Donwitz Loc: Virginia Beach, VA

I shot a similar wedding- small group, outdoors by a pool. It was cloudy that particular afternoon, so there was less light than I expected. Your flash will be critical as sun goes down. Bounce flash won't help if there is no ceiling! I have a Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G which helped in low light and portrait shots. It's your Mom's wedding, so remember to have a good time. Do some fun shots, people jumping in the air, etc.

edazz Loc: Florida via New York

Don't make it so complicated or you will be mire prone to mistakes.
I shot over 800 weddngs with one lens, 80mm planar on a Hasselblad. Concentrate on your composition and exposure rather than all the technicalties.

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Lenses are fine. Have a good time and make your Mom happy.
Good luck with event.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

I totally agree, I always use flash in a wedding except for the actual church ceremony where the 70-200/2.8 was king. I also believe in less is more. Two bodies with the lenses indicated should be more than good.

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

A real shotgun wedding? :XD:

But, been there, done that. My mom remarried at age 75 and the wedding and reception were in a restaurant banquet room. There was no real "wedding party" or any of the other formal stuff. All she wanted was some snaps to remember the day, who was there, etc. I too would rather be shooting than just attending (weddings bore me).

Go, have fun, shoot some good pix for Mom, but at her (assumed) age, don't expect a lot of people jumping in the air. :D

frogcw321 Loc: Riverside

Thank you all for the info. I will take a 24-70 as well and will check out the other form. And I think you are right GENorkus she probably wants me evolved and a part of it more then just being there. Again thanks everyone.i am feeling a little more comfortable with my decision(s)

frogcw321 Loc: Riverside

Thank you all for the info. I will take a 24-70 as well and will check out the other form. And I think you are right GENorkus she probably wants me evolved and a part of it more then just being there. Again thanks everyone.i am feeling a little more comfortable with my decision(s)

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

I've done that several times using about the same "kinda" lenses (70-200, and 16-35, ) on a couple of bodies and it has served me fine. I did have some editional lenses available (in my car), if I wanted something different. ( I really like to use my 400, as it can give you very different, very interesting shots, that you would have trouble getting otherwise.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Bottom line... It's your mom, and in her eyes you can do no wrong. So make sure the batteries are up to snuff and remember to take off the lens cap and you'll do fine. :lol:

canon Lee

Hi My first thought was for you to enjoy your mom's wedding and be part of the occasion. I am sure your new dad could afford to pay for a professional. My second thought was for you to be the second shooter for the first photographer. Just from your questions I can tell you are not ready to be shooting a wedding, but that being said; you have excellent equipment and very ample for the shoot. I would add a "circular polarizing filter", because the pool may reflect into your lens. http://photography.tutsplus.com/tutorials/how-when-and-why-to-use-a-polarizing-filter--photo-1398 I would suggest using a flash, as this would help as a fill light. http://expertphotography.com/how-to-fill-flash/ You may also be shooting inside and your flash would be very necessary. I suggest "bouncing" the flash off of the ceiling. In case of rain I would make sure you get there a day early and check out some good indoor spots for the shoot and take exposure test. I would also check with the person (usually the Matradee) that is acting coordinator. It is not my intention to discourage you, but to let you know it would be better for you to learn from the pros at the wedding. Your time will come, soon after you have worked with a pro.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Spare Camera batteries, flash, extra flash batteries, extra cards. Look around capture a story after the ceremony. If you lived closer I would come over as a coach. I have shot over 130 weddings. PM me with any specific questions you have. Did I say, back up camera?

Photocraig

HINT: Even the SON of the bride is expected to give a GIFT. Give her a Pro wedding photos package executed by a good PRO! Get some help if need be.

She'll love you forever no matter what, but seriously, why push it?!?!?!?!/

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

and I think your mom respects you as a photographer and will be very happy to tell all her friends, yes my son took these beautiful pictures. Not to mention she may be thinking she is doing you a favor by letting you shoot. And maybe she thinks it would be an insult to you to hire someone when you can do it so well.

oh and hints, first look on wedding sites and look at some of the photos to get ideas. Then be sure to get some type of idea of a time line, dances, cake cutting etc..
last you still have to enjoy yourself a bit.... have fun, take great shots and tell mom all of us here at the HOG congratulate her and wish her the best. ( and post some of the pics )

One last thing. IF YOU HAVE A LAP TOP and if there is one of the drug stores nearby that print books in an hour . Get a lot of shots, dump them to the lap top, take 5 minutes pick out 20, and have a friend send them to the store, Then an hour later have the friend pick up the book and hand it to mom during the reception. You'll be amazed at that response...

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

I think there's too much overlap with the 17-55 to get much out of the 24-70.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Before I forget, make yourself, in consultation with your mother and stepfather, a MUST HAVE shot list. Trust me, you will tank me for this suggestion.