Wedding Photography : Code of conduct & Professionalism (Discussion Thread)

[jayhan]

This might be an interesting this to discuss among those wedding photographers, and also serve as an info board for those who wanna be in the frontline of shooting wedding.

When I say wedding, I mean the real day thingy. When the couple exchange vows, or may it be the "chum cha" ceremony., or bersanding etc. Lets not pull ROM or bridal photography into this.

The first thing I would wanna point out is this:

Should wedding photographers work in a discreet manner in order to avoid interfering with the wedding process? What are your code of conducts when it comes to shooting weddings?

[andythology]

Respect the ceremony, of course. Minimize(not eliminates) distractions. Do not interfere the flow of service order. But come to photograph session, you are the king of the court.

*Smile a lot, I mean A LOT* ;p

You should enjoy the Romance and Joyful atmosphere as well. ;)

[funkiller]

Minimum interference, asked the client type of photos needed to take like more portrait or candid shots etc. Some shots are to our liking, but not necessary to our client's liking.

Dress smart, but not too smart.

Yup, agree with andy, should enjoy the joyful and romance atmosphere with them. If I can blend into the event is the best !

[danielchansm]

my 2 cents if I may add is that some churches do not really like photographers flashing off and moving about.:mad:

I guess sitting down with BG and all parties involved (parents,wedding planner,ministers,priest) and getting consent and know what and what not to do is a very professional and respectful gesture.

Some parents may feel that a photographer who moves in way beyond personal boundary limits to get a better shot would be annoying :0. In this instance, well, courtesy and respect is important. We are in fact shooting the show and we are not the show.Neither do we interrupt the show.:cool:

Cheers.

my respects..

[jayhan]

LOL. dat said, i've come across a photog whose mobile phone went ringing over and over again and again thruout the church mass. typical ahpek photog in his 40's i think. he also made the pastor stand at 45 degree angle so he can get a shot of both the bride and groom with the pastor's face intact :O

personally - im developing a style where i reduce to the verge of elimination of asking the couples to pose for me. which is why i love to use the 70-200mm :P

[danielchansm]

yes, the 70-200 is a great tool. I am stuck in between saving for the IS 2.8 version and the f4 IS version.....but these are great tools for candid. When I shoot weddings (for family and close friends as a gift) I love candid.

I just bought my 580 EX II yesterday. Going to shoot for a colleague in Penang. She paying for the accomodations 3 days. So officially,this is my first assignment. :? any tips on using the flash?

Posed shots are great but catching the live and natural expressions really bring the storybook to life.

I have heard of this guy who got sucked into tunnel vision/sniper mode that he backed into a chair. Thank God not a table or some props.:partyon:

[jayhan]

I'm using the F4L IS version. Great piece of glass minus the weight and bulk. :)
it doesnt grab that much attention and thats great for me.

so you got the canon's greatest flash (for the time being :P) eh! congrats! careful with em and make sure u dun get shadowwy brides ok! :P

[danielchansm]

i know..Canon likes to make a good thing..then out of no where, got new Mk or better model...590ex or 630 ex whatever :P....soon going to be like computers...ahhahaha..

anyways, I really need a lot of guidance to taking photos with flash, this is my first flash and not that easy.

got to get tips from everyone.

Well, this is becoming a how to post. Not a post on wedding photography etiquette. sorry for that.

Do we have a HOW TO / TEACH ME post in SA or do we just post in the relevant topics?

[karheng]

Mobile phones should be kept silent if possible. It is the biggest day of the new couple and for a photographer to ruin it by saying...

"HELLO, YA! AT WEDDING SHOOT la....TALK LA..>TALK...Nvm...I BIG TAI KOR...NO WORRY ONE!"

is completely and utterly disgracely...:azz:

Of course, i coined it from the Digi ad.

Humility and having a good personality is always important in ensuring that there are smiles instead of :wtf1: & frowns....

