One of the reasons I like photographing animals so much is that they are blissfully unaware of the camera (usually). They’re doing everything except worrying about a good side versus a bad side, or how much should I smile or does my hair look OK. So it was with some slight trepidation when I agreed to shoot a wedding for this weekend. It’s a rite of passage! Hold me! Lean in for a kiss!
Honestly, I don’t know the first thing about posing, unless it’s to dangle a toy mouse above your head so that you’ll raise your arm in that pretty, dainty way. So brides, if you respond well to high-pitched meows, and want photos of yourself and your party swiping at toys or looking longingly at dog treats, then I’m the girl for you. Otherwise, be prepared for some seriously weird poses.
The couple assured me they were all about the candids. So I breathed a small sigh of relief, agreed to do their wedding, and headed over to Calumet to rent a telephoto lens. To capture those non-posed moments from afar. I gave myself a week to practice with it.
This is a 80-200mm f/2.8 lens. I wanted the “legendary” 70-200mm lens which has vibration reduction, but it was out. Not that it matters anyway. They’re both the same size/weight. That of a MONSTER’s.
Shooting with this lens was like shooting with a bus. After 10 minutes I felt I had been run over by one. It was 7 lbs of top-heaviness. I extended my left arm out to support the lens at its end. The camera shake was insane. I planted my feet far apart to steady myself. I stopped breathing. It didn’t help. My core did get a nice workout though. I brought my elbows in to steady my arms against my body, which was a little better, until my neck, back, shoulders, forearms, wrists all threw up from the pain.
How do wedding photographers manage this thing? I’ve decided not to use it. I rented it to be able to capture more candid shots at the wedding, but if they’re all going to be blurry, then the point is nil.
So after 30 minutes of bodily pain and really horrid shots, the best I came up with were these of the boys while I was clear across the room. VanBuren wanna be starting something.
Ha. Cute shots! That’s a beast of a lens… I have the 70-200 but my wimpy self can only bust it out in 5min increments.
In the middle shot, Veebs is like, “Little Brother Bunny, I has a plan. Just do what I tell you.”
I feel your pain. Literally. I own a 100-300 mm that is killer. My hubby calls it my sniper lens. A tripod helps, but of course is a moot point at a wedding. Return the lens, follow your instincts and rely on your strengths. The bride and groom will be thrilled with your amazing skills at capturing lighting. And make a list of the traditional family groupings to get so you don’t forget any. And good luck. :)
Monopod babee
a wedding, that’s exciting! but yeah, i feel ya when it comes to heavy lenses. my tilt shift is pretty heavy (although maybe not quite that heavy) and as a result i’ve gotten into the habit of walking around holding my camera on my shoulder. it looks weird, but at least it’s comfortable! also, heavy lens are good for the biceps. work it!
I absolutely love my canon 70-300mm but it is weighty.
I also love that middle picture & the expression on the left cats face ;)
oh gosh all I can think of are those weird monopods that the sports-photographers use to hold up those INSANE lenses that are the size of a TV satellite. Seriously! Who thought those things were maneuverable?! Good for you for having the forethought to try the lens out before “the big day”. I’m sure you will do great with whatever you use… go YOU! :)
I have a wrist brace that I need to whip out sometimes due to crazy heavy lenses/incessant photoshooting. I LOVE your jacket by the way.
%Murray Canino% here, I just discovered Satellite TV on my PC! Ultra cheap at only $50 once off to get the software and an account on the Internet. I get more channels(in HD I might ad) than I get on cable so tomorrow I reckon I’m going to cancel my cable subscription. Thought I’d share this with you guys, worth to check out.