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Help - first wedding - need advice and lens suggestion


sebas1430

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Hi,

 

My uncle asked me to shoot its wedding, which is next week. It's not a traditional wedding: no church, no big reception room. The place is a small bistro in Montreal, with some tables outside (hopefully the weather will be good). The event starts at 17h45 and there will be about 50 people.

 

Some pictures of the place:

https://goo.gl/C5x9Sg

https://goo.gl/PFh9Vr

https://goo.gl/UKTgbA

https://goo.gl/YqAAxr

https://goo.gl/pZH3MV

 

I'm more than happy to accept that challenge, but as I landscape and nature photographer at first, some tips would be appreciated. I have many wedding ebook and videos that I plan to look at.

 

Equipment:

As you can see in my signature, my current gear is limited for that kind of event and portrait. Unfortunately, there is no place I can rent a 16-55 f2.8. I think that my flash will be used a lot.

 

From that list, you can add a Godox TT350F flash, a pair of FlashQ trigger, some smalll softbox, 2 circular reflector/diffuser and a couple more flash accessories and umbrellas (I had a more complete flash setup with Nikon before, but not yet with Fuji).

 

So, I don't have specific questions yet, but I'd like to have your input on my gear and if you can share some tips it would be nice.

 

Thanks

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Hmmm is your uncle expecting a "tradaitional" wedding photography experience from you? cermony stuff, getting ready, formal group shots, first dance etc or given the wedding is less traditional, is he just happy for some nice photos of the day and not to worried if they're aren't many and nothing to formal etc?

 

Also is the entire event happening at the bistro (i.e. Ceremony, cake, party etc)?

 

My advice would be to really firm up expectations and make sure he understands what you feel you can/can't do.

 

As for kit, if I were you I'd want fast aperture lenses as the from those location photos on google, some of areas look dimly light or busy/unattractive so being able to "hide" those areas with a fast lens (56mm f1.2 maybe?) would be useful.

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These are the "recommended" list of focal length for a typical wedding. FL in full frame equivalence

 

24mm

35mm

24-70mm

85mm

70-200mm

 

In your case, I would do this,

 

18-55mm (shoot wide open)

35F2 (shoot wide open)

Use a on or off camera flash set to bounce 45deg forward. Put an orange gel and set your camera WB to tungsten. (That's provided that you'd be shooting in mainly incadescent indoor lighting). Try to get a good balance of flash exposure and back ground lighting. I would avoid too stark a diference, i.e. background too dark.

With your lens, expose for highlights and let your camera's excellent high iso performance do it's work. ISO3200 is very comfortable with the T2.

 

If you have to rent, I would recommend the 23F1.4 or F2 and the 56F1.2 or 90F2. Otherwise, your existing lenses are actually quite workable.

 

Get a good combination of these shots.

Pre-wedding preparation shots, individual groom and bride. Intimate and mood shots with a tele will give privacy and intimacy. Capture static items like shoes, rings, corsages, gown, etc....please arrange them properly and tastefully beforehand. Lots of smiles and happiness with friends, bridemaids, etc...

Shots of anticipation. Groom waiting at isle, hall, room etc.

Bride Arrival shots. Father/guardian giving away bride, etc

A tele for close-ups of mood shots like emotional moments, tears, smiles, etc...

A wide for overall capture of the environment, mood. grandeur, etc

Know the process beforehand, prepare for throwing of bouquet, or any other traditional/cultural practices...

Semi wide angle of reception/party after wedding. Well balanced Flashes works well with environmental lighting. Capture motion of people dancing, smiling, hugs, etc...

Again, a tele for snooping on unsuspecting hugs, smiles, kisses, etc...

 

Hope these helps. All the best.

Edited by Aswald
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There is a store that has some Fuji lenses for rental. Available lenses are:

18 f2

35 f1.4

56 f1.2r

60 f2.4

 

Sure the 56 would be an amazing lense, but would you be affraid of changing lenses many times. Also I thought it would be too long as the place is small, but from you comments I think I will reserve it.

 

I will call the to see if they could rent a X-T20.

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Good idea with the X-T20. The 56F1.2 will help make your portfolio look good at the end with some artistic touch which the couple will like.

 

Usually, I shoot with 2 or 3 cameras for events but I didn't want to push it too far with your post.

 

Better with 2 photographers but you now, as long as your heart and mind is in it, you're half way to great results.

 

Shoot with your heart and let your eye be the window to your canvas. The gears are just a means to and end.

 

Don't forget to have fun......and stay hydrated.

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Update: I will have a 56 1.2R :)

 

I'll have to find a good setup to change lenses quickly.

 

To answer your questions, as I said nothing will be traditional. It's more an opportunity to celebrate their love with nothing complicated, with friends and family. They won't have a classic cake, but a table with an assortment of mini desserts.

 

Thanks for your feedback and continue to share ideas, they are more than welcome.

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