Possible First wedding, need some advice

[mitchell1383]

A friend contacted me to do their wedding. I have never done a wedding and told her how unqualified I am for the job. I told her if she absolutely cannot find anyone more qualified then I will do it for her. So this is what I have: Canon 40D, 50 mm 1.8 lense, 2 AB400, 1 AB800, umbrellas. I would like to know if this would be enough to provide decent shots?

[Flea77]

That would depend on what you mean by descent. I would say that one body is risky, the 50 is a great lens but will put you aweful close during the ceremony and aweful far away when the bride is getting ready. You could try renting a wide angle for the getting ready shots, a nice 70-200 zoom for the ceremony and a backup body.

Allan

[texkam]

From an equipment standpoint, yes. Others will disagree.

It's not about the equipment, it's about the talent IMHO. Don't get me wrong, equipment makes a lot of wonderful things possible and the two combined make for awesome results. That's why a good photographer is so expensive. The client pays for talent, equipment and business overhead. If you are talented and know how to use your equipment (2 big ifs) you can achieve "decent" results. If you've never shot a wedding you will undoubtedly make many mistakes and miss many shots, if your friend is OK with that and you are OK with not attending the wedding because you'll be working the wedding then go for it. Tell your friend to "expect" nothing and anything that you manage to get is gravy. That's why many including myself will tell people, please, leave it to a pro.

I won't get into all the other pitfalls because there are many existing threads here that have already covered this topic in great detail. Just search. Good luck.

[prncfarquad]

There are actually a lot of threads like this on the site. I will try to find you some links when I have more time.

My Opinion for what it is worth, I allowed this same thing to happen to me once. Friend's son got his gf pregnant at 18 and still in HS. My friend begged me to shoot the wedding and I did. The images came out OK but NOTHING like a seasoned wedding photographer could do. They were appreciative and happy with the shots and all was well. I thought they looked snap shot-ish and will do everything in my power to not have to do a wedding again

I used a 40D and a 1DMkIII with a 16-35, 24-70, and 70-200. The 50 1.8 will do great but for the group shots may be a bit tight and if you want shots from the back of the church/venue it may be a bit wide. setting up the AB's will work for the before/after shots (I used two speed lights).

Hope this helps some

[zerovision]

You can do it, but you will have to get creative if you plan to use the ABs. You will need to do your homework on the location. Will they want group shots? If so, will they agree to do all of them before the ceremony? You could set up the ABs in a spot other that where the chapel if possible. This is a fast paced event. You will have to ask yourself if you want to spend the money on renting equipment, or if they are paying you then I would plan on breaking even and rent some fast glass that is longer lens such as the 70-200mm f/2.8 as this is the work horse of most WP. I would suggest a speedlite to rent, for bounce flash. If you want to try and set up the ABs at the reception you will have to see if there is a spot for them, once you arrive. I don't recommend it.

You can't get every shot, but the key is to get the important ones. Cutting the cake, throwing the bouquet, etc. If you love photography you could have a lot of fun doing this, but it can also be very stressful. If you have anyone in mind that might be willing to help you, for set up or might have a DSLR themselves and want to help you out, consider asking for help. At least try to find someone, even a member of the wedding party to help with posing or light set up, etc.

Lots of luck if you decide to do it.

[mitchell1383]

Thank you all for your wonderful advice. She just contacted be back and wants to still use me. Even after I told her everything, hoping deep down inside she would say No! lol, but I will do it for her. Now that I am thinking about it I have a 70-200 2.8 lense somewhere in a box...I will have to look for it. After the tornado hit people came to the house and box what they could. So I am hoping to find it.

[zachary]

bring a poncho

[ldelacruz]

Norma,
Congrats on the new camera! How do you like it so far? Did you buy it here on TPF.

IS would be very helpful for weddings. You don't want to shoot everything wide open. You could probably shoot the whole wedding with a Canon 24-105 f4 IS.

[BenE]

No experience in shooting weddings? Of course you have a contract that covers every detail about ....................... never mind.

[ChristopherCoy]

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...t-wedding.html

[zerovision]

Like to read? David Ziser's Captured by the Light book is a great source. At any B&N store. You get great illustrations along with explanations and techniques.