Wedding Equipment Setup

[mizuno]

I just submitted a full page ad to the major wedding magazine in my state. This represents the first significant step in my quest to become a professional photographer. I have also registered a space in the next big 'wedding expo' where I will have the chance to meet with potential brides and grooms and try to woo them with my equisite skills! ;)

The problem is, up until this point I have had to resort to a 'beg, borrow & steal' approach to equipment to get jobs done. Gracious friends have helped me pull off jobs that I would have otherwise been unable to accept in good conscience.

I'm in an optimistic mood today, so I'm anticipating some bookings to result from the two above mentioned advertising methods. I really need to equip myself properly so I can stand on my own two feet as a photographer. I have decided upon a basic kit that I want to assemble, and would love some feedback from those of you who have been in the game for a while.

Bodies:
Canon EOS 20D
Canon EOS 5D

Lenses:
Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8 L USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM

Flash:
Canon TTL Speedlite 580EX

I already have the 20D and the EF-S 10-22 (I also have a 50 f1.8 and an EF-S 17-85) but the rest I will purchase in one hit should I snare a booking or two ... or five.

I'm hoping that the above kit will handle most of the situations which arise in the average wedding, but I would appreciate any advice or feedback. :cool:

[cdifoto]

Looks a lot like my kit except I don't have an ultra wide and I use XT bodies and the non-IS 70-200. I'm no established pro but it worked pretty well for the few weddings I've done so far. I've actually shot pretty much the entire weddings with just the 24-70 lens. The others didn't really come into play.

I recommend a second Speedlite though. I only have one and need to get another. I don't like the idea of having just one flash and 2 operating bodies.

You didn't mention memory cards though. You'll want lots of those, especially if you shoot in RAW. I have 12.5GB in a mix of 4GB, 2GB, 1GB, and 512MB cards. You'll want fast cards. SanDisk Ultra II or better..again, especially if you shoot RAW. Nothing worse than missing a shot because you're waiting for the camera to write to the card.

[mizuno]

You didn't mention memory cards though. You'll want lots of those, especially if you shoot in RAW. I have 12.5GB in a mix of 4GB, 2GB, 1GB, and 512MB cards. You'll want fast cards. SanDisk Ultra II or better..again, especially if you shoot RAW. Nothing worse than missing a shot because you're waiting for the camera to write to the card.

Yeah, I have a heap of Ultra II. Media is pretty economical these days, so I figure I'll grab a bunch of cards prior to my first booking.

[drews578]

I second the extra speedlight. I know this from an almost bad experience. I set my bracket down and it tipped over, the flash broke off... so I thought. Actually the Off Shoe cord part of the connection broke instead of the flash which saved me. Unfortunatly all the vertical flash photos after that had the nasty shadow to the side. In the future I will have both a backup speedlight and off camera cord. I really lucked out.. better to mess up the cord instead of an expensive flash repair.

[SuzyView]

You have diffusers and a bracket? Tim uses a softbox on his flash and I think I'm going to try it. I bought it last year. I've been using my omnibounce and that is fine, but I'll try anything for better pictures.

I have 20D, 10D, EOS 3, 550EX, 50 1.4, 85 1.8 and 24-70L now. I just got a bracket, so that's coming next time. I currently have 3 1gb CF cards and some smaller ones. I'm learning to shoot in RAW, so I'm pretty confused right now. Have been doing everything in JPEG because I give the family the disk and they only know how to do JPEG and I don't really know anything about RAW. But always learning.

[subtle_spectre]

The Lumiquest Softbox is pretty decent.

[Wilt]

Highly recommend a battery pack that permits flashes to recycle in very brief time...like 1 sec or less! Nothing worse than missing a great shot because you're waiting for that darned thing to recycle! I have two Quantums to go with my two Metz flashes.

[subtle_spectre]

Highly recommend a battery pack that permits flashes to recycle in very brief time...like 1 sec or less! Nothing worse than missing a great shot because you're waiting for that darned thing to recycle! I have two Quantums to go with my two Metz flashes.

I keep forgetting to add those to my wish lists...it is a good idea.

[jamiewexler]

I second the extra speedlight. I know this from an almost bad experience. I set my bracket down and it tipped over, the flash broke off... so I thought. Actually the Off Shoe cord part of the connection broke instead of the flash which saved me. Unfortunatly all the vertical flash photos after that had the nasty shadow to the side. In the future I will have both a backup speedlight and off camera cord. I really lucked out.. better to mess up the cord instead of an expensive flash repair.

I have broken so many of those off shoe cords. At $50 a pop it hurts pretty bad when you break the butterfly-wing-like plastic feet off one. I now screw them onto my bracket. I've removed the clamp that holds the flash on the bracket, and used the screw that held the clamp to permanently affix the cord to the bracket using the tripod mount on the bottom of the cord "head". A washer with a rubber gasket acts as a spacer to hold the cord head on tightly. Now I don't break cords anymore.

