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Need suggestions for flash settings for wedding

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dear "Mom"

You worry too much. I had a borrowed 4900 for a while. If you are indoors put the camera on the setting for external flash and set the shutter speed to a 30th and the aperture to f5.6 or thereabouts. This way you will pick up the ambient light - unless there are fluorescents and you don't want to pick up them! (green bride).

You'd look silly taking a tablecloth to a wedding unless you could pretend it was a shawl!

If there is fast paced movement then you'll have to raise the shutter speed.

remember you can see the results in the viewfinder instantly so there's no need to worry. I hardly never used the lcd.

As to flash, it may be a good idea to use what I call a fan diffuser. The flash is aimed straight up and the flash power is caught in a kind of catcher's mitt and then is thrown out to the bride immediately. Pros: no direct flash hitting the bride, cons: you have to use full power. Another con, not cheap.

My other suggestion would be to buy a cheap second flash with either a built in slave or hook it into a small external slave. Vivitar makes one but your camera store should have something cheap.

Now put your Sunpak on the Fuji as before and hold the 2nd flash and slave combo in your left hand and aim the 2nd flash towards the bride holding your left hand high above your head.. You may think you'll look funny but the improvement in flash modelling will be terrific. better stil get your husband to hold it for you. Keep reminding him that he is the sun and that it is no use pointing it from waist level!

Lastly, try and use as little flash as possible so that you don't have black shadows behind the bride and groom.

Don't get flustered. I take it you are not the official photographer. You'll soon get the hang of it.
regards
jerome y
http://www.jy-photo.co.uk
 
That wedding shot is gorgeous, Ron! On the plus side the weather is supposed to be mild on Saturday. On the downside it's also supposed to rain! :(

I've made up a list of everyone's suggestions for shooting weddings, using external flash, etc.. This evening I'll peruse my wedding books for inspiration on poses, etc.. and tomorrow and Friday I'll systematically go through the list of suggestions given to me on this forum and try different things to make sure I'm familiar with my gear, settings, etc.. I'm the type of person who works well under pressure so long as I have the information stored in my (mental) database!

Thanks everyone! :)

Cassandra
 
Thanks Cassandra. I would experiment with the different settings before on a subject to get something that works for you. The good thing about digital photography is that you can see the results right away, and ajust accordingly. I would also make sure to set your lcd screen to almost it's lowest level as that will give you a more accurate idea of the real exposure of the picture. The default setting of a brighter screen will often fool you. I always set my lcd that way.
Cassandra said:
That wedding shot is gorgeous, Ron! On the plus side the weather is
supposed to be mild on Saturday. On the downside it's also supposed
to rain! :(

I've made up a list of everyone's suggestions for shooting
weddings, using external flash, etc.. This evening I'll peruse my
wedding books for inspiration on poses, etc.. and tomorrow and
Friday I'll systematically go through the list of suggestions given
to me on this forum and try different things to make sure I'm
familiar with my gear, settings, etc.. I'm the type of person who
works well under pressure so long as I have the information stored
in my (mental) database!

Thanks everyone! :)

Cassandra
Click to expand...
 
I haven't used my 6900 as much as I want, but I was assuming the depth of field compared to 35mm was the same.

You mean.. it's not?!!?

Anyway, I would refrain from using the softbox on long distance subjects as it really cuts down on the light - probably more the farther away you get. I'd only use it for anything closer than waist-> head shots. I agree keeping the flash at 1 stop lower than ambient is a good idea - but for outside "fill" flash applications only.
Ron H said:

Cassandra said:
Thanks Ray! It's nice to hear from someone who's got the same flash
I'll be using. I'll have two days to practice with it. Got out my
wedding photography books as well to refresh my memory on group
shots and such. One other question: Think I should stick with
multi-metering? My concern is I'll be concentrating on so many
things I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Ron, that's exactly what I plan to do. And I just checked the lcd setting and turned the brightness level down. ;)
Ron H said:
Thanks Cassandra. I would experiment with the different settings
before on a subject to get something that works for you. The good
thing about digital photography is that you can see the results
right away, and ajust accordingly. I would also make sure to set
your lcd screen to almost it's lowest level as that will give you a
more accurate idea of the real exposure of the picture. The default
setting of a brighter screen will often fool you. I always set my
lcd that way.
Click to expand...
 
