First commercial wedding: Am I ready?

[Canonymous]

I have my first wedding in a few weeks and wanted to check if I need any more gear.

2 bodies: 5dMk2 & 40D
Lenses:
17-55 2.8 IS
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8 IS
85 1.8
100 2.8 macro
10-22

Flash:
2 x 580EXII
1 CP-e4

2 x 16GB extreme IV
2 x 4GB extreme III

reflector for group shots

The bride is not interested in "getting ready" shots or bride/groom posed shots. It is her second marriage and she only wants about 2 hours coverage. A half an hour before the ceremony, and some of the reception till the speeches.

I intend on being there an hour before to get the location shots - tables, arrangements, etc I was planning on using the 24-70 for the ceremony almost exclusively. The 70-200 and 24-70 for the family groups and then then also for the reception.

I will have a second shooter with me, who I am plan on getting the candid crowd shots, as well as wider scenes. I was going to ask him to shoot with the 40D, but do you think I should keep 2 bodies on me and find him another body. I could borrow a 30D from a friend of mine, if required.

After the ceremony, there will be mainly family group shots, which will be my main pressure, as I have worked out a list of about 30 shots with all the different parties and squeezing each shot into 1-2 minute time slot.

There is so much to think about and I know I will have more questions. Thanks for now.

[Mike]

You certainly have enough in terms of gear although the idea of borrowing a 30D for your assistant is good, I always make good use of my 2 bodies and would be lost having just the 1!

Don't forget to get some liability insurance if you don't already have it.

[Borderfox]

2 bodies: 5dMk2 & 40D
Lenses:
17-55 2.8 IS
70-200 2.8 IS
85 1.8
10-22

Flash:
2 x 580EXII
1 CP-e4

2 x 16GB extreme IV
2 x 4GB extreme III

reflector for group shots

Thats all you will use at most, its a toss up between the 17-55 and the 24-70 depending on what body to use with it and the location. For dark churches I use an 85 f1.2 and the 24-70L with the 70-200 for the Bride coming up the aisle with the 580Ex and CP-e4 rattling away in burst..

[Peacefield]

Your fine equipment-wise. I have a 5D2 and 50D. I don't own a 17-55, but love my 24-70 and simply have it on one body or another depending on whether width or reach is more important during that portion of the day.

You don't talk about what the light will be like during the ceremony, but with either the 85 or 17-55 IS, you could be a little challenged if it's very dark.

The real question is whether you're skilled at lighting; both your technique for getting pleasing light out of your flash and especially getting good quality balanced light for large portraits. I don't know how big your groups will be, but I rarely find reflectors to be worthwhile except in portraits of just one or two. If you aren't already skilled, take some time to practice using your flashes in a main/fill set up.

[caught14]

You have a nice array of good glass, so you are okay in that department. My only suggestion would be to make sure you have plenty of batteries for your camera, as well as memory cards. While you have 40GB total of cards, you only have 4 total cards. What happens if one of those 16GB fails during the day? That could significantly limit you, or you may potentially lose a lot of images. Photographers often use smaller sizes (2GB, 4GB, 8GB) and more cards in order to mitigate the risk of card failure.

Hope that helps and good luck!

[tim]

You seem ready gear wise, how about you, do you know what you're doing, where, what shots are required, etc? I would push for family photos and ten mins alone with the B&G, total effort 30 minutes from them and they're "must have" photos IMHO.

You have a nice array of good glass, so you are okay in that department. My only suggestion would be to make sure you have plenty of batteries for your camera, as well as memory cards. While you have 40GB total of cards, you only have 4 total cards. What happens if one of those 16GB fails during the day? That could significantly limit you, or you may potentially lose a lot of images. Photographers often use smaller sizes (2GB, 4GB, 8GB) and more cards in order to mitigate the risk of card failure.

Canada could declare war on the US too, paratroupers could jump in, take over the church, and hold everyone hostage. You have to draw the worrying line somewhere, failing memory cards are very unlikely.

[whiteeye]

....Canada could declare war on the US.....

:rolleyes:

[PMCphotography]

failing memory cards are very unlikely.

