Shooting a wedding

[whodunnit]

I am mostly an outdoor kind of guy. I shot wildlife and flowers and tons of my son outdoors. I recently shot a kids baseball game for a guy at work and in my opinion they came out Just OK at best. (I need to post a picture for some pointers on that, but in another thread) Anyway, another guy saw the photos and wants me to shoot a wedding for him. I tried to explain to him baseball and weddings don't compair, but either way I am interested in trying it out. So now its time for the very general question since I don't really know where to start. What equipment do I need and what do I need to expect?

I'm sure most of the wedding will be indoors and that scares me since I'm a natural light guy.

The equipment I have now is a canon xti and kit lenses and my outdoor lens is a canon 70-200 f/2.8.

Thoughts, pointers, suggestions, comments and whatever else are very much appreciated.

[LaurieE]

Not to be a wet blanket but I've been exactly where you are right now and I STILL haven't done a wedding. To me it's just to important of a day to take a chance that my equipment will do the job. I may come from my experience as an interpreter.."Never take a job you aren't comfortable with." The job is just too important. :-)

If you were shooting outside in your comfort zone I'd feel better about it. Just my two cents

Laurie

[Wes]

I would probably post this in the Wedding forum. That's where the folks hang that can give you the best advice.

[CaptainTom]

buy a 50mm f1.4, or at least the "thrifty fifty".

Make sure you have a good flash and know how to use it.

Your Xti will undoubtedly be fine, but if it dies, you will need a back up camera.
Rent one you know how to use.

Extra batteries.

Talk extensively with the bride and groom and get a really good idea of what to expect during the wedding and reception.

You are already on the right track by trying to figure out what you need to do.. Many photogs just jump in and learn from their mistakes. You'll make fewer mistakes if you know how to use the equipment you have, use the "KISS" method, and look at tons of wedding photos here on line. (

hope this helps get you over the jitters. Even seasoned pros get a little nervous before the job.

[whodunnit]

Laurie, I am not offened by your statement. I told him exatcly the same thing. I adamantly expressed my concern with shooting a wedding. My main concern is, they are expecting one thing and if I don’t deliver then no one is happy. I do appreciate your thoughts.

Wes, thanks and I will post it there now.

Tom, Thanks. I am knee deep in research now, but I never thought of the extra camera. BTW I looked in your galleries and they make me want to sell my stuff :) Great Job!