This weekend one of my relatives is getting married, and my aunt asked me to help take photographs there. She mentioned that she has already got a professional photographer, but she said that person 'will not be able to shoot every good moments in the party' so she wanted my help to take photos which are 'more personal' and 'creative'.
I'm an amateur hobbyist on photography, so I was both thrilled and worried. I don't want to embarrass myself in front of the pro photographer and other relatives, and I certainly don't want to give bad photos to my aunt.
Can you guys give me some help? Any tips and tricks, what to do, and what are the must-shoot things in weddings?
Actually here's the problem. I have Canon EOS 550D, is there any way to turn the shutter sound off or reduce it? It'll be very distracting in the church (especially during the vows!) if I take photos that way and it'll draw people's attention to me.
Michelle:
Don't worry about it, I'm a wedding photographer and I hear cameras and flash going off all during the ceremony and nobody ever draws attention to themselves, unless they go where they should not go. Also be mindful the pro is there to take photos which will help him earn a living, therefor be sure to stay out of his way. If he's a nice guy, strike up a conversation with him and he may help you out. You never now. I personally find it complementary when someone at a wedding asks me for help, as long as I'm not too busy at the moment. As far as the Must-Have shots. Please let the Pro get those. You should concentrate on those "more personal shots" and shots of the friends and family having fun at the reception.
Hope this helps
Gary
Firstly, check what policies the pro photog has regarding other cameras! It won't matter during the service, of course (so long as you're not getting in the way), and there will likely be a dozen or more people taking photos throughout (everyone has a DSLR or at least a good pocket camera these days!), so don't hold back!
The pro, if they are any good, will be moving around quite a bit, taking different angles and perspectives, and quite probably seeming a little insane about it. That's normal. You don't want to do that, though, because you'll just get the same shots if you do. You could try sitting on the floor at the front, and grabbing detail shots (hands holding, their shoes when they're standing or kneeling, those little glances when they think no-one is looking). Try to think like a photog's assistant, and grab the shots they can't get because, if they try, they'll miss the important ones!
You will want to run your ISO quite high. But test your camera at different ISO settings and see what your highest usable ISO is - that is, before your shots start getting too noisy. If you have to go higher than that in the church, you'll have to prepare for black and whites, because that's the only way to hide really bad noise without ruining sharpness and detail.
A fast lens is a big help. If you don't have one, and you can afford it, go and pick up a 50mm f/1.8. It's about $100 USD, and will give you great shots in a dark church because it lets in so much light. You can't zoom with it, but unless you have $2-$3K to spend on an f/2.8 L lens, it's about the only affordable thing that will do the job. The other thing you can do is get a speedlight, if you don't have one already, but you may not be allowed to use it in the church. If you are allowed, you'll need a good one - at least a 430 EX (580 EX II preferred), and it will throw light a long way if you're using a high ISO setting, so you won't have to be ten feet away the whole time!
As for shutter noise, I'm not sure. I have never shot a 550D. Some of the newer cameras have a "quiet mode" (check your book) that slows the mirror down. It slows everything down, but does make you less conspicuous. I use a 5D Mark II with its very audible *clunk* and when I do weddings I almost always work with another photog using the same gear, so there are two of us running around making lots of click noises. People switch off to it very quickly, and I've never had someone complain about it! The mirror has to move, and it has to move quickly, in order to take shots quickly. Unless you can afford a rangefinder, you're stuck with that DSLR quirk. Just embrace it! No need to be embarassed by it. ;)
I wouldn't worry too much about the sound. In the ceremony it'll be like the parapazzi is there. Remember you were ASKED to do this, help that strengthen your confidence. Like has been mentioned before, let the photographer who's making a living, do his job...but at the reception there's likely a long lull when the couple and wedding party is getting shot in all those poses...so you could be at the reception hall taking guest candids, details of decoration etc. Things the bride won't be there to see, but would love a record of. Just my 2cents. Have FUN with it. Let the Pro be the one stressed about it *grins* You're family!
Yeah, I was actually worried because I don't want to disturb the pro photographer's job, and I don't want others to compare me with him. Thanks for the kind words and support Kyla, jinx, and Gary, you really made me feel better about myself now :) I'll do my best for this, and probably will upload some of the best results here.
I agree with the others - take the shots the photographer can't. I know a photographer who always works with another photographer so they can get a better range of shots. Don't stand by the official photographer, shoot from a different angle. Go up in the balcony if there is one, to get a fresh angle of things.
Be there to take the "before" shots, the getting ready shots, the decorating of the car, the people at the reception waiting for the official photographer to finish taking the posed shots. Take some pictures of the people waiting for the official photograph, take pictures of the photographer. I would try to take at least one picture of each person who is attending.
Most important thing is to make sure you have fresh batteries and lots of "film".
being a professional wedding photographer, I would advise you to talk to the photographer. I hate it when this happens...when someone in the family thinks I won't get everything and takes it upon themselves to try to do the things I won't.
It's my job to get it all, that's what I work my butt of for at weddings, and sometimes I get things when no one sees me. It offends me when they second guess me...why did they hire me?
