Mirror, Mirror

[funhome]

Hi All,

Me and my fiancee were searching for a venue to hold our wedding dinner and we really like the Windor Ballroom at Goodwood Park Hotel.

However, we see 1 potential problem.

This ballroom is octagon in size and recently got renovated. They have now placed mirrors on all 8 sides of the walls.

We are worried that the wedding photos would not turn out nice since the wedding photographer would have to use flash and this will get reflected in the mirrors.

Any photography experts or wedding photographers have a solution to this?

Thanks.

 

[zac08]

Hi All,

Me and my fiancee were searching for a venue to hold our wedding dinner and we really like the Windor Ballroom at Goodwood Park Hotel.

However, we see 1 potential problem.

This ballroom is octagon in size and recently got renovated. They have now placed mirrors on all 8 sides of the walls.

We are worried that the wedding photos would not turn out nice since the wedding photographer would have to use flash and this will get reflected in the mirrors.

Any photography experts or wedding photographers have a solution to this?

Thanks.

Dun use flash.... :sweat:

Or snoot the flash and bounce upwards.

 

[genegoh]

The photographer should know where to stand and where to position groups for photos to avoid reflections.

 

[gymak90]

The photographer should know where to stand and where to position groups for photos to avoid reflections.

Only if he is good enough.
Having mirrors on all sides is a rare thing. Doesn't it look weird? Like you could be heading towards yourself anywhere you go? :bsmilie:
Unfortunately, not every wedding photographer has sufficient experience, from feedback by some newlyweds here.

 

[genegoh]

Yes, of course I'm assuming that the photographer is experienced enough.

I'm trusting that the TS knows how to differentiate a good photographer from a not-so-good one, or else he wouldn't be concerned abt the mirrors.

Mirrors could add a touch of creativity also if used properly.

 

[funhome]

Dun use flash.... :sweat:

Or snoot the flash and bounce upwards.

Hehe, don't use flash - so need to find a photographer that use D3 eh.. ;p

 

[funhome]

Yes, of course I'm assuming that the photographer is experienced enough.

I'm trusting that the TS knows how to differentiate a good photographer from a not-so-good one, or else he wouldn't be concerned abt the mirrors.

Mirrors could add a touch of creativity also if used properly.

Yup, the mirrors at the walls make the ballroom even nicer.
Forgot to mention that thankfully the background of the stage is not a mirror, but I am just worried that if the photographer wants to shoot a particular moment, he would'nt have time to angle his shots so that it doesn't get reflected.

 

[gymak90]

Yes, of course I'm assuming that the photographer is experienced enough.

I'm trusting that the TS knows how to differentiate a good photographer from a not-so-good one, or else he wouldn't be concerned abt the mirrors.

Mirrors could add a touch of creativity also if used properly.

Let's sincerely hope it turns out this way
I think flash upwards should be fine. But the mirrors might limit the use of sideward flash.

 

[zac08]

Hehe, don't use flash - so need to find a photographer that use D3 eh.. ;p

Well... tat's one way to look at it.. haha

 

[giantcanopy]

I agree. If you have to tell the photographer what to do, i think something might be wrong somewhere.

Anyway it food for thought for people hosting in the recently renovated Windsor ballroom. Cause I will be holding mine there too

Ryan

 

[gymak90]

I agree. If you have to tell the photographer what to do, i think something might be wrong somewhere.

Anyway it food for thought for people hosting in the recently renovated Windsor ballroom. Cause I will be holding mine there too

Ryan

Holding your wedding there too?

 

[viix]

As long as he doesn't shoot too wide and the cam isn't pointing to a mirror directly perpendicular, I don't think it's much of a problem.. Need not worry too much about other mirror reflecting all round if he knows the angles..

If you're concern, it's best you make known your concerns and if need be, ask him to check out the place.. don't wait till after the dinner than complain if you never voice out your concerns.

 

[reachme2003]

let the photographer do his job. you, the groom do your job as a groom. enjoy yr night. why worry so much when you pay him/her to do the job?

 

[ahbian]

let the photographer do his job. you, the groom do your job as a groom. enjoy yr night. why worry so much when you pay him/her to do the job?

The groom's job is also to check that the photographer knows his? We can say its the photographer's fault if the photos don't turn out good, but I think the couple are the ones who really lose out in such a case.

To TS, I think you can highlight this concern to the photographer, if you have not already done so. Doesn't hurt to let him be prepared before hand and do the necessary adjustments.

 

[reachme2003]

also, check if the electricity to the ballroom is secured, no blackouts. check the food's sources, to be sure no china tainted stuffs. check chef's qualifications and experience, if he cooks well. check restaurant manager's job if knows his job. the list goes on and on and on.

 

[ahbian]

also, check if the electricity to the ballroom is secured, no blackouts. check the food's sources, to be sure no china tainted stuffs. check chef's qualifications and experience, if he cooks well. check restaurant manager's job if knows his job. the list goes on and on and on.

Its hard to sustain a discussion when extreme examples are brought in. Just because we can't take care of everything doesn't mean we should care about none.

I believed the TS asked the question on photos because it meant something to him.

 

[funhome]

Thank you all for your replies.

Yes, me and my fiancee are very particular about photos. Especially for this occasion since its a once in a lifetime. If the photos turn out bad, it will be our total loss and it cannot be re-taken.

We have yet to source for a photographer but will defintely highlight this problem to him/her.
I have also asked for sample photos from other couples who held their wedding there at another forum. Hopefully, someone will provide me some.

 

[calebk]

Let's sincerely hope it turns out this way
I think flash upwards should be fine. But the mirrors might limit the use of sideward flash.

Hehe think of it as a giant reflector on all sides. :bsmilie:

 

[gymak90]

Hehe think of it as a giant reflector on all sides. :bsmilie:

Haha let's be creative. Why not place 8 slave flash guns, each pointing towards 1 of the 8 mirrors? So when the photographer fire flash from his cam, the whole ballroom will be illuminated, no corner left dark ;p

 

[Dream Merchant]

Situations like these call for very careful planning, and someone with ... say the experience of lighting interior shoots.

There are ways to address the potential problems, but it takes a technically proficient person to spot the problems before being able to try out solutions.

Check carefully - some wedding photographers are very technically proficient, and some may not have the experience in areas like these.

If you think a bit more ... some possible solutions will present themselves. It then becomes a matter of whether the photographer will be comfortable working with new solutions.

Caleb, how would a movie director look at a problem like this?