First wedding but...

[mindchatter]

A friend of ours wants to hire me for there wedding. She said the've been to bridal shows and have seen many photographers but were not impressed. Now I by no means am a profressional nor do I even own good lens.

My Current items include:
40D with the kit 28-135mm lens,
430ex & Digital Concepts 952AF flash units,
3 light stands,
3 42in translusent umbrella's
1 42in silver umbrella
and wireles triggers

Just ordered the 50mm 1.8

Now I've already explained that I've never shot a wedding and would only be able to hand the photo's over on a disk but she still wants me to do it. She said they only want the photo's on disk anyway. Is what I have enough to pull it off? If not I was thinking of renting a lens online..But what one? I'm nervious already..lol

Thanks,
Jerry

[basroil]

If you are going to use flash, 24-105 on a 5d is nice, though f2.8 zooms or 1.4 primes would be better. You will have to spend a bit of money for rentals, you should have it a few days longer than you plan to shoot in order to get adjusted to the lens/system.

Best setup i know of, for both tight and wide shots, 24-70 and 85L on 5ds, or replace the 24-70 with a 35L (works really well if you know what you are doing, but requires two lenses for maximum efficiency). You would have to get closer, so you need to check up with the couple and the church ahead of time (a long time ahead of time). If you have to be further back, 50 1.4/ 50 1.2 and 135L work really well (again on 5d). Just have to check with your budget though, no sense in spending money you'll never see come back.

[tim]

The Wedding FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604) talks about this, and is probably worth a read :)

[Zansho]

Before you agree to do anything, make sure you get it in writing to protect not only yourself but your clients as well. Things have a way of souring friendships if there is a misunderstanding.

That being said, your kit looks ok for the most part for shooting a wedding. However, I'd not get the 50mm 1.8 - it's not very reliable in terms of auto-focusing, and it hunts quite a bit. 50mm 1.4 would be a better investment for your money.

430 EX Flash is just fine, I'd learn how to use your flash in the situation that you're going to be in, especially if you're going to be indoors for the majority of the event. Learn how to bounce it, how to chimp exposures, and make sure you know your venue's "rules."

And be sure that your friend knows that you're not experienced in this arena, and that your results might not be up to par with what she may be expecting.

Good luck!

[yogestee]

It may be a good idea your friend shows you some examples she would like shot.. If these shots are beyond your ability tell her straight away.. If she still persists on you wanting to take her wedding photos tell her does so at her own risk..

[mindchatter]

This is all very helpful. I will def read the FAQ. I do plan on typing up a contract stating all the points discussed with her.

Basroil, I was thinking more along the line of renting a lens for my 40D. Because these are friends of mine and this will be my first wedding. I'm thinking of only charging for the cost of the lens rental and again under contract that I be given rights to use agreed on photo's for my personal portfolio.

[Mike]

Have a read of this post and the links in it: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5999915&postcount=2

[lightsmith101]

Best advice is to help your friends find a photographer they do like. Going to a few bridal shows is not a sound way to locate a wedding photographer. If your friend is not impressed with the work of professional photographers how likely is she to be happy with your work?
And do you really want your success or failure to influence your friendship in the future?