First, I want to thank everyone that offered thoughts and advice in response to my questions on wedding photography. I have to say it was a roller coaster of emotions trying to deal with everything that came about. The stress level was quite high, and I continued to be apprehensive right up too the end.
I purchased the 50mm 1.4 as well as the new 70-200 4.0 with a whopping 5 stops of vibration reduction. Let me just say that this lens saved my you know what! You might think buying two lenses for a non paying gig was crazy, but I needed the 70-200 anyway.
In all honesty, there were some disappointments(for me) and some very nice successes. I was very apprehensive to dial up the iso to 3200 on the D800. But, I had to in a few instances with the low indoor light available. The room was uncomfortably dark, actually. It was moody, but too dark IMO. The 5 stops of vr let me dial it back down to 2200, and 1600. I was never really happy with noise reduction as to how it worked with my landscape imagery. But it does a nice job of smoothing out the complexion of people that I think most brides would appreciate, at least to some extent. Who says no to a little airbrushing, eh?
So the preceremony shots of Bride and Bride's Maids, Groom and Groom's Men as well as the ceremony and reception captured with the D800 came out above my expectations.
Now for the not so good! My backup camera is a D200. Even with a 2.8 lens, it just was not fast enough with the given light available to meet the demands of the situation. From past experience relative to noise, I was not willing to crank up the iso for fear of unusable images. But, the slow shutter speeds at lower iso, rendered the same results! So while relying on flash for a few here and there gave good results, the d200 shots are mostly not usable! Fortunately, I have some duplicates with the D800, but because of gender issues, I couldn't be there for every shot. So, there are some losses.
I/we figured and anticipated at least a hiccup or two, so it's not as bad as it could have been. While I have not yet discussed this or showed them the pics, I don't expect a ballistic response!
I definately learned some things, and am glad I did it for a few reasons.
First, they were not going to be able to hire a $2500.00 wedding photographer. I was able to give them something that people in the audience were not going to be able to do with phones, or point and shoots.
Second, I was able to have the luxury of a learning curve without the risk of being crucified by the Bride and Groom and anyone else concerned(her Mother)!!!
Third, I was able to learn that I actually enjoy people as subjects and would like to do more of it.
Fourth, It's nice to see an image of a Bride come out beautifully and know that the Groom is going to appreciate how beautiful she was on her wedding day.
In the end, I have a nice portfolio that represents what I think would be the most important moments. I'm still going to have to ask them to forgive me for missing some opportunities.
You know, if you never step out of your comfort zone and take a risk, life would be pretty boring. But, boring can be pretty good too sometimes. What are you going to do?
Thank you again everyone for the help and the support.
Chris, good to hear that all turned out well.
Indeed it’s always interesting when one of us is taken out of the field, forced to shower, shave and wear something nice to experiment with the all important wedding. Gulp…..
What was the shutter speeds using the 70-200 4.0 at iso 3200? 5 stops of vibration reduction is nice, but I’m sure you found that it does not stop the subject from moving.
If I remember correctly, the shutter speeds ranged from between a 90th of a second at the slowest, to 350th at the fastest(iso 3200). But I was feeling pretty comfortable with shuter speeds of 180th, iso 2200.
I don't have the pics anywhere to link to yet. I will post some in the near future though.
Chris, I just went back to read your “Help Needed” post. It seems like you got a lot of good replies from a lot of talented and experienced shooters, most warning of the perils, so I am more impressed that you chose to go out of your comfort zone to gain valuable experience.
Yes, Paul's reply was extremely helpful and thoughtful. He has helped me out a number of times. We even exchanged a few emails regarding it as well. It's nice to have such thoughful and generous folks here to rely on when the need presents itself.
Let me also say, the somewhat unique situation lent itself to my needs. If this were a more typical situation, I'd of been in over my head, and things would have been more problematic considering the whole outcome. But, then again, if that were the case, I'd have probably not even considered doing it. Now, knowing where I need to make a couple of adjustments, helps me to be more confident if the opportunity ever comes around again.
I thought I was done buying gear for awhile. But, now I have my eye on the D600, or possibly the new D7100 as a more capable and modern second camera body. Oh, and a new faster computer, and an Adobe CS6 upgrade, and maybe a noise reduction plug-in, and maybe the 85mm 1.4, etc.etc.etc...!
Does it ever end?
