The dreaded amatuer wedding photog Question

[steve_shelly]

So I know you guys hate these, but hey I might get a new lense out of the deal...so here goes...

Wife's cousin already married in vegas and having a vow ceremony and reception "thingy" in husbands country backyard and INSISTS on me taking photos. The alternative for them is simply disposables on tables.

I have used every excuse you pros have given in this forum and the faq from Tim to no avail and still don't feel comfortable, well comfortable yes, but confidence is low (rule 1 of wedding photog, I know)

So I'm shooting it and need a couple of questions answered...

1. There will be a tent, do you think flash will bounce at all? I believe canvas will not, but never really tried it.

2. I plan on using my 85 1.8 for the 'unofficial' vows and 16-35 for family pictures. Do you think a 24-70 would be useful during reception or will the 85/50 do most of the work. (this is the possible wife approval for the 24-70)

3. There is no obligation and no expectations at all, but your advice leads me to believe I should rent a back up body, so:
a: Is a 5D that much different in terms of usage from a 20D, say if I rent for a week and get familiar with the body a few days ahead of time or do you think I need two weeks?

b: If I do rent the 5D I'm guessing 16-35 on that and medium to long on the 20D, I'll probably rent a 70-200 f2.8 is as well, what do you think? (2nd possible wife approval this time for 70-200)

4. Tim and other pros...cudos on the faq and book recommends

[csm328]

Why not rent the 17-55 at the same time as the 70-200 and you're as equally kitted-out as any pro? The only difference then will be how you use them. If she's going to let you buy the 24-70, buy the 17-55 instead. You have some fast lenses for low light so you should be good. Not too sure about using the 85 1.8. Will almost be redunant with having your other lenses. 5D is a good choice although, for familiarity, the 30D might be better.
You didnt mention memory. I'm assuming you'll be shooting in RAW?

[Wendy Lilygreen]

Hi Steve,
Good for you for having a go. I do Weddings and have found that yes flash will bounce off tents. Try it on a sheet in the house first of all just to reassure yourself. Lens wise I use a 24-105mm most of the time and I use it on a 20d. I have a 1dsMKII but the 20 is sooo much lighter and manouverable. If you want a 20-70mm then now is the ideal time to get it, especially as it's the wifes family! I shoot in jpeg on a couple of 1 gig cards. Using a variety of modes but usually aperture. If you alter the ISO though remember to realter it once outside. Most of all enjoy it! Have a look at sites like Gerry Ghionis, Yervant, Joe Buissink to inspire yourself.
Wendy
xx

[steve_shelly]

Hi CSM, Thanks for the reply...yes raw and I'll have at least 5 gig...I guess I was planning on renting the ef lens' because I plan on upgrading to a 5D replacement (when it comes) and wanted to get a feel for them, I guess what I mean is killing 2 birds with 1 stone. A viable option as you mention though and I'll give it serious thought.

Can a 30D be rented? I've only seen 20/30D modified for infrared and 5D standards for rent....

[Time Thief]

MY thoughts, ANY time you have the wifes approval to buy a new anything photo related, WHAT are you waiting for:mrgreen: !!!!

[Digitalwave]

I would try to use a longer lens than the 16-35 for the family shots. You will have plenty of working space since it is outdoors. I did a beach wedding last weekend and I used my 70-200 f/2.8 for the family shots, bridesmaids/groomsman shots, etc. Mostly at 70mm, but I found that my 18-50 was producing too much distortion for those shots. The longer FL also makes it easier to through the background out of focus (shallow DoF) without it being so shallow that not everybody is sharp.

[EOS_JD]

Your kit looks fine

If you rent the 5D i guess you'll have both cameras with you?

I'd put the 24-70 of the 5D and the 70-200 on the 20D. Bouncing flash should provide a nice soft large light source - just watch the angles.

Fast primes will work well if you have low light. I use both the 85f1.8 and the 50f1.4 depending on where I am in relation to the subjects. The 70-200 IS though should be able to capture some great shots at pretty slow shutter speeds. play with this at slow shutter speeds before the event and you'll ba amazed at its versatility.

I'd use the 24-70 for most of the group shots and the 70-200 for portraits. You can use the 16-35 for those artsy shots.

16-35 will also be great for candids at night. Shoot at f5.6 or f8 and drag the shutter with 2nd synch flash. You'll get some nice cool shots. Shooting 16mm at f8 means you only need to focus 1.1m or so in front of you and the lens will show everything from 0.55m to infinity nice and sharp so you can focus manually and not worry about AF.

You seem to be well kitted out and I'm hoping all goes well.

[steve_shelly]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the feedback...i'll post a few shots when the time comes...I still have a couple of months to practice....

Thanks again, I appreciate all the feedback!!!

[razyl]

Another vote for using something longer than the 16-35mm for family shots. Go at least 50mm on something else the distortion can be a problem.

All in all you cant go wrong - they dont expect pro photos and i'm sure you'll take enough great shots that they'll be genuinely thrilled with the photos.

Not sure if you need a 5D or a second camera....the 20D with the 24-70mm would be perfect for 85% of the time. Then when you do your creative or portrait shots you might change lenses around a bit.

Darryn