Yes, another beach question thead

I've been reading quite a few threads about shooting beach weddings but I still have a lot of unanswered questions, so I hope you'll bear with me.

I have a niece who got married in the Dominican last year who didn't hire a photographer figuring that there would be enough people with cameras that she would just work with that. I ended up having the only SLR and took lots of pics with my kit 75-300 lens. Surprisingly the couple were thrilled with the pics, although I see lots of little things, like shadows on the faces because of the trees, things like that (I didn't use any flash). It was extremely casual, so I think they got more than they were expecting.

Now my other niece, her step-sister, is getting married on a cruise ship in a couple of months and they want me to take the pictures. This niece (IMHO) is a little higher maintenance, so I'm feeling even more nervous about this wedding. I really flew by the seat of my pants with the first one as far as poses and how to take the pics, and I'd like to be better prepared for this one.

The wedding will be on the beach, and I'm pretty sure it is in the later afternoon. It's a western Carribean cruise which means I'm thinking there's a good chance the sun will NOT be behind them if they stand at the water. It will be followed by a reception back on the ship.

Here's a list of what I have to work with, and any input as to what I should be using and when would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone knows of any websites or even a book on how to shoot weddings and what poses to set up please let me know.

Rebel XT
18-55mm kit lens
75-300mm kit lens
50mm 1.8 (originally from a 35mm film camera; don't know if that's relevant)
70-200mm 2.8 IS (just ordered a used one; should arive next week)
430 EX flash
tripod
monopod

I'm hoping to be able to use the 70-200 for all the beach shots because I'm not crazy about changing lenses on the beach, although I will if I need to. However, I wonder if that may put me too far away to use the flash for fill as has been recommended on some of the other posts I've read. I also wonder if I should try to set up a tripod (I'll likely be in the sand I imagine) or if the IS will be enough. I'm thinking the 50mm may be good for any evening shots outside on the ship (because of the 1.8) provided that I have enough room. Any inside shots will likely have to be taken with the kit lens because it's the only wide angle I have. Am I on the right track or way out in left field? I've pretty much used up my camera budget for now with the new lens that's coming but I can probably put out a little more for a smaller item if necessary.

All this and I have to find a dress too! lol

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Jacqui583

Leave out the 75-300. It will be too slow and too much reach.
The 50 will be perfect for portraits.

If you can not get a better lens, then I agree with the choice of the 18-55 for groups. It can also be a good choice to give you some wider shots during the ceremony. The 18-55 is not a fabulous lens, but it will work.

I also agree with your choice of the 70-200 for the ceremony. I use the same for some tight shots during the ceremony so I can keep some distance. The IS should be enough, unless you are not real steady. The 2.8 is heavy.

Keep the flash on hand outdoors for some fill. You will mostly use this for portraits.

Good luck with the dress! Hope I was of some help!

Shari

Also, you can search for posing guides online, or try one of your larger bookstores, Barnes & Nobel or Borders (I don't know what you have there), they seen to have a good selection of books on photography.

Shari

Use it as an excuse to buy some new equipment. If you are worried about changing lenses around sand, why not pick up a second body? You could get a refurbished XT for really cheap or maybe a 30D. Add a second lens to go wider, such as a Tamron 17-50/2.8 or 28-75/2.8 for the second body. Another way would be to get a XSi and use the much improved (over the non IS one) 18-55IS on the Xsi and the 70-200 on your XT or vice versa.

I don't know if you have a budget for it, but I think a second body would be very helpful in that situation.

Thanks for the advice. Shari, that's exactly what I was hoping for, to be able to get close-ups of the couple without being right in their face. I also am looking forward to the blurred backgrounds I'm thinking I'll get with that 70-200. I may bring the monopod if I think the lens is going to get heavy for me, I'll definitely have to do some walkabouts ahead of time to get the feel of it. I think I'll bring the tripod anyway if I want to be in any of the group pictures! lol I'm glad you said that about the 50mm; I haven't used that one much as it came off an old film camera of my partner's. He doesn't use it because he prefers his kit lens with his Rebel. I'll have to play with that one a bit as well to get the feel of how far away I need to be for different set-ups, but I think the 1.8 will make it a good choice for darker situations. I'm not sure though how it will be for bright situations, if the 1.8 will make it too light. Again, I'll have to play with it ahead of time.

Jitteringjr, I was wondering about a second body, just to save changing lenses on the beach. I wasn't going to but I think now I will ask my partner if I can borrow his Rebel for the trip (he isn't able to be there). I'm sure he will, especially if I give him the 70-200 to take snowmobiling to get action shots of his son doing jumps!
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Jacqui583

and I only shot one wedding, 30+ yrs ago to try to support my poetry habit. It was a complete disaster.

You describe yourself as a novice photographer. Even for an experienced photographer shooting weddings is a tricky business.

My impression is that wedding photography is even more about business skills than about photography. Many, many things can go wrong.

You, and the bride, must seriously consider ahead of time the consequences if things should go wrong, things you can't even imagine now.