Just my 2 cents...=)

[jackyyong]

Believe it or not, I have actually been to wedding projects where my presence is actually needed! I tried to be discreet when doing my shots, example when they were wearing that ring for the first time, or that first kiss. (Okay larr.... maybe not the first already larr... :P ) Sometimes the couple will look at me, and do it s-l-o-w-l-y, purposely for me to take their pictures. Doesn't look natural lar. Besides, having a DSLR, I have already 3 shots by the time they have slowed down properly and turned to face the camera! :D

Another thing to note is not to hoard the limelight all the time, even though you are the only official photographer. Yes, you have the right to the best angle on the front row, but you must respect the audience too. And also sometimes the relatives might also want to have a shot at the couple, or maybe even a videographer. So play nice.

Just my two cent :)

[noruazumi]

this is a very good doscussion. thanks for bringing this up jay! :)

anyway, let me share my experience.
i always tried to be under-the-radar when shooting wedding but it is hard to do it when your flash keep flashing on every shot. :D however, i tried not move a lot coz this will draw attention and also i don't want to obstruct the view of the guest. i usually discussed with my client about the flow of the event like who, what, when & where so that i can get the idea and plan my "strategy". at the same time, i always tell my client to relax and ignore my presence; and at the same try not to make sudden movement. if they have to, then i don't mind at all coz it is my duty to capture every moment. :)

70-200 or tele-zoom lens is very handy. i called it "stalking lens". :D until today, i still can't afford one :( but i will by end of this year. been eating Maggie for a very long time already! :D

bout the phones, i always either make them into silent mode or turn them off and keep them in my bag. and i only get them when i'm finished shooting.

so i guess that's all i can think off. :D

[jetfynn]

Conducting yourself professionally is a MUST!

By being professional to many people varies. Depending on the BG & family, The pareto principle applies. 20% posed shots and 80% photojournalism. Once this is adhered to, most of the time it does justify engaging a pro-photographer.

That said, being one full time photographer myself,

Basic rules on behaviour:

1) Off the phone or at least put to silent or vibro mode.
2) take charge only when it is absolutely needed. (Especially getting family members together, arranging them for the family shoot)
3) Getting to the venue at least 30 minutes early or more.


More later.............

[qqmeng]

Conducting yourself professionally is a MUST!

By being professional to many people varies. Depending on the BG & family, The pareto principle applies. 20% posed shots and 80% photojournalism. Once this is adhered to, most of the time it does justify engaging a pro-photographer.

That said, being one full time photographer myself,

Basic rules on behaviour:

1) Off the phone or at least put to silent or vibro mode.
2) take charge only when it is absolutely needed. (Especially getting family members together, arranging them for the family shoot)
3) Getting to the venue at least 30 minutes early or more.


More later.............

well said.

[robin28witter]

from my point of view...

-act pro is a must la...

-keep quiet when the process is going on...don't comment anything of the process...i 've faced some chinese wedding event that they dunno the rules of the wedding...so they asked me because they tot we photographer has lots of experiences...so before i said anything...i would say:"I cant comment anything because different BG has different type of rules..."...then they wil ask how do u do? then i said:"if u all okay with my way...then only i said..."....after we got their permission to follow our way...then only we comment...BUT...remember they way we comment must stick to a more general way which can be accepted by most ppl....to be on a safe side....we jus said:"I don't know!":tongue_roll::tongue_roll:

-another thing is....cooperate with the person in charge before the event get started is a must...it is because sometimes we are not that fast to change the setting or what so ever...so we can immediately tel the person in charge to stop for a second...or to slow the process....this is for us not to miss the important shot!...BUT sometimes the person in charge even don wanna coperate with you because they said they ady promise the bride like this or like tat....then that time we need to be more careful with our actions...

-in my opinion...chinese wedding is more easier to control than the church wedding....those yyum chaa thingy can be easily control compared to church style which we has lesser power in contorlling...always be prepared and you wil get ur job done !

jus my opinion!

[jayhan]

i believe this discussion will serve as a good general guideline for new wedding shooters.

oh, the other thing is, i realize the videographer tends to be more "instructive" compared to photographers. i once had this dude who literally stopped the "chum cha" ceremony (tea ceremony) becuz his batts went dead! i was like WTF! (aside frm the fact the bloke always stand in my way and gets into my shots most of the time). Also, imagine his video hotlights (those mounted above the videocam) which is like about 6-10" away from the bride's fathers face when he was trying to shoot a closeup of the old man taking a sip of the tea!!!

