I (amateur) have been asked to do a wedding...

[ChrisGorabPhotography]

The brother of a friend of mine has asked me to shoot his wedding next Labor Day. I'm not an accomplished photographer by any means, but I can shoot a decent picture. I'm very nervous about doing it and not getting enough good pics, but they are very easy going and they already know I'm no pro. They are loaded, but I wouldn't be charging them because they're friends.

Should I go through with it? Should I just supply them with all the photos after I post-process them? Should I rent some primes for the occasion, or would my lineup suffice (in my sig)? I think I'd at least have to pick up the 430EXII or 580EXII (basically gives me an excuse to finally pull the trigger).

I'm a little apprehensive, but I don't think they're looking for a top-notch job, since they came to me instead of shelling out the $ for one of you guys (like I had to). I don't know how to make them pose or anything... I guess I can study my wedding pics.

If I rent some glass, should I pick up the 35L and 85L? Would that be good enough on my 40D?

[jgrussell]

This was hashed out recently in another thread and with luck someone better at searching the forums will find you the link. My own view: don't do it, unless you spend a lot of time between now and then getting ready to be a pro for this wedding. And if you do spend the time, then charge appropriately and accordingly.

[Fingertip]

It could be that the couple puts more priority on having fun with people they are comfortable with than having technically accurate pictures.
I had my wedding photographed by a family friend and until I joined this forum I had no idea that amatuers were not supposed to shoot weddings;)

With the gear you have, you should be able to pull off at least a few decent pictures. If they insist, and you have made a full disclosure of your abilities, I say go for it.

[Alleh]

Just do it. You have all the gear you could want. You don't want to be changing your lenses the whole time anyway. You have the time and it will give you even more incentive to practice with different lighting situations so you don't end up fiddling with your gear on the big day trying to figure it out. Just try and learn as much as you can so when you approach a specific situation (like a candle lit church) you will have more than one trick up your sleeve to produce good photos.

[Jim G]

The brother of a friend of mine has asked me to shoot his wedding next Labor Day. I'm not an accomplished photographer by any means, but I can shoot a decent picture. I'm very nervous about doing it and not getting enough good pics, but they are very easy going and they already know I'm no pro. They are loaded, but I wouldn't be charging them because they're friends.

Should I go through with it? Should I just supply them with all the photos after I post-process them? Should I rent some primes for the occasion, or would my lineup suffice (in my sig)? I think I'd at least have to pick up the 430EXII or 580EXII (basically gives me an excuse to finally pull the trigger).

I'm a little apprehensive, but I don't think they're looking for a top-notch job, since they came to me instead of shelling out the $ for one of you guys (like I had to). I don't know how to make them pose or anything... I guess I can study my wedding pics.

If I rent some glass, should I pick up the 35L and 85L? Would that be good enough on my 40D?

I think your renting money would be better put towards a backup camera in case your 40D fails on the day... renting those lenses probably won't greatly improve your photos - the 24-70L is a lens you're familiar with and you probably don't want to be getting used to a new lens on the day.

[Zansho]

To be honest, the biggest thing that can improve your images in this situation would be to get a flash for your camera. All the nicest glass in the world won't help you if you don't have the right amount of light!

If they're loaded, why don't they spring for a professional? No offense, but in all honesty, given your lack of experience in this area, I'd be apprehensive about shooting if I were you. This is a once in a lifetime kind of event, and they really should spend money on someone who's experienced.

[Vascilli]

Do it but prepare yourself.