Friday 28 May 2010

Weddings in Ascot

My website: Wedding Photographers in Kent

A selection of images from the wedding of Alexandra and David, photographed at St Johns Church, Woking and The Royal Berkshire Hotel at Ascot last Friday. For more images please check out their wedding gallery.

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 200, ‒ ⅓ EV, 85mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

There was plenty of room at both the ceremony and reception venues last week and so my Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS lens got a good workout.

1/200, f/2.8, ISO 200, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, 70mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

The groom was very relaxed with a great sense of humour. Here he is in action with his sister. I love her expression. Notice the negative exposure compensation (EC) since the image is quite low key.

1/640, f/2.8, ISO 400, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, 70mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

The group shots were very lively with lots of movement. Keep an eye on the shutter speed under these circumstances to avoid motion blur.

1/200, f/5, ISO 400, ‒ 1 EV, 70mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

Benches are a real aid in posing groups. You can squeeze a good number of people into a small area and get them interacting. The banter taking place above was most amusing.

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 1600, ²⁄₃ EV, 85mm f/1.2L II

The vicar was very relaxed about photography and so I was able to have a great view of the ceremony. Light levels were low and there were a real mixture of light sources - standard fare for a church interior.

1/160, f/1.4, ISO 800, ‒ ⅓ EV, 85mm f/1.2L II

Samuel posing in his mum's glasses. This little chap was a real asset to the wedding. Very mischievous and a great showman.

1/320, f/2.8, ISO 400, 0 EV, 25mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A shot taken just before exiting the church. You'll often find nice soft light here.

1/500, f/2.8, ISO 200, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, 95mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

The light outside was strong and contrasty and so I sought out open shade for a few formals of close family that the bride requested.

1/500, f/2.8, ISO 200, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, 130mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

We weren't due to shoot any bride and groom portraits in the church grounds but when I saw the above scene with such great light I had to make use of it.

1/400, f/2.8, ISO 200, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, 175mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

I asked the bride and groom to have a cuddle and share a quiet moment together.

1/800, f/2.8, ISO 200, ‒ ²⁄₃ EV, 150mm, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

1/100, f/4, ISO 400, ²⁄₃ EV, 33mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The tonal range in this shot was very large with the bride and groom's heads in shade and the bride's dress and arm being lit directly by sunlight. I exposed for their faces expecting to sacrifice all highlights in the dress. The RAW file, however, managed to capture this too.

1/500, f/5, ISO 200, 0 EV, 32mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

Whilst we were waiting for a few guests to join us for the shot of everyone I made a few suggestions to Samuel. He was happy to oblige.

1/1600, f/1.4, ISO 50, 0 EV, 35mm f/1.4L

When I shoot formals I tend to take about 6 shots for each group to ensure I have at least one image with everyone smiling and no blinking. For the shot above I asked them to squeeze in close and put a hand on another member of the group.

1/200, f/4, ISO 50, 0 EV, 35mm f/1.4L

After getting the safe shots of the above group I allowed them to 'freestyle'. Yet again, Samuel delivered the goods.

1/250, f/2.8, ISO 50, 0 EV, 35mm f/1.4L

A tight crop of brothers and sisters. During the group shots I tend to make plenty of silly comments and observations in order to keep the energy levels high.

HDR (-2, 0, +2), f/5.6, ISO 50, 35mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

A high dynamic range shot of the lovely venue.

1/160, f/3.2, ISO 1600, 0 EV, 35mm, 16-35mm f/2.8L II

The receiving line. I keep a close eye on facial expressions and the interaction between the bride and groom and their guests. There is a large element of serendipity at this time though - other guests can easily wander into shot.

1/1000, f/1.2, ISO 400, 0 EV, 85mm f/1.2L II

A few candids before the wedding breakfast was served. The room was busy so out came the 85mm f/1.2 L. It takes a bit of practice to shoot at f/1.2 but is well worth the effort.

Any comments or queries are welcome as ever.

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