These are a couple of photos from my first time second shooting for someone. There are plenty of things that I learned from this experience! Above all the most difficult part for me was that I hadn’t met *anyone* before the shoot, not even the photographer! Audrey was fantastic to shoot with and I felt like I knew her from a past lifetime or something! It’s hard when everyone knows the main photographer and doesn’t really look at the second shooter at all. She did tell them to look at me instead of her a couple times which was great, thanks Audrey!
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
The weddings I have shot so far in my lifetime have been easy because they were for friends who weren’t expecting much in the first place. This was a lot different, I wanted to bring everything I have learned to the table. I shoot a lot of nature and landscapes and everyone who knows me knows that I have a mad crush on bokeh! I learned in this shoot that I need to close the aperture down a little bit and let go of the bokeh if the shot calls for it. *frown* I can achieve great bokeh during detail shots and other things, but I must get over trying to get it for every shot. It’s difficult to shoot at 1.4 while people are walking pretty fast down the isle.
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
I also learned to mind the harsh light a little more. After seeing some of my blown out highlights in these photos, I am going to try to find the shadiest spot rather than rush in nervousness to get the shot.
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
My flash died 4 times during the reception but that was fine because I had packed enough batteries. I hate that the SB-900 (and as far as I know the SB-800 as well) doesn’t give you any indication that the battery power is low. It just decides “First dance? Sure, I’ll die now!”
© Alexandra Roberts Photography
Those are my main takeaways from my first experience. I will take everything I learn each time I shoot and apply it to the next.
Excellent post. Loving the images so far! The guy second to right looks thrilled showing his leg
Haha.
One thing I’d recommend for the harsh lighting (since it’s fresh on my mind) is maybe spot metering the subject. It’s a bit tougher if they’re moving, but for the pic of the guys, it would have been perfect.
Keep the pics coming!
Good call, Jack! I will definitely try that out next time! I loved working with these grooms, they were hilarious! Sadly, Most of the photos of them have some really harsh blown out areas. I can fix them in photoshop but I would rather get them right in-cam first! Thank you for the comment!
For reals, I don’t understand why they don’t put some battery indicator on the flash! I really hope they add one in the next flash they make.
Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
Hi. Just stumbled upon your blog – great post! I am second shooting my first wedding in 2 weeks and love to shoot wide open. I could definitely see myself focusing too much on the bokeh and missing some moments… I will have to keep this in mind : )