I finally buckled and said yes, my first wedding shoot...!

SilverPenguin · 2 Aug 2008 at 17:36

So, I've had about 5 friends from work ask if I'll do their wedding photos over the last year or so. I've always said no because a) I'd hate to ruin a friends big day by using it as 'practice' from never having done one before and b) although I feel a little more capable of doing portraits than I did a year ago, I still find it daunting especially with no room for error with it being a wedding.

Well, finally a few months back I reluctantly agreed to do a couple from works wedding - explaining that they were not allowed to be angry if they didn't like the results lol

So below is a small selection from the day. One thing I will say its is VERY hard work so I take my hat off to all the other wedding photogs out there who do this every week! A big disadvantage on the day was the couple never got a shot list to me so had no idea what they wanted or who anyone was etc so I was kinda just going with the flow and as a result did miss a few shots as doing lens changes would somtimes miss the moment (its also a two camera job but I don't have a backup).

On with the show...

The ceremony room was a challenge as the main light source was a single door behind the couple! There were some windows at the very top of the domed ceiling but they didn't do much for ambient light at ground level!

This was them walking back in to the ceremony room having just signed the register, its best seen in high res as lots of detail on the couple is lost at web size:

SilverPenguin · 2 Aug 2008 at 17:36

Better viewed at higher res:

The only shot I used with flash that came out ok! I really need to learn how to use flash!

SilverPenguin · 2 Aug 2008 at 17:36

Talk about being out of your comfort zone, I was making some really stupid user error mistakes near the start as I was so nervous I almost forgot how to use the camera lol

This is what I learned...

1) Without the D3 I'd have been up poo creek
2) You need two camera's
3) I'm never doing another wedding again so I don't need to buy a second camera

Raymond Lin · 2 Aug 2008 at 18:33

Fantastic for first time, i do agree needing 2 cameras, not only as back up but also no need to change lens. I do know that it's a lot of work but it's not hard as such, i manage to shoot with my 30D in low light so with a D3 it should be a walk in the park. Flash wise, either use a diffuser or bounce it, i use manual mode.

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 2 Aug 2008 at 18:34

So your going to be a semi professional wedding photographer then?

some great shots and spots captured there mate. Your black n white conversions are just beautiful.

I hope the client is happy

ic0n · 2 Aug 2008 at 18:39

some really nice shots in there i love a lot of them well done

also makes me happy to see some wending photos that are better looking and more arty than the stranded wending photos

Inquisitor · 2 Aug 2008 at 19:07

Lovely shots, excellent conversions. Love them

Banish · 2 Aug 2008 at 19:52

they are really nice pics, bet the happy couple would be proud to show those, all a bit different from the normal staged shots

well done, could have done with you at our wedding, the pro who did ours was talentless

Galaxy · 2 Aug 2008 at 23:26

SilverPenguin said:
3) I'm never doing another wedding again so I don't need to buy a second camera

That's a real shame. I think they are really good, especially considering this is your first (and last) wedding shoot - not that my opinion counts for much, but hey

.

this_is_gav · 2 Aug 2008 at 23:35

Agreed with the last post, especially as you know your weaknesses now. Whether or not the next few are done as favours to hard-up mates, they're excellent. Capture the overall mood a lot better than many I've seen.

I'm nervous enough doing our year 8's prom shoot, so major credit for not only having the balls, but pulling it off too.

Begbie · 2 Aug 2008 at 23:42

Love them, look great.

Why so many black and white though?

SilverPenguin · 3 Aug 2008 at 00:05

Thanks all

Begbie said:
Love them, look great.

Why so many black and white though?

I convert the ones that suit mono better. There is a good mixture of both I just happen to have shown more mono here in the small selection I posted is all

Kristoph · 3 Aug 2008 at 02:10

Some great photos there, I don't think you have any more reasons to be nervous about doing more weddings now.

reddeathdrinker · 3 Aug 2008 at 02:45

Couldn't place you before, but I just saw these over at TP

Great bunch of pics!

Droolinggimp · 3 Aug 2008 at 08:04

OP. Very good set there, far better than the wedding me and my girlfriend did. One thing, where was it all taken place?

alexakasloth · 3 Aug 2008 at 08:44

The shot with the flash, I really like the effect that's had of highlighting only the bride and groom.

riddlermarc · 3 Aug 2008 at 09:28

Banish said:
well done, could have done with you at our wedding, the pro who did ours was talentless

Same here, we looked at loads of photographers for our wedding last year and based on your work/style above you beat them hands down - we looked at one for over £1.5k and your shots equal his at least

The pro we went with cut off heads, under exposed a fair bit etc -luckily a friend was there with her gear and took some fantastic shots.

Well done.

dirtybeatfreak · 3 Aug 2008 at 09:49

mate they are fantastic to say the least.. really like the one of the groom (who looks like bradley from eastenders in the signing pick i must add) holding the mick inbtween the shoulders...

like others id say your easily at professional level if not better, so keep doing it !!

disclaimer: im hungeover so if that dont make anys sense at all, pls bear with me heh

^^Gord^^ · 3 Aug 2008 at 14:29

You've done a great job. As already said, you're b&w photos looks really nice.

SteveOBHave · 3 Aug 2008 at 20:23

Fantastic shots!!! So full of life and not at all contrived!!! Brilliant work!