Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

jairoscz · **shooting a wedding -** 08-09-2006, 11:52 PM

...alright, so this weekend is going to be my first attempt at a wedding. I'm helping out my cousin and I could really use some general tips/advice.

My equipment is:

Nikon D70s
Nikon SB600 Flash
28-80mm f/3.3
70-300 f/4.0
Light Bouncer
Flash Bracket

...I'd appreciate and could use aaaany advice!!!

Thanks!!

-
Jairo

Elsaspet · 08-09-2006, 11:58 PM

The best tip I could give, is rent much faster lenses. Good luck on the shoot and have fun.

jairoscz · 08-10-2006, 12:03 AM

really? ...what would be a good place to rent? does renting equipment cost mucho dinero? :P

thanks for input!

Elsaspet · 08-10-2006, 12:20 AM

I think Houston Camera Exchange rents. They are a sponser here too. They are pretty cheap to rent, mostly considering what this will cost you if your shots turn out pitch black.
Look for something 2.8 or less. Churches can be pretty dark, and flash is usually a no no.
The receptions are always pretty dark to make them "romantic". I was having "hunting" problems with my 2.8 fisheye tonight because it was a little too dark. Candlelight actually, in the reception. Rent a fast lens, and then you are prepared for what comes your way, equipmentwise.
Shoot RAW.
Hope this helps.
Cindy

jairoscz · 08-10-2006, 12:23 AM

Thank you so much for the input, I'll check out their prices! :)

cmalana · 12:29 AM

What time is the wedding?

If you are using your current lenses, you may be fine outdoors. If you are going to be shooting in low light, bring lots of batteries since you will HAVE to use your flash since the lenses are slow.

If you are able to, avoid direct flash and at the very least try bouncing. Perhaps you should buy a cheap 50mm prime so you have one low light lens. I don't know Nikon lenses well but the equivalent to the very inexpensive Canon 50/f1.8 lens would prove useful.

Agree with your cousin on what shots you will be trying to focus on and what shots he will be taking the primary role on. You don't need to both be trying to get the same shots. Try to understand the limitation of your equipment if you are unable to rent.

Relax and be creative. Take the safe shots first but make yourself think of different angles in creating the picture. Practice right now on shooting Manual and let your flash's ETTL go to work. Know how to change your FEC very quickly.

Also noticed you shot a quinceanera...very similar stuff.

There's a lot to learn but since your timeframes are short, you'll just have to do your best.

jairoscz · 08-10-2006, 12:39 AM

cool, that 50mm f/1.8 AF-D is just like $110... I'll look into it!!! Wow, thanks for the quick and good input! :)

Daniel Bates · 08-10-2006, 12:42 AM

Look for a used one too. They are a bit cheaper there.

pmedr · 08-10-2006, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jairoscz

cool, that 50mm f/1.8 AF-D is just like $110... I'll look into it!!! Wow, thanks for the quick and good input! :)

nice pictures

jairoscz · 08-10-2006, 09:31 AM

...nice pictures? i'm confused...

Daniel Bates · 08-10-2006, 09:32 AM

Maybe he means that it can make nice images... [shrug]

jairoscz · 08-10-2006, 09:35 AM

....i suppose, or maybe he replied on the wrong thread....or maybe he foresees that the future and is letting me know that if I get that lens, I'll take "nice pictures"? hehe

Daniel Bates · 08-10-2006, 09:37 AM

...though that's quite likely in and of itself.

I'm of the opinion that wedding shooters should always have a 50/1.8 in the bag... just in case, and for those super-low-light situations. Simple is beautiful!