[andythology]

from my point of view...

-act pro is a must la...

-keep quiet when the process is going on...don't comment anything of the process...i 've faced some chinese wedding event that they dunno the rules of the wedding...so they asked me because they tot we photographer has lots of experiences...so before i said anything...i would say:"I cant comment anything because different BG has different type of rules..."...then they wil ask how do u do? then i said:"if u all okay with my way...then only i said..."....after we got their permission to follow our way...then only we comment...BUT...remember they way we comment must stick to a more general way which can be accepted by most ppl....to be on a safe side....we jus said:"I don't know!":tongue_roll::tongue_roll:

-another thing is....cooperate with the person in charge before the event get started is a must...it is because sometimes we are not that fast to change the setting or what so ever...so we can immediately tel the person in charge to stop for a second...or to slow the process....this is for us not to miss the important shot!...BUT sometimes the person in charge even don wanna coperate with you because they said they ady promise the bride like this or like tat....then that time we need to be more careful with our actions...

-in my opinion...chinese wedding is more easier to control than the church wedding....those yyum chaa thingy can be easily control compared to church style which we has lesser power in contorlling...always be prepared and you wil get ur job done !

jus my opinion!
You dun have to ACT if you are one.
Photojournalism can not stop one thing happen in order for that to be captured.

so is aback to your familiarity in this industry.


IMHO.

[robin28witter]

haha...actually if u r paid to do the job...then u really need to get it done very well...so instructing the ppl for not to block our view is a must...other wise ur shot wil be bad and finally the person kena is urself la...when i shoot video...i also intruc ppl to excuse for while politely...and u need to get the best angle to shoot...if another photographer is there....discuss with him/her...then u all will work well!hehe....

another thing ... sometimes we need to drive our own car to follow the bridegroom to the bride house...and the driver of the groom is driving at 160km/j....i tried before...haha...is a camry...me only wira...so we sure late for that la right?and when i arrice...the groom wil terus marah u like hell...how u do business ar...why so late ar...what so ever la...then i wil jus answer politely....:"If u pay my saman and guarantee my safety....i drive 180km/j..."haha...

-peace-

[robin28witter]

You dun have to ACT if you are one.
Photojournalim can not stop one thing happen in order for that to be captured.

so is aback to your familiarity in this industry.


IMHO.
the 'act' i mean is not the acting that u think of la....:run_away::run_away::run_away:
u r right...u r pro...BUT ppl wont know u r pro....not everyone wil know....unless they are familiar....as u said "familiarity in this industry"...
so sometime is a must to do something that let ppl see ur professional so that ppl wil respect u...this only usable when there appear someone who din ever respect u....:D:D

[andythology]

and that goes again, define "pro".
and back to square of your familiarity of this industry.

and you have misunderstood my line. is alright, doesn't matter. cheers.

[ShaolinTiger]

and that goes again, define "pro".
and back to square of your familiarity of this industry.

and you have misunderstood my line. is alright, doesn't matter. cheers.

Define pro? Someone that makes a full time living taking pictures.

It doesn't mean they are good or take nice pictures, and it doesn't mean they act professionally or appropriately.

[andythology]

Define pro? Someone that makes a full time living taking pictures.

It doesn't mean they are good or take nice pictures, and it doesn't mean they act professionally or appropriately.
Thank ST. Exactly.
Too many times, many mis-interpret the term.

[jayhan]

wat if a person who takes brilliant pics, and does dat for a living - but not on full time basis.? and he conducts himself appropriately and professionally too. so how pro is he then?

then again, if according to that kinda definition then there is sucky pro and pro's pro eh? LOL

[ShaolinTiger]

wat if a person who takes brilliant pics, and does dat for a living - but not on full time basis.? and he conducts himself appropriately and professionally too. so how pro is he then?

then again, if according to that kinda definition then there is sucky pro and pro's pro eh? LOL

He's a part-timer or freelancer, those 'pro's' like to call them weekend warriors and look down on them.

