The link just tells me I am not logged in..

But that lens might not really be fast enough, only f/4 at the wide end - hence you're having to bump up the ISO and worry about camera shake. you don't want underexposure because then noise will start to intrude..

Maybe invest in something faster, like the 50mm f/1.8, 35mm f/2 or 85mm f/1.8 - at least f/2.8 or wider is desirable. You'll get a lot of use from those prime lenses even though they're within your existing zoom's range..

I believe the pro wedding photographer's Nikon lens of choice is the expensive 17-55 zoom with a constant f/2.8, Canon do one as well..

Alex.

Http://akiralx.smugmug.com/..

I'm blocked out too..

About your face question there seem to be a lot of photographers who like fuzzy shots, backs of heads, tilted horizons, people partly chopped off... beats me why, but maybe I have a set of older values..

That said, most morthers of the bride, and these are often the real client, like to actually see the face of their daughter. But it's not arty..

BAK..

Sorry about the link problem - I am not use this. I think these pics should now be shared and visable:.

Http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/6007429.

Please comment and criticise, as per my original message below..

Thanks, Alan.

I had the pleasure of taking some existing light test pics at my niece's wedding rehearsal, and hope to take some at the wedding next month..

I took these on a canon 350d, 1600 iso, 17-85mm is usm lens, aperture priority, aperture wide open, hand held & where possible leaning against pillars. Your comments and criticism would be most welcome so I can improve on the day..

What is wrong, what could & should be better? what about colour balance, contrast, etc?.

One question, is it usual to take such pictures from the bride side, to show off her dress, even though you would then not see her face?..

How much are you planning on moving around during the ceremony?.

Wandering photograp[hers often annoy the guests, and the overall goal here is to have a spcial day, not a phto project with annoyed spectators..

The best position is clearly the front shots, with the happy couple in profile..

Is the wedding at the same time of day as the rehersal? That matters in planning color, etc..

Looking at the whiote shirts on my computer, it looks like the color balance now is very good..

The light is flat; think about boosting the contrast level in your camera, but not very much..

You need to compromise between trying to shoot a white dress, probably with lace, and getting some snpap to the shots..

You lens really is a bad choice. It's slow at the faster end, and lethargic at the long end..

You'd get anothr shutter speed with an f4 lens. What focal lengths were involved here? Renting an 85 f1.8 and using it at f2.8 would be good, if you are using an 85 position now. A 50mm f1.8 for $100 might be the overall solution if you are shooting around this focal length..

BAK..

At the wedding I will probably stand to the left side of the bride, at the front, so I will have a 30/40degree front side view, and for a few shots, stand in the centre isle, but I don't want to cause distraction. Do you think it best to stay by the bride side, even though this means I would not see her face when she turns to the groom? Is it best practice to shoot from the bride side?.

I entirely agree re the slow & lethargic lens. My only saving grace, I would say, as I don't have funds to buy a faster lens at the moment, is the image stabalisation which helps counter the low shutter speed I think. The pics were shot mainly at 1/30th at approx 10.30am and the wedding will be at 1.30pm.

The bride will be wearing a red dress and the bridesmaids cream!.

Thanks for your comments! much appreciated!..