Making a list...checking it twice...

[sageone]

Shooting my first wedding as prime Sunday. Check my official gear list for what's in the bag.

Here's what I think I'm going to bring:

30Ds and 20D as backup.
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8
85 1.8
50 1.4
10-22 3.5-4.5
580ex's

Media:
8gb (3)
4gb (1)
1 gb (2)

I was thinking about purchasing a set of umbrella's - decent ones at a local shop for about $140 and 250 watts I believe. Do you think I'm good to go with the gear list above? Are the umbrella's necessary (though a nice investment for portrait work).

Let it rip...last minute tips, etc.

[Tish]

It's going to sound obvious, but lots of extra batteries for both the camera & the flashes. A planned shot list will also help. And some energy bars in case it's a long day & you can't get fed! :)

I'm sure the pros will also chime in shortly, but those are the things that stand out to me.

Good luck--can't wait to see the pics!

[jamiewexler]

I'd feel totally comfortable with the gear you listed. I bring a light kit with umbrellas to every wedding I shoot, but don't often use them unless the spot we've picked out for formals is really dark. Not sure I'd go out of my way to buy them, but if it makes you feel more prepared, then it's worth the cost...even if you don't end up using it.

A few things that are in my bag that I use quite a bit. A small flashlight so I can see my gear in a dark reception hall. A few shout wipes for when the bride dribbles a little cocktail sauce on her dress right before the formals, a small sewing kit, a roll of thin duct tape, and a leatherman micra (people are always looking for scissors - especially during the bridal prep).

Every litle detail is important to the bride from the napkins to the chair covers to the little box for folks to put cards in. She personally picked them out, try to photograph as many of them as you can.

Before the ceremony, coach them to linger for a second or two on the first kiss.

Check your remaining shots before the processional starts to make sure you're not changing cards while the bride is walking down the aisle.

Don't forget to get at least one shot of the GROOM alone (I sometimes forget this one).

There are a million special moments that happen at every wedding. Capture 500 of them and you will do an amazing job. So don't sweat it if you miss a tear or a meaningful look.

Good luck man!

[Philco]

For $150, a Canon CP-E3 battery pack can make your life easier. Well, plus $20 worth of rechargeable NiMH batteries. It's really nice not to stress about recycle times or battery life and you can switch the power cord between cameras so easily, I highly recommend it.

I think what Jamie said is so important about making the kiss last. There's no rule against kissing twice!

It's never a bad idea to program the cell #'s for the B&G into your phone either.

[jessiper]

Since I wear contacts, I bring solution, the case and my glasses just in case, and some chapstick, so if there are any personal items you need be sure to take them. Wear layers, even if it's cold I still get pretty warm. I also bring all the little things Jamie mentioned. Ya' never know when you'll be the hero of the day w/the sewing kit! The ph#'s and shot list are good, too. I bring my camera and flash manuals just in case something goes completely wonky. (I tend to over-pack). Don't forget to take the gear (I've had a "pro" tell me they forgot all their gear at home before). :rolleyes: Good luck, and I look forward to seeing some pics soon! :)

[sageone]

thanks folks...I do have two extra sets of batteries for each camera and about 40+ batteries for my flashes. Shot list is already printed out - a copy given to the B&G for input and last minute adds. Great call on bringing some snacks (though the groom has made it a point to tell me to eat, which I don't know will happen because I don't imagine I will have any down time).

The other small things mentioned are great, like the cell # and tape. Talk about a B&G remembering something like "we needed scissors and imagine that our photographer had them!" Can you say testimonial for my website????

Thanks again. I'm dicey on the hoods, but I think it would be worth the small investment since I can use them taking pics of my kids and other portrait work.