Unlikely, but it does happen. Al it takes is once, and you've lost hundreds of photos. I'm more worried about losing one or accidentally formatting one, so I only use 4gb cards for professional (i.e. paid) gigs, and bigger cards for snapshots.

[tim]

I haven't lost images to a failing card yet, with 100% Sandisk cards. With the 7D RAW files being 28-35MB and doing 1080p video i've just ordered some 16GB Transcend memory cards (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTranscend-133x-CompactFlash-Memory-TS16GCF133%2Fdp%2FB000W0BC7I%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dele ctronics%26qid%3D1254784564%26sr%3D8-4&tag=headphonerevi-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325). Transcend have error checking and correction on the cards, which even Sandisk don't have. I'll give them a through test before I use them on a job though, and I still have 4GB and 8GB memory cards. I'm more worried about losing cards than cards failing.

[Canonymous]

Don't forget to get some liability insurance if you don't already have it. Yes, I do.


You don't talk about what the light will be like during the ceremony
It is outside near a beach in midday sun, there should be tree coverage though.

The real question is whether you're skilled at lighting; both your technique for getting pleasing light out of your flash and especially getting good quality balanced light for large portraits. I don't know how big your groups will be, but I rarely find reflectors to be worthwhile except in portraits of just one or two. If you aren't already skilled, take some time to practice using your flashes in a main/fill set up. I have a good understanding of light, will try to make the best of natural light for the group photos.


You seem ready gear wise, how about you, do you know what you're doing, where, what shots are required, etc? I would push for family photos and ten mins alone with the B&G, total effort 30 minutes from them and they're "must have" photos IMHO.

I am working on my schedule & preparation, I have made a shot list and will check out the venue this week for locations for the group shots.
The bride didn't want alone shots, but I think you are right and I will push for a short session. It would be a shame to miss that opp. It is her second wedding so she is a bit more laid back about it all, but for the groom, he seems really psyched.

[gravy graffix]

id say got for it. as others said you have the gear, and it sounds like a pretty stress free way to start...

[PMCphotography]

I haven't lost images to a failing card yet, with 100% Sandisk cards. With the 7D RAW files being 28-35MB and doing 1080p video i've just ordered some 16GB Transcend memory cards (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTranscend-133x-CompactFlash-Memory-TS16GCF133%2Fdp%2FB000W0BC7I%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dele ctronics%26qid%3D1254784564%26sr%3D8-4&tag=headphonerevi-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325). Transcend have error checking and correction on the cards, which even Sandisk don't have. I'll give them a through test before I use them on a job though, and I still have 4GB and 8GB memory cards. I'm more worried about losing cards than cards failing.


If/when i upgrade to the 7d i'll get some bigger cards, since the file sizes are so much bigger.

[wernersl]

I haven't lost images to a failing card yet, with 100% Sandisk cards. With the 7D RAW files being 28-35MB and doing 1080p video i've just ordered some 16GB Transcend memory cards (http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTranscend-133x-CompactFlash-Memory-TS16GCF133%2Fdp%2FB000W0BC7I%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dele ctronics%26qid%3D1254784564%26sr%3D8-4&tag=headphonerevi-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325). Transcend have error checking and correction on the cards, which even Sandisk don't have. I'll give them a through test before I use them on a job though, and I still have 4GB and 8GB memory cards. I'm more worried about losing cards than cards failing.
Been using the same Transcend cards for the last 4 years. so far so good.

[tim]

Good to hear :) In a thread on another forum results were overwhelmingly positive.

[Canonymous]

id say got for it. as others said you have the gear, and it sounds like a pretty stress free way to start...

Thanks for the vote of confidence :D

[caught14]

Yes, you do have to draw the line somewhere with regards to worrying about your gear/equipment. There's nothing wrong with your setup in the least, especially since this will be a short event (2 hours). You may not even get to a second card. I just prefer to err on the side of having plenty of batteries and memory cards on hand in case the unthinkable happens. It's such a small investment that if it saves my butt just one time then it's all worth it.

In the future if you are shooting weddings that are much longer in terms of time, you will find that you can use up dozens of GB, especially if you have multiple shooters and if you are using your 5D MkII in RAW.

