frogcw321 wrote:
Hi, I am looking for some tips. My mom is getting married and asked if I take the photos. This would be my second wedding as I shot my sister but my first as the only photographer. At my sisters I was the 3rd one and shot mostly macro and a prim 200mm lens for the rest. I am shooting with 2 d300. I am thinking of shooting one with 70-200mm 2.8 vr and the other with 17-55mm 2.8 and using a macro for the small things. Is this enough? Or should I have another lens and/or speedlight(s)?
It will be a outdoor event at a villa with pool. The ceremony and reception will all be held in same area by the pool with only about 50 people. Any tips or suggestions greatly appreciate. Thanks in advance
Hi, I am looking for some tips. My mom is getting ... (
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#1 Wedding Tip: Don't do it! Weddings are among the most difficult specializations for photographers. It's a once-in-a-lifetime event and there are almost no "do-overs", if you fail to get an important shot for some reason. You have to know your gear and be able to shoot fast, yet accurately to get any number of different specific shots within a very tight schedule. Almost always something goes wrong and you have to think on your feet, pivot and deal with it. Hiring a good, experienced pro is recommended (and makes a great wedding gift).
Of your lenses, one I see missing that nearly all wedding photographers use is a 24-70/2.8. Personally I think it's an even better portrait lens on a crop sensor camera such as yours, than on a full frame like many wedding photographers use.
On a crop camera, there likely won't be very much need for a 70-200mm.
17-55 would be great for some things, but really isn't long enough for a lot of things, nor wide enough for some others.
A macro lens can be useful, but many 24-70s are quite close focusing and might be used with a macro extension tube for things like ring shots, cake and bouquet details, centerpieces on tables at the reception, etc. Most of those things don't require anywhere close to the 1:1 magnification of a true macro lens.
Flashes and skill using them can be necessary for a lot of things, but might be prohibited or problematic at other times, such as during the ceremony itself.
When I shoot a wedding or similar, I take at least three cameas and at least two of every other critical item. If something is going to fail, it will do so at a wedding and backups are essential. You can't just say "I'll come re-shoot it tomorrow" or take time to run to a store and buy a replacement.
I'd never tackle a wedding without a lot of advance work... checking out the venue(s), talking with the family about what they want, their expectations, a conversation with the planner and clergy, etc. I always prepare a "shot list".
Before the event, it's in the hands of the planner. During the ceremony, the minister or priest or whoever is in charge. But a lot of the rest of the time the photographer needs to take charge and see that people are where they need to be to get the shots, and stay on a tight schedule (which never actually holds up).
I've never shot a wedding without at least one assistant. If a video is also wanted, two assistants minimum. Nor have I ever shot a wedding where there wasn't at least one "Uncle Bob" who has had a bit too much to drink and would like to assist because he knows everything about photography.
And I don't think I've ever shot a wedding where at least one thing hasn't gone disastrously wrong and had to be handled. Dropped or stepped on and broken gear, things that got lost in shipping, the wrong type of lighting gear delivered by a supplier,lost memory cards and film mishandled by processors, etc., etc., etc.
If I have scared you out of doing it... great!
If you still want to go for it, maybe this will help.