First Time Wedding Photographer!

[un4given]

I got asked by a couple who are pretty good friends to shoot their Wedding this July.

I upgraded just over a month ago to my first DSLR (Canon 50D) with a 17-85mm kit lens.

Now I have no experience shooting weddings, or events with people. I've been pretty much been shooting landscapes, inanimate objects, wildlife etc.

So obviously I've got a lot of practicing and getting familiar with my camera for the next 2 and half months. I did tell them that I will do my best but not to be mad if I don't get the most amazing photos ever shot at a wedding. They understand and just don't want to pay for a professional. I think another one of their friends will be taking photos too.

Okay now I'm on a really tight budget and will probably have to make due with shooting the wedding with my 17-85mm lens. I've been considering picking up a Canon 50mm 1.4 or 1.8, or do you think I'll even need it?

Also, I currently don't have an external flash, is that a must have for this type of event? Or is it possible to make due without it?

Any tips, advice, do's or dont's? I'm sure I'm way over my head but I'm pretty much commited now. I'm nervous but excited at the same time.

Thanks in advance. ;)

[JackLiu]

Zoom range of the kit lens is fine. Quite a few professional & advanced photographers use the 24-70mm f2.8L lens. An external speedlite is a must because when shooting those required images, ambient light isn't that great. Using a 580EX II in bounce position or with straight flash with a Stofen omni-bounce. ISO400. Shoot RAW+JPEG. Most of your JPEG images will be ok but there may be those that require post-processing with RAW. Best of luck!!

[kja]

Be prepared for a huge day...it's a lot harder than you expect. Not only to get the shots, but simply physically and mentally.

Yes, get a 50mm - you'll appreciate the extra stops not only for low light but for controlling your background.

As for flash, who knows? Depends on the time of day, the venue, how good you are, what effect you are looking for. There are plenty of shooters who don't use anything but the light that is around. Great glass is going to be essential for that. A flash will increase your options so I'd invest in one of those.

I believe there is a Sticky or a post about getting started for wedding photography or "what do I need/what can I get away with" ... have a little look-see as it's filled with great advice.

The best tip is shoot from now until the day every second you can...shoot everything, in every kind of light, with every kind of background. Know thy equipment and figure out what you can make work.

[absolutic]

Not sure about the wedding but last night tried to shoot my wife's school banquet with the 17-85IS and 430EX II flash. The banquet was at a Hilton with a typical lighting for this sort of events. 17-85 was too slow. I switched to 50mm 1.8 "Nifty Fifty" at one point and everything went much better after that, with exception of the fact that I needed something wider a lot of times. Sometimes you just cannot step back because there are things happening between you and the subject. I suggesting renting (if you cannot afford to buy) Canon 17-55IS 2.8 or something else with 2.8 or better. 17-85IS with its slow F4-5.6 Won't cut it unless the entire wedding is outside

[jeromego]

I got asked by a couple who are pretty good friends to shoot their Wedding this July.

I upgraded just over a month ago to my first DSLR (Canon 50D) with a 17-85mm kit lens.

Now I have no experience shooting weddings, or events with people. I've been pretty much been shooting landscapes, inanimate objects, wildlife etc.

So obviously I've got a lot of practicing and getting familiar with my camera for the next 2 and half months. I did tell them that I will do my best but not to be mad if I don't get the most amazing photos ever shot at a wedding. They understand and just don't want to pay for a professional. I think another one of their friends will be taking photos too.

Okay now I'm on a really tight budget and will probably have to make due with shooting the wedding with my 17-85mm lens. I've been considering picking up a Canon 50mm 1.4 or 1.8, or do you think I'll even need it?

Also, I currently don't have an external flash, is that a must have for this type of event? Or is it possible to make due without it?

Any tips, advice, do's or dont's? I'm sure I'm way over my head but I'm pretty much commited now. I'm nervous but excited at the same time.

Thanks in advance. ;)

are you the primary photographer for this wedding? if so, then yes, you need to have an external flash.

[imagesbybarbara]

I would have them pay for a flash for you, sorry to be so blunt but, if they are not willing to pay for a professional I would inform the couple that you do not have an external flash and give them the cost of one or they will have to make due with photos without flash.

I don't think you should have to incure this cost unless you want to purchase a flash anyway.

Just a thought.

[kja]

I don't think you should have to incure this cost unless you want to purchase a flash anyway.


Interesting thought process. If you accept to shoot anything for anyone, no matter the disclaimers you give them, you should be prepared. If that means getting some gear, then that's your responsibility, not the client's.

If you can't provide, then don't accept.