Just my two cents, and I apologize if it's not what you wanted to hear.
though I'm sure your pictures would be stunning based off your 365...I wanted to add that. It's not about your photos, it's about the person being hired to do a job so there's gotta be some trust there on the part of the person hiring, and poor you would be stuck in the crossfire because you were the one asked to do it.
I'm with Jinx on asking the photographer how he feels and trying to stay out of his way. I was at a wedding last month and I could tell he got annoyed when the relatives were jumping in from all corners taking photos. I stayed in the distance and only took photos when he was fiddling with his camera or talking to people. The guy who filmed the wedding, however, was far more open and welcoming. He encouraged us to take photos and got it on film, haha.
@amyhughes I have to say, it's 100% true that you need to trust your photographer but at the end of the day, the others want memories of the night too and the couple can't always afford to order hundreds of prints for everyone who attended. It's just about compromise, imo.
@amyhughes I don't think this is an issue of not trusting the photographer. It is simply impossible for one person to take every shot from every angle. Also, a family member would know the family issues, and would know that some photos are important in light of that background / history, and a professional photography wouldn't know.
I definitely don't think that the second photographer should stand by the official photographer to take the same shots. That would definitely show mistrust.
@Amy - I don't think my aunt means to offend or distrust him though, and by any means I do not mean that way too. My aunt is considering some relatives may not feel comfortable having their photos taken by someone they don't know and they won't act 'naturally'.
On the other side, I also want to use this opportunity to take photos with and of relatives I rarely meet, for personal collection and for practicing as well. But thanks for telling me your thoughts from the pro photographer's point of view, I can quite understand how it feels.
Well, I guess I'll take less photos during the ceremonies in the church and leave that part to him then, and focus more on family photos.
@Shelina - Yes, I was also planning to take the 'before' photos! I'm not sure I'll be taking a photo of the photographer though. I like the idea of having at least one photo of each guest. I had the experience going for a field trip and the EO's photographer only had one photo of me but lots of others', it's quite saddening. :/
@pofutoki I totally understand Amy's point, and for the most part I agree. But I think most photogs now know that, even if no-one says it, there is always someone who thinks they are good enough with a camera to save the happy couple a few dollars when it comes to ordering their prints. Most (good) photogs also know that it is rarely actually the case.
For that reason, during the service, I don't care how many people are taking photos. So long as they don't get in my way. I have a job to do, and if I can't do that job I can't feed my kids and pay my bills. I have enough confidence in my ability that it is never going to bother me what other people are doing, so long as they are not stopping me doing what I need to do. After the service, though, is another matter entirely.
So many times I've been a guest at a wedding and seen a pro photog struggling with people shooting over their shoulder. You do all the work setting up a shot, and someone else points their camera at it and gets almost the same thing you do, and denies you the sale as a result. Not to me - I have a written policy about people taking photos other than during the service. If people persist in trying, I give a warning that I will leave and they will forfeit what they've paid. I've never had to follow through with that threat. No cameras, at all, for the formal shots. The groups straight after the service are not so much bother - I just keep things moving very fast and make sure everyone looks at me (and not the dozen other cameras behind me). It is annoying, but with digital cameras now it is just how it is.
I always work with another photographer, so I can cover everything. But that is not to say photos taken by guests are not going to be valuable to the couple. I also shoot right from getting ready, all the way through to the first half hour or so of the reception (more if I'm paid to be there longer). So those "getting ready" shots, and guests at the reception, are all covered. Nothing wrong with finding out if the photographer has that covered - if not, by all means do it! Those are great memories for them to have, and a wonderful gift to give them later.
Looking at it another way - don't forget to enjoy the wedding! You're a guest, so don't let yourself feel like you're there to do a job (especially when someone's already been paid to do it). You'll get better photos too, if you're actually enjoying yourself and shooting things that make you smile. ;)
Is the photographer staying for the reception? The guy at the wedding I went to was there for awhile, but by later in the evning, it was up to the guests to get the shots. And those were the most fun :)
I've talked out about the thoughts posted here, and she finally understood that this may not be such a good idea for the photographer they already hired. I finally decided that I'll help taking photos when the photog is not around (since it'll be quite crowded in the reception, the photog can't be all around the place at the same time) - but if he's there, he's the one in charge since he's the one getting paid for it. I don't want to be missed out in the photos or missing out the chit-chats, after all.
I'll make sure I enjoy my time there :) the one getting married is one of my most respected relatives!
Thank you all for spending time to give their responses, I've learned quite a lot.
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Don't worry about it, I'm a wedding photographer and I hear cameras and flash going off all during the ceremony and nobody ever draws attention to themselves, unless they go where they should not go. Also be mindful the pro is there to take photos which will help him earn a living, therefor be sure to stay out of his way. If he's a nice guy, strike up a conversation with him and he may help you out. You never now. I personally find it complementary when someone at a wedding asks me for help, as long as I'm not too busy at the moment. As far as the Must-Have shots. Please let the Pro get those. You should concentrate on those "more personal shots" and shots of the friends and family having fun at the reception.
Hope this helps
Gary
Firstly, check what policies the pro photog has regarding other cameras! It won't matter during the service, of course (so long as you're not getting in the way), and there will likely be a dozen or more people taking photos throughout (everyone has a DSLR or at least a good pocket camera these days!), so don't hold back!
