Wedding at the Alhambra

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Alex53
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p.1 #1 · Wedding at the Alhambra

Ok, I am probably a type of photographer pro wedding photographers don't like, since I am going to do the photos at a friend's wedding, but rest assured apart from the choice of location they want it to be a low key, inexpensive and intimate thing and would not have gone for a pro service, just the photos taken by the family and friends with compacts, so I'm not taking away any pro's job.

However, since one of the friends, namely me, is an amateur photographer, they asked me if I'd take a few 'official' shots. I welcome the offer because it is a chance to experience this field of photography under no big pressure, and because they are getting married in the chapel of Granada's Alhambra which is a marvellous place to take photos in.

My question is the following. On the date of the wedding I will have the following equipment cameras and lenses available to me. What would you take, and what lenses would you mount on which bodies (especially given the apparent focal lengths will change between a 5D and a 10D/300D).

Bodies:
Canon 5D
Canon 10D
Canon 300D

Lenses:
Sigma 20mm f1.8
Canon EF 50mm f1.8
Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6
Canon EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 III USM

Jan 24, 2008 at 08:09 PM

lindabrowne
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p.1 #2 · Wedding at the Alhambra

Hi Alex,

You have the equipment and are obviously active in learning your craft. You also have your own style. To have a chance to shoot a wedding at the Alhambra is fantastic. How comfortable are you with portrait/event photography? How long do you have to prepare?

I'd suggest practicing shooting couples; engagement style photos. Learn to interact with the couple and work on capturing emotions. Second shooting at a couple weddings would give you a feel for the flow of the day. Doing both will also help you determine which lens/body combinations you'll want to bring along.

If you can, spend time at the Alhambra a day or two before the wedding, shooting and getting to know it, Find out where you'll be shooting -- how large is the chapel, lighting, etc. Look for places to photograph the bridal party and couple before and/or after the wedding. Read through the forum archives for tons of info and take a lot of notes, then practice as much as possible.

No pressure maybe, but you only have one chance to get these photos. Do have fun with it!

Make sure you have more memory than you think you'll need and look into back-up storage such as a hyperdrive colorspace.

~ Linda

Edited on Jan 24, 2008 at 09:08 PM

Jan 24, 2008 at 08:47 PM

M.Markovich
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p.1 #3 · Wedding at the Alhambra

Hey congrats. I have shot the Alcazar in Seville (similar to the Alhambra but not as grand) so my suggestions are:. 1. Make sure you know the time of day you are shooting, afternoon, evening will require some strobes. More importantly, 2. you will need some one to coordinate the tourist traffic. These places have loads of tourist. If you are able to go with your group when its closed to general public that would be best.

Good luck.

Marco
www.bodadecine.com

Jan 24, 2008 at 11:32 PM

hassy501
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p.1 #4 · Wedding at the Alhambra

You only have ONE CHANCE with no makeovers........good luck !!!!

Jan 24, 2008 at 11:50 PM

nickwsu
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p.1 #5 · Wedding at the Alhambra

mount the 24-105 on the 5d and throw the rest in your trunk

Jan 25, 2008 at 12:38 AM

freespirit
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p.1 #6 · Wedding at the Alhambra

Alex53 wrote:
Ok, I am probably a type of photographer pro wedding photographers don't like, since I am going to do the photos at a friend's wedding, but rest assured apart from the choice of location they want it to be a low key, inexpensive and intimate thing and would not have gone for a pro service, just the photos taken by the family and friends with compacts, so I'm not taking away any pro's job.

However, since one of the friends, namely me, is an amateur photographer, they asked me if I'd take a few 'official' shots. I welcome the offer because it is a chance to experience this field of photography under no big pressure, and because they are getting married in the chapel of Granada's Alhambra which is a marvellous place to take photos in.

My question is the following. On the date of the wedding I will have the following equipment cameras and lenses available to me. What would you take, and what lenses would you mount on which bodies (especially given the apparent focal lengths will change between a 5D and a 10D/300D).

Bodies:
Canon 5D
Canon 10D
Canon 300D

Lenses:
Sigma 20mm f1.8
Canon EF 50mm f1.8
Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro USM
Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L IS USM
Canon EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6
Canon EF 75-300mm f4-5.6 III USM

My guess is: 24- 105 on 5D and 18-55 on the other camera. I would not use the 75-300.

