Ben,
First off, thanks for sharing that gallery of images. I now have a much better appreciation of just what you have to contend with. That being said, I think you have done a fantastic job of capturing all that is going on, complete with difficult lighting, constantly changing positions, etc. I see why this is such a challenge.
(From the ceremony perspective, and showing no disrespect, I was getting rather worried at all the serious solemnity, especially with the men. It was not until image 185 or so that any joy really showed when the bride lifted her veil and was wiping away a tear. Great moment. Then things got cranked up at the reception, but it took until image 595 before the bride and groom actually got to see each other again after taking vows. Wow. I really did gain a better perspective, and did enjoy going through all 600 shots. As Marc said, almost exhausting just clicking through, so shooting must have been a whole lot more draining. Great effort and nice results.)
Based on what I saw, and you say this is typical, my thoughts are that you should seriously consider units that can take the beating and use....like the D1s that have been discussed, or the Compacts. Do not know the real equivalents in Elinchrom line nor Hensel line, but you would appreciate the bigger guns. I know they are not as cheap as the ABs, but I do think they would handle the recycle times and repeated use with less stress, and throw enough light into the brollies that you need for coverage. That is a tough setting. Lots of area needing even light. Suggests higher horsepower, fast recycle. That in turn starts to eliminate lots of the lower end gear, or just plan to replace stuff much more often. Do not see a really inexpensive way to get what you need, but that is just my limited perspective and how I have worked. Your style and approach needs the broad, even, consistent lighting.
Not much I can add beyond that, but do appreciate the challenge. Makes an upcoming shoot I have look like a cakewalk in comparison ;-)
LJ
First off, thanks for sharing that gallery of images. I now have a much better appreciation of just what you have to contend with. That being said, I think you have done a fantastic job of capturing all that is going on, complete with difficult lighting, constantly changing positions, etc. I see why this is such a challenge.
(From the ceremony perspective, and showing no disrespect, I was getting rather worried at all the serious solemnity, especially with the men. It was not until image 185 or so that any joy really showed when the bride lifted her veil and was wiping away a tear. Great moment. Then things got cranked up at the reception, but it took until image 595 before the bride and groom actually got to see each other again after taking vows. Wow. I really did gain a better perspective, and did enjoy going through all 600 shots. As Marc said, almost exhausting just clicking through, so shooting must have been a whole lot more draining. Great effort and nice results.)
Based on what I saw, and you say this is typical, my thoughts are that you should seriously consider units that can take the beating and use....like the D1s that have been discussed, or the Compacts. Do not know the real equivalents in Elinchrom line nor Hensel line, but you would appreciate the bigger guns. I know they are not as cheap as the ABs, but I do think they would handle the recycle times and repeated use with less stress, and throw enough light into the brollies that you need for coverage. That is a tough setting. Lots of area needing even light. Suggests higher horsepower, fast recycle. That in turn starts to eliminate lots of the lower end gear, or just plan to replace stuff much more often. Do not see a really inexpensive way to get what you need, but that is just my limited perspective and how I have worked. Your style and approach needs the broad, even, consistent lighting.
Not much I can add beyond that, but do appreciate the challenge. Makes an upcoming shoot I have look like a cakewalk in comparison ;-)
LJ
