| Photography Forum: Photography Help Forum: |
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Q. Wedding Photography Lighting..?
Asked by Veronica Varos
(K=23) on 1/10/2007
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So I'm shooting my first wedding ever soon and I have no idea what sort of lighting to purchase for this. A new speedlight, a softbox to fit over that light? Those are the only ideas I've been given thus far. I have $300 to spend on this. Can anyone give me some ideas as to what has worked for them or what they would suggest?
I really am not into doing weddings at all. I never planned on ever doing one. But one of my best friends family members asked and I couldn't really say no.
Please help?
Thanks so much.
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Phillip Filtz
(K=1792) - Comment Date 1/22/2007
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Veronica, you can actually get by using 1 umbrella if need be. Personally, I use 2 lights when shooting formals at the alter. One large Photoflex Multidome for my main light, which is usually positioned off to the right, and a medium SB for my fill, which is usually in the aisle. Both are positioned high up and pointing downward.
I do this, so I don't have to worry so much about reflections in subjects glasses. If you use one light with an umbrella, just place it off to the side of you. This will result in somewhat flat lighting, but if your limited on money for gear, you can get by with this configuration.
Hope that helps some.
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Phillip Filtz
(K=1792) - Comment Date 1/22/2007
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P.S. I forgot to mention that Alien Bee makes some nice entry level strobes as well. These are monolights and not strobes that use a power pack. Meaning, the power pack is in the head of the strobe itself. What you have to keep in mind is what the largest size of the group you'll be shooting. You have to have enough light and spread of that light to cover that widest group.
If need be, bring a tripod, bump up your ISO some, and slow the shutter down. This will allow some ambient light into the shot as well as your flash, whether it be a hotshoe flash, or strobe of some type.
I wish you all the luck, because you really shouldn't be cutting your teeth on lighting at a wedding, no matter how good a friend you are with them. You still want to be friends after the wedding .
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Dave Holland
(K=13074) - Comment Date 1/31/2007
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That last remark by Phillip was insightful. There are high expectations at a wedding, and any mistake will be remembered forever. Although I am a competent amateur photographer, I wouldn't dare jump into wedding photography. Brides expect a lot from you, be sure you are up to the challenge.
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