I have been to the Alhambra. Its a beautiful setting for wedding pictures. I would make sure that:

a) you know the time limits - its a huge site to cover - go as early as you can.

b) Must go over to preview the site by yourself to see where the best shots are

c) Get a good layout map so you know the best locations and plan a route - directions for sunrise and sunset

d) take regular breaks - so the couple are relaxed,

e) make sure you have an assistant to carry your equipment

f) dont leave your backup camera, lenses, extra batteries and extra memory cards.

g) The entrance is steep and very long. Maybe 1/4 mile. Its nice but not the best shots here. Dont waste your time here and tire the couple out. Must take a taxi or wedding car to the main entrance. No public parking here. Unless they have an arrangement for wedding couples. If you must take shots here, leave it for the evening when you exit.

g) Check day temperatures. Bride will need make up artist or friend with makeup bag now and again.

And finally,

enjoy yourself and post one or two pictures.

PS: If it was me, I would also take a laptop to preview 10 or so key images. Preview immed after taking the images. Give it to another assistant who can operate for you and carry it.

Edited by freespirit on Jan 25, 2008 at 11:05 AM GMT

Edited by freespirit on Jan 29, 2008 at 09:23 PM GMT

Edited on Jan 29, 2008 at 08:23 PM

Jan 25, 2008 at 09:55 AM

Alex53
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p.1 #7 · Wedding at the Alhambra

nickwsu: I think you are probably right. The only shortcoming of that setup is maybe I should have a fast lens available in case some places are too shadowy but light enough to avoid using flash with a fast lens.

Marco : Thanks for the tips. I will be asking all those questions. If I need a 'tourist traffic' helper, my gf is already notified of this. Funnily enough she worked at the local botanic gardens and is used to having to steer tourists around.

hassy501: Trying to make me feel the pressure?

Linda: Thanks for the vote of confidence. I dont mind the term amateur. I take it for the strict meaning, that one doesnt do something for a living, rather than imply any level of quality. There are many good amateurs in many fields. (And some very bad pros.)

The wedding is in May. I have access to a studio, and the local botanic gardens. I think I might arrange to take photos of the couple at the gardens as a test and learning experience, and since they are the very same two people, it will give them some practice too and we can even arrange particular poses, etc. They are two good friends so things should be pretty comfortable.

I definitely also have to ask about the colour of the clothes they will be wearing. I think the bride might not choose white, so that would make things a little easier for me. White dresses in the sunshine accompanied by black suits right beside them must be a bi*** to expose properly.

Does anyone put a reflector on the black suit and expose for the white dress? Would make some sense to me.

Jan 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM

Alex53
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p.1 #8 · Wedding at the Alhambra

freespirit wrote:

I have been to the Alhambra. Its a beautiful setting for wedding pictures. I would make sure that:

a) you know the time limits - its a huge site to cover - go as early as you can.

b) Must go over to preview the site by yourself to see where the best shots are

c) Get a good layout map so you know the best locations and plan a route - directions for sunrise and sunset

d) take regular breaks - so the couple are relaxed,

e) make sure you have an assistant to carry your equipment

f) dont leave your backup camera, lenses, extra batteries and extra memory cards.

g) The entrance is steep and very long. Its nice but not the best shots here. Dont waste your time here and tire the couple out. Must take a taxi or wedding car to the main entrance. No public parking here. Unless they have an arrangement for wedding couples. If you must take shots here, leave it for the evening when you exit.

g) Check day temperatures. Bride will need make up artist or friend with makeup bag now and again.

And finally,

enjoy yourself and post one or two pictures.

PS: If it was me, I would also take a laptop to preview images at break times. Give it to another assistant who can operate for you and carry it.

Hey thanks for the tips (you wrote this reply as I was typing mine above.)

I was hoping for a reply from someone who had been at the Alhambra. I will get a map and start planning.

Jan 25, 2008 at 10:04 AM

halse
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p.1 #9 · Wedding at the Alhambra

interiors at Alhambra are fairly dark with very uneven light-- flash is allowed in most (all?) interiors but beware the reflections off the tiles (just looked at mine and noted that some had unexpected reflections- one is accidently pretty cool but not suitable for a wedding pic)

ceilings are very, very high so no flash bouncing

there are many striking spots outdoors-- both vistas and backdrops (may need a filter or two for portraits as there isn't much shade)

the suggestion (given above) of making a visit before to map out the lighting and locations is a very good one

Jan 28, 2008 at 03:06 PM


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