Saturdays Wedding (getting ready shots)

[Shay Stephens]

Had a wedding at the Lyndhurst castle on Saturday, I am processing the gallery images now, probably won't finish until sometime tomorrow, but the getting ready photos are starting to show up, so here are a few:

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst126.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst137.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst134.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst142.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst143.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst179.jpg

More later as they become available

[Andy]

yummy.

[gus]

Had a wedding at the Lyndhurst castle on Saturday, I am processing the gallery images now, probably won't finish until sometime tomorrow, but the getting ready photos are starting to show up, so here are a few:





http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst134.jpg







More later as they become available
Love this one shay :clap

[Nir]

If those are just the warming up pics ...

Fantastic Shay!

[Yuri Pautov]

Had a wedding at the Lyndhurst castle on Saturday, I am processing the gallery images now, probably won't finish until sometime tomorrow, but the getting ready photos are starting to show up, so here are a few:
More later as they become available
Like emotions here, Shay!
Last one is my favourite - just super portrait.
Why dont you 'work with her skin', I wonder?
Spasibo,
Yuri

[Dave DB]

Very nice, love the third picture especially.


Dave DB

[thegreenegg]

Hi Shay,
Love your pictures.
-The first one I really like the idea. I don't so much like the bar code on the back of the mirror but that's easy to take off. The lighting is nice and warm... do you have any more poses of her with the mirror?
-I'll do two and three together. I like the wide angle you have on the tying of the bride's dress but the intimate closer view and beauitful and a real keeper.
-Four is a nice candid. I like that one.
- Five and Six are very nice. Some really nice pictures of the the bride. I like the last one especially. It's like her groom just came around the corner or something. So, wistful.
Overall, very good job. So, let's have more of the bonbardment of wedding pictures.
Ashley

[Shay Stephens]

Thank you for the comments everybody. Here is another small round of pics:

It was periodically raining, so we had to shoot much of the portraits between bands of medium to light rain. So we stuck pretty close to tree cover to keep everyone dry.

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst160.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst185.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst172.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst269.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst291.jpg

[Nikolai]

I now look at your photos and asking "where did he put the light?":D
Great work, I see that still have a lot to learn, but at least you provide such a fine learning material:-).
I like the way you've used that mirrior:-)

Cheers, mastah!:1drink

[Nir]

Once again, fantastic!

I may just consider marrying again... would you come over here to Israel Shay?

[leebase]

Absolutely fantastic http://www.digitalgrin.com/images/smilies/clap.gifhttp://www.digitalgrin.com/images/smilies/clap.gifhttp://www.digitalgrin.com/images/smilies/clap.gif

I'm shooting a wedding this Sat., your shots are inspirational.

Lee

[Shay Stephens]

The ceremony almost got rained out, but just as people were starting to head for the trees, it let up and all went without a hitch.

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst211.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst218.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst228.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst232.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst242.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst249.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst256.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst261.jpg

[binghott]

shay, i'm a fan of your work, it's beyond excellent. the wide shots are nice, but the shots with the 70-200 are abolutely stunning. i shot a confirmation/bat-mitzvah type thing this weekend and didn't use my 70-200 once, the tamron 28-75 was great. i kinda regret not using it, but it would've been difficult to use since the lens is basically as big as the whole restaurant we were in.

i'm assuming you were only using your 16-35 and 70-200 the entire time, i'm also assuming you use two bodies, but i could be wrong.

my favorite shot so far is the last shot of the first set you posted, it's beautiful.

EDIT: i noticed theres one you just posted that was apparently taken with the 18-55 kit lens, is that right?

[Shay Stephens]

but it would've been difficult to use since the lens is basically as big as the whole restaurant we were in.
The 70-200 is honkin' huge! I really debated on whether or not it would work for me, and it's really heavy too. It might not sound like it to some, but when you carry this all day for 12 hours, that adds up :wink

But the results, like you mentioned, are worth it to me. I can't actually imagine not using the lens now. And with the IS (image stabilization) I can use it at 1/60th of a second in low light situations very reliably without getting camera shake at full zoom. Just amazing.

i'm assuming you were only using your 16-35 and 70-200 the entire time, i'm also assuming you use two bodies, but i could be wrong.
I carry three lenses in my bag, the 70-200, 16-35, and the 50mm. I mostly use the 70-200 and the 16-35 for everything. I do use two bodies, and at times will use both at the same time, but my preference is to use one body and swap lenses. I do too much body movement to have two bodies swinging around my neck most times. When I am not using Jen for anything, she takes the second body with the kit lens. When she gets a good one, it finds it's way into the gallery (much to her delight hehehe)


EDIT: i noticed theres one you just posted that was apparently taken with the 18-55 kit lens, is that right?
Yes, you are correct. As mentioned above, Jen shoots with the kit lens, and one of them found their way into this post by accident. Not that it's a bad thing of course, but I like to keep any confusion at a minimum :wink

Jen is currently in training with the camera. In a while, she will start learning PS too. She is making good progress and the goal is to have her capable of doing a wedding all on her own.

