Jenn H Loc: Virginia

I have a NIKON D5000 & just booked my first wedding for April. I may have a wedding to shoot in Dec as well. So what are some suggestions for a good lens to shoot weddings. I currently have a Nikkor 50 mm & a 55-200 kit lens :( I have one other but its fully manual focus so I have NO intentions of using it on my first writing shoot! And since I'm just really starting out, I have limited funds. No $1000 lens although I sure could dream haha

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

Can I just ask, are you charging for this wedding?

mooseeyes Loc: Sonora, California

Forget adding a 3rd lens. If you are obligating yourself to shoot someone's wedding. . .you need a second camera body more than a 3rd lens. Cardinal rule of all weddings: "There are no do overs." If your one camera body fails, locks up, or just goes "tits up" during the wedding. . .you better have a second camera body or some really fast running shoes.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

That is right, you need to not only have FAST lenses for those parts that are low light indoors but backup camera, batteries, cards, two speedlights and so on.

Most people on the forums I read would also advise you to do several weddings as second shooter before doing it for yourself.

Edit: I see you have nothing wider than 50mm. You NEED something wider. You could rent if you can't afford a 24-70 2.8 but again you NEED something wider.

william48 Loc: New Philadelphia,Ohio

This is good advise!!! rent the equipment. Lens that are at least 2.8 or faster. I use Canon equipment two of my favorite lens are 85m f1.8 and 135 f2.0 L lens. The next wedding I shot at I am going to use 16-35 L f2.8 . If I have to use a difuser on my flash I use a lambency diffuser. If you can scout out your venue do it and see if you can set it up to use the correct lighting and take a lot of test pictures from different angles. Shot in raw. You can get away with a 24-70 2.8. Also find out if you can even use flash if you are taking pictures in a Chruch. Down load a to do list and go over it with the bride and groom. Make check list of equipment your going to need (extra memory cards,. batteries. The people here have up loaded some great lists and ideas for things to have on hand. Make sure you know the time table for the day. be flexable You are not going to be a wittness you are an intricate part of the day and a servant to the bride and groom. Weddings are tuff jobs. Have someone you trust keep track of your equipent and carry spare equipment. This person does not have to be tripping over you but be close enough to get their attention without causing a ruckess. If you can get someone to be a second photographer do it. They even could use a good point in shoot if thats all you can get.

With all that out of the way have a good time :mrgreen:

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

Also, even if you are doing it for free, get a CONTRACT

william48 Loc: New Philadelphia,Ohio

Nah, Liability insurance :mrgreen:

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

That too

dasloaf

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-47162-1.html

this subject has been talked to death. check out the link above and read what people thought on it. Good Luck!

stlbob Loc: St.louis Hills

I bought a less expensive body so i could get better glass.

stlbob Loc: St.louis Hills

a little hint as soon as i knew for sure i would be doing a lot of events i added the equipment to my homeowners insurance on a rider.

Jenn H Loc: Virginia

Thank you all for your advise! To answer a few questions: I am charging a low amount with a non refundable deposit. (To purchase an extra battery & another large memory card) I am providing a contract that will state I am an ameteur as well as I have the emails between the bride and I stating and making it very clear that I'm just starting out and this is my first wedding. I've made sure the bride is VERY aware of this. The couple are having an extremely laid back wedding outside on a friends farm and pig roast party for a reception. Given the reason I was willing to take on the job. I'm used to shooting outdoors as I do not have a studio or lots of equipment yet.
I am speaking with a friend today that practices photography as a hobby, about shooting the wedding with me or assisting me. I'm hoping she's available! She has a nice Cannon DSLR but I'm not sure of her lenses. I know she has a couple.
I will also be checking around to see about rentig a wide lens and body!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Read the link dasloaf provided for sure. You didn't mention having a flash, which you should have along with a bracket to keep the flash above the lens and a diffuser to soften it. "Natural light" photography sounds artistic, but realistically, there are going to be times you'll need to suppliment and the pop-up just won't do.

Now, you asked about a lens. Rent a Nikon 17-55 2.8 DX lens. It's the only pro-level DX lens Nikon makes (or made) and worlds apart from the kit lenses in quality.

dasloaf

Questions for you?
1. Backup camera for wedding? Backup equipment?
2. experience to do a wedding? are you the 2nd photographer?
3. if you have to ask the question are you ready to do the job?

Weddings are tough for everyone, are you ready for it?

This is the basic question I ask everyone who post about wedding pictures. 1 body=troubles, breakdowns happen, extra flash units, cards, batteries, etc. I'd like to ask one more, do you have help, especially in a big church or reception hall? There is more to wedding photography then taking pictures. Politics, diplomacy and keeping the bride happy, mother of the bride and mother of the groom happy ! Have you made your battle plans yet, visited the wedding site, or talked to the clergy to see what is allowed or not allowed. Enjoy and good luck! Please post results!

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Yes, #3 is a really good one!