As
an experienced wedding photographer in Liverpool and Manchester, I have found
ghosting to be a major problem that arises on a regular basis. It is caused
when light is reflected from either inside the lens barrel or elements.
When
photographing a wedding, it can often occur as strong light sources such as
huge windows (Often seen in fantastic Tudor style buildings used for weddings),
are a favourite haunt for photographers wanting to make the most out of the
surroundings. Liverpool, Merseyside and Manchester are littered with venues
like this and are regular haunts for me on a daily and weekly basis.
It is
often the case that as soon as the camera is pointed towards the subject (Let
say the bride - sitting on a medieval seat right in front of the window), the
risk of 'Ghosting' will be dramatically increased.
Doing
little or nothing about this could potentially destroy what would be a
fantastic photograph. However, some simple techniques can solve the problem...
Firstly,
good lenses 'Claim' to reduce the risk of ghosting, although I have yet to find
one that completely stops this. Secondly, using a good UV filter will also
help, but again, these can only 'Help reduce' the risk and it is often the case
that shooting directly towards will still result in slight ghosting. Using
packages like photo shop can also help, as spending time darkening the problem
area will help reduce the negative effect ghosting gives.
The best
and simplest way I have found is to step sideways away from the window and
angle the camera till no ghosting can be seen. Take a photograph, check it,
move further sideways, take another and so on until no ghosting occurs.
Many of
the images I take are on angles anyway and so if I move away from 'Straight on'
towards the window, lets say left, angle the camera to add a funky look to the
image and then press the shutter, ghosting is minimized and a cool looking
photograph is captured.
When
photographing weddings, one of the most important elements is that you do not
keep the bride waiting. Photographers who are standing around for too long attempting
to get the perfect shot will only cause concern for the bride and cause
negative feeling towards you. I find as a photographer that its best to play it
safe. That is why funky angles are common place in many of the photographs I
take. Should you as a wedding photographers in manchester REALLY want the
straight on image in front of the window, then either get the lens, filter and
spend time editing or simply use the angled option, thus helping reduce the
time in post production.
An after
thought... Ghosting can be a desirable effect... Shoot a few straight on and
they may just work. Remember photographers are (Meant to be) artists, there is
no right or wrong way. It is not maths... This is just a guide...