The pro, if they are any good, will be moving around quite a bit, taking different angles and perspectives, and quite probably seeming a little insane about it. That's normal. You don't want to do that, though, because you'll just get the same shots if you do. You could try sitting on the floor at the front, and grabbing detail shots (hands holding, their shoes when they're standing or kneeling, those little glances when they think no-one is looking). Try to think like a photog's assistant, and grab the shots they can't get because, if they try, they'll miss the important ones!
You will want to run your ISO quite high. But test your camera at different ISO settings and see what your highest usable ISO is - that is, before your shots start getting too noisy. If you have to go higher than that in the church, you'll have to prepare for black and whites, because that's the only way to hide really bad noise without ruining sharpness and detail.
A fast lens is a big help. If you don't have one, and you can afford it, go and pick up a 50mm f/1.8. It's about $100 USD, and will give you great shots in a dark church because it lets in so much light. You can't zoom with it, but unless you have $2-$3K to spend on an f/2.8 L lens, it's about the only affordable thing that will do the job. The other thing you can do is get a speedlight, if you don't have one already, but you may not be allowed to use it in the church. If you are allowed, you'll need a good one - at least a 430 EX (580 EX II preferred), and it will throw light a long way if you're using a high ISO setting, so you won't have to be ten feet away the whole time!
As for shutter noise, I'm not sure. I have never shot a 550D. Some of the newer cameras have a "quiet mode" (check your book) that slows the mirror down. It slows everything down, but does make you less conspicuous. I use a 5D Mark II with its very audible *clunk* and when I do weddings I almost always work with another photog using the same gear, so there are two of us running around making lots of click noises. People switch off to it very quickly, and I've never had someone complain about it! The mirror has to move, and it has to move quickly, in order to take shots quickly. Unless you can afford a rangefinder, you're stuck with that DSLR quirk. Just embrace it! No need to be embarassed by it. ;)
I hope that helps!
Be there to take the "before" shots, the getting ready shots, the decorating of the car, the people at the reception waiting for the official photographer to finish taking the posed shots. Take some pictures of the people waiting for the official photograph, take pictures of the photographer. I would try to take at least one picture of each person who is attending.
Most important thing is to make sure you have fresh batteries and lots of "film".
It's my job to get it all, that's what I work my butt of for at weddings, and sometimes I get things when no one sees me. It offends me when they second guess me...why did they hire me?
Just my two cents, and I apologize if it's not what you wanted to hear.
I definitely don't think that the second photographer should stand by the official photographer to take the same shots. That would definitely show mistrust.
@Amy - I don't think my aunt means to offend or distrust him though, and by any means I do not mean that way too. My aunt is considering some relatives may not feel comfortable having their photos taken by someone they don't know and they won't act 'naturally'.
On the other side, I also want to use this opportunity to take photos with and of relatives I rarely meet, for personal collection and for practicing as well. But thanks for telling me your thoughts from the pro photographer's point of view, I can quite understand how it feels.
Well, I guess I'll take less photos during the ceremonies in the church and leave that part to him then, and focus more on family photos.
@Shelina - Yes, I was also planning to take the 'before' photos! I'm not sure I'll be taking a photo of the photographer though. I like the idea of having at least one photo of each guest. I had the experience going for a field trip and the EO's photographer only had one photo of me but lots of others', it's quite saddening. :/
For that reason, during the service, I don't care how many people are taking photos. So long as they don't get in my way. I have a job to do, and if I can't do that job I can't feed my kids and pay my bills. I have enough confidence in my ability that it is never going to bother me what other people are doing, so long as they are not stopping me doing what I need to do. After the service, though, is another matter entirely.
So many times I've been a guest at a wedding and seen a pro photog struggling with people shooting over their shoulder. You do all the work setting up a shot, and someone else points their camera at it and gets almost the same thing you do, and denies you the sale as a result. Not to me - I have a written policy about people taking photos other than during the service. If people persist in trying, I give a warning that I will leave and they will forfeit what they've paid. I've never had to follow through with that threat. No cameras, at all, for the formal shots. The groups straight after the service are not so much bother - I just keep things moving very fast and make sure everyone looks at me (and not the dozen other cameras behind me). It is annoying, but with digital cameras now it is just how it is.
I always work with another photographer, so I can cover everything. But that is not to say photos taken by guests are not going to be valuable to the couple. I also shoot right from getting ready, all the way through to the first half hour or so of the reception (more if I'm paid to be there longer). So those "getting ready" shots, and guests at the reception, are all covered. Nothing wrong with finding out if the photographer has that covered - if not, by all means do it! Those are great memories for them to have, and a wonderful gift to give them later.
Looking at it another way - don't forget to enjoy the wedding! You're a guest, so don't let yourself feel like you're there to do a job (especially when someone's already been paid to do it). You'll get better photos too, if you're actually enjoying yourself and shooting things that make you smile. ;)
I'll make sure I enjoy my time there :) the one getting married is one of my most respected relatives!
Thank you all for spending time to give their responses, I've learned quite a lot.