Got it. I have some translucent diffusion material I can use for medium-distance shots if direct flash looks too harsh.
Ray said:
Anyway, I would refrain from using the softbox on long distance
subjects as it really cuts down on the light - probably more the
farther away you get. I'd only use it for anything closer than
waist-> head shots. I agree keeping the flash at 1 stop lower than
ambient is a good idea - but for outside "fill" flash applications
only.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Jerome!

I am the official wedding photographer for this one. I do have some experience shooting weddings so I'm not too nervous. Being able to view my shots afterwards will help tremendously. I'll set the WB ahead of time, and diffusion material to soften the flash will have to do because my husband isn't going with me. (Although I like your idea and I have a secondary flash & slave!) If I need to I can take formal portraits of the bride another time using studio lights and umbrellas. It takes both hands for me to manage the digicam settings, focus, etc...! :o

Cassandra
Jerome said:
dear "Mom"
You worry too much. I had a borrowed 4900 for a while. If you are
indoors put the camera on the setting for external flash and set
the shutter speed to a 30th and the aperture to f5.6 or
thereabouts. This way you will pick up the ambient light - unless
there are fluorescents and you don't want to pick up them! (green
bride).

You'd look silly taking a tablecloth to a wedding unless you could
pretend it was a shawl!

If there is fast paced movement then you'll have to raise the
shutter speed.
remember you can see the results in the viewfinder instantly so
there's no need to worry. I hardly never used the lcd.

As to flash, it may be a good idea to use what I call a fan
diffuser. The flash is aimed straight up and the flash power is
caught in a kind of catcher's mitt and then is thrown out to the
bride immediately. Pros: no direct flash hitting the bride, cons:
you have to use full power. Another con, not cheap.

My other suggestion would be to buy a cheap second flash with
either a built in slave or hook it into a small external slave.
Vivitar makes one but your camera store should have something cheap.

Now put your Sunpak on the Fuji as before and hold the 2nd flash
and slave combo in your left hand and aim the 2nd flash towards
the bride holding your left hand high above your head.. You may
think you'll look funny but the improvement in flash modelling will
be terrific. better stil get your husband to hold it for you. Keep
reminding him that he is the sun and that it is no use pointing it
from waist level!

Lastly, try and use as little flash as possible so that you don't
have black shadows behind the bride and groom.

Don't get flustered. I take it you are not the official
photographer. You'll soon get the hang of it.
regards
jerome y
http://www.jy-photo.co.uk
Click to expand...
 
dear cassandra,

Don't want to rattle you but (at the risk of much flaming) don't even think of using the fuji 6900 as a main wedding camera.

for goodness sake use a film camera that you are used to. Use a slr and remember the maximum flash synch speed. indoors you'll never need anything faster than a 60th and most of the time a 30th will be fine.

Film is vastly more forgiving than digital, and it is a load of hooey that digital will equal or beat film. It's just a fantasy. you will read that the Nikon D1x is good for enlargements up to 20x16". Up to 10x8" max, and the Fuji is not a pro camera and its sensor is tiny.

I am a pro photographer with 30 years experience. You may or may not have visited my site but what you won't see is for example all my commissioned Royalty shots. I worked for the syndication arm of the Mirror newspaper and when we were shooting Lady Di the idea of a foul up was unthinkable. Hundreds of magazines were waiting for shots of this woman. A foul up with a wedding is also unthinkable. I don't know how you gort yourself inveigled into the position of official photographer but exactly how many weddings have you shot?

If you are going to take money for your efforts and things go badly wrong these same people (friends or no friends) will and can sue you because you are a professional - somebody who is for hire for money and if you foul up they could crucify you financially.

if you can't wiggle out from the job as official photographer then at least use a good film camera and put a lot of film through it between now and the wedding. Don't use exotic zooms. the majority of your shots should be on a normal lens, with a telephoto and a wide angle as back up.

Believe me, cassandra, you sound like a nice person and I am sure you will become a good photographer but the fact you even think that you could shoot a wedding on the 6900 worries me. Just don't do it. It would be like trying brain surgery with a twisted coat hanger. you only need one of your smart cards to go spectacularly wrong and you will have lost it big time. Use film, and make sure you rate the film lower than its stated speed, e.g. 160 or even 125 ASA for 200 A.S.A. or 250asa for 400. I can't give you a crash course in wedding photography as a post but a digicam is a no no and will do neither you nor the bride any favours. lastly, get the bridal party outdoors as well if you can.
Best wishes and keep checking your settings and never go onto auto, ever!
jerome y.
http://www.jy-photo.co.uk
 
Cassandra,

This is from the other 'Ray' [RJNedimyer] It is obvious that not only are you well liked but there are many carring and knowing people with 6900's out there (where ever "out there" is).