You should know all to well about sucky pro's my friend :D

[karheng]

Technically you can define pros in a couple of ways...

1) People who are very good at what they do
eg- bang, you damn pro man!

2) People who do what they do to earn a living
eg. I'm a pro photographer who owns a studio to make a living.....


While with case #1, most people will think that as long as you hold a DSLR, have a flash on top, you're pro...

While for events, #1 and #2 may apply to what people think about you...

Hope i'm making sense...

[jackyyong]

Hope i'm making sense...

Hahaha ... you don't... :D at least not to me anyway! Kidding kidding! Anyways, :back2topic:

[simonliu]

i believe this discussion will serve as a good general guideline for new wedding shooters.

oh, the other thing is, i realize the videographer tends to be more "instructive" compared to photographers. i once had this dude who literally stopped the "chum cha" ceremony (tea ceremony) becuz his batts went dead! i was like WTF! (aside frm the fact the bloke always stand in my way and gets into my shots most of the time). Also, imagine his video hotlights (those mounted above the videocam) which is like about 6-10" away from the bride's fathers face when he was trying to shoot a closeup of the old man taking a sip of the tea!!!


hahaha jay, talking abt someone I know?

[jetfynn]

most people will think that as long as you hold a DSLR, have a flash on top, you're pro...




This IS the most MISUNDERSTOOD definition of a PRO.

[robin28witter]

haha....pro can really give lots of definition...these depends on how ppl think and how the person understand this industry...let say a 400d with a flash and a long lens can let ppl think superb pro d...but in our definition 400d is jus a amatuer SLR...hehe....

back to topic!

anymore comment bout the wedding thingy?

[takader_lagi]

i believe this discussion will serve as a good general guideline for new wedding shooters.

yeh..of course j..i will have my first wedding shot upcoming..is it ok dat i said to the wedding sister there is no boundries,couple should be slumber..

[N.Keong]

Just to share my experience (which is not many)...

The 1st one, was kind of an eye opener for me. But I was lucky, coz the videographer was really good. The 1st thing he said, today we work together and get the job done. He even changed his videocam lights to white, so that i'll get the right skin tone.
Nice guy... We took turns to shot even.

Recently best friend's wedding. I just offered to help shoot a bit here and there, coz she hired OP liow. The OP was really nice, he gave me space to shoot. We engaged in friendly conversation, gave me some tips. But I tried my very best to stay out of his way. He showed me his shots, kind of comparing our "shot of the day". Yeah... I lost...

I think above all, the most important to silent / off handphone. Just like in the cinema, it gets really annoying. Since photog is usually at the center of all the action.

Just my 2sen..

[karheng]

Hahaha ... you don't... :D at least not to me anyway! Kidding kidding! Anyways, :back2topic:

When did i sway out of it? I was trying to give examples of how people define the word..pro...part and parcel of the discussion...;)

This IS the most MISUNDERSTOOD definition of a PRO.
Exactly...that's what i was just trying to point out..this is how it is deciphered in our society.

[andythology]

1) People who are very good at what they do
eg- bang, you damn pro man!
This is way so misleading...
haha....pro can really give lots of definition...these depends on how ppl think and how the person understand this industry...let say a 400d with a flash and a long lens can let ppl think superb pro d...but in our definition 400d is jus a amatuer SLR...hehe....
Merely a thought or an idea of a person that is.

Exactly...that's what i was just trying to point out..this is how it is deciphered in our society.
Oh, you are leading actually. hehe. :cool:

[karheng]

This is way so misleading...

Oh, you are leading actually. hehe. :cool:

hahah nah...really just clearing up the air...Malaysian's commands of engrand can be a bit misleading sometimes....some people have different ideas about certain words so i tot that would help.:D

Bottom line is....no matter how talented and capable we are, we should always act humbly and respectfully in a client/friend's wedding. I'm sure that they would definitely appreciate that and thank you later for helping them document a chapter of their lives in a beautiful and memorable manner!

