I said I'd never do it ...

Shoot a wedding, that is.

But my sister is getting remarried this weekend and she's asked if I'll take a few pictures. She knows I'm not a professional (I have no desire to be a wedding photographer) - she just wants a few pictures during the ceremony, and maybe some shots of the family.

Can anyone give me any suggestions as to particular shots I should try for? Best lens suggestions (I have 16-35 f/4 IS, 24/105 f/4, 70-200 f/2.8)?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Nice selection of lens you have there. I've never done a wedding, but what I've heard, the 70-200 is your best bet. You won't be in the way and hopefully capture some good moments.

As far as shots you should try for, ask her. Then keep that list with you so you as you go through the day and not worry you are forgetting something. The bride walking, the wedding party, the kiss, etc. You will be fine... Oh and practice your lighting the day before at the location of the event if possible...that helps.

Is there hired pro for her wedding?

scorpio_e wrote in post #17229490
Is there hired pro for her wedding?

No hired pro. This is a second marriage for both of them and they're not having a big event. Just close family and a few special friends ( probably no ore than 20 people altogether). Just a short ceremony at a restaurant, followed by dinner.

gossamer88 wrote in post #17229453
Nice selection of lens you have there. I've never done a wedding, but what I've heard, the 70-200 is your best bet. You won't be in the way and hopefully capture some good moments.

I've read that, as well. It was my first thought.

Thanks for weighing in.

That is great advice, Ann. Thanks. I know she says she only wants a couple pics during the ceremony, but probably (more truthfully) she wants a few more. Asking is always the best plan.

karobinson wrote in post #17229484
As far as shots you should try for, ask her. Then keep that list with you so you as you go through the day and not worry you are forgetting something. The bride walking, the wedding party, the kiss, etc. You will be fine... Oh and practice your lighting the day before at the location of the event if possible...that helps.

When I think 'ceremony at restaurant' I think: 'terrible ambient light'. If you have a faster shorter lens (50mm ?) I'd be using that paired with bounced flash. A 70-200 might just be too limiting in terms of loss of light and length--most of the weddings I've shot similar to this just didn't have the requisite room.

Use your 24-105 for everything IMHO, bounce flash. Try not to have people in rows, it complicates lighting. Don't be afraid of higher ISO, 1600 is no problem at all on modern cameras, higher is often fine too.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #17229607
When I think 'ceremony at restaurant' I think: 'terrible ambient light'. If you have a faster shorter lens (50mm ?) I'd be using that paired with bounced flash. A 70-200 might just be too limiting in terms of loss of light and length--most of the weddings I've shot similar to this just didn't have the requisite room.

Thanks for that insight. Coincidentally, I am currently in possession of the POTN's Nifty Fifty. Might be good to take that along.

Thanks, Christopher.

tim wrote in post #17229978
Use your 24-105 for everything IMHO, bounce flash. Try not to have people in rows, it complicates lighting. Don't be afraid of higher ISO, 1600 is no problem at all on modern cameras, higher is often fine too.

Thank you, Tim. I'll be shooting with a 5D3, so higher ISO should not be a problem.

tim wrote in post #17229978
Use your 24-105 for everything IMHO, bounce flash. Try not to have people in rows, it complicates lighting. Don't be afraid of higher ISO, 1600 is no problem at all on modern cameras, higher is often fine too.

This Is what I would use base on your kit lenses. Throw on a flash and bounce it whenever possible. I'll bring the 16-35 also but I doubt that you will need the 70-200 in a restaurant unless tight tight candids.

Good luck and have fun !!!

tim wrote in post #17229978
Use your 24-105 for everything IMHO, bounce flash. Try not to have people in rows, it complicates lighting. Don't be afraid of higher ISO, 1600 is no problem at all on modern cameras, higher is often fine too.

^^^

Whatever you do; don't disregard the "use higher ISO" advice for indoors stuff. Maybe even 3200 or higher on 5Diii.

Also; bring a white paper for periodic WB shots, and shoot in RAW. A few WB shots can be a life saver in PP.

If only they made correctly balanced tie clips or something.

Also; if it's incandescent lighting, try to use a gel on your flash to minimize the mix of lighting colors. If it's florescent or a mix of daylight from a window, then gelling can be more complex.

Lens choice: 24-105 f4 will reduce DOF complications. Although, 70-200 f2.8 is a sweet event lens on FF! For moments without much motion, AF problems with thin DOF isn't such an issue and f2.8 reduces the need for flash / lighting expertise and opens the door for more natural looks. Not to mention reducing complications of mixed light color from the flash.

If you do have 2 cameras, be absolutely sure to sync the time.

For the rare times I do a friend's wedding, I like bringing an old camera with a cheap lens and handing it to a responsible looking kid - 10 years or younger. They get the best smiles. PP needs a lot of straightening but those little ones are really industrious. A little too industrious - prepare for 30 shots of the exact same thing LOL.

LuvPhotography wrote in post #17230895
This Is what I would use base on your kit lenses. Throw on a flash and bounce it whenever possible. I'll bring the 16-35 also but I doubt that you will need the 70-200 in a restaurant unless tight tight candids.

Thanks for the advice. This was my first instinct