negative photographer

Depends on when your wedding ceremony is???

That is a very negative attitude!

we ar getting married in March and our tog said that it will be getting dark early and there is a chance of rain but he will work around it and may have to rearrange the out door pics for later on or do more inside. he said that the timing of the ceremony (2pm) will fit in perfectly and there should still be plently of light to get pics!

you are paying the tog to get the best possible photos on your day and they should make that happen! you are right, a good photographr can find a window!

We're getting married on 13th November and ceremony is at 1.30pm. We were originally going to have a later ceremony but realised that we wouldn't have very much natural light so we brought the service forward so if it is dry we can still have some pics taken outside the venue and when we come out of the Church. What time are you getting married? We figured, get wed at 1.30 (daughters christening straight after) so will be in Church for around 45 mins, few pics outside and it will still be light, then 15 min drive to venue for outdoor pics. Will start getting dark around 3.45 I think so it will be cutting it fine but the venue has some lovely places indoors to have photos as well. I wouldn't want to leave it much later than 1.30pm to be honest as I think it will be pushing it to get decent light

We are getting married 17th dec 2011 our photographer said that you can get some beautiful romantic shots that time of year so I think maybe you should think about changing your tog, if they are a professtional they should be able to take fab pics whatever the time in my opinon x

I am getting married on 17th december and my photographer said the pictures will be lovely and wintery 'romantic'. We arent getting married until 3pm and I am not at all worried about lighting because it wont be too dark

Find a tog with eperience of winter weddings! Its one thing to manage your expectations, and say that you woun't have as much time as a summer birde for lots of outside shots, or that the quality of the light will be different, but this sounds like he might not even try.

I doubt it'll be as dark as this shot I found with Google.

Does your photographer not use lighting for anything?

The reality is that it gets dark very early in November. That won't change.

THere are factors involved, as have already been mentioned:

1. What time is the ceremony

2. What time is the meal set for

3. How far from the ceremony location is the location where photos are meant to be taken.

Without this information, it's difficult to advise you. It sounds to me like your photographer is making an attempt to manage your expectations, so any changes that need to be discussed, can be brought up now, while there is time to change anything to fit what you want. This is not being negative,, they need to point out things that could affect the outcome,, as there is a huge difference between natural light images, and those taken when the light is gone. Huge! It is not ideal for groups in particular. So you should not be looking at this as a negative, it's proactive on the part of the photographer.

Teri_M is right as it is difficult to advise with out the added info but the reality is november can throw a few problems at you in terms of weather, Did he say you wouldnt get nice pics outside or you might not...

I would say on your side maybe if you are wearing heels to get some back up flat shoes so you can walk on the grass (they will not be seen under the dress), an umbrella and something wedding like to keep you warm, That way you can go out just the 2 of you to get some nice winter pics around the grounds.

Light can be a problem for groups but just the 2 of you outside should be fine.

as its november if he says that you are unlikely to get nice pics outside and things work out on the day you will be alot happier afterwards.

Teri and Greenleaf make some good points.

Winter weddings can be excellent for outdoor photography. The weather may be less reliable (although that said, the worse weather I had on a wedding was an August) although if the ceremony is early enough, and the weather is average to OK, then you should be fine. It isn't the quantity of light that is relevant, its the quality of the light.

If photography outside is what you want, then for Nov, Dec, Jan, you really need to have the ceremony by 2.30 or earlier. Otherwise, by the time you come out, the light may well be starting to fail.

I thought you'd get a number of Photographers give feedback to this! The points above are very true, but we're paid to deal with ALL elements a Wedding can throw at us!

Because my diary is busy from March all the way through to December I trained & experimented with photographing in low light. I've had to invest in equipment that can cope with this. (Turning upto Weddings with over £5k's worth of kit is one of the reasons why we're not dirt cheap!) I always mention to my couples that low-light makes my job harder but I'll do everything in my power to make them extra-special.

Most photographers on here will be using the lastest kit that deals brilliantly with low light and then will process your photographs with software that can bring warmth and light into them.

Never be afraid to talk to your photographer, ask as many questions as you can. You need to be 100% confident with him/her, if you're not, you might not be as relaxed as you should and in turn, nervous in your photographs.

