I'm going to be photographing my first wedding, what film should I use?

Question

Next October I'm going to be photographing my first wedding...it's an outdoor wedding, I'm going to be using a 35mm SLR because I don't have enough money to buy a digital right now...what's the best film to use? and what's the best flash that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? any other tips are welcome!

Answer 1

See these tutorials on wedding photography: http://www.net-art.it/photomonitor/html/teoria_tecnica/ripresa-tecniche/matrimonio-cerimonia-e.shtml

Answer 2

It's hard to help you with so little information. But first and foremost, you need a backup camera. Be it digital or film, something might happen to your primary camera, and you will need to use the backup. I had that happen once, so I just reached in my bag and pulled out the backup which was loaded and ready to go, and no one even knew there was a problem. Make sure both are loaded with new batteries, and have about twice as much film as you think you will use.

Film depends on your preference and the lighting at the event. You may start with 100 or 200 and move up to 400 or 800 as the evening progresses. A common wedding film is Kodak Portra 160NC and 400NC. I usually rate the 400 at 360, a bit of over-exposure on negative film is our friend. The Portra NC line is low contrast film, which helps you get detail in the dark places (groom's tux) as you avoid blowing out the lighter stuff (bride's gown). Consumer Fuji film does not render good skin tones.

You don't mention which camera you use, so a flash recommendation has to be blanket. Get a flash that is dedicated to your system. For Nikon, I would recommend the SB800, or if that's out of your price range, the SB600. Use the flash to even out exposure in the sun, and to add a bit of fill in the shade. Use the TTL mode unless you are confident at setting flash exposure manually.

My final recommendation: Go to www.photo.net and search the forum for beginning or first wedding. You will have reading material to occupy you for a while. Lots of good info and know-how there to help you do the best job you can.

Shooting a wedding is unlike most other photography. People's emotions are tied up in the event, and the pictures are what you have to remember the special day after the flowers are wilted and the gown is hanging in the closet. Make sure you are up to the task before you undertake it.

Answer 3

I'm in your same boat. I would say to use 200 speed film. It is pretty all-purpose. Then after the wedding, develop it straight to disk. If you have photo-editing software (which is a MUST!) you can do some fun and creative stuff to it, then burn it to a new disk and allow your couple to keep the 2nd disk...or however you run your business.

However...mind the shadows! I shot my brother and fiance last weekend and had some HARSH sunlight ... squinting was bad. The pictures that worked the very best were in areas with a little more shade...like the awning of a house. Trees and such provide a little spotty shade...unless they are a bit more dense. So watch that. If it's a cloudy day (and pray for that!) the light will be softer and you'll have less work to do when you edit the pictures. Of course, if you are able to get a filter, then you have that solved.

As for other tips...shoot down on a "heavier" bride. It will flatter her more and minimize tummy, hips, legs and those other parts that we gals get sensitive about. Get a little step stool. It also gives you a really neat angle that you wouldn't have otherwise. And if you have a chance, go online and look at other people's work to get ideas. Don't copy them exactly, but make them your own. If you have a chance to do a dry run with the couple, I would suggest you do that, to try out poses...what is going to work, what won't, what they like, what they detest, etc. (Of course, not everyone can do that...)

Finally, have them extend their chins a bit and drop them a bit. I tell EVERYONE I photograph to do this. It feels really awkward, but takes off 10 lbs and about 5 years.

Best of luck and have a great shoot!

Answer 4

Hello. Photography is my muse and passion, so what I can pass onto you I will. I would recommend using Fuji's Superia 400speed film. It has a fourth layer of color, is a fast enough speed film to catch action in your settings (and also indoor shots you may get potentially), and is a real good film. You could use 800 speed, but 400 will be plenty fast and is an excellent all around film speed. I'm just curious, what focal length(s) do you have? A 28-90mm would be fairly good, but if you could get hold of a 75-300mm lens you could zoom in on tender moments without intruding. You could get a fairly decent one for $150 ( that is getting one that does not use the USM -Ultrasonic Motor- as it is faster and quieter and more expensive) and it will be real beneficial to you. As for flash I couldn't help much save to say get something with a guide number of at least 100, and if you could get something with a bouncer that'll produce softer effects and is less harsh. Good luck!

Answer 5

Fuji Reala are known for soft natural skin tone. but since Fuji is not a common consumer brand in US. I don't recommend getting the films develop at your local drug store. Talk to the people at the photo lab and they can give you suggestions.
As for flash, that depends on your camera. You can rent the flash unit and any other equipment. Search for a camera store, not the chain store, Look for one that carrier professional gear or at least pro-sumer gear.