Wedding lens help needed !!!!!!

[SHKJ]

Hi All,
I have been reading all the different post related to wedding photography and I have been asked to take some pictures a my wifes best freind's wedding this comming weekend..They have a regular photographer..I'll more or less be doing the informal shots....!!!

I feel pretty confident about the rehearsal dinner and the reception..my real worries are during the actual marriage ceremony because I have been told that there is absobsolutly NO FLASH ALLOWED !!

I'll been sitting within the first 3-4 rows on the isle..so I guess distance won't be an issue

Also I'll be using a 20D with a Bogen Monopod and have the following lens:

Canon 17-40 F4 L
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD (very very sharp copy)
Canon 24-105 F4 L IS (sharp copy)
Canon 70-200 F2.8 L
Canon 50 1.4
Canon 100 F2

My question(s) are
1. What lens should I use for the walk down the isle as well as the actual ceremony ?? my concerns are is F4 going to cut vs 2.8

2. Also for wide angle shots at the alter I only have the 17-40 again F4 vs 2.8...should I go out and try to rent a Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II ??

[Londonsnapper]

Had a similar problem last w/e ..... I used my 50mm 1.4 where I could, especially during the service, then for the walk down the aisle, my 70-200 set at @85/t 90mm on a tripod, but I also used a remote cord. That cut out any vibrations from the mirror flipping, and it did a good job. The light was rubbish throughout, ( the ceremony didn't start till 4.30pm and dusk was starting, plus it was tipping it down with rain) but as you know them, why don't you prp it and ask them to pause as they turn for the walk down the aisle and also to walk slowly for the first few metres. That will give yo a bit more leeway with the light, and if you get your tripod set up ready, they'll see that and remember not to race off - hopefully.

Goodluck

[dmp-potn]

Hello,

If it was me, I'd use the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM for the "walk down the isle" shots. Don't be afraid to show some motion in your subjects. Pan the camera to carefully to track them as they walk past you. Don't obsess about getting tack sharp photographs during the ceremony; you won't in low light without a flash anyway. Capture the feeling rather than a likeness of what's happening in front of you.

Also, Be sure to either shoot with a custom white balance (ExpoDisc (http://www.expodisc.com/)) or get a grey card shot (whi-bal (http://rawworkflow.com/products/whibal/)).

Mostly, stay out of the hired photographer's way and have fun. I'm looking forward to seeing some of your shots!

[amonline]

Um, if I were you I'd check the contract with the "regular photographer" to make sure he's not going to make an issue and/or walk when he sees you taking all the same shots. A lot of wedding photographers have the "exclusive photographer" clause in their contract.

It'll just be messy if you start clicking away and the wedding party has to stop and 'handle the concerned issue' of the hired photographer. Generally, pro's have in their contract that they are the exclusive photographer for all ceremony and formal shots. In my contract, I have that no one can take pictures during formals that I or my assitant setup.

Just a head's up...

[buffalophotographer]

the 50mm with 800 iso should work just fine with available light. Check to see if they can turn up all the lights in the church.

[tim]

You're not there to take photos of them walking down the aisle or posed photos at the alter, that's the paid photographers job, and you're sure to get in the way and spoil his photos if you try. Sit down and enjoy the ceremony. Get the informal photos later. Go talk to the paid photographer either beforehand or once you arrive.

[S230]

The 50mm should be sufficient. But I agree with the advices mentioned above. Don't interfere with the paid photographer because that's what they are hired for. The worst than can happen is the photographer walking out on the wedding and you are then put in the spotlight. You don't want to be the "remembered" person...

[SuzyView]

The ceremony is pretty sacred, IMO, and I prefer not to shoot when there is a paid photographer there. I leave the camera gear in the car until later. Unless you get the okay from the family and the pro, I'd say, just stay in your seat. As a guest, I have seen people jump out to take pictures and that makes me crazy. As the pro at a wedding, I really don't like that. Especially with no flash allowed. If you insist on taking your camera and you stay in your seat to take the shots, bring the 50. That should be unassuming enough and you can take some great shots.