[Shay Stephens]

Hi Ashley, I don't usually do much spot editing for the proof gallery. People like to see their photos fast these days "donchya know". But here are the two other mirror shots and the first one posted that are cleaned up.

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst116.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst117.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst126a.jpg

[tlittleton]

Those are excellent photos Shay. Did you have a flash behind her when she's looking into the mirror, or is that natural background light?

[Shay Stephens]

I did have a small softbox in the room to provide some fill, but the reflected light in this case is coming from a window from behind here (over her left shoulder). The room had three walls with windows all around. The fill light from the flash was placed in the corner of the wall that had no windows.

There was also some incandescent lights up in the ceiling that helped to impart the warm tones and the walls were an orange-y yellow which helped too.

Those are excellent photos Shay. Did you have a flash behind her when she's looking into the mirror, or is that natural background light?

[T4Tots]

I just enjoyed your entire gallery :)

These are really great. I love the colors. Glad the rain held off!

[Shima]

Beautiful work as always Shay... love the one where they're walking away from the altar, faces are priceless.

[Peter Dumont]

Thank you for the comments everybody. Here is another small round of pics:

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst172.jpg

Really lovely pictures, Shay !:agree

I have a few favourites from your posts and this is one of them.:clap
Very nice capture ! What did you tell them to make them laugh like that ?:lol

Bye,
Peter Dumont

[BridgeCity]

EDIT: i noticed theres one you just posted that was apparently taken with the 18-55 kit lens, is that right?
Yes, you are correct. As mentioned above, Jen shoots with the kit lens, and one of them found their way into this post by accident. Not that it's a bad thing of course, but I like to keep any confusion at a minimum :wink

Jen is currently in training with the camera. In a while, she will start learning PS too. She is making good progress and the goal is to have her capable of doing a wedding all on her own.
Good to know there is still hope for this lens! I have the 50 1.4 but am not talented enough to realize it's greatness. I still have a tough time taking the 18-55 off my camera... Which leads me to beleive that I need to upgrade to the 16-35 L.. or the 24-70 L

Wonderful set Shay... pictures like that are what inspire my to keep trying :D

[Angelo]

very sweet Shay. I admire your ability to work around bright windows and mirrors and maintain beautiful light. :thumb

[binghott]

Jen is currently in training with the camera. In a while, she will start learning PS too. She is making good progress and the goal is to have her capable of doing a wedding all on her own.
i find this interesting, why don't you have someone working for you that already knows how to use the camera and photoshop? is she working for you and in return you're teaching her to use the camera and photoshop?

[Shima]

i find this interesting, why don't you have someone working for you that already knows how to use the camera and photoshop? is she working for you and in return you're teaching her to use the camera and photoshop?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm 99% sure that she's Shay's wife :)

[binghott]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm 99% sure that she's Shay's wife :)
haha. oops, didn't know that http://dgrin.com/images/smilies/ne_nau.gif
sorry!

[lynnesite]

Gorgeous work, Shay, love the white balance especially. So nice when flash is really used correctly, and in this case despite variable light as well. I liked your creative poses, too.

[wxwax]

Shay, some absolutely wonderful images. I especially like the first mirror shot, that's just great. And one again I note that the good shooters always seem to nail the exposure - great stuff.

Hey lynne, are those two horses getting it on in your avatar?

[dragon300zx]

Shay I have some questions and was wondering if it would be ok to PM you with them.

[Shay Stephens]

Thank you for looking and commenting T4Tots, Shima, Lynne, and wxwax.

Peter, that's a trade secret....hahaha....no, really, it was as simple as just suggesting they all laugh and have a good time. They were already in a happy fun loving mood, so they did not need any other help than that. Also did a non laughing shot:
http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst171.jpg

BridgeCity: You can do a lot with the kit lens. The 50mm will let you do low light work. You don't need a bevy of lenses to get good work done ;-) but with that said, the 16-35mm is totally sweet and bright.

