Wedding Pics sneak peek
A few of you may remember that last month I shot my first wedding, talk about learning curve! So, in the interest of sharing so that others may learn, here’s an account of the day;
First of all, I did not attempt this on my own, one of my best friends Tam helped me out as a second camera. It was also her first wedding so we were both quite nervous but relieved that we had each other. Tam came all the way from Adelaide to Geelong, the reason I asked her was because we had worked together in restaurants and bars over the years and were a great team.
The couple was not known by me, they somehow found me through my beta bubblesite, emailed asking for a quote and then chose me from a few others (they said because I was experienced with kids and they have two, I think part of it was my cheap rate though). At one point, no at several points, I thought about turning it down because I don’t have a lot of experience and I don’t have a lot of equipment. But, it must be the Sagittarius in me, I went ahead and with the help of Elaine, got a contract typed up and signed with half payment. It helped that the couple were so very easy going too.
The day started out with challenges and that was how it continued. First, the brides preparation was at their house which seriously had no window or mirror of use at all, seriously! Plus the kids are 3 and half and 2 and a half so you can imagine the amount of toys and mess everywhere. Later we arrived at the location, with winter approaching I was hoping for a few clouds to help with the light. The ceremony was under tall gum trees (eucalyptus) out in the open. Lovely, except the sun shone through the entire thing, mottling the light through the leaves of the trees. Every so often a cloud would pass too so camera adjustments were constantly being done whilst trying to capture “the moments”. Not easy!
To follow, we decided to get the group shots done. My suggestion of making a list (weeks earlier) was implemented, however I had only received the list a day earlier and there was over 20 group shots! Every combination of family and friends possible I think! lol This would have been fine but as it was already approaching 5pm and the sun was getting lower, the group shots had to be done fast so that Tam and I had time to get away with the wedding party.
Anyway, we did. The time I had with them was not ideal but the setting sun made a lovely backdrop. Reception followed, more photos of cake, dancing and kids, etc. All in all a very long day, very exhausting too, when you are a little tense for that many hours!
Here’s a few from the bunch. I had trouble with processing because I couldn’t shoot in RAW so I just hope they all print ok now. I have permission from the couple to use the photos on the internet but they haven’t seen them yet (meeting to have a good look through tomorrow or Wednesday) so this is a sneak preview, please be kind I’m really nervous about putting these up. I think I will pee myself when the couple see them all for the first time!
In conclusion
- RAW or nothing!
- two cameras is always better than one
- make sure group shots don’t blow out
- Kids get tired, do them first if poss
- bring emergency backdrop (for messy houses)
- don’t forget to breath
Eden Sandwell
Awww Jane I think you’ve done a really stellar job!! I have to admit when I started reading your post above I felt really nervous for you!!! It must have been really hard with that fickle cloud/sun thing that so often happens. I think we are our own worst critics and trust me girl I’m sure the lovely couple are going to be thrilled with your shots :)) Happy dance :)
Jane Keats replied
Thanks I needed that, I’ll save happy dance for after they’ve seen them, if they like them…
Then I’ll get drunk.
Alf Caruana
wow great shots there, love the conclusion!
Jane Keats replied
Thank you so much Alf, really appreciated!
Jess Andrews
Oh Jane, you guys have done a wonderful job. Well done x
Jane Keats replied
Thank you Jess xx
Craig Bourke
very nice work, my only criticism would be the last shot, need a bit more flash to bring them up a stop or more in exposure, they seem a little dark.
That said, you have gone 1 step further than me, I refuse to do a wedding, too many things can go wrong, and if they do, you have destroyed a special day(yes i think of worse case scenario rofl)
Great work :)
Jane Keats replied
Thanks Craig, yes I’d agree with that critique, shame I couldn’t lighten it a bit more in post processing, I got some better ones of them all in that spot but this was the best of just the two of them unfortunately, at least the exposure brought out the lovely orange sky anyway.
I’m not sure I’ll do a wedding again… maybe but I’d ask a lot more because it really is a very long day. And I’d only do it with someone else as well, and only once I have the equipment and processing power I feel I need. ie sometime in the next decade, lol.
Elaine Harriott
Oh Jane – CONGRATS! I feel terrible for not asking (or remembering) your first wedding. I’m thrilled you had fun and those shots are awesome :) What a great job you’ve done with them, you must be really happy – and I’m sure the bride and groom are going to be so excited with them too!
I particually like the first shot, they are all well placed and it looks lovely. My only advise would be for the shot with the two guys standing, I wouldn’t use a blur or anything to ‘soften’ the image. I feel the guys are very strong, (because they are men) and also in their pose, the softening seems to conflict that a litte. But that is completely a personal observation.
The flowers are lovely – ooo, you’ve done such a wonderful job my friend :)
Caroline Gorka
Good work Jane :))...sometimes peoples rooms can be a right pain for the ‘getting ready’ shots…dark, pictures all over the place (never your own), and gaudy bed linen…. I take a white sheet with me just in case – and a white brolly is useful too… make it a pretty one, and you have a tool for bounce flash, a nice prop, and something that will look good if you need to lend it to the bride to stop her getting wet/sunburnt.
Jane Keats
Thanks girls, some great advice! That shot of the groom and bestie – I think so too, lucky I have a couple of other versions!
I must get a white umbrella for sure! x
Lisa Kenny
If these area any indication Jane, I’m sure the couple will be thrilled….
Where were these taken?
Jane Keats replied
Cheers Lisa, hope so. They were at Deakin Lakehouse, the last one is across the other side, there are a series of dams there (mostly empty of course).
Amber Galvin
Jane if those are a sign of more to come then you did an AMAZING job! sooo proud of you!
dinghysailor1
how amazing these are – you kept a cool head and having a buddy along to assist must have been terrific!! bet the couple are absolutely over the moon with these…gorgeous work
;0000
Pip Gerard
I really admire you for your bravery.
I’ve been asked a few times to do weddings and I’ve always flat out refused.. my nerves just wouldn’t handle it! Just the pressure is too intense for me… I’m glad you had an easy going couple… that’s a true gift.
well done… first is always the hardest..and the biggest learning curve. You handled it all beautifully.
The fact that you took the job is the biggest hurdle I reckon.
Your flower shot is so gorgeous.
Have you tried adjusting the levels and curves on the third photo to show their faces more?
Jane Keats
Thank you all for the wonderful support! I am feeling a little more at ease about showing the couple their photos now :o)
Pip – I had to shoot in jpg because my old computer wouldn’t recognise the raw data from my camera so I’m afraid that’s as much as I can adjust it. Ah well, I have since had the problem rectified so no more jpg photos for me!
Tamarama72
Hey Chickie, they look great.
Let me know how it all goes down with them tomorrow.
so glad I got to share this experience with you !! x
Jane Keats replied
BM’d you
Jo O'Brien
This has been featured in today’s Daily Wrap
Jane Keats replied
Yikes!
Steven Sandner
Excellent work! the pictures look fantastic!
Jane Keats replied
Thanks heaps Steven! :o)
BYRON
Nice work there Jane.
I remember my first wedding. I didn’t have a 2nd photog. I was nervous as hell, and I really had no idea what I was in for.
On the plus side – they were long time friends and were very relaxed about the whole thing. Still… it was a 12 hour day. I learnt sooo much it was amazing.
My biggest tip for weddings: don’t get down on the same knee all day for “low-angle” shots. Alternate your knees or you will end up walking in circles by the end of the day.
Jane Keats replied
Hehehe, great tip!!