First wedding - lessons learned

Can you identify all the books you have purchased and read which assisted you into wedding Photography?
Can you explain why you would select the Tamron lense 28-75 or the canon 17-55?
In what type of situations would you use this lense for ? Candid shots, or good for close up portrait shots?

I've posted links to books earlier in the thread.

I've used the Tamron 28-75 for a year, it works ok but in some cases the focus isn't dead on. 98% of the time it is, and it could be user error, but I want to upgrade to a higher quality lens. The 17-55 IS gives me a better range plus IS, so if the lens is good enough quality it's perfect. My only concern is lens flare, and a little vignetting.

Hi!
That is an amazing story from just reading and applying yourself you have become such a good photographer! on other peoples experience!!
Can you identify all your books that you have read and purchased in order of preference because i have researched alot of books on amazon but iam not sure which one's to purchase, your learning experience is like the one i'am looking for !! teach myself at my own leisure.
Looking at the wedding equipment recommendations, why have you selected these particular lenses? what type of scenarios would you use the lenses you have identified.
would the 17-85mm lense be a recommendation!

Ok, i'll post my book list again:

These three teach you some basics
Light: science and magic.
Camera RAW
Understanding Exposure

These three are about weddings
One.
Two
Three.

Gear list recommendations:
- 2x30D (but take your pick) - $1280 each
- 17-55 F2.8 IS - ideal range on cropped sensor without switching lenses ($1230 inc hood)
- 70-200 F2.8 IS - great for when you have to stay back a bit in churches, ceremonies, and receptions ($1649)
- 50mm F1.4 or Sigma 30mm F1.4 - great for low light/first dance/prep photos ($500 ish)
- 100mm F2.8 macro, Tokina 12-24 F4/Canon 10-22 are nice to have ($469/$449)
- 10GB solid state compact flash (ie not microdrives or portable storage devices) - $86/ea $430 total
- Flash bracket ($100 ish)
- 580EX + 550EX, plus one of these and a 42 or so inch silver umbrella. $379 per flash, might get a 550EX 2nd hand
- A bunch of camera batteries (sterlingtek.com $50), plus a bunch of good NiMH AA batteries - 16-24 of them ($50). A CP-E3 is great to have ($139).
- 2 studio lights with stands and umbrellas ($599)

That should about do you, until you get into complex multi-light setups - and i'm not there yet and may never go there. Total price $7468 without studio lights, $8150 including them and shipping.

I applaud Tim's generous sharing of experience, thanks,

with respect to your point

2) Organisation is key. The pace, as I said, is frantic, and you might not have time to eat, drink, or think. Key things about this:
- Have shot lists for all shots the bride and groom want

I would add a valuable lessson I learned, from experience, people skills, get to know the best person to organise the appropriate people, in advance if possible, make them feel important and involved,

I've shot several weddings (not my preferred gigs), the biggest problem for me was where the best man had no concept (nor apparently cared) of/for his duties, at one wedding he scarpered to the bar as soon as the register was signed, I had a shot list with locations and people but no one who could gather them together, this made this the worst wedding shoot experience for me (and the bride, however she did belt him at the reception, for this and other reasons ) any tips on shooting wedding fights welcome .

Speak to the bride beforehand and gently influence her that the best man or someone else needs to be infomed and available otherwise her wedding photos may not turn out successfully, this has worked for me at the last two weddings I've shot.

p.s. the bride's mother/father can be a formidable allies

be nice, friendly, flexible and professional

good luck to everyone shooting their first weddings

Al

Good info from Al there. You have to be careful about wedding organisation. You can't ask for too tight a time line, or enforce it in any way, because you have to keep the B&G happy and relaxed, and if you get tense or annoyed they'll sense it and the photos won't be great. The best you can really do is point out if it looks like things will run behind so they can hurry up a bit. It's a fine ballancing act.

DO YOU HAVE A PHOTO LIST OR CHECKLIST THAT YOU NORMALLY USE?

No.

what are some of your favorite web sites that you recommend that enhanced your photography (apart from this excellent forum & thread) ?
cheers

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=180512

Thanks for those excellent tips... i covered my nieces wedding (only for fun) and some of those tips would of help!

How would you compile your photo list or checklist ?what type of images do you ensure you cover ?
Do you cover both the bride and groom's house before ceromone ? how do you manage?

Google will give you lists, experience will give you what you really need to know. I cover whatever the customers want if there's time, but it isn't always, depending on locations and times.

You should find a pro who wants an assistant and offer to work for free for a while. You won't be shooting but you'll learn more in a day than you will on the net in a month.

this post has been a lot of help for me. I was asked to shoot my sisters wedding at the last minute... long story short my parents are putting on a huge wedding gin the back yard in about 25 days (9 days till the wedding). i could not say no to her... i did shoot her engagement photos. i will have my 50 mm 1.4, 17-40 4/L and my 70-200 4/L. I have a 420 flash along with 2 AB 800's for the formals. she is putting together a list of shat shots she wants and then we will work from there... i am a bit nervous but hey what are you going to do. just wanted to thank you all for the information i have found here.

this will be an outdoor wedding ceremony by a stream and the reception will be under a 30x60' tent. ceremony is called for 5pm. so the lighting should not be a problem. one of my biggest concerns is getting the formal shots down....due to the background (house, sheds, vegetable gardens). going to have to watch my line of sight i am guessing.

Glad the thread was of some use to you