What do pros use for weddings?

I am moving into weddings and Its new to me.

Not worried about camera and lenses, just mainly lighting and other stuff they may use?


I normally shoot natural lighting so I'd like to keep it that way but?


Do some set up strobes for certain pictures?
Flashes?

Looking for books/ websites that may have helpful tips?

i'd probably see if you could get some 2nd shooter work with pro in your area...

That would be invaluable..

As for techniques, it depends on lots of different variables regarding loactioon, time of day, what style the clients want ect..

What do you normally shoot ? If you're not shooting people, my recommendation would be to be very solid at that before moving into weddings. If you are shooting people and as you say are using natural lighting only, my question would be: are there scenarios when you're shooting people such that natural light is limiting you in some way ?

I have a huge respect for those who aim to shoot mostly ambient during the course of a wedding, but only if they're able to create light when the circumstances or their creative vision demand it.

I run pretty light (strobist style), and at various points of the day will use 2 flashes (with another backup), 2 lightstands, an umbrella, a monopod and wireless triggers. I'd recommend this as a minimum.

the most expensive pros in my area shoot film with available light

^Do you think the OP should shoot film with available light ? What is your advice for the OP ?

I know one girl that pull off great shots with a 40D and the 35 F2, 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 for weddings. thats less than 1,000 right there. It all depends on you and what you are able to do not the gear. Yes the gear has a major part in it but remember its you.

Now with that being said most wedding photogs require alot of gear. speedlights or stobes, 2 cameras and an army of lenses.

Also to put it to you like this, I love my wedding photos and that was 8 years ago by camera gear that back then was a few years old and they look great.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #16329138
.............. What is your advice for the OP ?

I'm moving into brain surgery and it's new to me.
I usually use a rusty knife so I'd like to keep it that way but?
I've heard some pros use a scalpel, but what if I just sharpen the knife?
Should I use some disinfectant?

Before anyone can give any real, knowledgeable, advice to you We need to know what gear you currently have. What your experience is. What your general style is. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? The gear you have an carry on the wedding day needs to play into and keep all of that in mind. Allow you to keep a consistent body of work throughout everything that you shoot More importantly allow you to be comfortable in doing so.

One last note. If you are new to this and saying you already have the cameras and lenses down; that is quite foolish. You may be a prime shooter for portraits. But when it comes to the pace of the wedding you may prefer zooms. If you haven't been a photographer at a couple of weddings yet (specifically where things have gone wrong, ran late, etc....), You will never understand how fast the pace actually is. Doesn't matter how many you have attended.

bigjon0107 wrote in post #16333510
One last note. If you are new to this and saying you already have the cameras and lenses down; that is quite foolish. You may be a prime shooter for portraits. But when it comes to the pace of the wedding you may prefer zooms. If you haven't been a photographer at a couple of weddings yet (specifically where things have gone wrong, ran late, etc....), You will never understand how fast the pace actually is. Doesn't matter how many you have attended.

I'm the freak that is opposite. I like primes for weddings and zooms for portraits.

Thomas Campbell wrote in post #16333587
I'm the freak that is opposite. I like primes for weddings and zooms for portraits.

I personally shoot primes for everything actually (weddings included, so you're not a freak, or at least not a lone one ) only zoom in my bag is the 70-200 because well, that has to be one of the most versatile lenses out there. Basketball, secondary football for some, PJ, weddings, portraits, you name it.

I was just saying if the op has not even shot a wedding, or a couple, he is not going to have any idea what he prefers.

Robert Dunlop wrote in post #16333145
I'm moving into brain surgery and it's new to me.
I usually use a rusty knife so I'd like to keep it that way but?
I've heard some pros use a scalpel, but what if I just sharpen the knife?
Should I use some disinfectant?

Cruel.....but I laughed