Chris
Posted by Lindy Martin on March 4, 2013 at 7:15 AM
Chris, congrats on getting some good shots in what was a challenging situation. I tried the same kind of thing - going from wildlife and companion animals to a charity fashion show. Again, like you there were things that turned out well and things I liked. Unlike you, the end result for me was to decide to stick to wildlife until I can work with someone to show me the ropes for people images. In my case, working really gets in the way of my behind the camera time. So, from someone who has been there,
Posted by Paul DeCesare on March 5, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Discussion
7 repliesI purchased the 50mm 1.4 as well as the new 70-200 4.0 with a whopping 5 stops of vibration reduction. Let me just say that this lens saved my you know what! You might think buying two lenses for a non paying gig was crazy, but I needed the 70-200 anyway.
In all honesty, there were some disappointments(for me) and some very nice successes. I was very apprehensive to dial up the iso to 3200 on the D800. But, I had to in a few instances with the low indoor light available. The room was uncomfortably dark, actually. It was moody, but too dark IMO. The 5 stops of vr let me dial it back down to 2200, and 1600. I was never really happy with noise reduction as to how it worked with my landscape imagery. But it does a nice job of smoothing out the complexion of people that I think most brides would appreciate, at least to some extent. Who says no to a little airbrushing, eh?
So the preceremony shots of Bride and Bride's Maids, Groom and Groom's Men as well as the ceremony and reception captured with the D800 came out above my expectations.
Now for the not so good! My backup camera is a D200. Even with a 2.8 lens, it just was not fast enough with the given light available to meet the demands of the situation. From past experience relative to noise, I was not willing to crank up the iso for fear of unusable images. But, the slow shutter speeds at lower iso, rendered the same results! So while relying on flash for a few here and there gave good results, the d200 shots are mostly not usable! Fortunately, I have some duplicates with the D800, but because of gender issues, I couldn't be there for every shot. So, there are some losses.
I/we figured and anticipated at least a hiccup or two, so it's not as bad as it could have been. While I have not yet discussed this or showed them the pics, I don't expect a ballistic response!
I definately learned some things, and am glad I did it for a few reasons.
First, they were not going to be able to hire a $2500.00 wedding photographer. I was able to give them something that people in the audience were not going to be able to do with phones, or point and shoots.
Second, I was able to have the luxury of a learning curve without the risk of being crucified by the Bride and Groom and anyone else concerned(her Mother)!!!
Third, I was able to learn that I actually enjoy people as subjects and would like to do more of it.
Fourth, It's nice to see an image of a Bride come out beautifully and know that the Groom is going to appreciate how beautiful she was on her wedding day.
In the end, I have a nice portfolio that represents what I think would be the most important moments. I'm still going to have to ask them to forgive me for missing some opportunities.
You know, if you never step out of your comfort zone and take a risk, life would be pretty boring. But, boring can be pretty good too sometimes. What are you going to do?
Thank you again everyone for the help and the support.
Chris
Indeed it’s always interesting when one of us is taken out of the field, forced to shower, shave and wear something nice to experiment with the all important wedding. Gulp…..
What was the shutter speeds using the 70-200 4.0 at iso 3200? 5 stops of vibration reduction is nice, but I’m sure you found that it does not stop the subject from moving.
Can you post a link to the pix?
If I remember correctly, the shutter speeds ranged from between a 90th of a second at the slowest, to 350th at the fastest(iso 3200). But I was feeling pretty comfortable with shuter speeds of 180th, iso 2200.
I don't have the pics anywhere to link to yet. I will post some in the near future though.
Thanks again.
Good for you for being brave!!
I especially liked the reply from Paul DeCesare.
Yes, Paul's reply was extremely helpful and thoughtful. He has helped me out a number of times. We even exchanged a few emails regarding it as well. It's nice to have such thoughful and generous folks here to rely on when the need presents itself.
Let me also say, the somewhat unique situation lent itself to my needs. If this were a more typical situation, I'd of been in over my head, and things would have been more problematic considering the whole outcome. But, then again, if that were the case, I'd have probably not even considered doing it. Now, knowing where I need to make a couple of adjustments, helps me to be more confident if the opportunity ever comes around again.
I thought I was done buying gear for awhile. But, now I have my eye on the D600, or possibly the new D7100 as a more capable and modern second camera body. Oh, and a new faster computer, and an Adobe CS6 upgrade, and maybe a noise reduction plug-in, and maybe the 85mm 1.4, etc.etc.etc...!
Does it ever end?
Chris
My lad, it has only just begun! Enjoy the ride!
--P