in this soft setting, great posing, fine cropping - all works very good here.

joseelias (0) 2005-01-05 5:34

Great lesson Rabani! Really, really great! I also the image and how the veil, covering more deeply half of her face create a more creative and attractive image. I would even say more sensual.

I think a doutone version using tones near the sepia could work well too. In fact, if you're shooting marriages try BW, sepia and partial de-saturations (like everything BW except the couple) versions. It seems something people are liking here and gives you more freedom of artistic expression. This way they will allways have the choice of the full color, or creative options. At the end they might take all... :-)

sn00zie (2384) 2005-01-07 9:13

a GORGEOUS shot Rabani... love the minor detailing in this picture... its brilliant

Karma (993) 2005-04-04 12:48

rabani
Your the man. What a great photo. You have captured a special moment in a special way.
The veil brings a touch of mystery and shyness to the bride.
Well done. I will try something like this when I get a chance.
Carmelo