Earlier this year I had one Lexar Professional card go bad, but fortunately it wasn't during a commissioned wedding or portrait session so there was no impact on our business. The rest of our cards are all SanDisk and we have had a 100% success rate with those so far. Hopefully that will continue! However if it doesn't, we have taken steps necessary to mitigate that risk should something happen. And everyone has a different level of comfort in terms of backup equipment.

I agree the chances are really low that a card will fail. But if it did, it is worth considering how it would impact your business going forward.

[BillwYellowstone]

Part of getting ready is to worry about things, take note and be sure the worries are taken care of.

(old timer rant on) Back when I shot weddings, (early 70's), I would have a nightmare about forgetting the film at home. Aways one of the first, middle ad last items I would check. Another fear was film being screwed up by the lab. Always breathed easier when the proofs were delivered.

(Old timer rant off)

Now with cards there is a slight chance of failure with cards vs, screwup by lab, probably a lot less chance, use good cards as I used a quality lab.

Good luck with it, you will o fine, you are prepared. Make sure you charge enough! Like an iceberg, the wedding photgrapher has most of his work below the surface.

[Canonymous]

Like an iceberg, the wedding photgrapher has most of his work below the surface.

How true! :)

[Jeremy H]

There's always a first if you are going to pursue professional wedding photography. You look like you're all set. One thing I still do (been shooting for a long time)....is attend the rehearsal. It's an opportunity to meet people, scope the room and lighting, and get a general idea of the ceremony timeline and strategic positioning.

IMO, you should have two cards per camera. You're fine with your stash now, but if you add the 30d, add a couple more CF cards.

Dress professionally and smile. If photography is your passion...it's easy to have fun and in my opinion...is the number two reason for word of mouth advertising (behind good product)...Having a good time while you're shooting will allow the couple to have fun being shot. Get creative shots too...Don't be afraid to experiment or stray from your timeline a bit. Also, meet the DJ at the beginning to coordinate events at the reception (Garter, bouquet, cake, toast, etc). No schedule surprises for the two of you. If there is a videographer...figure out his positioning and lighting as well.

Good Luck

[qtranva]

One lesson I learned about the memory cards is that pay attention to the remaining shots and change it when there were just a few left. I've never done wedding officially but over the weekend I went to a Renaissance festival and missed some great moments at the jousting tournament because my memory card completely ran out. I wasn't prepared to switch cards and it had to happen right when one of the knights got knocked off his horse. I wasn't happy but learned my lesson the hard way.

[onebikeonehorseone5D]

I have my first wedding in a few weeks and wanted to check if I need any more gear.

2 bodies: 5dMk2 & 40D
Lenses:
17-55 2.8 IS
24-70 2.8
70-200 2.8 IS
85 1.8
100 2.8 macro
10-22

Flash:
2 x 580EXII
1 CP-e4

2 x 16GB extreme IV
2 x 4GB extreme III

reflector for group shots

The bride is not interested in "getting ready" shots or bride/groom posed shots. It is her second marriage and she only wants about 2 hours coverage. A half an hour before the ceremony, and some of the reception till the speeches.

I intend on being there an hour before to get the location shots - tables, arrangements, etc I was planning on using the 24-70 for the ceremony almost exclusively. The 70-200 and 24-70 for the family groups and then then also for the reception.

I will have a second shooter with me, who I am plan on getting the candid crowd shots, as well as wider scenes. I was going to ask him to shoot with the 40D, but do you think I should keep 2 bodies on me and find him another body. I could borrow a 30D from a friend of mine, if required.

After the ceremony, there will be mainly family group shots, which will be my main pressure, as I have worked out a list of about 30 shots with all the different parties and squeezing each shot into 1-2 minute time slot.

There is so much to think about and I know I will have more questions. Thanks for now.


Please tell me you're not going to do the "canned ham" wedding shots. You know the ones that we've all seen 1000000000 times! Be creative, get some ideas from this site....do the canned ham stuff if the bride wants them, but throw in some of your own.....PLEASEeeeeeeee........