Sailor man Loc: Forest, VA

As to those who urge you to bail out --- You are never going to learn if you don't jump in and get your feet wet. Hey, it's a family wedding; they aren't going to fire you from the family if they don't like the pix.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

Just do it.

joepeva Loc: TN

Eartha
In your post you said "I desperately want her pictures to turn out great". There seems to be some uncertainty that at this level of experience you will be able to accomplish your goal. If there is a question, my advice is explain to your cousin that the quality of her wedding pictures are as important to you as they are for her. Explain that with your level of skill doing weddings it is best to employ a professional. If money is a question, give her the money you would have as expense to defray some of the cost of a professional photographer as a wedding gift. Others might want to join you. What a nice gift! Then go to the wedding, take your camera, make pictures to your heart,'s content. No risk of quality or disappointed family. Best of luck with your decision. Thanks for asking for advice

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

Out of curiosity, with so little experience, why did your cousin ask you? You realize that being his/her wedding photographer means you will not have a moment to enjoy the wedding as a guest. Besides the skills and the right lenses, lighting is critical to good results. The built in flashes really won't cut it for a variety of reasons. What external flashes do you own? Additionally, are you capable and prepared to do all the post processing that will likely be needed? Finally, what are your cousin's expectations? Since you are doing this for free, she should expect to get her money's worth and no more. In other words, she shouldn't be expecting much. Because you have a professional looking camera like the 40D, she may have an unrealistic impression of your general abilities and understanding of how to shoot a wedding. You should make sure she understands what she will be getting from you.

lbrandt79 Loc: League City, Tx.

Walter Cronkite? Its great but what does it have to do with this thread geez.

billwassmann Loc: Emerson, NJ

I'd stick to just two lenses, 18-55 and 75-300. I don't agree with Annie; you can only learn by doing. So do it and do your best. Since she asked you she doesn't expect what she would from a "professional", she just wants the day remembered.

ebbote Loc: Hockley, Texas

A lot, composition, shadows, how to shoot pictures and a chance to prove that all newbies to this forum are not inexperienced.

lbrandt79 Loc: League City, Tx.

BS. You chose to show off your pic, not help this person, and it is great, but it does not add to this person's thread. Give us a break.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

:thumbup: :thumbup: And I agree with you agreeing! :-)

jmlam Loc: Lubbock, Texas

I agree with the advice to run. However, it may help to view this photo critique of wedding photos:

http://www.creativelive.com/live1

lbrandt79 Loc: League City, Tx.

When I asked what did you address to this person's thread, you said
"A lot, composition, shadows, how to shoot pictures and a chance to prove that all newbies to this forum are not inexperienced."

A lot, what? Shadows? How to shoot pictures? You did not address any of those questions. And, a chance to prove that all newbies to this forum are not inexperienced? Then they are not newbies.

I reiterate, your pic of W. Cronkite is incredible, it did not fit into her request unless you are willing to tell her more than "a lot" "composition" "shadows" "how to shoot pictures."

scootersurfs Loc: Buckeye, Az

I'm not going to read thru the entire thread, so if this is a repeated suggestion, I apologize. Go get the book "Understanding Exposure 3rd edition by Bryan Peterson. Read it at least twice, and you will be know how to shoot manual, and everything else. Good luck:-}

lbrandt79 Loc: League City, Tx.

Sorry, I have not given my two cents either after ebbote's response.
I would practice, practice before April, and make sure they know that you will do your best but you ain't a pro. I have been there done that many times and have been lucky but I do not want to be the guy they totally depend on unless they know what they may or may not get.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

LOL. Good point, but how many successful wedding photographers will tell you this? :-)

Now I'm curious.

LaughBrian Loc: Tn

OK on this forum there are people who tell to to run away you cant do this! these are the people that need too feel that the are better and can do better! the dslr tech scares them, because as tech moves on it slowly taken away what made them feel specail. if we all listen to there run away thoughts we woud all live in caves and grunt at each other. I have the cannon t4i and believe me my 3 year old grandson can get a good shot with it! also have a friend that shot a wending for he brother useing nothing but a iphone 5 with some pretty cool aps. You see tech is slowly taking away what make them feel they are better. dont pay atention to them. Your family thinks yo can do it and so do I. The key here is to research you tube is your friend. look up lighting and the common pics that are taken at a weding. ASK WHAT PICS ARE IMPORTANT TO THEM. Practice. And remember tech is only trying to move us faster to an end result. we used to have to use flash powder for a flash lol. Yo have great gear learning to use it is fun. and please dont listen to the people that are want you to run. YOU CAN DO IT