One idea would be asking to see an album/portfolio of a Winter wedding that they've done. I'm sure they'll do a great job though, they're managing your expectations which is a very professional thing to do!

Hope that helps.

I am a late Jan wedding and my pictures are scheduled between 3-5. It should start light and be finishing as the sun goes down. I am not worried and have been told that I could end up with some fabulous shots as the light falls.

Failing that, I have picked a venue with an interior I love so I know I can get fab indoor pics if necessary.

I love winter weddings and particularly the fact that you have to find the available light and if needs be create light to work with. It isn't easy and any photographer not confident in doing it will no doubt try to put you off. The one thing you really need to consider is the light in the ceremony venue as this is likely to be something the photographer can not control due to restrictions from the vicar/registrar.

My photographer has some stunning dusk and evening shots on his website. Some of them have been highlighted with startegically placed lighting which produces fantastic pics. I agree with what others have said, your photographer should be experienced in all aspects of photography and have the right kit to get great shots whatever the weather, time of day etc.

You shouldn't have to reschedule your day because of your photographer.

Again, I won't judge the photographer in question, because it's impossible to know what has been discussed already between the op and the photographer, and the times in question. If the photographer specializes in natural light portraits, and that is what the client is expecting to have done, the photographer would be wrong to promise something that they can't deliver. It's all about what the OP wants, versus what is possible. Dramatic night shots are something we do as a standard for most all of our weddings, which Bev does an outstanding job on too, but I wouldn't say that a natural light portrait and a night time shot are the same thing,, they aren't. This is why it's important for them to discuss what's possible, and work out a plan. No one is saying to change the day for the photographer,, that would be a bit silly. I think the op needs to open the discussion with the photographer and find out what's possible.

Personally, my favorite time to photograph the couple is about a half hour or so before sunset, regardless of the time of the year,, then just after the sun has gone down, I love doing a twilight shot because the sky is so interesting.

Hi

I absolutely agree - any photographer worth they salt wouldn't have a problem with winter/dark evenings. In fact, I personally, would jump at the chance to do shots in the dark. I love using off-camera flash to illuminiate the couple from the side to create a really romantic photo opportunity. The dark can create some really beautiful, dramatic shots with decent lighting. Seems to be your tog can't cope with anything but perfect daylight conditions. Any decent photographer would love the challenge of darker conditions. I suggest you seriously re-think your tog!

Light is not the only issue in november, it might be -2 degrees or raining. I dont think its time to re think the photographer until things have been discussed.

how it was said may not even be refering to the light as we dont know timings It may have just been a general comment based upon the weather.

Mrs2bsoon can you give us some more info Ref Teri_M's earlier post so the info you get back is relevant.

Wise words?

The photographer I booked made a very interesting comment when I mentioned about some other photographers who'd said this.

He said a] Most photographers who say this, say so because they neither have the equipment or the skills to use flash correctly. He said that amateur photographers will often come out with 'I am a natural light photographer' for a start because they can't afford the £500.00 for a flash box thingy.

He then added that in this country being a 'natural light photographer' just isn't viable. He said that the weather can change at the drop of a hat, and the sky becomes dark and then you need to use flash.

That all made sense to me. Even I know you need flash indoors. If you don't the images come out either too dark or blurry.

Personally I'd want a photographer who can work in any situation. Making excuses that they couldn't take photos, or that the photos are poor because there wasn't enough light is just pathetic.

It is important to be proficient at finding the light when others may not see it, as well as to be skilled at using flash, but that doesn't mean that flash photography and natural light photography will have the same look. It's a matter of taste.

I have seen some pretty horrible natural light photography, as well as flash photography. Unfortunately using flash does not ensure a good image. I have trained in using natural light, as well as using flash, and I use which ever is appropriate for the type of image I am trying to create. Having done this for 7 years now, unless it's pitch black out, I don't have problems finding light, or bringing out my own light source if I feel it will enhance what I am trying to do. That may be a reflector, flashguns, videolight, softbox,, whatever will do what I need. There are parts of the day I won't flash for the sake of flashing however. It prevents me from working unobtrusively, and without attracting attention to what I am doing, (most who do photojournalist approaches don't us flash for this reason).