[imagesbybarbara]

It depends on how much they are paying you if anything. If they are not paying you a dime I would let them know that you do not have a flash for indoor shots thats unless you are willing to go to the expense of purchasing one.

Also, the business side of me would tell you to draw up some type of contract of what their expectations and your expectations are of the wedding day that way you will be protected in case something may happen.

I hope I was able to help in some way. Yes you do need a flash BTW.

[un4given]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I realized I should have probably posted this in the talk about wedding photography section.

The ceremony is outside, so I don't think I'd need an external flash for this part?... correct me if I'm wrong.

However the reception is inside and I'll of course be taking photos then too. Seems everyone is in agreeance I will need an external flash though. I planned on buying one eventually anyway, this just speeds up the process.

The Wedding is out of town and they are paying for my flight there (which will be about $500), that's the compensation for taking the photos. I'm doing it more as a favor since they don't have a lot of money. I'm just going to try and have a good time, stay loose and try not to get too stressed out, haha.

I've already starting writing out ideas and sketching different layouts for the photoshoot. I'm going to get together with the bride and groom and go over that stuff and if they want anything in specific.

I'm getting to the place a couple days early to scope out the area and find out different areas to shoot, and maybe have a quick practice session with the bride & groom before hand.

[jeromego]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I realized I should have probably posted this in the talk about wedding photography section.

The ceremony is outside, so I don't think I'd need an external flash for this part?... correct me if I'm wrong.

However the reception is inside and I'll of course be taking photos then too. Seems everyone is in agreeance I will need an external flash though. I planned on buying one eventually anyway, this just speeds up the process.

The Wedding is out of town and they are paying for my flight there (which will be about $500), that's the compensation for taking the photos. I'm doing it more as a favor since they don't have a lot of money. I'm just going to try and have a good time, stay loose and try not to get too stressed out, haha.

I've already starting writing out ideas and sketching different layouts for the photoshoot. I'm going to get together with the bride and groom and go over that stuff and if they want anything in specific.

I'm getting to the place a couple days early to scope out the area and find out different areas to shoot, and maybe have a quick practice session with the bride & groom before hand.
you'll still need it for fill flash.

[SuzyView]

I moved this to Talk as you don't have images to Share. But many pros come to this forum to answer your questions.

[stathunter]

First off let me clarify and say that I am a wedding shooter - now let me tell you that you need to do TONS of homework before taking on one of the most important days in a young couples life............TONS of homework!
You should suggest to the couple that they really should hire someone-- you can tag along but becuase you have a "nice" camera is no reason to shoot this wedding.
Weddings are extremely important events-- and even if the couple does not have the money to hire a professional -- they need to understand that you taking photos is like someone doing engine repairs that just got tools as a gift. The odds are you will learn a ton but their car will not run when your repairs are made.

[SuzyView]

I am also a wedding shooter, but I'm not for hire and I started with my best friend asking me to shoot her daughter's wedding, it was the first of 3 weddings I shot for her children. We all have to start somewhere. That being said, I am now 5 years from that and I can't believe I did an okay job, but if I had the gear and experience I have today, I would have done so much better.

Communication is the key. As you said, money is tight, but it is the most important day to get right. I recommend you get the 17-55 as that is a much sharper lens, because it's faster, not because you're not good enough. For weddings, you need fast glass, which is why I shoot with f2.8 lenses. But practice is the key. If you can follow another wedding pro around, for a few shoots, for free, you will learn way more than what we can tell you here. Get a good flash with diffuser (for those soft shots) and learn to do it well, scout out the venue and really learn the lighting. Good luck and report later.

[egordon99]

I guess since you're a friend you'd be coming anyway? That said, $500 should get you someone somewhat decent (hint: me!) who has been shooting for more than a few months and has some lighting equipment, extra lenses, back up equipment....

That said, if you want to do it, great! You NEED to buy a flash immediately and start practicing shooting indoor in all different types of rooms with varying ceiling heights/wall colors/etc....

Good luck!

[jongobongo]

buy, borrow, rent a flash and a 50 1.8
get a schedule of events from the B/G
start planning what you want to shoot, where you want to stand... write it down, and read it to yourself a few times
make sure your batteries will last and you have enough memory cards, if you're new to event photog, it doesn't hurt to take extra photos and cull them out later.

[un4given]

I am also a wedding shooter, but I'm not for hire and I started with my best friend asking me to shoot her daughter's wedding, it was the first of 3 weddings I shot for her children. We all have to start somewhere. That being said, I am now 5 years from that and I can't believe I did an okay job, but if I had the gear and experience I have today, I would have done so much better.

