HIE for Weddings

[Stanee Rae Pettit Murray <stanee-rae@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've used Kodak HIE 35mm for weddings for several years with great results;
I've never used the Konica.  When I took Joe Paduano's seminar, he suggested
using HIE for weddings because so few photographers do.  Here are some
observations:

1.  I use a Minolta x700 with Cokin red filter, set on aperature-priority
auto exposure, film rated at EI 200.

2.  Results are more spectacular and surreal in full sun, with lots of
foliage in the scene.  Since I prefer to take most color posed photos in the
shade, this requires additional posing in sunny areas for HIE.  I carry the
Minolta on a strap around my neck, and switch between it and my handheld
Bronica SQ-A.  If you are pressed for time, or things are running late, you
won't get to do much HIE.

3.  In the shade, or on overcast days, you get a more grainy effect, with
mostly gray tones.  In the sun, the result is sharper, less grainy, with a
full range of tones from brilliant white to inky black.

4.  The bride's gown and veil may glow so much that the flare extends out a
considerable distance.  One bride described this as "radioactive."  This
glow often makes the images reminiscent of old or antique photos.

5.  The satin on the groom's tux (lapels and stripe down the pant legs) will
render as white or light, even when the satin is black.  In general, shiny
fabrics tend to render very light.  I've noticed that whether the fabric is
natural fiber or man-made makes a difference also.  I did an engagement
sitting where both the bride and groom were wearing dark sweaters.  One
rendered light and the other stayed dark.  Turns out one was wool and the
other was acrylic (I forget which was which!).

6.  Bride's bouquet will render light if real flowers are used. A closeup
showing off the wedding rings and hands against the flowers looks good.

7.  I don't like to use HIE for closeups where the subjects are looking at
the camera.  There is an unflattering effect called "shark eyes."  Both the
pupil and iris go very dark or black, even if the subject has blue eyes.
This looks quite spooky, especially if the subject is fair and blonde, since
the skin and hair tones render so light.  Instead, have the subjects look
off in the distance, or look down (at the bouquet or rings).

8.  I like to enhance the surreal effect by spot-coloring the final print
with Marshall's oils or pencils.  Leaving everything b&w and just coloring
the bride's bouquet or some foliage gets lots of positive comments from the
couple and makes the wedding album really different.  I've had couples
return their proof book and say, "Everyone said they never saw anything like
this."  One bride said, "Every photographer we visited said he was unique,
but you're the only one who actually was."


Once I get my own home page up (sometime this fall, I hope) I'll show you
some examples!  Right now, I'm busy with the PPANJ home page
(www.cmpsolv.com/ppanj) as volunteer webmaster.  If anyone has additional
questions about HIE for weddings or portraits, let me know . . . 

Stanee




Stanee Rae Murray, CPP, owner
Stanee Rae Studio
stanee-rae@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
voice phone (908) 842-5268


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