[Keltic Ice Man]

I've been asked to do some shots at a wedding reception, it started as informal pics through the night, but has now moved on to "we would like some formal shots taking of bridge and groom with grandparents etc"

The informal bit - yep no probs, the formal bit - yep feel ok about, but could always do with more tips?

The pics I suppose might be inside or outside so any tips would be good. I thought of using the sigma 24-70mm on my 350D do you think this will be wide angle enough for formals?

The couple are getting married in Gretna and the wedding will be shot as part of the "Gretna experience" by a local photographer but he only does the before and during pics. The reception is then in Carlisle leaving the tog behind in Gretna.

Thanks

Allan

[Dabhand16]

Brave man! Just some random thoughts. Don't forget your flash - you might need it even outside if you are unlucky with the light. With the informal shots, try to balance the subjects - that is, if you have got some pics of auntie Ethel from one side, make sure you have a shot of the equivalent person on the other side. Check out your friends wedding albums to see what the 'standard' groupings are and make a note so you can tick them off on the day. Ask if they want any particular groups recorded (and note them too). If there are any kids that need to be in the shot, set up before you get them in so they don't get bored.

If you know someone with the same camera as you, see if you can borrow it as a back-up. Double check your batteries on the day before AND on the day, don't forget your memory cards. Change them regularly in case they get corrupted, at least you will have some shots even if one card decides to die on you.

Good luck and don't forget to share some of them with us.

[Keltic Ice Man]

Thanks for the advice Graham, especially the bit about knowing someone with the same camera, as a backup - hadn't thought of that.

Any more advice from anyone?

[fionaB]

get a list from the happy couple of the folk they want in the pictures...... and try to get someone to volunteer as a shepherd to herd the relevant folk in when u need them!

Fi

[Markulous]

Yeah, ask what pics they want. Then ask again a week before. Then ask again on the day. But still take the shots they didn't tell you they wanted!

I arranged my brother's wedding pics. Initially it was going to be me (with help from my assistant) but I know a good mate who's an excellent 'tog and got him to agree to cover it. So it was my mate who took the main pics (which were ace) with me assisting and my assistant assisting me!

Between the three of us we got all the shots that were requested.............. and the ones that were asked for afterwards!

[sejanus]

Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away - well, Devon actually - I did more weddings than I now care to remember, working for a chap who had this all planned out to the last decimal point. Here were the pictures we ALWAYS took...

Bride in car
Bride out of car
Bride with father
Bride with mother
Bride and groom
Bride and groom kissing
Bride, groom, best man, bridesmaids
Bride, groom, both sets of parents
Bride, groom, parents, siiblings
Bride, groom, parents, siblings, grandparents (if any)
Everybody (provided you could stand far enough back)
Best Man and bridesmaids.


The sharp-eyed will notice that this comes to 12 exposures, which is, strangely enough, the number of shots on a roll of 120 film in a Rollieflex.

[Keltic Ice Man]

Thanks Guys.

My biggest worry is I'm only just getting used to the Sigma EF-500DG super with my 350D so I'm shooting everything that moves