Acting macam pro and snobbish should never be the way.:P

[kclau]

a true pro never admit he's pro,
a fake pro will never fail to claim he's a pro.

so, let's throw the definition aside and shoot good pictures :)

[mki88]

To my interpretation, pro - is the person with professional (good) behaviour that can shoot great stunning pictures, regardless of his gear. Either he's using 1Ds MIII or 350D or even P&S. As long as he has good attitude and able to produce decent images, he's a pro. Thus, image is the one taking.

[kclau]

ooppss , back to the topic.
capturing the Wedding day, means....something like photojournalism, you need to capture the moment not fake the moment. so be discreet. know the schedule inside out, know what to expect next before it happens.

[robin28witter]

a true pro never admit he's pro,
a fake pro will never fail to claim he's a pro.

so, let's throw the definition aside and shoot good pictures :)

haha...i like this!

To my interpretation, pro - is the person with professional (good) behaviour that can shoot great stunning pictures, regardless of his gear. Either he's using 1Ds MIII or 350D or even P&S. As long as he has good attitude and able to produce decent images, he's a pro. Thus, image is the one taking.

i like this too!!!!:):)

[jayhan]

hahaha jay, talking abt someone I know?
naah. no one in particular. seen a few videographers who are like that already. its kinda typical over here i guess. i'll never know for sure cuz video isnt really my thing.

a true pro never admit he's pro,
a fake pro will never fail to claim he's a pro.

so, let's throw the definition aside and shoot good pictures :)
I think a true pro, such as the likes of David X Tajeda, Dave Hill (and the list goes on) knows they are good and a few notch up the ladder. And these people are proud of where they are. Its a positive thing - especially for a business oriented thingy. image is crucial, so the pro thingy does play a part. so thing is a true pro will admit he/she's a pro; and the fake pro also claim he/she's a pro. so apa macam? :P

To my interpretation, pro - is the person with professional (good) behaviour that can shoot great stunning pictures, regardless of his gear. Either he's using 1Ds MIII or 350D or even P&S. As long as he has good attitude and able to produce decent images, he's a pro. Thus, image is the one taking.
me thinks pro should be someone who shoots great images to the general public's acceptance level, as well as know how to conduct himself ethically and professionally when on his job.

[Syahrizal]

Wahhh.. it is a very attractive topic here...
Back to the topic, this is just my opinion:

Wedding is a happy occasion and colorful day... so I snap the joyful moment of their memorable day (hope that my English is correct too).

Of course without interrupting the planned occasion story line :redface:

[oracle]

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie in the photography scene, in fact i just got my D80 about 4 months ago. I've tried taking some shots for fun at my colleague's wedding dinner but the shots turned out too yellowish because i'm using Auto WB. I have a few questions regarding wedding photography so I will be more prepared since I need to attend to my friend's wedding dinner. My objective is to take some nice shots of all my friends.

My questions are:

What are the correct WB? As most of the chinese restaurant are using tungsten lights, should i use the preset WB to match it so i can get true colors or i stick to the yellow lights and use Auto WB instead?
I read that some of you gurus are using 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Please tell me what are the best lens for wedding shots? In my opinion, having a camera with 70-200mm and another with a 18-50mm lens should be able to cover all. Correct me if i'm wrong. Since i only have a DSLR camera with a 17-50mm f/2.8, 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 and a 50mm f/1.8. I think the 17-50mm is my best bet. What do you think?
I noticed that most of the wedding dinner venue are a bit too dark for lens which are f/3.5-5.6 or even the f/2.8 sometimes. So I would use my flash gun along, but since the lightings are tungsten and my flash gun gives white lights. How do i cater to this without having funny colors in my photos


Thanks.

[jayhan]

First of all I think this thread is not a discussion about tips on "how to shoot wedding". nevertheless I'll try my best to give some pointers based on my own experiences.

Hi guys,

I'm a newbie in the photography scene, in fact i just got my D80 about 4 months ago. I've tried taking some shots for fun at my colleague's wedding dinner but the shots turned out too yellowish because i'm using Auto WB. I have a few questions regarding wedding photography so I will be more prepared since I need to attend to my friend's wedding dinner. My objective is to take some nice shots of all my friends.