And two flashes is required...even if it means getting a 2nd 20D instead of a 5D. Any other single piece of gear can fail, and you'll be OK, but lose your only flash, and the night is over. I carry a total of 4 flashes to every wedding: 2 550ex's that I use (one on each body), a Sigma 500 Super, and a Sunpak 433D. I only ever use the 550's, but the others are there should one or both of the 550's fail.

I also use a BG-E3 external battery pack. Loaded with 2300mah AA's, I can shoot an entire wedding on one charge and the flashes recycle as fast as I can pull the trigger.

Best of luck with your ads!

[cdifoto]

Hey Jamie! Welcome to these forums! Didn't see you anywhere earlier so apologies for the belatedness. :D

[jamiewexler]

Hey Don. Just found it a day or two ago when I was doing a Google search for something. Cool to see you here too!

[cdifoto]

Hey Don. Just found it a day or two ago when I was doing a Google search for something. Cool to see you here too!

lol this is where I go when I'm cheating on you all over on dcresource. :eek: :p

Moves a little faster over here...

[jamiewexler]

Yeah, things have been slow over their lately. I tend to cheat on DCRP at DWF! The bad part is that you now have to listen to my cr@p on two forums!

[cdifoto]

Yeah, things have been slow over their lately. I tend to cheat on DCRP at DWF! The bad part is that you now have to listen to my cr@p on two forums!

It's ok. I'm good at filtering. :rolleyes::p

[scattashot]

try investing in a stroboframe to eliminate the shadow cause by the hotshoe mounted flash. therefore you will also need a hotshoe adapter and the sync cord. in addition try getting some battery powered strobes the small ones you can place on a light stand to assist your flash when taking large groups at the wedding. this extends the exposure angle of your main flash. these can also be useful at the reception by placing one behind the main table to eliminate any shadow that would be cast against the wall. a portable batterry operated light kit comes in useful the day a wedding goes too late and you need more light to achieve the formal shots. always remember to shoot multiple shots of all standard photographs so lots of memory is important. you also need a small laser with an attachment (ask the local handy man to make it) that mounts to the tripod mount these help you to focus in low light conditions by focusing on the beam and then holding the focus and framing the shot. always have a checklist of all the formal photographs you need to take and discuss the list with the BG beforehabd so the photoshoot can be smooth with last minute panic as to who they want to take a shot with. in fact have them make a list of all persons they want a photo with it hepls in time management

good luck

[mizuno]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

I guess I should have clarified my goals a little more clearly. I have a massive leaning towards available light photography, and as such, the flash I have indicated would really be an option for when nothing else will work. In this part of the world you're rarely allowed to use flashes during ceremonies in traditional churches, and flash is not a requirement for the outdoor ceremonies.

I will be marketing myself towards couples who want the style of photo I deliver, not the other way around. Does that make sense?

[CyberPet]

A backup is always important, even for that flash you might not need much (plus a flash is great for fill, to just give that extra catchlight in people's eyes). While shooting during a ceremony is often "no flash" your aim should be to get as fast glass as you can and don't be afraid to bump up that ISO. Get the exposure right and the noise will be less of a problem, even in high ISO's.

[Phil V]

As well as a flash backup, I'd suggest at least one more lens, there's not much redundancy if you're 24-70 dies (keep the 17-85 maybe).

Although I'm not really a flash fan, I've just bought a lightsphere (more manageable than a bracket) I've only done simple tests but so far it looks great, and is easier to manage than a bracket.

[cdifoto]

I don't see the point of backing up lenses. Worst case scenario you lose IS but if it doesn't have IS in the first place, there's nothing to go wrong...as long as you don't drop it.

[clengster_77]

.....you also need a small laser with an attachment (ask the local handy man to make it) that mounts to the tripod mount these help you to focus in low light conditions by focusing on the beam and then holding the focus and framing the shot.

hi! what's this laser thing you're talking about? it sounds interesting

[tim]

I don't know if you need another 24-70 type lens for a backup, I would use my 50mm F1.4 if the 28-75 broke. I would have a backup flash, things do break, and more often than you'd think. Other than that I think you're good to go :)

[Inspired Photography]

I almost have a spare everything.

Spare cameras, lenses, speedlites, cars, assistants, right index fingers... well maybe that's a bit far, but if it can go wrong, it will try it darndest (did i just use that word? :rolleyes: )

1. Backup camera is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.
2. Backup lenses are ABOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. Even if it is not a precise match. I carry my nifty fifty, Tamron 28-200, and various kit lenses just in case. It has a very low risk of failing unless you drop it or something, but it can and does happen.
3. Spare batteries are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. Enough to run a small town should do it.
4. Spare CF cards are ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. This doesn't need explanation.
5. A spare sense of humour is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. The mother of the bride will most certainly forget hers. :lol:
6. Spare flashes are GOOD. Essential if shooting at night, but reflectors and fast glass can solve the problem during the day.
7. Spare cars are GOOD (at least as an on-call alternative) ... no use saying "sorry i'm late my car is buggered". I had this happen once on the way to a location shoot, lucky i had a backup plan and it wasn't a wedding anyway.
8. I am sure there is something i have forgotten... a backup post might be necessary :lol:

Rob

[tim]

I second what Rob says. I rent cars from a reliable place for weddings, and i've never had a breakdown.

