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Oct 16, 2011 23:30:39   #
saintpeter Loc: new hampshire
 
ok, im a amature photographer mostly do it as a hobby. I am doing a favor for my brother and am taking some photos for his friends very small wedding. His friend has no money to pay for a pro to do it and well im free!! Heres my question. what lens will be most beneficial for me to rent that can be flexible enough for any situation that will come up. I have a nikon 5100 and as I understand it is an outdoor wedding. Heres the best part, the wedding is on this Tuesday!! I know,i know. just found out today.The forecast calls for cloudy with chance of showers. If anyone can help me on this, I would greatly appreciate it. Im not expected to do pro work but would like the best chance possible in giving the best pics i can for them. I was thinking a telephoto lens but again Im asking you guys (the pros) thanks to anyone in advance . peter

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Oct 16, 2011 23:38:29   #
LarryD Loc: Mojave Desert
 
70-200 f2.8 :thumbup:

and a 50 f1.4 for close in at the reception...

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Oct 16, 2011 23:45:29   #
Just Tami Loc: Long Island
 
saintpeter wrote:
ok, im a amature photographer mostly do it as a hobby. I am doing a favor for my brother and am taking some photos for his friends very small wedding. His friend has no money to pay for a pro to do it and well im free!! Heres my question. what lens will be most beneficial for me to rent that can be flexible enough for any situation that will come up. I have a nikon 5100 and as I understand it is an outdoor wedding. Heres the best part, the wedding is on this Tuesday!! I know,i know. just found out today.The forecast calls for cloudy with chance of showers. If anyone can help me on this, I would greatly appreciate it. Im not expected to do pro work but would like the best chance possible in giving the best pics i can for them. I was thinking a telephoto lens but again Im asking you guys (the pros) thanks to anyone in advance . peter
ok, im a amature photographer mostly do it as a ho... (show quote)


Your kit lens will work for you I assume you have an 18-55 that came with the camera. You can rent lenses by the day pretty cheap. Is the bridal party small also if so wide angle can be skipped. Will there be a tent that will actually give you some light and based on the size of tent or yard you can base which telephoto you would use. 2.8 lenses are fast and good in low light with nice depth of field. I would suggest you be prepared to use a flash on cloudy or overcast days you would need fill flash to take shadows off their faces. I have purchased soft box attachments for my external flash to eliminate hard shadows about 12$ fold flat stays in your bag. A nice portrait lens inexpensive would be a 50mm 1.8 usually around $110 if it would be useful to what you use your camera for because this is free and the 50mm are nice but not used often. Google sites on wedding poses and body angles and family set up, make a cheat sheet. Ask the bride to give you at least an hour before the wedding to shoot the family photos and bridal party and could she have someone make sure to gather them for you.

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Oct 16, 2011 23:46:01   #
Just Tami Loc: Long Island
 
I also realize the 50mm 1.4 is better than the 1.8 but the 1.8 is a good fixed affordable lens that either way you have to step back to use it. They don't normally get used that often so the added expense is not worth it unless your a portrait man. I did pretty good. There are lists of what not to forget to take pics of. The rings maybe posed on the brides shoes or an invitation. The yard set up before it gets used. The bride with her bouquet. And watch their hands stiff hands look terrible and you can't fix that. Men can pocket their hands for that uniform look. Shoot women on an angle it makes them appear thinner. have them tilt their head toward their partner it shows a connection. I had the cheat sheet but after i wrote it I didn't need it because it was fresh in my mind. Good Luck

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Oct 16, 2011 23:55:41   #
saintpeter Loc: new hampshire
 
thank you so much

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Oct 16, 2011 23:58:12   #
saintpeter Loc: new hampshire
 
great advice , really ,thank you!

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Oct 17, 2011 00:27:37   #
saintpeter Loc: new hampshire
 
thanks again for all those tips. truly helpful and im grateful!!

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Oct 17, 2011 07:07:49   #
RockinRobinG Loc: The Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska
 
Never...AND I MEAN NEVER!!!...cut off the bride's dress. If you take a photo of the couple and you have to move them to the right or left of your view finder, ALWAYS get the dress in the frame. I have a book on wedding photos and this was expressed over and over.

For portrait type photos, always shoot from the waist up...never from the hips up. Give yourself enough room AROUND the image for cropping with post production. Guaranteed, you'll be using this if you crop the images for 8x10 or 5x7 prints.

As for lenses...I think you have the pro's here that have given you some really good suggestions. 'Nuff said.

Good luck!!! Have a blast!!!

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Oct 17, 2011 08:25:32   #
arphot Loc: Massachusetts
 
LarryD wrote:
70-200 f2.8 :thumbup:

and a 50 f1.4 for close in at the reception...


I might change the 70-200 to a 28-80 for wider shots. Zoom lenses can be good for grabbing candids from across the room but usually I see the photographer right on top of the table taking photos. So, the 28-80 wide angle and the 50mm 1.4 should be great! Of course this is an opinion.

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Oct 17, 2011 10:06:49   #
jimn
 
I would worry less about the lens than about post-wedding editing software. If you shoot at the highest resolution, you can crop whenever needed. With PSE, you can do wonders just with the levels command. In addition, get a trial copy of Portrait Professional. It will do wonders for facial photos. The bride will thank you forever. Overcast days are great for portraits. Flowers and leaves are more beautiful with rain drops.

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Oct 17, 2011 10:51:38   #
saintpeter Loc: new hampshire
 
You guys are great!! This is why I come to this web paige. Everyone is always so helpful. Thanks again. Peter

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Oct 17, 2011 10:59:34   #
PipesCJ7 Loc: Cordova, Alaska/Shoreline, WA/ Merritt, BC
 
Try to get there early with your laptop and take some test shots. I have done this several times for friends. Lots of fun. 70x200 is great for across the room candids, (I get the most compliments on these). 50mm for the portraits and "DON'T CUT OFF THE BRIDES DRESS"!!

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Oct 17, 2011 13:06:24   #
saintpeter Loc: new hampshire
 
ok, i have the lens (70-200mm) found it pretty cheap used of course. I plan on getting there an hour early to do some test shots and figure the best settings based on the lighting there. I will be bringing my lens that came with the camera for when i panic and need a lens that will auto focus.lol
anyways i will actually be applying all tips that you people gave me. thanks again, so much

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Oct 17, 2011 14:06:52   #
shoots4fun Loc: Buffalo, NY
 
Make sure to have the guys hook a thumb in a pocket or do something so that the arms aren't just hanging limp, also, get the whole arm whenever possible, its a much nicer look than a photographer made amputee.

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Oct 17, 2011 14:29:54   #
LeoC
 
The 50 1/4 does is a very impressive lens; however, most people tend to open it too wide, which may cause the depth-of field to be too shallow/narrow (unless that's the effect you're aiming for) creating blurry images. So, if you opt for the 50 1/4 try not to fall into the trap of opening it all the way.

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