angelsaboveme

I've been advised to shoot this out there for any of you who could advise me on the settings I should use for a wedding shoot in February. One is indoors, one is outdoors. Any help is appreciated!!

Thanks!

Angelsaboveme

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

If you have to ask about settings, you shouldn't be shooting a wedding.

I've been a full-time professional for close to 40 years, shot for a daily newspaper- politicians, celebrities, sports, natural disasters- went out on my own- did advertising, editorial work, pretty much whatever paid and now have a cushy university job and still do free-lance work. Out of all the things that gets my heart pumping, weddings make me the most nervous. With some weddings these days you may get a second chance to get "the shot" but it may be at that person's second wedding. You need good back-up equipment and need to know it intuitively.
It doesn't matter how fast your lenses are or how good your high ISO quality is- if the light quality sucks, you NEED a flash and need to know how to use it- intuitively.
Others here may say- "Go ahead, you'll be fine!"
Check their background.

Now: if it's a case of either you shoot it or they don't have photos because they can't afford it? Be sure they know you aren't a pro and you won't lose them as friends. You have a month to learn what takes years to do (it's actually an endless process).

Best bet- see if you can find a position as an intern or assistant to a good professional photographer.

Sorry for the reality check, but you really need to think this through- welcome to the hog.

RicknJude Loc: Quebec, Canada

What equipment do you have? Maybe post some pictures of previous wedding shoots. Is the wedding shoot in February outside in the snow?

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

That was my first thought too. Because you can't discuss settings unless you are there at the moment to consider light sources.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

bblankenship

I'm new here, but I was always taught that no question is a dumb question. I would google the question, or maybe look for a book about settings for your particular camera, you probably would have better responses than some of those given so far. Good Luck from another Newbie.

tramsey Loc: Texas

If you haven't shoot a wedding that you don't know what you are talking about.

amehta Loc: Boston

Nobody said it was a dumb question. But if a student in ninth grade algebra sits in a college calculus class and asks a question, it is very reasonable for the professor's first response to be, "Are you in the right class?"

BTW, after googling "what camera settings to use for a wedding", most of the results start with, "1. Consider if you are competent enough to confidently photograph the wedding".

So, that's the first question for Angelsaboveme. We can continue from there.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

You are taking on TWO weddings in February and you have to ask what settings to use? Oh vey.......

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

Ohhhh hold on your taking on THREE weddings before March with a canon Rebel XT and the kit lens..... Double oh vey.

The xt has a MAX iso of 1600, but it honestly looks like an ISO around 400 might be it's top out. With a top out of 400 paired with a slow lens and and indoor wedding is just asking for trouble and useless images.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-174580-1.html

http://photo.net/equipment/canon/digital_rebel_xt/

Leon S Loc: Minnesota

There are all sorts of weddings. The most important thing is to not represent yourself for more than who you are. If the wedding is for a couple who are getting married in blue jeans with sloppy joes for a lunch, then their expectations will probably not be too great. Be honest with your client. It could be a great learning experience for you. Set your camera on auto or program and do the best you can with the equipment you have. Try to shoot the location a day before the event. If the wedding is going to be catered at $75 per person, then you might be over your head. Only you can decide. We all started somewhere. Many areas of this country do not have positions for second shooters, they guard the little business in their community and don't want any more completion. You will probably find this out from reading some of the posts that will be written on this forum. Read what you can and Good Luck.

TNmike Loc: NW TN

This has to be a joke as April 1st is still some time away. TNmike

Ace and Deuce Loc: Right behind you!!

After having my T3i for about 8 months, a guy I worked with invited me to his daughter's wedding to shoot, just so I could get experience. They had a photographer, but 2 days before the wedding, either they cancelled or the photographer cancelled. I'm assuming they were just taking their chances on me for free. Anyhow, My pics turned out pretty good and they loved them, but what an experience. Flashes were NOT allowed, which really threw me off. The lighting was poor, the service didn't go as the rehearsal went, on & on...

I guess what I'm saying is...unless you're doing this as a favor, as I did, you should definitely tag along with someone as a second shooter to see how you do.

~Ace

sbesaw Loc: Boston

I may be jaded, most think so.

There are topics that are like hand grenades:
How do I shoot a wedding?
I just bought my very first Camera, a Nikon D4, how do I start a Photography business?
Which is better Canon or Nikon, one must be best?
I am starting a studio in a 4x6 room, what color should I paint it?

Whenever I see a question of that ilk asked buy someone with 1 previous post I sit back and watch with delight. it never fails to amuse. If I am off base in this case I apologize to the OP, Offer up: set it in AUTO of if you have scene mode see if you can find the wedding setting (JK) but I think the odds are in my favor if not in the case over the long haul.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

If you passed yourself off as photographer you are in trouble now. But everyone has to start some where. I admire your courage.

http://www.knotforlife.com/planning/checklists/photography-poses.shtml.

The link will give you an idea on what to shoot. I suggest you set your camera on program and hope for the best.

Good luck. You will need it.