Malay Weddings... the challenge for a wedding photographer... part I

Malay wedding actually consists of 'Akad Nikah' and 'Persandingan' events. These events may take 2 separate days or on the same day. From my experience in Terengganu and Kelantan, the 'akad nikah's event occurs a day before the 'Persandingan's event. But it is all depends to the days the family choose to have the events, if its normally fall on a school holiday, then, it may take 2 separate days but if on short holiday like a weekend plus any public holiday, they prefer to have it on the same day.

The significant of whether to have the events on the same day or 2 separate days are when taking into consideration of hiring a photographer. If the events occur on the same day, the photographer would only present on that particular day... but if it takes different days, then the photographer has to travel twice. Many photography packages would charge an extra cost for traveling cost if they have to be at the location twice. And of course, unless, they are provided a place to stay nearby...

OK... so, what happen on the 'akad nikah's event?

Most of the time, the event occurs at a mosque nearby the bride's house. Well, of course it is more 'berkat' to get married at the mosque, however.

And to me, this event is the most challenging to get the job done. Why is that? Normally, mostly... inside the mosque, the light is always not adequate. This is due to to the wide space in the mosque and the ceiling is normally more than 15 feet above. Well, the issue is - a photographer MUST USE SPEED-LIGHT or FLASH!!! Unless, they are using D700 or D3/D3x (Nikon) which they can use ISO up to 1800 or more (plus they are full-frame), and still can get appropriate shutter speed to get sharp photographs. However, I'm sure they still prefer to use speed-light to make sure they have enough exposure of the objects.

Now when a flash or speed-light is needed, there is another issue - NO SUITABLE PLACE TO BOUNCE THE LIGHT!!!... And what would happen? We need to use 'fill-in' or target the speed light towards the object directly and REALLY CAREFULLY!!! (with full consciousness)

to be continued...   : )




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