[drews578]

I have broken so many of those off shoe cords. At $50 a pop it hurts pretty bad when you break the butterfly-wing-like plastic feet off one. I now screw them onto my bracket. I've removed the clamp that holds the flash on the bracket, and used the screw that held the clamp to permanently affix the cord to the bracket using the tripod mount on the bottom of the cord "head". A washer with a rubber gasket acts as a spacer to hold the cord head on tightly. Now I don't break cords anymore.

And two flashes is required...even if it means getting a 2nd 20D instead of a 5D. Any other single piece of gear can fail, and you'll be OK, but lose your only flash, and the night is over. I carry a total of 4 flashes to every wedding: 2 550ex's that I use (one on each body), a Sigma 500 Super, and a Sunpak 433D. I only ever use the 550's, but the others are there should one or both of the 550's fail.

I also use a BG-E3 external battery pack. Loaded with 2300mah AA's, I can shoot an entire wedding on one charge and the flashes recycle as fast as I can pull the trigger.

Best of luck with your ads!

Do you think you could post a piture so I have better understanding of how you set this up? Sounds like a great idea... I jsut have a hard time visualizing it.

[jamiewexler]

Sure. Here ya go (please excuse the p!ss-poor product photography, too lazy to unbag the umbrella lights):

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/jamiewexler/Bracket1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/jamiewexler/Bracket2.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y216/jamiewexler/Bracket3.jpg

[dzdale]

Looks a lot like my kit except I don't have an ultra wide and I use XT bodies and the non-IS 70-200. I'm no established pro but it worked pretty well for the few weddings I've done so far. I've actually shot pretty much the entire weddings with just the 24-70 lens. The others didn't really come into play.

I recommend a second Speedlite though. I only have one and need to get another. I don't like the idea of having just one flash and 2 operating bodies.

You didn't mention memory cards though. You'll want lots of those, especially if you shoot in RAW. I have 12.5GB in a mix of 4GB, 2GB, 1GB, and 512MB cards. You'll want fast cards. SanDisk Ultra II or better..again, especially if you shoot RAW. Nothing worse than missing a shot because you're waiting for the camera to write to the card.

Instead of having loads of cards, I invested in a External HDD with a CF slot built in. It dumps a 512 Ultra II card in 35 seconds (RAW) I alternate between a 512 Ultra II and a 1GB Extreme III, and dump the photos onto the hard drive while shooting on the other card. Works Great

[jamiewexler]

Sorry dzdale, but that sounds a bit risky to me (if you're a wedding photog). I carried a laptop to my first couple of weddings and dumped the cards between the ceremony and reception. That was just as risky. HDD's fail a lot more frequently than CF cards, and if all of your images are in one place and it fails...

I have a two part strategy for my CF cards:

First I carry a total of 6 cards to every wedding: 1x2gb, 1x1gb, 4x512 (I shoot jpeg). That way if one of the cards fails, I've only lost a chunk of the wedding...not the whole thing!

Second, I make sure the images are backed up to at least two places before I format the cards. I first copy all of the images to a desktop, then back everything up on a USB HDD.

Maybe I'm just a little too paranoid, but HDD space is $1.00 per GB, or $10 per wedding!

[rlhphotos]

Loads of memory cards are necessary, I have (3) 1gb card and my wife brings (3) 1gb cards(and im thinking of adding another 4 to or arsenal of cards), this gives us 6cards to shoot with, plus we have a card reader that is attached to the external on the go harddrive so we can quickly dump cards to the external harddisk, then from the External disk we dump a copy to our harddrive in our laptop giving us two backup points. At the end of the ceremony I back them up to DVD and then move on to the after wedding photos and on to the reception using the same setup basically...hopefully this continue to work well....havent really done enough weddings to perfect this process but we'll see. :)

[drews578]

jamie... I will have to find my old cord and give it a go

Thanks

[tim]

Instead of having loads of cards, I invested in a External HDD with a CF slot built in. It dumps a 512 Ultra II card in 35 seconds (RAW) I alternate between a 512 Ultra II and a 1GB Extreme III, and dump the photos onto the hard drive while shooting on the other card. Works Great

That sounds too risky and too much like extra work to me. I have 8GB of CF, 3*2GB and 2*1GB, I don't trust hard drives at all, plus I don't have time to play with extra things on a wedding day.

[cdifoto]

That sounds too risky and too much like extra work to me. I have 8GB of CF, 3*2GB and 2*1GB, I don't trust hard drives at all, plus I don't have time to play with extra things on a wedding day.

That's how I feel about shooting in general. With digital we have the luxury of shooting hundreds of shots at a time. Why mess with 512MB cards and only give ourselves the equivalent of a roll of film to keep changing?