Help!! Photographing a wedding last minute and could really use some advice.?

Question

I was asked to photograph a wedding kind of last minute. It is going to be candlelight tonight which is tough enough, but at the rehearsal and practice run last night, I learned the minister will not allow flashes period. Also, she will not allow me to pass up the very back row of the church because she says it interfers with the ceremony. I had so many great ideas and now I'm worried to death.

If anyone could offer advice, I would really really appreciate it.

Answer 1

Honestly, most people these days have the majority of their wedding photos taken at a location a few weeks before the wedding. Usually the photos are just of the couple in their tux and dress, sometimes with the bridal party. A lot of the time, I have seen the entire bridal party show up with just close family an hour or two before the ceremony begins in order to get the most important shots - the bride and groom, with the bridal party, and with both sets of parents. Also, a lot of times photos are taken directly after the ceremony but immediately before the reception.

Most couples don't end up using the shots of them with the minister during the actual ceremony anyway. It's most important to get the shots of the couple, and with their families which can be done either before or after the ceremony. Also, it's hard to get good photos of both the bride and groom during the ceremony because they are so nervous anyway.

Answer 2

Try 1000 speed film - no flash needed, should work at 25 feet limit normally, but not absolutely positive on the distance
Also, if you are freinds with any of the family members try this idea. See if they have a camera that works with 1000 speed, or buy them an instant one. Make sure it is the kind wiith the optional flash, that ONLY flashes if you push the flash button. So they will not accidently flash! They will be sitting in front with the family and may be able to get some shots of the vows from their seat. No flash no foul, and they are family.
Tell the bride that the restraints the preacher has set will limit your abilitiy during the service, but she can have you take all she wants before or after the cermony.

I'm not a pro, but have done lots of school plays- bad lighting, far distance, no chance for poised shots, etc.

Answer 3

Ask the minister if you can take the pictures you want to take before and/or after the ceremony. That way you aren't quite as rushed, and you have more control of the situation, and the outcome. Then a few shots from the cheap seats showing the chapel and it's architecture, and one with all the guests standing while the bride walks down the isle, maybe a bit overexposed, so she has a halo effect around her. Some denominations consider services in their chapel to be sacred regardless of what they are. You'll just have to work around her demands. But I'll bet you somebody in that audience produces a cheap throwaway camera, and snaps away during the ceremony anyway.

Answer 4

I am assuming that you have photographed weddings before and that's the reason you were asked to photograph this one. If this is indeed the case, most of the work is already done. You can simply use THOSE photographs, then cut and paste pictures of the people you are supposed to be photographing onto them. Now you don't have to worry about "light" or "angles" or "proper framing"

Answer 5

You may want to look up things like ISO, F-Stop, and focusing to get down the basics of making an image recognizable in any situation. Other than that it's purely aesthetic. Here's hoping you have an eye for art because you don't really have time to learn how to take a compelling photo.

Answer 6

Check out: http://weddinghelp-now.blogspot.com They have good information and ideas for planning a wedding,

http://weddinghelp-now.blogspot.com