amehta Loc: Boston

Yes, I agree that she is not expecting to become a wedding photographer and is doing this for nothing. She should run out and buy a flash because, if she is spending $4-7k on equipment (D810, 70-200mm and/or 24-70mm lenses), spending $500 on a good flash makes a lot of sense. She should run out and rent a lens because of "hobbyist pride", wanting to do the best job she can, for under $100. And using only the three lenses listed (35mm, 50mm, and 55-200mm) are likely to make shooting this quite difficult for someone who doesn't know what they are doing when shooting a wedding and hasn't decided that those lenses are what they want to use.

Now, if she doesn't want to do the best job she can, or isn't willing to put some effort into this, then she should decline the request. I'm trying to give advice based on the idea that she does want to deliver the goods.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I don't absolutely disagree with you. How is a novice going to manipulate a flash out of the box? If she doesn't know how to use one now the chances are she is going to compound her problems. Wouldn't you agree? She stands a better chance shooting RAW and using a 1.8 lens. However, I'll bow to your superior expertise and advise her to follow your instructions. We have a difference of opinion. Personally, I don't think she should shoot it at all because I think it will damage her desire to pursue photography for a while. Weddings are difficult at best. For a novice they are darn near impossible.

amehta Loc: Boston

You're right, I had forgotten her earlier characterization of herself as a "novice". I see "hobbyist" as also including more advanced photographers, and thought Razz might be more in the intermediate range.

If a flash like the SB910 is taken out of the box and put on the D7100, it operates exactly like the on-camera flash, but gives better results (more power, separation from the lens, faster recycling). Add just a simple modifier like the Lite-Scoop and the results are even better with minimal "training".

Shooting at f/1.8 is quite a bit more difficult because the depth of field is so shallow. I think using a flash and f/5.6-8 would work much better. Using a prime to learn is one thing. Using it to shoot an event is a much harder task. I have done it, the results were good but not as good as I would want, and I followed it with my 'Looking for an "event" lens' topic. The 24-70mm worked much better at the next event.

I agree that she should shoot raw, or specifically raw+jpeg. The jpegs might be good enough, but having the raw files available for editing in the future is a good option. But I think the goal should be to get the best jpegs possible.

On whether she should do it, I've stopped worrying about that question after the first or two "Help I'm shooting a wedding" posts I encountered here. :-)

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I think it's wonderful that someone wants to help the couple out. She would do well to find someone with experience from a local camera club. Offer them a hundred bucks (as a gift to the B&G) and act as their second shooter for the experience. They don't have to give them a package or prints. Just a thumb card with some nice JPG images. I know I could get someone from one of my 5 camera clubs to participate providing the couple really couldn't afford it. I'm just afraid she's going to cause herself more mental stress by attempting to be number one. I shoot pretty good today under most all circumstances and I might make a good third if there was enough Advil available.

ole sarg Loc: south florida

If it were me, I would use just the 50 for the entire shoot. Learn that lens inside and out prior to the wedding. Learn how to use your feet to get your shots. Think about what kind of shots you want to get and ask what they want you to get. Go to where the wedding will occur and get to know the place. Then PLAN, PLAN, PLAN.

Also, get a decent flash and learn how to use a flash that skill is more important than some fancy lens!

Lastly, take enough cards and batteries.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

I second the flash and 24-120mm f/4 suggestion on the D810. Get the most powerful flash you can afford and you will not have any regrets later on.

Focus and correct exposure and at 120mm and 36mp will allow you to crop to any reasonable degree and still have an excellent exposure.

You may not a longer lens, unless of coarse you get into birding and wild life.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I hesitate to come into this foray .......but I will.
On DX, you will need 20-24mm and 50-60mm to do a credible basic job at a wedding. A flash is nice - the on camera will do - with a diffuser and up the ISO.
Now, onto the (later) FX resolution. If you are low budget ( like most of us are) I would suggest you look at the Tokina 12-28mm f4. You can use it on DX and it will cover FX from 18mm on up. Later, look for 28- something FX lenses starting with Tamron SP 28-105 f2.8 ( used, about $300) for a low cost ( maybe temporary) FF solution.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Go here - http://www.kenrockwell.com/tokina/12-28mm.htm - to see the 12-28 Tokina ....

Aaron Braganza Loc: Sydney, Australia

Absolutely agree