Angelo: I look for lighting and backgrounds almost as much as I look for subject matter. When both make themselves available at the same time, that's when the sparks fly :-)

binghott: As Shima mentioned, Jen is my wife.

dragon300zx: You may launch when ready :wink

[Shay Stephens]

The reception was held under a tent. Good thing too, because not long after everyone got seated, it started pouring cats and dogs.

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst307.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst346.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst351.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst359.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst364.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst369.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst388.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst407.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst413.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst464.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst474.jpg

[simon bennett]

The reception was held under a tent. Good thing too, because not long after everyone got seated, it started pouring cats and dogs.


http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst359.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst364.jpg

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst369.jpg
Hi Shay... would be keen to know what lens you used for the above shots.

I have to agree with Gus on the following shot. It's my fave from the series.

http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst134.jpg

A wedding in a scenic location with photogenic people. That makes a difficult job a little easier. Looks like it was a fun shoot.

Simon.

[Shay Stephens]

70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens. It's the only one I can use in low light situations I find myself in. I am by nature a zoomer, and primes just make me feel restricted.

I find a beautiful location and subjects to be very inspirational, but not necessarily easier. They look good, and generally know it, and expect the photos to look better hehehe. The pressure to live up to that can be tough :wink


Hi Shay... would be keen to know what lens you used for the above shots.

A wedding in a scenic location with photogenic people. That makes a difficult job a little easier. Looks like it was a fun shoot.

Simon.

[Sam]

Shay,

You provided the greatest service a photographer could. You captured a wonderfull set photos of your clients wedding which will allow them to cherish this precious day for all times.

Simply a wonderfull and truely profesional job.

You have found your calling.

Sam

[simon bennett]

70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens. It's the only one I can use in low light situations I find myself in. I am by nature a zoomer, and primes just make me feel restricted.

I find a beautiful location and subjects to be very inspirational, but not necessarily easier. They look good, and generally know it, and expect the photos to look better hehehe. The pressure to live up to that can be tough :wink
Heh heh... I hear that. I don't earn a keep from photography so wedding requests are always met as a mixed blessing. Mostly due to the high expectations.

70-200 f/2.8 IS... nice lens. It's the next on my list. Once I've saved the AUS$2k+ for it that is. Went in to a camera store here in Canberra a couple of weeks ago and enquired about this lens. Was told 'Canon don't make it - it doesn't exist.' There's something to be said for the lost art of salesmanship (ie: knowing your product - not just pitching it).

There's always Ebay which'll shave about AUS$1k off the price. Definitely will be snapping one asap.

Thanks for the info, Shay. It's good to be reading your posts again.

Cheers,
Simon.

[tlittleton]

I'm just so drawn back to the lighting. You did some great work with the lighting. Hardly looks as though you used any kind if flash at all. The outside shot of the castle at night is great too.

[pepper44]

These are great pictures!! You should do the photography for my wedding...

-Amy

[ashby]

Shay, the photos in the tent are miraculous. :clap Tell us how you did the lighting. Remotes? Stands? And then, how did you manage to maneuver the subjects into the proper positions?

[JazzyJak]

Every image is inspirational from a photographers point of view and some amazing captures for the B&G to enjoy, the rehearsal pic you posted and all of these are great. And it's great you're so open to questions from everyone.

Beautiful work Shay.

[Shay Stephens]

Sam: Thank you, I really appreciate your comments. I just finished the DVD slideshow, and wow, it's 10x more powerful than a static gallery. It's my presentation of choice these days.

Simon: Once I gave up on STF, it freed me, and I realized I could post unfettered. Very liberating :-)

Thomas: Lighting is key. I can't stress that enough. Any photographer who wants to grow or feels stalled photographically and they have not yet began working with lighting should do so as soon as possible. It's a whole new world of creativity and results.

Amy: Thank you! Send me a PM with your date. You never know ;-)

Ashby: The reception was lit with three lights. Two fired up at the tent ceiling and one shooting across the venue parallel to the band. That created large areas of fill an highlights, allowing me to not have to pose or place anyone in the tent. Here is an overview shot showing where I placed two of the lights aimed up at the ceiling (they are on both sides of the band) and Jen was controlling the third light off to camera left (not visible in the frame)
http://forums.shaystephens.com/graphics/lyndhurst338.jpg

All three lights were triggered with Pocketwizards allowing me to wander about without being hampered by cords or optical lines of sight.

JazzyJak: Thank you very much for commenting, and I am glad you enjoyed the thread too :-)

[Angelo]

Shay - I'm glad I revisited this post to see your progress. I am truly overwhelmed with this remarkable series of photos. I can only imagine the tears of joy you'll witness when the bride sees her special day captured so beautifully.