My cousin's wedding

Ok, I dont' want to beat a dead horse but I have to know if this is even possible.

My cousin wants me to shoot her September 8th wedding. This is the PNW and the weather could be pretty bad then. It's hard to say. She wants me to shoot her wedding because "she really loves my pictures and is on a budget" *sigh*

My gear is
Canon T2i
Canon 50mm f/1.4
Kit lens 18-55
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM Lens (I love this baby but it's entirely nonsensical for a wedding *L*)

I dont' even own a flash since I do only outdoor shots. I could rent some equipment if she's willing to pay for it.

So, I'm inclined to say "NO" since I can't shoot in low light if I want to have in focus more than the bride's left eye. But, if I buy/rent a speedlight(which I should just buy it anyway so I can learn) and maybe a 70-200? I am by no means a pro and she knows it but you know how it is when you have a "really nice camera" and then your family starts wanting pictures *L*

And a shot of what I usually shoot. I'm completely out of my element indoors.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/pixidance/69172​92940/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/pixidance/73535​87950/

Based on what you've said, and your images, I'd say nope you shouldn't do it. Composition wise, equipment wise, preparedness wise. Plus who buys a 70-200 so they can shoot a wedding for free?

HA! No, I'd rent it. Not that I wouldn't love to own it at some point, but there's no way I'd buy it to shoot a free wedding.

Out of curiosity, what don't you like about my composition?

First image, little girl standing in front of other person. You never vertically (or horizontally) align heads if you can help it, posing 101. It's also underexposed (other than the girls dress which is almost irrelevant and could be pulled back in post), has poor contrast, isn't level, and fails to hide the fat kids fat tummy behind a tree but hides the skinny kid instead. It's also very central. The second one at least isn't badly composed, but exposure, contrast, slant, aren't great.

Maybe it's a style thing, partly, but overall they'd be perfectly ok snaps but not from a photographer who has been asked to shoot a wedding. The standard should be higher.

A wedding is, at the very least, a half day of intense fast action with equipment that needs to be an extension of your hands. If you have to think about a shot, you will probably miss it. You need to be able to pose people, move around the room, and position yourself for the next shot that you anticipate is coming. Lighting, and understanding lighting, is critical.

Nothing wrong with the photos you posted, but do your cousin and yourself both a favor and offer to shoot candids. Let someone with the right equipment shoot the wedding. You'll have a good time and will get some good shots without the pressure. JMHO

I see. I appreciate the input, for sure.

As I said, I'm by no means professional.

ETA
I should have mentioned before that I pretty much only do candid shots. The extent of my instructions is, "Ooh, the light is nice there, go stand in it" :P

If your cousin's choice is between having you photograph the wedding or just relying on guest snapshots, I would say she is better off with you. She would also probably be better off paying for you to rent another camera and lens rather than getting a $500 CraigsList photographer. I would definitely suggest buying a flash-the learning curve is rather steep, and for under $200 you can get a used 430EX flash (http://www.keh.com …1/sku-CE219990804060?r=FE) For a rental, I would try to get the 70-200 to use on your t2i, and a 5D MarkII and 24-70 as your primary setup. To rent the three items for a week would be under $300.

As much as it pains me to say it, make sure you have plenty of memory cards, and shoot a lot, maybe even spray and pray.

Thanks for the link. I'll look into that one. I'll definitely be stocking up on memory cards if she decides she really has to have me do her wedding.

Recognising that there is nice light and getting people to stand in it is half the battle! Well, maybe 10% of the battle, but it's there.

I wouldn't bother with the 70-200 unless you have some definite requirement for it, such as a large venue you can't get close to the front of, or you want nice out of focus backgrounds for portraits. Just stand closer.

Understanding light and your equipment is a requirement to get a lot of good photos. You'd probably do significantly better than guests with P&S cameras if you keep it simple and practice exposure and composition before then.

I agree with the comments above. That said, anything is possible. You're not ready to be a wedding photographer.

BUT, if you know what you're getting into, they know what to expect, more importantly the know what NOT to expect and everyone still wants to roll the dice, why not? It's a gamble for all involved and everyone needs to go in with eyes wide open.

If it comes down to them not getting any pictures because they can't afford a proper wedding photographer would it be so wrong for you to take some pictures for her? As long as she understands your capabilities and limitations, you would get some experience and she would get some free pictures. I would have fun with it while doing the best I can.

Save yourself some stress and possible hard feelings.. Say no...

scorpio_e wrote in post #14567734
Save yourself some stress and possible hard feelings.. Say no...

QFT

It's your cousin's wedding. Do you want to have fun with your family, or get all stressed out and have people upset because something got screwed up? You admit that you don't do this type of work and I think you need to explain this to your cousin. A 5 minute conversation on lenses and costs and why you don't have the required items should be enough to convince her.

Shoot it! If she doesn't have a photography budget.. It's either you or iPhones or point and shoots. Do your homework, get a flash and learn how to use it. You could do a trial run at the venue.. you have three months. If I listened to photography forums.. I would've never taken a chance.

There is no right or wrong answer for this. The OP can only read all of the suggestions and take them into consideration. Based on those recommendations, they would do what they feel is right.

Not everyone wants to shoot a wedding and not everyone wants to be placed in an uncomfortable position where they are expected to perform and produce very good results. As the photographer, you are the director and center of attention.

You will not enjoy the experience of your cousins wedding as you will be focused on the task on hand and you will be working..When the wedding is done, you will still be working. Make no mistake this is hard work.

Good luck in making your decision