My questions are:

What are the correct WB? As most of the chinese restaurant are using tungsten lights, should i use the preset WB to match it so i can get true colors or i stick to the yellow lights and use Auto WB instead?
I read that some of you gurus are using 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Please tell me what are the best lens for wedding shots? In my opinion, having a camera with 70-200mm and another with a 18-50mm lens should be able to cover all. Correct me if i'm wrong. Since i only have a DSLR camera with a 17-50mm f/2.8, 18-135 f/3.5-5.6 and a 50mm f/1.8. I think the 17-50mm is my best bet. What do you think?
I noticed that most of the wedding dinner venue are a bit too dark for lens which are f/3.5-5.6 or even the f/2.8 sometimes. So I would use my flash gun along, but since the lightings are tungsten and my flash gun gives white lights. How do i cater to this without having funny colors in my photos


Thanks.

1. WB precision depends on how picky a photog wanna be. some that I know just shoot on Auto WB. As for myself, I use custom WB most of the time and compensate on it.
2. There is no one best lens for wedding. Delivery is about variety. So, the lenses used for wedding can vary from the widest possible to some nice portrait lenses to pick up candid moments. So, its very much depending on what you wanna achieve. I would say the 17-50mm f2.8 gives a very flexible option in this case (assuming you are not on FF).
3. Read up on balancing colors in the Lighting section. I've explained this before.

[oracle]

Thanks Jayhan for your suggestion. I'll try that it out this weekend :)

[Mavik]

How was your shoot? Manage to get great photos?

[oracle]

Hi Mavik,

Sorry, i might have post the photos in the wrong place. Do check them out here http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6092

[henrychiah]

Most of the time ii would respect my client ... in term of what kind of photo they like, artistic one or flat normal one. I will figure out the percentage. But most of the client will say cincai lar ... then i will confirm with the client on the must shoot photos and the rest will be on my style. Photographer should interfere or over involve in the couple wedding ... that is thier special day. We should become their "TIPS CONSULTANT", if you want to give more value added service, get in touch more with your client and understand and assist on their wedding preparation. It helps a lot on your shooting ... during that day. The client will be more confortable with your existence. Just my personal opinion for sharing.

[jstho]

just a quick question...hope you sifu's don't mind silly questions...

i guess many of you would have encountered the occational "uncles" of the family that tends to either just likes to block you or just likes to place their camera's on top of your flash guns/ push your flash/ camera around to get a clear shot?
henry, sounds familiar? hehehehe....

now here's the questions:
1) even if you're not paid for the even (just a favour for a friend) would you actually ask the "kind unc" to move off (in a nice way of course)
2) when u did and "uncle" decides to make it personal, what would you do ah? -didn't happen yet, but as i say, its just a silly question :)

[kenntsc]

1) just say "Please... " with proper manner and give him a big smile :angelgrin::angelgrin: or otherwise you just find a better angle.

2) I'll keep apologize to the 'kind uncle' if he still want to take it personally... and I think most of the time the wedding couple will take very good care of their wedding photographer also... so no worries.

[qqmeng]

well...so far those ppl in those occasion like wedding or birthday party are quite nice and polite (except when they are drunk) ..if u asked politely there shouldnt be any problem.

if it does give you problem... then dun shoot lor..i believe there lots more angle u can take then just tht in a event. so why insist on tht shot?

[karheng]

1) just say "Please... " with proper manner and give him a big smile :angelgrin::angelgrin: or otherwise you just find a better angle.

2) I'll keep apologize to the 'kind uncle' if he still want to take it personally... and I think most of the time the wedding couple will take very good care of their wedding photographer also... so no worries.


Agree with the above...to quote Louis Pang, he did say that no matter what shoot you are in, or are doing, you have to first practise humility and be humble, then you won't have this sort of problem as you say in number 2.

[jstho]

:)
thanks for your quick response :) - #2 never happened... just wondering :)

but i guess one couldn't help it with #1 :) but the couple was understanding, and yeah, the uncle was kinda high :) else i think he wont be knocking into all the photogs that day :)

[Mavik]

I guess chances of them taking it personally would be very slim as they would understand that you are one of the "official" photographers.

