What aperture for candid wedding shots?

Prophet · 6 May 2008 at 10:32

When taking candid shots at a wedding what aperture would give the best results, generaly.

I have a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8, Canon 50mm f/1.8 and Canon 70-200 L f/4.

I'm looking to get as many natural shots as possible while the pro will be taking all of the official shots.

A.N.Other · 6 May 2008 at 10:39

Well it would depend on lighting etc and how close you are to the subject but generally I would have thought f/2.8 to be a bit large really. Something like f/4 or 5.6 probably in order to get a more reasonable DoF. Depends on what you're after, though - 2.8 can be great too.

Snakedoctor · 6 May 2008 at 10:41

What do you mean "Candid"? Nudge, nudge.

Prophet · 6 May 2008 at 10:48

Turophobic said:
What do you mean "Candid"? Nudge, nudge.

I'll be the 'unofficial' photographer. Basically my friend wants me to catch all the goings on throughout the day. People talking, dancing etc.

Obvisouly as a single gentleman I'll be on the lookout for totty lol.

Sic · 6 May 2008 at 10:49

I normally hover around the 5.6 mark for faces

olv · 6 May 2008 at 18:42

http://www.seanflaniganphotography.com/

this guys work is incredible, I absolutely love his style and he seems to shoot wide open at f/1.2 and f/1.4 for quite a lot of his portraits/wedding stuff.

A.N.Other · 6 May 2008 at 19:48

olv said:
http://www.seanflaniganphotography.com/

this guys work is incredible, I absolutely love his style and he seems to shoot wide open at f/1.2 and f/1.4 for quite a lot of his portraits/wedding stuff.

Yeah, that stuff is nice. As I said above, it depends what you're after from the image really. No single style will look good if you do it over all of the shots.

alexisonfire · 6 May 2008 at 20:14

you should be able to use the 50 wide open from anything from full body to head shots. For the 17-55 however I would stick using f/2.8 for shoulder and heads. F/2.8 would get pretty soft for full body. For full body shots f/5.6 should be plenty to keep everything nice and sharp. Remember if you are taking photos of multiple people they might be standing at different distances so you need to take that into consideration.

Snakedoctor · 7 May 2008 at 22:42

Orange Peel said:
I'll be the 'unofficial' photographer. Basically my friend wants me to catch all the goings on throughout the day. People talking, dancing etc.

Obvisouly as a single gentleman I'll be on the lookout for totty lol.

Say no more! A nods as good as wink.

Prophet · 8 May 2008 at 22:26

Just spoken to the bride to be. She would like me to follow the Groom pre-wedding (getting ready, journey to the church etc) Then take candid pics throughout the day plus a few non-formal group shots. Then a few of the reception. I've been given the all clear (once I'm happy I've covered all bases) to ditch the camera and have a few beers.

Should be a nice day