Comments on: Shooting Winter Weddings ~ Pictures and Techniques

By: damien

damien — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:47:11 +0000

Hi Deniz, I have no general approach to lighting weddings. I have a lot of specific systems for the multitude of situations that occur. It’s such a big subject I made a DVD dedicated to lighting winter weddings and I run a days dedicated training on the shooting weddings workshop. It’s very rare that I put a Speedlight on a stand. I’ll use my Broncolor Mobil on a stand for the groups if necessary and I’ll use my Arri on a stand for couples shots etc. I use Speedlights off camera but rarely on a stand. Take a look at the trailer for shooting winter weddings DVD and read the spec pages for more info. There’s also a big chapter in my book on wedding photography but words can’t explain completely how I light a wedding like a DVD can show. I use a Sto-Fen when I need a Speedlight to be multidirectional. Have a great Christmas, Damien.

By: Deniz

Deniz — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:39:23 +0000

Damian, one thing I’ve not grasped from your blog is your overall approach to lighting at weddings – not the portrait shots which are set-up – but all the other grab shots, speeches etc that take place indoors. Do you always use off camera flash on stands?

Do you ever use a flash diffuser on camera? Have you ever used the GF Lightsphere II or bounced your Speedlite off walls for example?

I’m really keen to hear your thoughts on this subject.

Thank you

By: Allan Scott

Allan Scott — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:15:43 +0000

Thanks Damian. Great response as always!

By: damien

damien — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:16:32 +0000

Hi Allan, I would not use the Arri for groups. Shots lit with the Arri are typically ISO 800, 1/60th at f/4 and I prefer a lower ISO, a faster shutter speed and a greater depth of field for wedding groups. I use my Broncolor flash kit for wedding groups. Here are more of my Arri pictures. There are others here too. Kind regards, Damien.

By: damien

damien — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:55:43 +0000

Hi Lloyd,

Thanks for your kind words. Have a great wedding season, Damien.

By: Allan Scott

Allan Scott — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 13:01:33 +0000

Fantastic shots. This is one course I would have loved to have attended but unfortunately time did not permit.

I have 5 weddings coming up over December & January and the Arri light really interests me. Can it be used for group shots? It would be great to see more examples of wedding shots you have done using this light.

Keep up the great work!

Thanks,

Allan

By: Lloyd Siddall

Lloyd Siddall — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:12:32 +0000

Hi All
I was on the first course on the 16th of November. A fantastic day great location learnt a lot. You won’t be disappointed.
The techniques showed are simple, easy to remember and very effective.
If you get the chance BOOK (no I’m not on commission).

Best regards

Lloyd

By: damien

damien — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:18:52 +0000

Hi Carole,

You are right. I am doing a studio portrait masterclass for 3 shooters on the 8th. I thoroughly recommend both days. You will not be disappointed.

Regards, Damien.

By: Carole Kelly

Carole Kelly — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:07:22 +0000

am I getting confused, I thought you had one the day after as well??? i was thinking of doing both, if I travel all the way down might as well do every thing in one hit : ). One on studio and one on weddings.

By: damien

damien — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:53:58 +0000

Hi Barb, Phil and Carole, Thanks for your comments. Carole, the workshop is a one day event but because of demand we ran two workshops back to back. It's a completely new experience from the 'big flash in the country' workshop you came on. If you can make the date book 7th December because it will be the last one of this season. Phil, As mentioned, if you want to bag these shots and the knowledge / experience then book a place on the December workshop. I'm not sure there will be another opportunity. We really do share far more than the shooting techniques. It's a value packed day. David, This workshop goes way beyond the DVD. It's all new lighting scenarios in a new venue with a new couple and new kit for that matter. A DVD is a great start but it is no replacement for the experience of being there. You will also get the shots to use for self promotion. Thanks again Damien.

By: David Lowerson

David Lowerson — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:28:09 +0000

Hi Damien,

With regards to the winter wedding workshop, will this be the same techniques as used in your excellent DVD’s or are there new ideas to try and learn?

Awesome images.

By: Carole Kelly

Carole Kelly — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:13:45 +0000

These are lovely and the thought of two workshops over two days is very tempting. Will I need a car once I am there? I went on your big flash in the country work shop so would like to do these two.

By: Phil

Phil — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 19:02:09 +0000

lovely images ……….im going to have to find the time to attend one of your courses

By: Barb Cameron

Barb Cameron — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:01:21 +0000

Beautiful images and direction. Your workshops look like they are packed with ideas and inspiration.