[henrychiah]

Act and think fast is the preacquisition of a photojournalistic and wedding photographer. You can plan what to shoot on that day, but how is depend on that day situation. Other than the must shoot, most of the time you still feel that you miss something, maybe because of people blocking, using a tele and the object are too near to you. A lot of things just happen so fast. We - even pro or not pro, we are capturing and freeze the sweet and memorable moment. I strongly believe everyone can capture the best photos ... dont too rush, a good photographer come from a humble heart and definitely a pure and passionate happy heart.

[motorev]

I always try NOT to use the flash whenever possible.... less distraction....
and i always love the remarks " WHEN did you shoot THIS pic..??"

[jassed]

hi guys, im quite new in dslr photography. a friend of mine suggested that i should get a external flash and try shooting weeding events and getting paid for it. so if its not too sensitive, my i know how much do wedding/event photographers usually get for a job?

[ShaolinTiger]

hi guys, im quite new in dslr photography. a friend of mine suggested that i should get a external flash and try shooting weeding events and getting paid for it. so if its not too sensitive, my i know how much do wedding/event photographers usually get for a job?

Between RM300 to RM30,000 would be a good estimate.

[Mavik]

hi guys, im quite new in dslr photography. a friend of mine suggested that i should get a external flash and try shooting weeding events and getting paid for it. so if its not too sensitive, my i know how much do wedding/event photographers usually get for a job?

In regards to an external flash, some wedding photographers practice the non-flash method where they prefer not to use flash and shoot the ambient lighting while others have to rely on flash as well.

[Lights]

In regards to an external flash, some wedding photographers practice the non-flash method where they prefer not to use flash and shoot the ambient lighting while others have to rely on flash as well.

still trying to get the hang of ambient light shoots, cant get the proper photos that I require. My friends will comment why shadows here n there, not bright enoughlah etc, downright broken when dengar macam ini.

[ShaolinTiger]

I've never seen any wedding photographer that can rely on 100% natural light shots, it's just not feasible.

Some use on camera flash with various diffusers, some user off camera flash, some use video lights.

It's all about shaping and controlling the light so it becomes part of the image and blends with the ambient, not overpowering it and looking unnatural.

[ultraman]

I've never seen any wedding photographer that can rely on 100% natural light shots, it's just not feasible.

Some use on camera flash with various diffusers, some user off camera flash, some use video lights.

It's all about shaping and controlling the light so it becomes part of the image and blends with the ambient, not overpowering it and looking unnatural.
We normally will do a survey at the venues a day before the wedding day to decide on what kind of flashes & shots the wedding we need to get (as per client's preference).

Some carry 2 cameras, one with F1.2 lens & the other with flash. :redface:

[mytocos]

i know..Canon likes to make a good thing..then out of no where, got new Mk or better model...590ex or 630 ex whatever :P....soon going to be like computers...ahhahaha..

anyways, I really need a lot of guidance to taking photos with flash, this is my first flash and not that easy.

got to get tips from everyone.

Well, this is becoming a how to post. Not a post on wedding photography etiquette. sorry for that.

Do we have a HOW TO / TEACH ME post in SA or do we just post in the relevant topics?

try to familiarize yourself with the flash with different settings (wide, tele, ISO speed, P, Tv, Av, M, etc...) and setup (with bounce card, stofen, etc...). Pay attention to the exposure when you use it as a bounce lighting from the ceiling or wall, try shoot each angle and see the difference. Easiest way is to lock the flash exposure (look for grey(18%) area) before each shot, this will give you about right exposure.

In other words, practice makes perfect.

[mytocos]

To my interpretation, pro - is the person with professional (good) behaviour that can shoot great stunning pictures, regardless of his gear. Either he's using 1Ds MIII or 350D or even P&S. As long as he has good attitude and able to produce decent images, he's a pro. Thus, image is the one taking.

totally agree... carrying expensive dslr only mean that you are loaded, doesn't mean you are good!

[jetfynn]

totally agree... carrying expensive dslr only mean that you are loaded, doesn't mean you are good!


