Up To Date Wedding Books

So, I am just starting out working as a "candidman" for a wedding photographer. I started researching a few books to buy, including some that were recommended by other POTN members after some extensive searching on here.

After compiling the list I found out that the photographer I am shooting second for had a fairly large collection of wedding photography books (about 20) including alot of the ones on my list. I borrowed about 10 and have started looking through them.

The problem is that I find that about 8 of the 10 that came highly recommended spend alot of time talking about "older" ways of doing things. 35mm equipment, film choices and taking the "digital plunge". One of the books that I assumed would be all digital (because of its title) actually discusses for about 80% of the book about the pro's and con's of going digital and reviews all the terminology and technology of digital photography which is a bit elementary for me, since I started seriously getting into photography when digital was in its infancy, so I've never shot film with an SLR.

As I got looking at the publish dates of alot of the books I realized that most of the books recommended were written in the mid to late 90's. I don't know if they have been updated since then or not, but looking on chapters or amazon it says that most of the books recommended were published between 07 and 09, so I don't really even know if I can trust purchasing based on dates published or not either. Now I know that technique, posing, creative ideas and the business of it all is pretty universal but I find that large sections of these books are irrelevant to me. I am glad I didn't buy them at $25 a pop because I find that about 50% of the book is all thats useful to me.

Even recently written books that talk alot about digital equipment is fairly redundant reading for me. Its a little frustrating trying to pick through all the fluff and find the real information I am looking for.

So the question is this: Can anyone recommend a good comprehensive book or books that discuss mainly technique, posing and the business of wedding photography and leave all the out of date, and basic introductory stuff behind? I am willing to invest in some learning material but don't want to buy 5 books to get all the info I am looking for if there are 1 or 2 books out there that will do the trick.

Sorry for the long post....thought a little explanation might be in order....

try wedding photography by mark cleghorn. I believe that book is all composition (solely on wedding) with very little technical material, and certainly no traditional film discussion

I can't recommend truly current books, but will tell you not to let it concern you. Even though there's talk about equipment that is dated, most books will also fully cover the topics you're looking for. I still have a 25 year old book that I got when I started, and though even some creative/style elements have changed, I continue to find most of it relevant. I've also purchased a couple of Photovision's DVD sets on weddings and have found them very helpful even though all the Togs in their first set shoot film and talk about their choices. Also, make good use of your public library.

I recently picked one up called "Wedding Photography Now!" by Michelle Turner which was published very recently, 2008 I think. I've not properly looked through it yet but it deals with the digital age.

I used to shoot for a guy named Glen Johnson and he's just published a book (lol, with some of my images in it, which is only partially why I recommend it). He was a great teacher and his book is very informative. Look up his name on Amazon, under books.

Another book you might like is by a guy named Neil van Neikerk.

I heard that a good book is "The Art of Digital Wedding Photography" by Bambi Cantrell. Any confirmations from anyone whos read this book? Interestingly enough, her original book "The Art of Wedding Photography" is better rated on Amazon and Chapters....I would have thought it was the same book with some updates for the reprint.

I'll have to look into the Glen Johnson one, it looks interesting. PhotoMatte: Is the other one you recommended the On Camera flash techniques one?

I'll second Glen Johnson's book. Complete and well done. It's the book I used as a guide when I started shooting weddings 2 1/2 years ago. Still used it as a reference till last month and I gave it to my assistant to read.