scphoto Loc: Lancaster, CA

Hi. I'm new this form, and not a pro, but I have shot several weddings, mostly in the film days. Here's some suggestions I have:

1. Visit the venue, hopefully at the time of the event, and get to know the lighting. Then you can make better equipment choices.

2. Try to attend the rehearsal. Sometimes the pastor or priest or Justice of the Peace, etc., will not allow photographs during the ceremony, or flash, or a noisy camera.

3. Practice your fill light abilities, and I'd suggest a power pack for the flash, and the ability to use multiple, off camera, flash options. Depending on the situation, you may need to provide your own lights in the venue. Take advantage of windows when possible.

4. Be sure to find out where the bride is dressing, and arrive early enough (but not to early) to get some bride dressing photos. Some touching mirror shots, with mother shots, etc., are needed. It is (well used to usually be) the bride's day! She may have planned this her entire life. Pamper her and be patient - stress levels can be high, and you need to have an air of calm and confidence.

5. Familiarize yourself with the wedding ceremony tradition and style, i.e, Christian, Jewish, Alternate, so you will be able to anticipate what shots to be ready for, such as breaking the glass, the communion, or the 1st kiss.

6. Be sure to get assistance from family members in who to shoot! You don't want to miss Aunt Sally who flew 3,000 miles for the wedding.

7. If your shooting the reception, same thing applies. Know your venue, talk to the DJ about the timing of events such as the garter throw, 1st dance, etc., and be prepared to anticipate the action. Think about the shots you'd like to take, and have the appropriate equipment.

8. Be a diplomat and be patient and good humored. By the end of the ceremony, you will be tired, and the bride and groom will be sick of having photos taken...

So, to sum it up, for lenses, if taking distant shots, say from a balcony during the ceremony, you may need a tripod with a telephoto or tele zoom. For close up shots with existing light you may like just a normal lens with some foam core for reflections. For working the wedding and reception at varied distances, you may like a modest wide angle zoom. You may want a bracket to elevate the lens. That is about it. Get to know your your venue and be prepared as possible for the situation. I always bring along an assistant or two as well as back-up cameras. I'd by a book or two on the subject and peruse as many web sites as possible. Good Luck, you gotta start somewhere.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

First of all, welcome to the Forum.

As to your comment about the bride's day......

It is now the bride's mother's day! She has planned this her entire life. Pamper her and be patient - stress levels can be high, and you need to have an air of calm and confidence. Oh, and a flask of brandy won't hurt.

Signed: Too Often the Father of the Bride

Larrie Loc: NE Ohio

If this is a big budget affair then I will agree with the naysayers but if it has a tight budget across the board then go for it. First you should know your gear inside and out under various conditions. If you know this then you don't need our opinion on which body or lens. It will depend on the venue, light and setting. Invite yourself to every ceremony in every local church between now and next April. Watch the hired photographer and even ask for advice. If they really know what they are doing they will love to show off their knowledge and tricks.

Griff Loc: Warwick U.K.

You have been given a tremendous amount of good advice.

There are few harder tests of technique.
To hold the detail in the highlights of a white dress and a dark suit at the same time, every time, whilst keeping all sharp, is a test for the most experienced photographer.

IF you must do the job, practice on a couple of friends, dressed appropriately, under differing lighting conditions.

Use a tripod - it gives you authority - and have a competent assistant take the necessary 'candids'.
If you need to ask what lens, you don't really know enough to do the job.

Oh, and by the way, the responsibility will ruin your enjoyment of the wedding . . .

Eartha Loc: Charlotte North Carolina

Thank you...and I will :)

SirLan Loc: London UK

Whuff...what a pathetic comment.. If Eartha is going to be the only photographer doing the photo's she is accepting the responsibility of taking great shots. She needs to take control as I said or her shots will not be good enough for herself as a photographer. Thanks for your comments but I suggest you go play with your toys somewhere else... and don't try to slag my comments.

Shutter Bugger

I havnt read the 7 pages and it may have been said before,

I'm a Nikon user and dont know a hell of a lot about your
equipment. Ive had a quick look at the specs, and from
the little I know I think the cameras are really border line
as far as being good enough... I could be wrong but
that's my gut feel. All you all Cannonoids feel free to
tell me I'm talking sh!t if I'm barking up the wrong tree.

Anyway, you have until April next year. If you practice a lot, especially, with the couple that are getting married, there is a possibility that the couple will be pleased with your work.

You could put the 28-80 on one camera and the 75- 300
on the other, that's plenty of focal range, and you wont have to be taking lenses on and off cameras.

Make sure you understand the "exposure triangle" and the effect f stops have on the depth of the field of focus... You
have enough time to learn that, but dont be complacent about
time... you have enough of it to learn, but not an excess.
Practice and read up on photography and learn.

I know there is no such thing as luck so I
will just say; may the odds of mathematical probability
be with you. 8-)

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Best advice given so far - compact and to the point. The words possibility and probability have been well chosen.

Rabbott Loc: Grass Valley , California

I just did a VERY informal wedding, of a co worker,,,, i got a few very nice shots,,, but i didn't have any way to move the people around,,, so be very aware of the background. check it out ahead of time, if you can.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Was thinking the same thing. Thanks for asking. :thumbup:

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Good advise. Have them get some quotes from the professionals.

They will be more than happy with your results.