tsamarin
2nd of April 2009 (Thu), 20:34
Looking through this forum, I see a bunch of posts that go something like this: "someone's asked me to shoot their wedding-what do you think of my gear?" I've read the replies to these posts and have come to see them as realistic if somewhat blunt. So, while my post is in the same vein, it is somewhat different.
I've got a friend with a daughter about to get married. The daughter has a buddy that is going to shoot the wedding and provide both still & video images. This is supposed to be a "Blair Witch" look. My friend has asked me to shoot candids of the guests while the pro is shooting the B&G and to try to sneak in the occasional traditional shot as a back-up.
How do you say no? Sure, I've told him that wedding photography is a specialty and requires specialized equipment as well as hard-won knowledge on the part of the people who do it for a living. He still says to give it a shot. As far as I'm concerned, I'd like to try a couple of shots-just from the perspective of becoming a better photographer. It's all about using a camera to record good images, right?
Believe me, I don't have any desire to become a wedding photographer. I'm strictly a hobbyist and my thing is shooting transportation subjects and landscapes. I'm unwilling to invest the time needed to learn the craft or maintain the strict professionalism of a wedding pro.
I wouldn't mind dabbling, though. So, (finally) here's some questions that I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on:
I'm using a 30D and I see where the 17-55 f/2.8 is recommended for crop cameras. Is that to avoid using flash or to emphasize the subjects with selective DOF? Or is just because of the focal length range?
I know what you mean when you say that using flash is an art. I'm aware of my own shortcomings-harsh light, strange shadows, etc. While I've been trying to use bounce flash effectively, I have a lot to learn. Does a flash bracket help? I use a 430EX and was considering renting a more powerful 580EX. Would I be better off renting a faster lens and leaving flash alone since I haven't mastered it?
I was thinking that I'd use my 24-105 and 17-40 and just keep switching lenses. Is this delusional? I'd rent another body if I was the only shooter, but problably won't in my auxilliary role. Am I going to find that the changes are too hard and end up using the 17-70 for everything?
Should I just rent the damn 17-55? I kind of wanted to master the gear I own; but I also realize that all these different lenses exist because they excel at specific tasks and not others.
I appreciate any input you would be willing to offer. Remember, I know my limitations and I understand that I'm not equipped to be the photographer for this important day, but in the context of what I'll be doing, how can I be reasonably competent at it?
I've got a friend with a daughter about to get married. The daughter has a buddy that is going to shoot the wedding and provide both still & video images. This is supposed to be a "Blair Witch" look. My friend has asked me to shoot candids of the guests while the pro is shooting the B&G and to try to sneak in the occasional traditional shot as a back-up.
How do you say no? Sure, I've told him that wedding photography is a specialty and requires specialized equipment as well as hard-won knowledge on the part of the people who do it for a living. He still says to give it a shot. As far as I'm concerned, I'd like to try a couple of shots-just from the perspective of becoming a better photographer. It's all about using a camera to record good images, right?
Believe me, I don't have any desire to become a wedding photographer. I'm strictly a hobbyist and my thing is shooting transportation subjects and landscapes. I'm unwilling to invest the time needed to learn the craft or maintain the strict professionalism of a wedding pro.
I wouldn't mind dabbling, though. So, (finally) here's some questions that I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on:
I'm using a 30D and I see where the 17-55 f/2.8 is recommended for crop cameras. Is that to avoid using flash or to emphasize the subjects with selective DOF? Or is just because of the focal length range?
I know what you mean when you say that using flash is an art. I'm aware of my own shortcomings-harsh light, strange shadows, etc. While I've been trying to use bounce flash effectively, I have a lot to learn. Does a flash bracket help? I use a 430EX and was considering renting a more powerful 580EX. Would I be better off renting a faster lens and leaving flash alone since I haven't mastered it?
I was thinking that I'd use my 24-105 and 17-40 and just keep switching lenses. Is this delusional? I'd rent another body if I was the only shooter, but problably won't in my auxilliary role. Am I going to find that the changes are too hard and end up using the 17-70 for everything?
Should I just rent the damn 17-55? I kind of wanted to master the gear I own; but I also realize that all these different lenses exist because they excel at specific tasks and not others.
I appreciate any input you would be willing to offer. Remember, I know my limitations and I understand that I'm not equipped to be the photographer for this important day, but in the context of what I'll be doing, how can I be reasonably competent at it?