Dilema - shoot wedding with old faithful G3 or borrowed E500

[nathan2612]

I've a dilema. I've been asked to shoot my step sisters wedding (she has low expectations - my step mother will probably be different). I have my old faithful canon G3 and may have access to an external flash. I have been offered loan of a Olympus E500 (with only 2 x 512Mb SD's). I will only have the day before to play with the E500.

It's a late afternoon outdoor wedding (amongst a coffee plantation!) so I'll have pretty good light for the more classy shots (sunsetting approx 7:30pm). There'll be an outdoor marquee for the reception.

At this stage I'm thinking I should just shoot 50/50 with each camera. Maybe leave the E500 on ISO 800. I was even contemplating leaving the G3 in B&W mode most of the time.

I'd love to get a new DSLR. I like the K100 - am attracted to this one due to value and like the idea of getting a fast prime lens which suits the sort of shots I like to take. In reality though I'm still pretty satisfied with the G3 (learned to cope with it) and probably wouldn't have considered an upgrade yet if this wedding hadn't come along.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (I know some people will say don't do it - but I can't help myself).

[agosling]

I have one piece of advice and it is simple, "Don't Do It"... From your post you seem to have no idea of what your planning to take on

[liza]

Try renting proper equipment. This is a once in a lifetime event.

[nathan2612]

agosling, unfortunately I have no choice in the matter. Step mothers and all. You are indeed correct - relative to most on this forum I don't have an idea of what I am getting myself into. I have done one wedding before following a pro - I doubt this really helps me too much though - it's one thing to take a photo - another to compose. They have stated they don't want to do any staged shots (with some encouragement I'm thinking they will though) and they will be happy to get '2 or 3 nice photos'. This is going to be a very casual outdoor wedding - a very modest wedding - with a VERY modest photographer.

[agosling]

In that case I would agree with Liza, try to hire maybe a 20D (preferably 2), a 24-70L, a 580 Flash and get plenty of memory, you can get Kingston cards on eBay for $40 they are genuine and good quality. Take lots and batteries, at least a couple of spares for each body and as many for the flash as you can afford.

The thing to remember is that no matter what people say about being relaxed and not caring too much about the outcome it is always a different story when it comes time to see the results and this is family so there is no getting away from them...

How far off is the wedding, hopefully you've got some time to read some books and practice. I would suggest you go and buy a bunch of wedding magazines, they are usually fairly cheap and you will get lots of ideas for shots. get together with the couple and find out where the wedding is being held, where they would like to take shots, where the reception is being held then make sure you visit all those places preferably at the sort of time they will be used, take test shots everywhere you go. I like to visit the sites with the couple, it gives you a chance to do some engagement type shots and to get everyone of the same page in knowing what's going to happen on the day.

The more organised you are the less stressed you will be and the better the results you will produce, even having done a reasonable number of wedding I don't like it if something has caused me to not be well organised.

I still say you shouldn't do it, but if you take some of the advice I've given you should be able to produce a reasonable outcome.

[ofdphoto]

Hmmm. It sounds like expectations are very low. If they weren't, I would discourage you from doing it too.

But given how low expectations are, I would suggest shooting with whatever you're most comfortable using. Stuff happens fast at weddings, and using rented gear you're not familiar with won't help you at all.

Checking out bridal magazines is a good idea though.

Relax about it. If they wanted awesome photos, they'd hire a pro. Just read what you can, be as prepared as you can (locations, layouts, etc.) and go with the flow.

[BrandonSi]

Hmmm. It sounds like expectations are very low. If they weren't, I would discourage you from doing it too.

But given how low expectations are, I would suggest shooting with whatever you're most comfortable using. Stuff happens fast at weddings, and using rented gear you're not familiar with won't help you at all.

Checking out bridal magazines is a good idea though.

Relax about it. If they wanted awesome photos, they'd hire a pro. Just read what you can, be as prepared as you can (locations, layouts, etc.) and go with the flow.

I agree.. just make sure their expectations are as low as you think they are.

[bpuppy]

Use what you know ... trying out new equipment for an important event is crazy.

[DAVIDJAY]

Hey Nathan!

That's awesome you're getting the chance to shoot your first wedding. I was kind of thrown into the same position for my first gig and everything worked out...and regardless of what you might know or feel like you don't know (right now) you have time to learn and get setup before the wedding.

Anyway, lots of people here to help so stick around and let's get you ready to rock. If you like it you might be off to a great career!

Blessings,
DJ

[jbstudios]

oh is it going to be have fun with dj here. Not the normal advice you would get here. Normally people get pretty rude with dont do its. i think they forget they had a first time too. so yippie for some positive GOD IS GOOD!

[xBtUser]

Just try your best, relax and use all your "creative" skills to get the best shots. You don't always need the best equipments to get the best pictures!

Good luck and have fun!

[Grace]

have fun. :) I have just completed my first wedding season and I have never been an assistant / second shooter. Granted it would have been a great opportunity, but didn't have the chance.

[Raphael V]

E 500 is a good camera coupled with the FL 50 Flashgun. Flash exposure is consistent. I have shot a couple of weddings with this setup. One of my friend shoots regularly with this camera and FL 50 flashgun.
Try to keep the ISO below 400 though. It is quite noisy at high ISO's.

[Raphael V]

If you are going ahead with the Olympus E 500, then read this link:
http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/oly-e/e500-using.html
I have found the Olympus flash metering to be much more consistent than the Canon's ETTL II.
Good luck.

[PhotographsOfYou]

I have a different oppinion. As we all... However, as I see this to be a board of mixed experiences, I believe, as a professional my self...he should decline to shoot. It will be much easier at family functions following this wedding for him and all. I have read the low expectations, etc. IMO, better equipment is good, but experience and good equipment is even better! As we all know, weddings are emotional. Lighting is not ideal. Time is critical. Oh, And Emotions Are High. I praise the research to do a good job for B/G/Step Mothers. However, I keep going to 3-4 weeks post wed and Questions arise.

[takeyourpic]

Nathan,
I would make sure that the bride and the MOB knows exactly what you are able to do and what you are not going to be able to do if you shoot with a G3. I love the G3 and I think it produces some great pictures, but it is still a point and shoot camera. I think that as long as everybody is on the same page then I think that you will do fine with this situation. I personally would not want to do a family member's wedding though. I have declined two from my own already. I wanted to be able to enjoy the weddings and not be on the clock. Best of luck if you take this on...

[DAVIDJAY]

As long as we are always honest in how we present and "sell" ourselves we won't ever have to worry about others expectations.

I go into every wedding with one objective - to do the absolute best job I can on that day. I will not always produce the results I had hoped for and there's a chance that I won't produce the results the client was looking for but if I give it my all then I'll always be able to sleep well at night.

I suggest that no mattter where we're at currently that we continue to improve ourselves every single day and we work to improve those around us - that's success in my book!

:)
DJ

[Lunajen]

I would take both camereas and don't wory aobut it. Ok, you are going to worry but once it is done you will be happy. I think you will do fine. If you are looking for afordable and reliable camera though, I would look at the Nikon D50(personally go for the Canon, but the XT is around $699.95 at Ritz and the D50 is around $599.95 , so you could possibly find it cheaper out on the internet). Either way if you do get a DSLR before, just rent the lens you need. That's what I did. And I am pretty sure somewhere inthe town you live someone rents cameras and lenses. Either way, good luck and have fun.

Jennifer