beach wedding Q

[kyleturbo]

I have searched and I know there are a ton of beach wedding questions. I didnt seem to find this one. This actually doesn't have to do with weddings themselves...just in my case.

Anyway, so my friends asked me to be a secondary photographer at there wedding in a couple months. Beach wedding during the day. So prolly very sunny(I hope).

I have not checked yet, but I am assuming the primary photographer(the one thats actually getting paid) would be using a 17-55 or something similar lens.

I want to use whatever opposite to add a little variety between all the pictures taken. Say the 70-200L.
Now, the real Question is: If I end up using that longer lens, would an external flash still be worth using during those kind of shots?

Plus, I want to stay out of the way of the other photographer. I would think using a different lens would keep me back.

comments appreciated.

[jgogums]

Use of flash is really dependent on how much of the shadows you may want to try and fill in on the couples faces, etc., but in general I don't use it much with my 70-200.
The pro will probably be using a variety of lenses so I wouldn't really try and figure out what lens you should use based on his/her choice.

Bring both your 17-55 and 70-200. If you have access to a flash then bring it. You may need it for other situations

But if you want to stay outta the way then, yes, the 70-200 will be an excellent choice.
Keep an eye on the primary photog. he/she may go wide for some shots and you may in them. He/she may try and get your attention to back out of their shot.
If it is a bright, cloudless day you will have to contend with some harsh shadows, unless they are covered or something. Sometimes there is just no way around it.

If there is a lot of glare coming off the ocean you may want to try a circular polarizer.
In general the beach weddings I've done I didn't use fill flash that often with my 70-200.

[PhotosGuy]

if I end up using that longer lens, would an external flash still be worth using during those kind of shots?

It will reach out, but you need to put it on M & shoot some tests to find the right f-stop:
Fill light at sunset