I agree with almost all of what has been said; but, do your studying prior to Friday evening, make a few NOTES and then relax, later relax some more.

If I had tried to remember EVERYTHING my father told me prior to "shooting" my first "solo" wedding I probably would have come back with out any pictures and with a broken camera.

So study and practice now then relax, and enjoy the expirience!!

Ray
RJNedimyer

PS The wedding pictures turned out fine [my Dad even liked them] but I was at least as nervous as the groom. So, this time {with the wedding I'm shooting in October} I'll try to follow my own advise.
 
Thanks RJ! (If you don't like me calling you that please say so, but I like it!)

I am cautiously optimistic and actually quite relaxed about shooting this wedding. I have done several over the years and all of them turned out better than even I expected, and I am my own worst critic! I plan on going through everything ahead of time before Saturday and then like you said, relax and enjoy myself!

I mentioned in another post that our oldest son's wedding album, shot by a professional photographer from a prestigious local studio, had several unsharp pictures (even at 4"x5") and mostly staged shots which failed to capture the mood of the moment. While I may not have the experience or equipment of a professional wedding photographer, I do know how to work with people. And that to me is every bit as important as photographic technique!

I plan on taking my SLR film camera as well and will probably use it along with my 6900z to shoot the wedding, at least the group shots. That way I can compare the quality from both cameras and I'll have plenty of images to choose from to present to the bride and groom.

* * *

Yes, the individuals who frequent this forum are very special! I consider myself blessed to be included in their number. :)
rjnedimyer said:
Cassandra,

This is from the other 'Ray' [RJNedimyer] It is obvious that not
only are you well liked but there are many carring and knowing
people with 6900's out there (where ever "out there" is).

I agree with almost all of what has been said; but, do your
studying prior to Friday evening, make a few NOTES and then relax,
later relax some more.

If I had tried to remember EVERYTHING my father told me prior to
"shooting" my first "solo" wedding I probably would have come back
with out any pictures and with a broken camera.

So study and practice now then relax, and enjoy the expirience!!

Ray
RJNedimyer

PS The wedding pictures turned out fine [my Dad even liked them]
but I was at least as nervous as the groom. So, this time {with the
wedding I'm shooting in October} I'll try to follow my own advise.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Jerome!

I appreciate your advice and expertise and have decided on a compromise. I had already decided to take my SLR film camera as a backup to my 6900z but now I will use both, at least for the most important shots. That way I can compare the results and have plenty of images to give to the bride and groom. (I am doing this as a favor, at their insistance.)

While I may not have the experience or equipment of a professional wedding photographer I do know how to work with people. And that, to me, is every bit as important as photographic technique! Our oldest son's professional wedding pictures were IMO atrocious: several were unsharp, even at 4"x5", and most failed to capture the mood of the moment.

My husband and I have been married for 32+ years. Our wedding photographer failed to show up and the only pictures we have of our special day are snapshots taken with a cheap plastic camera, several with uncle's thumb in the image! Regardless, they are priceless to me, especially now!

Oh, I took a peek at your online album and your images are quite good!

Thanks again for your concern,
Cassandra :)
 
I have been the "designated photographer" for several weddings over the years, and all of them turned out well, even to my critical eye. In each case I only agreed to do it because the couple deserved more than a few grainy snapshots with someone's thumb showing in the corner. (Read my post to RJ Nedimeyer towards the bottom of this thread.)

blessings!

C.
 
Jerome,

I have been an amateur photographer for over 35 years. Many photographers like to take their routine photos like they are inside a box. Every shot is taken using time proven formulas and the equipment settings are checked and then rechecked for each shot. Having a routine for each session ensures the photographer that their photos will come out as expected.

With digital photography you can step out of the comfortable box and experiment with different camera techniques, often with spectacular results. There is no fear of wasting film or losing the shot since you can instantly retake the shot if it is not to your liking. Using a digital cameras you have the capability of taking the shots in a time proven manner and then experimenting with different photographic techniques. This experimenting, using a digital camera, will allow photographers to step out of the box and try techniques that they never thought possible using their film cameras.