Bottom line, it's probably not a wise risk.

It's good that you're trying to prepare, but you probably won't have access to the site until the ceremony is about to take place.

Plese bear in mind the long-term consequences should your niece be displeased. Also, I take my camera everywhere, but this a party you are invited to. Don't you want to be able to enjoy it?

Taking pictures when there is an official photographer, or when there is no official photographer, is very different from being the official photographer. You don't want to be there, really.

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Frank
http://www.sidewalkshadows.com

Hey, no problem!
You can definitely use the 50 outside! You just need to make adjustments.

I agree that you need to try different setups and lighting situations to get it right. Use your kids, or a neighbors kid, to practice some setups!

I also agree that having a second body is an excellent idea! I always have one, so I guess I should have thought of that!

Shari

That was a little discouraging.

I agree that shooting weddings can be difficult and are very nerve wracking. And shooting for a family member that may be a little higher maintenance, doesn't help!

So here is my 2 cents; speak with them on what they want and don't want. Some couples are very specific about their wants, and some others will leave it up to you. Work with them to make a list of photos not to be missed. You know most of your side of the family, but enlist the help of the grooms mother or other family member to help point out who some of the other important folks are on his side. True, you won't be able to check out the wedding site beforehand, which is always a great idea if you can, but, being on a ship you'll be able to scope out spots where portraits can be done ahead of time (and take test shots!).

I don't quite consider myself a pro either, but I do several weddings a year and still get nervous about every one! There are things you can control and things you can't. Being the best prepared as you can be will help, and being able to be flexible and go with the flow will be the most help ever! Take a deep breath and relax! Oh, and I expect to see a link with the photos when you're done!

Shari

Well in fairness to Frank he makes some good points but I have already thought of that. Bottom line is the couple has decided to spend their money on a cruise for their wedding but they are a young couple who already have a family and are trying to save money. In today's economy (in my neck of the woods at least) we are going week to week wondering if we have a job tomorrow. Many of us work in the auto industry or related fields; enough said.

I know it is strictly a money-saving venture to not hire a photographer, and frankly the couple themselves haven't even asked me personally; it was the bride's mother (my sister-in-law) who asked me to take pics. This is a family where they all have point-and-shoot cameras and for some reason are hugely impressed by my humble Rebel XT and think I'll be able to do magic with it. I have emphasized that I am in no means a professional and they have all seen the pics I did at the first niece's wedding so they know what to expect. I'm just hoping to do a more professional job this time as I'm sure we all try to improve on our skills and knowledge. Having said that I will suggest to them that they have the ship's photographer take a few portraits of the couple at the very least just to be on the safe side.

As far as not being able to enjoy myself that evening, my partner isn't able to be there so it will at least keep me busy. Besides, I have the rest of the week to party, which I'm sure I'll take full advantage of!
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Jacqui583

Well I just took some pics outside with the 50mm 1.8f to get a feel for it. The pics from this lens I find to be crystal clear, but also seem to have a slight yellow cast to them. Now that I see that I remember it had that affect when I've used it in the past, which is probably why I don't use it. I'm wondering if there is something I can be doing to compensate for that, perhaps through the Rebels controls. I remember reading something about filter effects, perhaps a blue one? I'll have to give that a try and report back, but the sun has gone down now so it will have to be another day.
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Jacqui583

Check your white balance settings. Also, try some shots inside, with and without the flash.

Shari

Think about shooting raw instead of jpeg. During post-processing, you will be able to do a much better job adjusting exposure and color balance.

That's great that you can get a second body to borrow. One thing you may want to spurge on, if you don't already have one, is a diffuser for your 430 flash such as a Gary Fong lightsphere or a Lumiquest softbox. They are each about $20-$40 and will really help with your flash photo's
Here are some examples.
http://www.adorama.com/GALSC3C.html

I use this one. Not as good as my shoot through umbrella, but its nice and portable.

this is a little cheaper.
http://www.adorama.com/LQSBM.html

B&H has them too if you prefer them.

Holy Hannah; that was it! Who would have thought that a 'fix' would be so easy? lol I had the white balance on automatic when I was getting the yellow cast, but when I set it to tungsten it looks beautiful. Thanks Shari!
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Jacqui583

jacqui583 said:

Holy Hannah; that was it! Who would have thought that a 'fix' would
be so easy? lol I had the white balance on automatic when I was
getting the yellow cast, but when I set it to tungsten it looks
beautiful. Thanks Shari!

Click to expand...

If you do not shoot raw you should consider it!
Makes it a lot easier to compensate for whitebalance gone wrong!

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Brian
http://www.pbase.com/thelund

Well I have some good news. I spoke with the mother of the bride last night and the ship's photographer will be taking pics for them to choose to purchase from. this takes a LOT of pressure off of me; I can just go with a photojournalistic approach (my preference) and have fun with it while trying out different techniques and settings.
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Jacqui583

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Frank
http://www.sidewalkshadows.com