Film for a wedding

[j-dogg]

Shooting my brother's wedding in film, what do the pros here use? I've got some Neopan 1600, Portra 160vc and FujiFilm Pro 400h. Any suggestions? I've got some decent hardware and will probably be holding some Canon L glass for the day. Not sure what low-speed black and white I should use, I heard ADOX and Rollei make a nice vintage-style black and white. Been wanting to try something different other than what the camera store has.

We're going to be on a cruise ship indoors and outdoors.

 

[munz6869]

Portra 400 - so flexible, so forgiving of poor exposure environments, lovely colour and grain...

Marc!

 

[markbarendt]

I agree with Marc.

Also the 160vc is beautiful but it takes more light, ample light is a rarity at a wedding unless you bring it with you. The flexibility and quality of the 400 is probably a better choice.

I'd also suggest that with regard to the fast B&W that you stick with the Neopan you know. If you experiment with a "new" film at the wedding, you may be experimenting with a "new" relationship with your brother.

I'm not saying you can't/shouldn't try this, I'd just be darn sure you have the important stuff in-the-bag first.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

If you've never shot a wedding I have two suggestions. First, look through some wedding portrait and pose type books and get some ideas. Don't be afraid to try something creative. Second, use 400. You won't have grain problems with today's film, 400 will do both in and out nicely and the one less thing you have to worry about, the little bit more you'll be freed up to see what's going on around you. Weddings can move at a hare's pace and you don't want to miss it by wondering which film should I load. Stick and move. KISS. Good luck.

 

[jacarape]

I have never shot a wedding, but have shot people in changing light. Obviously there will be outside shots, a slower film then 400 may be indicated.

If you use two film speeds, use the same line. It is not attractive to me, to have photos in a series that change character. Like Plus-X is to Tri-X, a good match in the color, grain and contrast would be desirable. My choice would be Portra 160NC and 400NC. And I would also add a b+w for some classical looking images.

Lastly, whatever film you choose, practice with a few rolls first to get to know it and the results you want, IMHO.

 

[perkeleellinen]

If you've got experience of 400H, I'd use that. If you want to have a stab at the new Portra 400 make sure you test, test, test well in advance. Same goes with Neo 1600 and whatever other options you may have.

 

[j-dogg]

The three I mentioned I have shot and seen results and I was impressed. So I'll do Portra 400 instead of 160vc. I will have an Elan 7e and either an EOS 650 or an EOS A2e on hand, I like the 5fps of the A2e.

 

[MattKing]

If you can find any of the Portra 400nc, I would recommend it over the 400vc for a wedding.

Weddings and saturated colours don't do it for me.

I haven't used the new Portra 400, but for weddings I expect I would prefer it to the Portra 400vc.

I used to shoot weddings using the 160nc (and its predecessors), but that was in medium format, with flash where necessary or advisable.

EDIT: By the way, this thread would really fit well in the "Weddings" forum (hint to moderators)

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Moved to "Weddings."

The Lounge is really only for off-topic discussions, and most Lounge threads are eventually deleted when they've become inactive, so please try to start threads that are about traditional photography in the most relevant forum you can find.

 

[heespharm]

i find fuji pro 400h overexposed is perfect for weddings... gives a light and airy feel to the pictures that helps provoke a sense of happiness

 

[cjbecker]

I would say get some of the new portra 400 and test it out, or if you still have a good supply of the pro 400h and are use to it, use it. For the B&W Keep it simple and use the neopan 1600. Use the b&w for the reception or whenever there is not much light.

 

[ignatiu5]

The three I mentioned I have shot and seen results and I was impressed. So I'll do Portra 400 instead of 160vc. I will have an Elan 7e and either an EOS 650 or an EOS A2e on hand, I like the 5fps of the A2e.

I can't comment much on film choices, having shot only one wedding, but as for equipment, take the A2e over the 650 if you can. I would imagine that if you are used to the handling and ergonomics of the Elan 7e, the similar size and main wheel/rear dial combo on the A2e probably provide an easier transition in switching between bodies on the fly.

 

[Markster]

Would you theoretically want different feel/designs, though? So that if you load 2 different films you're not likely to take the wrong shot with the wrong camera (the brain says "whoa, there, this doesn't feel right" and you look and realize you're holding the wrong camera, etc).

Or is that not really much of a problem?

 

[cjbecker]

Just have a way to easily mark the camera. Different color straps, put different tape on the top of the camera, color tape for color, white or black tape for b&w.

 

[Markster]

rather ingenious, actually! So simple, so easy!

 

[faustotesta]

I'm not a pro. But i've shot about 10 weddings. The fact i'm still in good relationships may mean that the pictures have been appreciated.
I've been using, mainly, Fuji Reala 100 iso, Fuji NPH 400. Lat one i did i used Reala and Kodak portra 160 (both VC and NC). Much depends on the light/lenses/moment of the day (morning, afternoon, night). If you have wide aperture lenses 100/160 could be ok for outdoors and 400 for indoors (provided it's in the morning/afternoon). If the wedding is in a Church go and talk with the Priest some days before. Have fun.