Show me your wedding formal photographs....

[igcollection]

taken with either a hotshoe flash, hotshoe off camera flash, quantum flash or studio strobe.

Please note as to what equipment was used beside photograph.

I am trying to decide on what i need to purchase. I'm done hotshoe flash, hotshoe off camera flash and strobes. I'm leaning towards quantums, but need to be sure.

Thanks,

Ivan

[lscottpht]

Here's a few I did at two recent weddings. All were using the Canon 580EXII on camera, bounced off the ceiling. Camera was either 40d or 5d.

[igcollection]

I guess what i need to get through my head is that the new "formal" photos are now usually informal.

anyone had a problem trying to photograph big groups like 30 people? how do you discourage that. I always say that the wedding should not be a portrait session, but some like to have every one in their photos at once.

[Gateruner]

Hey Ivan, I thought you dropped off the face of the earth. I see you have re-worked your style a little bit. Veddy Interesting.

Here is where I am now with formals. I try to do the informal photos as much as possible as well. I am doing the Raymond method for the most part. I set up 2 light stands with speedlights on slave into silver umbrellas. One speedlight on camera as master and shoot all the formals on manual flash now. For me this transfers to the reception really easily where the umbrellas go away and the stands get set up in various locations for back lighting. Sorry I dont have any example shots readily available.

Catcha later.

[bellavistapro]

Hey Scott!

Yeah i haven't been around for a while. I got your messages but i was very late in reading them. Yeah i'm trying to rework my style towards the more "fine art" look i see going around and i'm loving it!

I've talked to Jesus and Leslie and have concluded to buy more sb-800s rather than the quantum. I'm planning on shooting out-of-state weddings one day and i'm trying to build my kit.

[Paulo]

The clients I've come across vary in regards to wanting traditional formals or 'modern' formals. Many times, they want both. I guess the mentality is the traditional is for the parents & grandparents and the 'modern' is for them. Depending on available light conditions, trying to light 30 or more people with a single hotshoe flash can be tricky. But I've see it done.
Often times, weddings tend to be family reunions as well. Loved ones that are not often seen on a regular basis travel from all over the place to attend. So, I've resisted in talking anyone out of large group shots. For me, it's also a faster workflow to take a group photo than have each individual family come up and have a photo taken with the B&G. It just depends on what they want and how much time they're willing to set aside to accomplish it. I just try to make sure I communicate with the B&G to keep things organize and I bring a ladder.

Originally Posted by igcollection

I guess what i need to get through my head is that the new "formal" photos are now usually informal.

anyone had a problem trying to photograph big groups like 30 people? how do you discourage that. I always say that the wedding should not be a portrait session, but some like to have every one in their photos at once.

The below images were taken in the front 'courtyard' of Paraiso Maravilla in Houston at the request of the bride & groom. They didn't want indoor formals...
Nikon D200
SB-800 with Omnibounce diffuser (on hotshoe)

[LoungeLizard]

I look at them a bit differently.

There's the "group formals" which are normally done at the church (or where the ceremony was held) and then there's the bridal party/bride & groom formal portraits.

The trend is to take the latter toward a more casual type portrait. Here's a few off my blog from my last couple of weddings:















Oh, the family groups? Those are as boring as you can imagine. Normally, it's just an "assembly line" production!

[starkitty]

Jesus, those are really nice! This has inspired me to try something new - my formals are soooo boring.

[RedPoppy]

Thanks for the posts! These have given me some great ideas, too! And for the record, I really despise the group formals, too. Jesus, your pictures are fabulous! Love the angles...gotta try some of that.

[igcollection]

Jesus, those are amazing! I see that i should encourage "modern" outdoor formals to brides....thanks for the tips. I have been building an "educational" package of like 10 pages for brides to learn how to take full advantage of us on their wedding day and it has given me good results, just depends on the couple, traditions and family likes. But it really works with couples who want what they see in today's magazines of course!