Being proficient at using natural light in this country is vital for the very reason that most ceremonies are in dark churches where flash photography (if any photography at all!) is not allowed. Also many officiants and vicars do not allow flash photography during the ceremony,, so those who rely on flash in dark indoor spaces may find it difficult if they don't understand how to use what light is available, and have the gear to allow them to work without relying on flash. This is another reason it's important to find someone who has an understanding of being able to work regardless of the lighting conditions. Flash may be desired, but not always an option.

Trust me, there is always light somewhere, and a good photographer who understands light will find it and create some amazing images without having to rely on flash.

I think it's important to read the op's original post again, as she never says the photographer said they can't/won't be able to photograph when daylight is gone,, just that the photos may not be as nice. I think that could be a matter of taste really. If he said he isn't capable of shooting at all when the light is gone, that is a whole other issue.

I would agree with this totally. As I have often said, it isn't the quantity of light that is important, its the quality. I was partially trained by two ex Presidents of the BIPP to think differently about light and how to handle it.

I have seen flash used far too often to cover deficiencies in craft ability or where some think that low light is bad light.

Naturally, good photography is about recognising conditions and using supplementary light where required. I personally use reflectors, pag, led, flash(x6), ringflash, tungsten and HMI where required. Its simply about using the right tool at the right time.

Having said this, I should add that there are some photographers who can and do use flash creatively on weddings....there is more than one way to photograph a wedding, although this method does slow down the procedings and may not be suitable for PJ style wedding coverages.

Regarding an earlier comment about available light photographers being amateurs....this is absolute misadvice. The highest regarded UK wedding photographer has been quoted by international press (and a BBC programme about the 5 best wedding photographers in the world) as one of the greatest exponents of available light wedding photography.......so no flash unless necessary.

Message me if you want his URL...he isn't cheap by far although exceptionally good....so much so that an American tried ripping off his website as his own. The website layout an photographs were the same, although the only changes were the name of the photographer and contact details.

Peter

Well said,

I to was trained by an ABIPP member and I was always told to avoid flash unless its absolutly nessisary, Alot of photographers now adays start up on the belief that all they need is the most expensive equipment on the market... Its not the equipment that makes the photographer its the creative skill and ability.

Flashguns are just to be used as said to fill in where required and not to substitute the available light.

Ok, that makes sense. and you are using flash when neccesary.

But this is very different from 'Natural light photographers' who never use flash. Or am I completely mistaken?

Its really a case of never say never. We cannot guarantee what light will be like on the day. I personally love available light although will happily use a flash when necessary to supplement the lighting or to balance the lighting where appropriate.

Any professional UK wedding photographer should be able to shoot normal weddings in all conditions in the UK

First up, a lot of churches are dark and gloomy - so low light comes with the teritory of wedding photography. Secondly, If you are hiring a professional, in advance, then they have ample opportunity to aquire/hire any additional gear they need. If this isn't possible for them, they should turn the job down

The whole natural light/flash thing is a red herring, that in the main to do with the photographers style. If there isnt any light, then clearly if you try to book a die hard natural light photographer, they also ought to turn the job down

A typical wedding day is pretty variable in the needs for lighting - as we normally deal with full on sun, through to no light. Thats why a one size fits all approach inst normally the best. Warning bell rings if a photographer is too polarised to one form of lighting or another. If they never use flash, or reflectors, or any other form of additional lighting then in reality, something will have to give somewhere. Equally - if they allways use flash, something isnt quite right

To put this in perspective, on a recent wedding we used the following combo's through the day: No flash / No flash + reflector / On camera flash / On camera flash+ reflector / Off camera flash / Split zone Off camera studio flash heads / Off camera studio flash mixed with on camera flash (we started in a nice bright hotel, went to the darkest church ever, and then went to a marquee, where outside it was lovley, and inside it had abysmal flat lighting. We then had the thunder clouds, and the storm, and the light went totally, we finished at midnight when it was very dark

There is no way as a photographer I would dictate the timings of a day. However it is smart for a photographer to point out when the natural light is gong to be good/bad/optimal. The B&G can then make a choice as to what is important for them. On the point of timings - A smart photographer will also point out how much time they need (if you are asking them for formal shots etc.)