Photographically what is the hardest part of weddings

[MicWayWal]

Photographically what is the hardest part of a wedding for you as a photographer? What is your biggest challenge in shooting a wedding?
I'm not talking about all the drama, prices, business, and "stuff" that goes on in and around weddings but just speaking photographically, what is the most difficult?

[Tom]

Depends on the wedding. Different weddings and different venues present different challenges.

I had a wedding where I was not allowed to actually be in the chapel. I had to shoot through glass doors. Couldn't even be in the balcony, because there was none.

[Flea77]

I agree it depends on the event. Sometimes it's shooting available light where there is none, sometimes it is squeezing into the corner of the battub so you can get shots of the bride putting on makeup in a tiny bathroom and sometimes it's getting all the family members to smile like they are at a wedding and not a funeral :-)

Allan

[Redneck]

For me, it's directing the people for the formal shots (b&g with family etc). I don't like formals and I think I'm not good at it either.

[kayumangi]

Catching the right expressions during the procession while shooting in a dimly lit church. I try to use a speedlight on a monopod with legs but sometimes by the time they reach the coverage area they're either not looking, they're frowning, or have their backs turned because they saw someone they know among the crowd. And I try not to force them to stop at that specific spot where I have the monopod (usually at midway between altar and entrance) because it breaks the emotional flow of things.

Second would be making creative detail shots in a short span of time, again in a dungeon like reception because the designers didn't put adequate lighting to highlight the decor. As in sometimes 15 mins tops before guests start arriving and occupying the tables hehehe.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Redneck

For me, it's directing the people for the formal shots (b&g with family etc). I don't like formals and I think I'm not good at it either.

This is the part I struggle with the most. Also, while the venue obviously matters, dark receptions are rough. I shot one in an "above ground wine cellar" that was very dark and all dark brick. It was a challenge to get light ANYWHERE. The 1.4 and 1.8 lenses were working OT.

[lscottpht]

Originally Posted by Redneck

For me, it's directing the people for the formal shots (b&g with family etc). I don't like formals and I think I'm not good at it either.

Right there with you, although lately, I'm getting much better with this and being more creative.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Depends on the wedding. Different weddings and different venues present different challenges.

I had a wedding where I was not allowed to actually be in the chapel. I had to shoot through glass doors. Couldn't even be in the balcony, because there was none.

I can just picture you, dressed like in your avatar, roaming around outside a room taking photos like a crazed stalker. haha

[David Whatley]

Catching the throwing of the garter, it in the air, with the guys trying not to catch it, and then the unlucky chap that catches it. Same goes for the boquet.

[venchka]

Dealing with the Mom/Mom-in-Law from Hell.

[Tsladaritz]

I agree....lighting.

For me -some of these chapels where they think spot lights, stained glass, and all sorts of combinations are wonderful. You can end up with brides that look like raccoons, pastors that look way too tanned because they are in the 'shadow', etc. I hate lighting in a lot of churches for photography!

I don't mind working with candle light, etc. I don't mind formals, posing people, journalistic shooting or detail shots. I do mind mixed lighting with spot lights and bad shadows, etc. when you are struggling to make people look good.

[ziffle]

Originally Posted by Tsladaritz

I agree....lighting.

For me -some of these chapels where they think spot lights, stained glass, and all sorts of combinations are wonderful. You can end up with brides that look like raccoons, pastors that look way too tanned because they are in the 'shadow', etc. I hate lighting in a lot of churches for photography!

I don't mind working with candle light, etc. I don't mind formals, posing people, journalistic shooting or detail shots. I do mind mixed lighting with spot lights and bad shadows, etc. when you are struggling to make people look good.

this ^^^^^ .....

and walking inside and out on a humid day ... and the lens decide to act a a water condenser.

[FireHeart Photography]

finding locations within the location for really creative shots... sometimes I wish I lived in CA or New Zealand where they have these amazing vistas, sunrise and sunset... I like to get creative and sometimes I just have to go with the money shots....

[brad]

Originally Posted by Redneck

For me, it's directing the people for the formal shots (b&g with family etc). I don't like formals and I think I'm not good at it either.

Yup.. as much as I try to talk them out of it, they always want the stuff formal shots up on the altar... I hate them, they bore the hell out of me, and I feel like I'm no good at them. They always seem to love them, but it is sure hard to make myself do them.

I'd much rather do the creative/fun ones before and after the wedding.

[jkderby]

Bridezilla.