Re: [Leica] Newbie shooting at wedding shower

["Joseph Codispoti" <joecodi@thegrid.net>]

Ron,
as expected you will have several replies with differing opinions.

There are times when idealistic intentions do not render the expected
results. I can assure you that you will not be happy with existing-light
photography at the reception. The reason is that light coming directly from
above - even though soft fluorescent- will produce dark eye sockets. Some
form of fill light is imperative.

To compensate for the green cast in the light, use a 30 magenta filter (not
a FL filter or other toy, 30 magenta only) and compensate by opening one
stop.

Make your life easier and use the same ISO for both cameras or you will be
confused beyond sanity. Don’t be afraid to use f:4 or 5.6 , deep DOF may not
be as pleasing as softer backgrounds.
Don’t forget that metering all-white clothes or all-black clothes requires
exposure compensation unless you are using an incident meter.

If I were to take this assignment I would use flash fill in all cases. For
color I would use a light green filter over the flash and magenta on the
lens. Low intensity flash is not disruptive and most people are accustomed
to it. If you think that flash "casts an unnatural glow", wait until you see
what grain the size of pin heads (ISO 3200) can do to a brides face.

Finally do not forget to put the cameras down, tilt a few in honor of the
bride and groom to be and have fun. Good luck, let us know how you come out
of this one.

Joseph Codispoti




- -----Original Message-----
From: Ron K. Miller <rkmiller001@earthlink.net>
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Date: Thursday, June 25, 1998 10:34 AM
Subject: [Leica] Newbie shooting at wedding shower


>In a month, I will be photographing plenty of candid shots of  attendees
>in a wedding bridal shower at night in a private home.  I also plan to
>use available lighting. Using a flash would be too intrusive and would
>cast an unnatural glow.  Not the Leica way!?! FYI I will bring my M6 &
>35mm f/2.0 and a manual SLR 55mm f/1.2. Everything is pretty much manual
>and limited to these two lenses, though I'd love to have a 75mm or 90mm
>to work with.
>
>From memory of the private home where the bridal shower will take place,
>it is evenly lit from the ceiling with recessed fluorescent lighting all
>around the edges.  Carpeting and walls are whitish.  Overall brightness
>is difficult to know unless I'm there metering. At least I know it's not
>dimly lit (yellowish glow) with low ceilings.
>
>I think I'll need to shoot mostly at shutter speeds of 1/125 or 1/250 to
>mostly freeze facial expressions / movement.  And since I'm still
>getting use to my new M6 & 35mm f/2.0 ashp (2-weeks-used) I prefer to
>have a large DOF (f11 or 16) so that I can shoot subjects  from the
>desired hyperfocal setting.  That way I can be sure most subjects will
>be in focus.  I suspect I'll need a very large DOF since with a 35mm,
>I'm anticipating to shoot subjects within 5-7 feet for either single
>perosn or a small cluster of people.  Having never been to a bridal
>shower myself, not sure what activities take place. I can only come
>prepared!  ;-)
>
>Who would recommend  Ilford's or Kodak's iso 3200 colour print film?
>
>OTOH, if anyone has experience using the following print films  (FUJI
>NGH II 800, Kodak  GTMax800) I'd like to know whether these can be
>pushed twice, in case I need to shoot at iso3200.  Pros and cons on this
>versus using the NGH or GTMax 3200 film.  I will also shoot B&W film -
>any comments or recommendations on pushing TriX400 (3 times) or would
>you recommend other B&W film for better pushing capabilities?
>
>I REALIZE the question of high speed film preferences will result in
>many personal opinions, but I'm game for comments since I have no
>experience with this project.
>
>BTW if anyone has experience shooting in this environment, please share
>your thoughts.
>Much thanks in advance for enlightment. ;-) ;-)
>
>Sorry if posting too long but trying to cover all bases.
>