 Alicia Steinmann |
a different wedding question I am preparing for my first wedding shoot, coming up in Sept. I know there have been many questions asked on this topic & I searched for an answer to this one, but couldn't find it. Forgive me if this seems a silly question, but where do you "position" yourself to shoot for the various parts of the ceremony? Is it acceptable to stand toward the front of the church to shoot the wedding party as they come down the aisle? What about during the actual ceremony? Where would you stand to get the best shots? I had intended to go back down the aisle for most of the ceremony shots--The bride just informed me that there will be a videographer following me around--I'm now concerned about protocol--I want to be postioned to get the best possible shots, but without having two people & all there equipment in the way. Am I just over thinking everything here? Any advise would be greatly appreciated!!!
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Christopher A. Vedros |
You're not overthinking this, Lish. Putting some thought into it upfront is the only way to make things flow smoothly on the big day. There are some very experienced wedding shooters here who can give you some tips on where they typically stand for different parts. From my observations, I think it would help to talk to the Priest/Pastor/Celebrant to see if they have any restrictions about it, including if you will be allowed to use flash. It would also help to talk to the videographer to see where he plans to be set up. He may have worked in that church before and might have suggestions for you. Good luck!
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Debby A. Tabb |
I usually find a moment with the Bride or Groom to meet with the Offiator to get his view points on what he will allow( usually the groom is the one ,so you have to have a clear idea of what the bride wants also.) and in most cases, I have been told that he doesn't care. On that note: I have been in back of the officiator , behind to the side of him on my knees, in front isile,(as in pic. posted to get each family and a front view, in front to each side and as for coming down the isile I walk backwards, a bit and I get at least three-one from the "faceing of family and loved ones and the first step, middle isle and then run a little and get a wide shot of those on both sides of isle w/them coming down the middle- any where you feel will be a great angle the be there. also , if you have ANY ONE,friend or family that could take back up shots for you,even with a small pocket camera- this will be a help and a comfort to you- I always, have someone (Usually Greg does it for me) and if all 35mm are in use he has used our pocket canon power shot! and done a great job I might add. Now, the only one to request us not to move about was the Catholic church_ pick a spot and no flash- .My usuall suggestion is to spend time going through galleries (not staged web sites) viewing on site wedding shots. I do hope this helps. Debby Tabb
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Debby A. Tabb |
I usually find a moment with the Bride or Groom to meet with the Offiator to get his view points on what he will allow( usually the groom is the one ,so you have to have a clear idea of what the bride wants also.) and in most cases, I have been told that he doesn't care. On that note: I have been in back of the officiator , behind to the side of him on my knees, in front isile,(as in pic. posted to get each family and a front view, in front to each side and as for coming down the isile I walk backwards, a bit and I get at least three-one from the "faceing of family and loved ones and the first step, middle isle and then run a little and get a wide shot of those on both sides of isle w/them coming down the middle- any where you feel will be a great angle the be there. also , if you have ANY ONE,friend or family that could take back up shots for you,even with a small pocket camera- this will be a help and a comfort to you- I always, have someone (Usually Greg does it for me) and if all 35mm are in use he has used our pocket canon power shot! and done a great job I might add. Now, the only one to request us not to move about was the Catholic church_ pick a spot and no flash- .My usuall suggestion is to spend time going through galleries (not staged web sites) viewing on site wedding shots. I do hope this helps. Debby Tabb
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Debby A. Tabb |
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Kerry L. Walker |
For the shots coming down the aisle, polition yourself about halfway down the aisle. Make sure there is an open seat you can move into to allow the party to pass by you. If you are using an autofocus camera, switch to manual focus and focus on a spot about 12' from you and shoot when the party gets there. This will keep your camera from hunting for focus on a white gown - sometimes difficult to do in a hurry. Get onew shot of each person coming down the aisle. Get 2 of the bride and Dad, backing up as they walk. For the other shots, it does depend on what the officiant allows. Some allow flash and others don't. Most will allow a flash shot up to the point that Dad gives the bride to the groom. If so, shoot it. If they don't, you can shoot a few by available light. Otherwise, you may have to re-stage some of them. A good videographer won't get in your way but you should definitely talk with him/her before the wedding to coordinate.
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Alicia Steinmann |
Thanks to all for your responses! It's nice to have someone who's willing to share their experience.
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Justin G. |
Lish, Please please take Kerry's advice on finding an open stop to jump into to get out of their way. My wife and I were watching our wedding video right and we noticed that when the father was walking Ashley down the aisle, the photographer just stood there in the way and my father-in-law actually had to step partially behind Ashley to get out of his way becaus the photographer didn't even budge for him. My father-in-law was extremely pissed at him. Many of you have heard my wedding photographer horror stories. This is one of them. I've never shot a wedding but from my wedding I could recommend to do your best to just stay out of everyone's way so you don't get anyone ticked! Just make yourself unknown and shoot quietly as Debbie said. Lots of great advice here. Good luck. .justin.
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
Kerry L. Walker |
To carry my suggestion one step further, enlist the help of the ushers to save you a place. Have them explain to whomever wants to sit there (the spot YOU picked) that they can move over after the bride passes. After all, you won't be sitting there for the entire wedding, only as the bride passes. If, after all that, someone insists on sitting there, when you are ready to move to the spot, politely say "excuse me" and stand in front of them, even if you have to step on feet. After all, they were asked not to sit there! Meanwhile, stay down on one knee or squated while the bride comes doen the aisle until right before she gets where you want her to be when you shoot. That way you won't obstruct the view for more than a few seconds.
|
|||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||||||||