Communication is the key. As you said, money is tight, but it is the most important day to get right. I recommend you get the 17-55 as that is a much sharper lens, because it's faster, not because you're not good enough. For weddings, you need fast glass, which is why I shoot with f2.8 lenses. But practice is the key. If you can follow another wedding pro around, for a few shoots, for free, you will learn way more than what we can tell you here. Get a good flash with diffuser (for those soft shots) and learn to do it well, scout out the venue and really learn the lighting. Good luck and report later.

Thanks... I'll probably have to rent the 17-55 as I don't have the cash to plunk down on a almost $1000 lens at the moment, considering I'm about to buy a flash. Guess I should go with the 580 EX as opposed to the 430 EX II?

I currently I have a 16gb Compact Flash San Disk Extreme III. I'll probably go out and buy two more 8gb cards as well.

Was considering picking up a cheaper Canon Rebel model for my back up camera as well.

If I have the 17-55 and my original 17-85 lens do you guys think I'd still need a 50mm prime?

buy, borrow, rent a flash and a 50 1.8
get a schedule of events from the B/G
start planning what you want to shoot, where you want to stand... write it down, and read it to yourself a few times
make sure your batteries will last and you have enough memory cards, if you're new to event photog, it doesn't hurt to take extra photos and cull them out later.

Yeah, I've started writing out groups and individuals I want to pair up along with different poses and layouts etc.

I've got 2 batteries and each last fairly long, but if one dies I'll get it charging right away while I use the other one.

Oh and like I said above I currently have a 16gb memory card and plan on buying 2 more 8gb cards.

Yeah I'll be taking as many photos as I can. ;)

[SuzyView]

A prime does something very different than zooms. For close up portraits, the 50 or the 85 1.8 will do well. So, if you can borrow one, it's worth it.

[un4given]

Picked up my flash today, went with the Canon 430EX II with a diffuser.

I talked to the dealer I got the flash from and asked about a 2nd hand camera I could buy for a back up. They've got a used Rebel XTi for $399. Worth getting for a back up to my 50D? Or should I not even bother? I've got a Canon Powershot as my current back up which is not as good as a Rebel. I believe there will be another person with a DSLR at the Wedding, but I won't be familiar with it at all. This way I at least have time to get used to the Rebel I'd buy.

I'll have to find out if they'll take in my Powershot as a partial trade for the Rebel.

I still haven't settled on a lens. I'd love to rent a 17-55mm but I'm not sure if that will be enough range, isn't 55 a bit short? 17-85 is the perfect range, but that lens isn't that fast. I'm also considering buying a Canon 50mm f/1.4. But I still need a good rang zooming lens.

Winning the lottery would solve all my problems, haha... well other than taking great pics. ;)

[SuzyView]

55mm is a little short, but you can always rent an 85 1.8 and that is one fine lens. If I were you, I'd put the 85 on the 2nd camera and the 17-55 on the most used cam.

[midnight_rider]

55mm is a little short, but you can always rent an 85 1.8 and that is one fine lens. If I were you, I'd put the 85 on the 2nd camera and the 17-55 on the most used cam.

I shot an entire wedding with the 85 f/1.8. I never felt a need for a flash. I wanted to capture the actual mood of the wedding.

Most churches have tall ceilings and they are very often not white so you can most likely scratch out bounce flash ( unless you have someone that can follow you around holding a poster board or something).

The bottom line is that if you know how to use what you have it will work.
However I would recommend a fast prime.

[checkgio]

As far a flash goes, I recommend you look into the Gary Lightsphere diffuser. It's amazing how good it is and won't matter how tall ceilings are becuase it diffuses the light so well. I didn't believe it was THAT good until I used on and it IS that good.

[jeromego]

As far a flash goes, I recommend you look into the Gary Lightsphere diffuser. It's amazing how good it is and won't matter how tall ceilings are becuase it diffuses the light so well. I didn't believe it was THAT good until I used on and it IS that good.

he also has a new diffuser coming out in june.

[midnight_rider]

As far a flash goes, I recommend you look into the Gary Lightsphere diffuser. It's amazing how good it is and won't matter how tall ceilings are becuase it diffuses the light so well. I didn't believe it was THAT good until I used on and it IS that good.

Like this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/435138-REG/Gary_Fong_LS2_C3_C3_Lightsphere_II_Inverted.html#f eatures)?

[jeromego]

Like this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/435138-REG/Gary_Fong_LS2_C3_C3_Lightsphere_II_Inverted.html#f eatures)?
nope. its a collapsible lightsphere so its easier to store in your bag. i was chatting with gary fong last night when i saw it and he told me its coming out in june. its the one right above his 5d

[midnight_rider]

nope. its a collapsible lightsphere so its easier to store in your bag. i was chatting with gary fong last night when i saw it and he told me its coming out in june

Thanks I will be looking for it.

