When lenses are concerned, some opinions differ quite a bit. It is common to hear about prime lenses that have large apertures for wedding photography. Of course, this is the case because prime lenses offer excellent image quality in regards to sharpness and blur, and they’re quicker than zoom lenses. But they’re not as adaptable.
Through time, I’ve taken wedding photos using a range of different lenses, which include primes and zooms. For me, a combination works best. When I’m in a church, I utilize a 24-70mm f/2.8 lens the majority of times due to a straightforward motive: because I do not need to move around that often. It is particularly helpful in situations that require you to move quickly, like in the first kiss. It’s easier to use zoom lenses for obvious reasons. I also utilize other lenses to shoot portraits or close-ups, as well as still-life photos.
Here’s a list of lenses I typically bring to weddings. This setup means that I have an array of focal lengths as well as a lot of options for different types of compositions. Whether you’ll make use of them, is contingent on the setting.
Lighting Equipment
Sincere, I’m not a huge fan of using flashlights for wedding photography. Why? Because they ruin the mood! It’s not just a nuisance for the guests, but it also destroys all-natural light sources, like disco balls or chandeliers, even if they are used in indirect ways as they bounce off the ceiling wall.
Sometimes, however, you’ll have to make use of them. First dances are just one such occasion. Most often, it will have an elegant lighting setup that is lit by candles or candles. To ensure that we don’t ruin the beauty of this scene, I work with two light sources that are gentle and are used to capture some detail within the dark shadows. In general, be sure to use the available light source and utilize the flash only to support your work and not as your primary source of light.
At times, it is advisable to use a light source. It can be an excellent option for the wedding photography session with the bride and groom in order to add certain eye-catching highlights or to highlight faces. I utilize two kinds of flashlights. I have 2 Canon Speedlights for the reportage with bouncers that are small and attached, as well as a huge studio flashlight powered by batteries that has a softbox to capture the portraits.
Regarding illumination, reflecting devices may be extremely useful for the wedding shoot itself, particularly in the event that you have a helper to assist you. It’s a great option to showcase the light available without flash.
Apart from a camera bag, batteries, and memory cards, these are the most important need items. Reflectors and light meters are not required, based on the task you intend to accomplish. A tripod is useful when you’re looking to capture photos at night or in groups without altering the frame.
Such scenes are simpler to capture if they are equipped with a tripod. Be sure to plan ahead what you’ll need to bring to your wedding location. Photograph by ‘ Felix Roser.’
The things I keep in my bag are some bridal blister-plasters tissue, makeup powder, tissues, and candy bars. As I said before, you’re present for the wedding couple and must ensure that they are at ease and are well looked after.
Working with Different Lighting Setups
Utilizing a Reflector
As I mentioned earlier, I prefer working with natural light rather than artificial light sources. A sun bounce, or reflector can be a wonderful device to produce beautiful photographs without using a flash.
Backlighting your photography gives depth and makes the image more appealing to the eye. It’s sometimes difficult; however, if you can learn to master the setup of your lights, your photos will get better. Photo taken by “Felix Roser”.
In the image above, you will see the main source of light can be seen as the sun. It’s coming from in the background behind my couple, which means the light outlines their faces and helps them stand out against the ground. Backlight typically creates depth, which means your photo is more intriguing to the eye. I applied a tiny sunbounce to soften the groom’s dark coat and bring some detail back. With no sunbounce, the jacket would appear more dark.
To ensure that the reflection appears not too sharp or harsh, you need to alter how far you are between the source and reflector. In this instance, the glass was located at a distance of 5m from the couple, so it would only show slight brightness. Remember that if the reflection is too bright, you can move the sun bounce away until you get the level of intensity you prefer.
Reflectors can also be utilized to make eyes appear more vivid in close-ups. If you put the glass underneath your chin and then photograph the subject you are photographing, you will be able to make beautiful reflections in the lower region that surrounds the eyes. This creates a beautiful, bright, glowing look and can also enhance the eyes’ colors much more clearly. It is best to use diffused lighting on an overcast day or with a softbox and flashlight.
