Scott and Kasey Wedding

[tukaniray]

This will actually be my second time being a second shooter for another Photog.

I don't do alot of weddings, but when I get them. I try to do my best as many of you wedding photographers are.

I love working with people, but wedding gigs are such a different game in the photography business. Props and kudos to those of you who do this day in and out.

Give it to me ... where can I improve, if I get requested to help again.

-Ray-

[groovyone]

#1, love the idea. I'd say try lightening it up some (could be my monitor though) and the rainbow reflection off what I am guessing is the other ring is distracting.

#2 Nice catch on the expression. Looks a touch soft.

#3 Nice shot! The lights behind the grooms head are a little annoying but reception shots, at least in my very limited experience, you kind of have to deal with stuff like that to catch the moments that matter.

[tukaniray]

Thanks for you time to comment Keith.

I will have to say, I was using my Nikon 80-200 2.8 ... and doing shots running around with that lens is definitely an arm workout.

-Ray-

[groovyone]

I hear ya there. I had the 70-200G on for most of a looong reception, often with a 58 series flash on top. That was before my black rapids too. That wears ya out.

[janetg]

it appears you were using direct flash... learn to bounce it to avoid the hard shadows.

[tukaniray]

Thanks for the time to comment Janet.

Yeah, I have a "Whale Tail" and a "Garry Fong" ... but neither of them gave enough throw of light to capture the moments.

Both the Main Photographer and I also hated the ceilings ... Black as can be. So, there was no way to bounce the light.

So, unfortunately, we both decided to go straight flash. But I agree and thank you for the comments again.

-Ray-

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by tukaniray

Thanks for the time to comment Janet.

Yeah, I have a "Whale Tail" and a "Garry Fong" ... but neither of them gave enough throw of light to capture the moments.

Both the Main Photographer and I also hated the ceilings ... Black as can be. So, there was no way to bounce the light.

So, unfortunately, we both decided to go straight flash. But I agree and thank you for the comments again.

-Ray-

I tried the Whale Tail and hate it. I used it for a while too, trying to get good results but really feel like it was a huge waste of money. Now I use a Sto-fen, a lumiquest 80-20 (with inserts when the ceiling sucks), and am still experimenting with the large Rogue Flashbender. I am sure some of the better wedding people will have some suggestions too.

[janetg]

when you run into that situation, you need to try to raise your iso - and use the little white card that your flash has on it - or make one for those situations, it really makes a difference. i don't know what gary fong products you are using - but over the years, i have found it's usually no better/no worse than the little white bounce card on the flash. and less gear and weight on your hands all day.

[tukaniray]

@ Keith - > Thanks for the suggestions ... I may look into the Sto-fen.

@ Janet - > I didn't want to raise the ISO too much and start to get some grain in the shots. I always in fear that the ISO will begin to become unusable for some shots. The Nikon D300s is actually not to bad with ISO grain control, being a cropped sensor, but still worry. And I have looked into getting Noise Ninja plug-ins for my Aperture and Photoshop softwares.
I have the Bowl looking Gary Fong diffuser. (Clear). I agree on the less gear and less weight point. The Camera with grip, the flash and the heavy lenses does indeed give you a workout. lol.

Thanks again for the suggestions.

-Ray-

[ShutterSpire]

1: Great idea, especially if the bear is significant to the couple. I would have brought the ring out a little more and/or applied a penlight to the ring itself to bring it out from the background.

2: You captured a great expression, but the picture itself is a little flat. This would be one that I would probably put some higher contrast to, turn b&w or do something a little more stylistic with it.

3. Good shot. Good expressions. I would probably have taken a step to the left or right just so the light wasn't coming out of his head, but otherwise, it is a fine reception shot.

[tukaniray]

Thanks Christina.

Great tips for me to work on.

-Ray-