[Bkolowski111]

I still haven't settled on a lens. I'd love to rent a 17-55mm but I'm not sure if that will be enough range, isn't 55 a bit short? 17-85 is the perfect range, but that lens isn't that fast.

The difference between 55mm and 85mm is really not that much. Shoot at 55 when you need the length, and if its a little short either take three steps forward or crop it later. Your 50D can handle some serious crops with 15mp images. Rent the 17-55 and leave the 17-85 in your bag as a backup.

[mritchy]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE at least look at a Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. Honestly, it is one of the best deals you can get for a f/2.8 lens. I have shot some amazing shots with it, even in a church without a flash, and I would not trade it for anything other than the Canon L version of it. That being said, at a used price around $275-300, I think it would be almost foolish not to pick one up along with a flash. If I had to go to a wedding with 3 pieces and 3 pieces only, it would be the camera body, flash, and my Tamron 28-75mm 2.8. I know your lens covers this range, but it is fast. Only strap on your 17-85 when you are taking the posed outside group shots of the groomsmen and bridesmaids where you need to go a little wider. Then, after the wedding, sell the kit lens and pick up a wider angle to compliment your 28-75mm and you will be pretty solid to some degree.

[Stealthy Ninja]

As far a flash goes, I recommend you look into the Gary Lightsphere diffuser. It's amazing how good it is and won't matter how tall ceilings are becuase it diffuses the light so well. I didn't believe it was THAT good until I used on and it IS that good.


Maybe...

But if you want to save money. Try this:

http://partners.commonsensedesign.net/images/blank-card-01.jpg + http://www.blogtrepreneur.com/wp-content/uploads/rubberband.jpg

If you have the 580exII you don't even need those things. ;)

[superstes]

But if you want to save money. Try this:

http://partners.commonsensedesign.net/images/blank-card-01.jpg + http://www.blogtrepreneur.com/wp-content/uploads/rubberband.jpg

If you have the 580exII you don't even need those things. ;)


That's a little on the cheap side Stealthy.............


At least recommend the the top end of the range, Velcro pads :lol:

[Stealthy Ninja]

That's a little on the cheap side Stealthy.............


At least recommend the the top end of the range, Velcro pads :lol:

Oooh fancy stuff.

[superstes]

Oooh fancy stuff.

Couldn't find an elastic band once so I had to use one of my kid's pipe cleaners, crude but it worked, just didn't help that it was sparkly pink.

But yes your right, that's all you need.

I've also put white tape on my flip out diffuser (pulled out half way) on the 430 and it works a treat.

[Bkolowski111]

Maybe...

But if you want to save money. Try this:

http://partners.commonsensedesign.net/images/blank-card-01.jpg + http://www.blogtrepreneur.com/wp-content/uploads/rubberband.jpg




That's how I do it. Works like a charm.

[Stealthy Ninja]

Those silly rubberband bracelet things that were popular a while ago (I got some at McDonalds... I think you can still get those "Livestrong" ones) are super good. They're just the right size to go around the 430ex (II) and they're strong enough to be permanent. Comes in nice bright colours too (I have a fluroesent green and a light pink... awesome!!111)

Like the ones here: http://www.braceletsrubber.info/

[Lightworks Imaging]

I shot my first paying wedding with an XSi, and a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, and a nifty. The kit lens was useless, as was my 55-250. I needed the 2.8 max aperture. Flash is MANDATORY!!! I have a 230EX. Fill is necessary, especially during a ceremony that will be outdoors. It was a low rent affair, I made do with what I had. Not stellar, not going to put anyone on alarm, but I'd seriously do things differently if I had to do it again. Took over 1100 shots for about 200 keepers. I earned my $300.

[un4given]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I've got my external flash (the Canon 430 with a diffuser)... still need to get the extra memory card or two.

I've been shooting quite a bit with the 17-85, not a bad lens... I find a lot of barrel distortion at 17mm so I rarely go that wide.

I'm still looking at picking up the 50mm 1.4. Also I'm probably going to rent either the Canon 17-55mm or the Canon 24-70mm. I'm not sure if 55mm is enough length or 24mm is wide enough? Although I'm sure for a wedding 24mm would be wide enough, and it gives me that little bit of extra length I may need. If you had to rent one, which one would you go with?

There's also the 28-105mm someone recommended, but that's probably cheap enough to buy?

[Pixel Pete]

un4given,
I hope my blog post on weddings for beginners (http://peterphun.com/blog/2008/08/29/surviving-your-1st-wedding-tips-for-amateur-wedding-photographers/) is helpful.

Best of luck. Important thing is to stay calm.