Loaded and can produce good pictures, :adore:
then again there are some who :pray: that the photographer can produce good pictures due to their thinking that anyone with a good DSLR is a good photographer.

[project-o]

Well.. of course it would be ideal to have a photographer with good technique and high-end gear too. But... it may not always be possible

[mopikos]

Nice topic guys,Really need guidence in this one.I'm still new in this arena.Just wanted to share something with you guys.Like i had a wedding like last 2 weeks (malay wedding).
The problem i've had is,
1) too much coordinator (every aunties/uncle want the taste of power) thus lead to chaos
2) everyone kept asking me to take their photos,(uncle's/cousin)
3) they won't let go of the bride for the outdoor shooting.

Number one turn into one hectic wedding,the groom's family kept running back and forth from the mosque to the bride's house.Missed some shots there.

Number two, hey it's not their wedding,the bride and the groom pay for it,so i'm no brainer, but i think there should be more photos on the bride and groom.

Number 3, I have to resolve this with using hardcore kidnapping tactics.

So really need some advice from all your taikos, cause i've got another 3 weddings at the end of this month, don't want to experiance the hectic situation again, and by the way.Didn't get the brides mom and dad pictures, they were to shy to come and take pictures with the bride while bersanding.I don't know whether i want to lough or cry about thay.Quite dissapointed.Help me taikos sekalian :D

[ShaolinTiger]

Make sure the family assigns you one contact point who is familiar with the itinerary and is diplomatic (senior is better).

Their job is to stop people pulling you out of position, move people who are blocking you and arrange people for group shots.

[mopikos]

Make sure the family assigns you one contact point who is familiar with the itinerary and is diplomatic (senior is better).

Their job is to stop people pulling you out of position, move people who are blocking you and arrange people for group shots.

Thanks, something like an usherette is it ?

[Mavik]

More like a wedding planner.

Also in regards to your 3rd point, learn to be able not also shoot portrait indoors in those situations. I have been in situations where the B&G were late and had no time to take any portrait shots. So what I did with my other photog was to go to possible locations throughout the venue and memorize the angle and camera settings there. Once the B&G walks pass that area, quickly call them, pose and snap away. Doesn't take more than 2 mins for that.

[mopikos]

More like a wedding planner.

Also in regards to your 3rd point, learn to be able not also shoot portrait indoors in those situations. I have been in situations where the B&G were late and had no time to take any portrait shots. So what I did with my other photog was to go to possible locations throughout the venue and memorize the angle and camera settings there. Once the B&G walks pass that area, quickly call them, pose and snap away. Doesn't take more than 2 mins for that.

Thanks..would do that next time for the upcoming wed.,:floaty:

[jetfynn]

With more experience will come wisdom............

[kidd]

as for me, i like to have some references b4 i go for shooting such as magazines, webs etc.. so it gives me some ideas to have a good n nice shots... i normally ask the 'pengantin' (brides n groom) to do some acting.. or try to pose like a model...err mostly they pose like 'kayu' lah... hehe.. then i have to show them how lerr (ex-model ler)...

interruption?? huh.. for malay wedding, they normally respect n give way to photographers to be anywhere to shoot... but the common problem came from the 'mak andam' (make-up artist, is it?!) who always intefere... such as they like to instruct u how, what, where, when to take a shot, which angle/position bla bla bla... like we dont know what we are doin'.. bz body!

i used to become a wed photographer.. with my old film's yashica SLR... now planning to grab a new DSLR with a tight budget... is it nikon D80 suits enough for the job??

anyone here can tells me where to get D80 with the best price? photo selangor in pertama complex offer me RM3400-00 for the kit with standard package (body, lense 18-135mm, no brand filter, camera bag, 4GB memory card). in taipei there's one camera shop offer me RM2900-00 for the kit(body n lense) but camera made in china not thailand. is it ok with china made D80?
(mode, sorry for the off-topic!!!)

*err.. i'm in taipei now, outstation!

[t_siong]

Hi to all wedding photog. I had recently created a thread to study the work flow of most wedding photog here. Plz drop-by and toss a vote for me if u have time. TQ.

http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20627