Most of us here in the Fuji forum know that Cassandra is a very capable photographer. Asking for help in no way diminishes her expertise as a wedding photographer. Being open and seeking advice can do nothing but give her new ideas and improve her already proven skills. Stepping out of your box and helping Cassandra succeed with her wedding photos, using a digital camera, would not only be beneficial to her but also maybe open your eyes to new and different photo techniques. The photographic world is changing and more professionals and amateurs are embracing digital photography (computer based imaging) every day.

Ga2ryC
Jerome said:
dear cassandra,
Don't want to rattle you but (at the risk of much flaming) don't
even think of using the fuji 6900 as a main wedding camera.

for goodness sake use a film camera that you are used to. Use a slr
and remember the maximum flash synch speed. indoors you'll never
need anything faster than a 60th and most of the time a 30th will
be fine.

Film is vastly more forgiving than digital, and it is a load of
hooey that digital will equal or beat film. It's just a fantasy.
you will read that the Nikon D1x is good for enlargements up to
20x16". Up to 10x8" max, and the Fuji is not a pro camera and its
sensor is tiny.

I am a pro photographer with 30 years experience. You may or may
not have visited my site but what you won't see is for example all
my commissioned Royalty shots. I worked for the syndication arm of
the Mirror newspaper and when we were shooting Lady Di the idea of
a foul up was unthinkable. Hundreds of magazines were waiting for
shots of this woman. A foul up with a wedding is also unthinkable.
I don't know how you gort yourself inveigled into the position of
official photographer but exactly how many weddings have you shot?

If you are going to take money for your efforts and things go badly
wrong these same people (friends or no friends) will and can sue
you because you are a professional - somebody who is for hire for
money and if you foul up they could crucify you financially.

if you can't wiggle out from the job as official photographer then
at least use a good film camera and put a lot of film through it
between now and the wedding. Don't use exotic zooms. the majority
of your shots should be on a normal lens, with a telephoto and a
wide angle as back up.

Believe me, cassandra, you sound like a nice person and I am sure
you will become a good photographer but the fact you even think
that you could shoot a wedding on the 6900 worries me. Just don't
do it. It would be like trying brain surgery with a twisted coat
hanger. you only need one of your smart cards to go spectacularly
wrong and you will have lost it big time. Use film, and make sure
you rate the film lower than its stated speed, e.g. 160 or even 125
ASA for 200 A.S.A. or 250asa for 400. I can't give you a crash
course in wedding photography as a post but a digicam is a no no
and will do neither you nor the bride any favours. lastly, get the
bridal party outdoors as well if you can.
Best wishes and keep checking your settings and never go onto auto,
ever!
jerome y.
http://www.jy-photo.co.uk
Click to expand...
 
CAssandra,

I have noticed that with the review turned on, using the eye level finder, you can instantly see if the subjects eyes are closed and their expression. You can then retake picture if neccessary. During the toasts you can see the preview and take a picture with their mouth open so everyone can see they are talking. This is a great feature to use when taking people.

Ga2ryC
Cassandra said:
Thanks Ray! It's nice to hear from someone who's got the same flash
I'll be using. I'll have two days to practice with it. Got out my
wedding photography books as well to refresh my memory on group
shots and such. One other question: Think I should stick with
multi-metering? My concern is I'll be concentrating on so many
things I'd like to keep it as simple as possible.
Click to expand...
 
dear gary,

You talk a lot of the proverbial; cassandra is dealing with a wedding here. The fuji isn't competent and having seen cassandra's web site I see no photos of people ; certainly none of weddings

It's not of my business what she does, but if you were a ski guide for a living you might suggest to a visitor to Mt Blanc that getting down the mountain with only a plastic tea tray might not be too clever.

Don't talk about boxes; the woman is going to photograph a wedding with no knowledge of her camera or what she is doing. The couple wont stand around til Cassandra finds the magic formula. This is the real world, a real and dangerous world and I strongly suggest that cassandra abandons her toy and goes back to her slr for this job.

There is alll the difference in the world between taking photos with a toy for pleasure and to perhaps give some prints/files to the couple for free. it is quite a different matter being the main wedding photographer full stop.

What do you want her to do; lull her into a false sense of security? she has no safety net. Don't preach at me til you know what you are talking about. An amateur photographer may often be better than a pro, no question, but a pro has to deliver and Cassandra has to deliver and you try and give me a crash course in digitgal photography? Don't be impertinent!
jerome y
 
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