quenepas Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Dear Fellow Hogs,

As in the past, you’re my first “go-to” advisors on photography matters. This one relates to my daughter asking that I be her wedding photographer. I’m an average amateur plus if things go afoul, the last one you want to complain that her wedding pictures are junk is your daughter.

The wedding takes place at the Coco Cay beach (Caribbean) during a cruise with family and friends. She contracted a photographer from the cruise line. However, she still insists that I take pictures of the wedding. She thinks my shots will be better and more candid. I’m not keen about getting in photographer’s way. That’s a no-no. However, I can take some shots before, during and after the wedding. I’ve never done weddings as a “job”. I’ve taken fashion shots of a granddaughter for a contest. So, whatever advice I get from you folks will be appreciated. Advice requested encompasses, pre-event prep, equipment, use of flash, settings, cameras, poses, and whatever else you believe to be important if I want to make every shot a “keeper”. (Not likely, but good to think positive.)

I have two months to practice.

I have 3 go-to cameras: Nikon D610, Sony a7R, and a Fujifilm X100F. Lenses are somewhat scarce.

My preference is for the Nikon D610 with a Nikon 35mm-70mm 2.8D and Nikon SB-700 Speedlight (image quality, long-lasting battery, versatile lens). As a backup, I would have the Fujifilm X100F (fixed 23mm lens). And that’s it.

I’m not considering the Sony a7R. Nice camera but all I have is a 28-70mm 3.5-5.6 kit lens, and a Samyang 85mm 1.4 all-manual lens. Plus, battery life is shorter than that of a fruit fly. Have no speedlight for this camera.

Due to reduced travel gear, I haven’t considered a tripod nor light reflectors. But I will if your advice is to do so.

The wedding is a day event; before noon. So, light may be ok. Hopefully, no rain.

I’m one of those that’s intimidated by speedlights and TTL or manual adjustments, so I better get some practice in before the wedding.

Well, seems like a lot. Sorry. But would greatly appreciate your insights.

Best to all. Val

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

I would speak with the pro and ask him if you could be his assistant.

BassmanBruce Loc: Middle of the Mitten

You may know about this section but just in case you don’t:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-118-1.html
Best of luck!

quenepas Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Purely his assistant or his assistant and I take shots too?

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

Your Daughter.....so pay for the damned professional and take your camera too...If you are paying he cannot stop you standing on his shoulder
Can't be too many pictures (can there)

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Helping him to do the shoot. and maybe Do an occasional shot, but NOT take over

quenepas Loc: Ft. Myers, FL

Got it!

repleo Loc: Boston

OOOOH!! Bad idea! Being father of the bride is a job in itself without the added responsibility of being a back up photographer. Trying to play host and lug around a bunch of gear will ruin the day for you, your daughter and the guests. Just carry a small P&S in your pocket and take simple 'behind the scenes' type shots and video clips of more offbeat or relaxed moments. Rely on your skills instead of your gear.

chikid68 Loc: Tennesse USA

speak with the pro ahead of time and tell him that your daughter asked you to take candids .
My wife and I found ourselves in a similar situation recently and the hired photographer generally does not get upset by this especially if the lighting is good and you do not need flash.
In my case the so called professional was shooting full auto with a basic kit lens 17-55 whereas since this was family I rented a canon 70-200 f2.8l is II. All I shot were candids although my pictures did end up being the ones that went into the album.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

You will be busy during the ceremony. Leave those photos to the pro and all the other guests (everyone takes their camera to a wedding after all).

The reception is less formal so you can snap away.

The pro usually lines up the participants for group shots. Since you will be in a lot of them you will not be in the way.

In short, the pro will do the heavy lifting. You are there to enjoy the day and if you're an amateur photographer, that includes taking some photos. But don't let it weigh on you.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

A pro photographer told me to always go full frame to do a wedding. You have that already. But, some crop sensor cameras can qualify, such as the low light D500 DSLR, with quality lenses.

daddybear Loc: Brunswick, NY

Good. Do you really want to watch your daughter's wedding through a view finder.

DeanR

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

At least make it an optical viewfinder, like the Fuji has.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

You're going to be busy enough as it is! You'll miss a lot of stuff as "Dad".

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

First, I congratulate you and your daughter, and wish her the best!
In fact, I am in the same situation as you are. My daughter will be married next month, and she asked me to take picture for her wedding and not hiring any one. I could not resist. As considering I am her father, I should be involved in every event during the wedding and couldn't have time to do photography. We solved the problem finally, two friends of my future son-in-law are advance photographer, they will share the duty whenever I need to in any event during the wedding. They will using my gear and setting up.
I am preparing and ready for that. I will bring just two lens, the Nikon 35-70mm f2.8 AF-D, same as yours and the 70-210mm f4. two manual flashes, plus a second body. My cameras are the Df and the old D200 with the 18-70mm f3.5-f4.5 AFs (I may not need to use it, just for insurance back up)