BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Traditional Film Photography

Questions About a Wedding

I am doing a big wedding on March 27, and some shots on March 20th. I have looked at a full complement of films to have during the day. They are holding the majority of the events indoors, I know 400 speed film with my off camera flash will be needed. I was wondering what I should do about the tungsten lighting? I don't know of any tungsten film offered @ 400 or higher. Or should I bag the idea and just use my flash to compensate for the color balance. I would like to use as much of the ambient light as possible however.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

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February 05, 2004

As a Semi-Profesional Photographer who
has been there a few times I hope I can be of some Help.

Film's Good to Use -:My Choices

Fuji 800 Press:- Very forgiving with mixed light(Flash/daylight and room light)

Fuji NPH 400 :- The best film for weddings indoors with flash, works well
on overcast days with fill flash.

Agfa 160 :- the finest grain Portrait film you can get great for big enlargments.

Delta 400 :- Best high speed B/W film
can be pushed to 800 and still give good results.

I Do Not Use the following films:-
Kodak gold :- too much contrast 400 speed has a lot of grain.
T-max 400:- Hates being pushed grain goes clumpy
Fuji 1600:-Good film but too much grain for weddigs.
Kodak 160 Portra:- I don't like its colour at weddings, Agfa 160 works for me.

When Using flash indoors make sure you have a unit which can bounce off walls
roof ext with a fill flash this will
reduce shadows behind the subjects.
Use of a 80A with 800 press film will
enable you to take non flash photo's.

Lenses :- If you are shooting in aval
light you will need a lens F2.8 or better, primes are faster than zoom's

The three I use are Pentax 28mm M F2.8,
Pentax M 85mm F2.0 and a Pentax A 50mm F1.4

The zoom I use is nothing crazy it is just a Sigma 28-70mm F2.8-3.5

Another trick of the trade is to shoot flash at 1/30th of a sec to let a bit of the ambient light fill in the background.

Last of all If you are not sure:- burn a roll or two of what film you are going to use with a friend dressed in white and a dark colour.

John Papandreou
Studio 23

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February 06, 2004