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Friend Wants To Do Sister's Wedding With A Nikon D7100
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Feb 13, 2017 15:11:51   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
BrettProbert wrote:
Other than that though, he should be good to go!



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Feb 13, 2017 15:13:34   #
Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska
 
1Feathercrest wrote:
A "loan" is an object, like money for a mortgage. What you want to do is "lend" the lenses (an activity}. The lenses themselves are the loan.

No, "loan" is a noun... or a verb. When used as a verb it means exactly the same thing as "lend". To loan is to lend!

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Feb 13, 2017 15:14:50   #
TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
Gene51 wrote:
This is an idea that if certain planets are aligned, the moon is full, and the stars are smiling, could turn out ok. However, my experience is that when an inexperienced photographer does something like this it often does not end well.

Things that can go wrong on this most important of days for a couple:

1. Gear failure. It happens. It sounds like he/she does not have backup gear, just in case.
2. Not having a contract - even if he is doing it for free, there needs to be a contract that describes a scope of work - what shots he/she is expected to get, and when the shooter is expected to deliver the proofs
3. Inexperience with gear - nothing worse than waiting for a photographer to stop fumbling around with the camera.
4. Dropped lens, left the battery in the charger, left the memory card in the card reader - it happens.
5. On the day of the wedding, the Bridezilla emerges - it happens, and unless he is a super-dooper people person, she (or her mother) will be completely unmanageable.
6. Not having a Plan B, Plan C etc - wedding party is late, it starts to rain, the wind kicks up - things you have no control over but happen nonetheless - contingency plans need to be in place "just in case" and need to be discussed beforehand.
7. A single flash and a work light will not do. Points to lack of experience. Shooter needs to be fully familiar and comfortable with low ambient light and bounce flash. Fast lenses are not the answer. You can't shoot a wedding at F1.8 - shallow depth of field will spoil a lot of the shots. Good shooting technique, even better post processing skills so that high ISO shots are not too noisy. I doubt the minister will allow you to set up a work light in the church. Many won't even let you use flash - too distracting.
8. MWACs and GWACs - moms with cameras and guys with cameras - nothing worse than having a great shot spoiled by someone's cellphone and hand right in the middle of the scene. This needs to be discussed and if the bride and groom do not agree to an "unplugged" wedding, where there will be a designated time and place to take shots of and with the wedding party and the couple, they will need to understand that your friend is not responsible for the results.
9. Not having enough batteries, memory cards.
10. Not having an assistant - I would never personally take on an assignment like this without an extra hand. Just having an extra hand to hold a pole mounted flash held by an assistant will greatly improve the results.
11. Permits - if some of the shooting will be done outside, at a park or somewhere else, a photographer will need to secure a permit.
12. Insurance - what happens if something goes wrong - you are on someone else's property - you are liable if someone is injured as a result of your negligence. Insurance is a must.
13. What happens if your friend goes out to dinner the night before the wedding, eats something that causes them to get sick and wakes up the next morning with the sluices open at each end? This speaks to contingency plans in #6.

These are some of the gotchas - all of which I have either seen happen or have happened to me.

I suggest your friend not take this on. This is too important a day. Right now, they are thinking of the money they'll save. After the wedding they may end up being really disgusted at the results, and there goes another personal relationship down the tubes. A wedding shooter has to be confident, experienced, and extremely well-organized to pull it off. And he/she doesn't get a do-over if things don't work out.

One last thing - has the couple contacted the caterer, the florist, the tailor, the reception hall, DJ/Musicians, etc to see if they will get a discount? Probably not. The couple is not placing a proper value on photographic services, and this is a red flag. They are expecting great results for free.

I cannot say it enough - your friend should not accept this. Too big a responsibility. I there is time, your friend should at the very least find a wedding photographer that is willing to take him/her on as an unpaid assistant, just so he/she can get a better sense of what is involved.
This is an idea that if certain planets are aligne... (show quote)


Great advice! And if he does it anyway, download a list of standard wedding shots from the web and assign a member of the family to assemble all the people for the group shots so the photographer doesn't have to round them up (and don't forget the spare batteries and cards and the second shooter if possible). I've only shot about a dozen weddings, and after two heart attacks, I wouldn't subject myself to the stress any more🙀. My son just got married, and they hired a pro. I took my FF and a fast lens (no flash allowed) and stayed out of his way but shot about 400, culled down to about 80. Mine were technically good (exposure, focus spot on), but when I saw his finished product, I was humbled. Mine were just good shots, but his told a story...

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Feb 13, 2017 15:20:57   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Bazbo wrote:
The kit lens is not very sharp. I dont have any experience with the telephoto but my guess is that a fast prime would be better.

He should look into renting the right lenses and some external flash units. But if he does not already own them he probably does not how to use them in a wedding context.

If there is time, he should at least try to observe a wedding done by a pro so he can get an idea of what is involved and how its done.

I wish everyone involved nothing but luck, but in wedding photography, like just about anything else, you get what you pay for.
The kit lens is not very sharp. I dont have any ex... (show quote)


Actually, the 18-55 is a very good lens, optically.
http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/397-nikkor18553556vr?start=1

It might fall apart when you least expect it to, but when it is working it will make really great pictures. As the review states - " . . . there's nothing to complain about its performance regarding sharpness, CAs and also vignetting."

The other lens 28-300 - works well on a cropped sensor camera. between the two he is ok, but he really does need a second camera and lens in case something goes wrong.

The OP should wear very comfortable shoes - something I forgot to mention earlier. Nothing worse than being worn out towards the end of the gig, and having to deal with a blister on your foot. Definitely takes your focus off the game. . . .

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Feb 13, 2017 15:28:44   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
catchlight.. wrote:
Never had a camera fail or heard of it happening... other than hearing of it on a blog site?...Odd when I hear people boast they have 3k in a "back up" camera...bringing extra batteries and cards would be a better plan.

Much better to have someone help shoot that second camera and look at it as a way to get more coverage.


Let's see, I've done probably 800 similar events in my 50 yr career - I have had my share of mishaps. Camera falls of a tripod, camera falls out of camera bag, camera bag (and it's contents) stolen at the venue, lens suddenly stops auto focusing and it's not due to dirty contacts, camera suddenly refuses to fire, sensor failure (camera only records one color or the entire image has ungodly stripes across the image, and with film, the problems were similar - film advance lever jammed, grit on the pressure plate scored the film, light leaked into the film canister, film engaged the sprocket drive but the drive did not function correctly and 36 important shots went unrecorded - oh there are stories I can tell. I don't like to shoot weddings and other similar events, I'd rather shoot other subjects. But I rarely turn work away.

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Feb 13, 2017 15:48:55   #
aellman Loc: Boston MA
 
1Feathercrest wrote:
A "loan" is an object, like money for a mortgage. What you want to do is "lend" the lenses (an activity}. The lenses themselves are the loan.


Your statement is well-intentioned, but incomprehensible.

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Feb 13, 2017 15:51:01   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
Is this meant as a joke? I mean even I a seasoned wedding photographer know not to tackle a wedding without being prepared. Although after seeing the wedding photos on display at a local photographers place of business I think that one professional photographer needs to go back and learn more about photography. Your friend could be doing the bride and groom an injustice especially showing up with a shop light for group pictures. Please advise your friend to be courteous and deny the bride and groom his burdening offer of at the best ok photos. I am sorry if I sound harsh but I have been there with a bride asking me to help her create an album with what other shot at her wedding. She would say as I say do not let him impose on the bride and groom what he knows nothing about. I have shot over 1500 weddings before digital showed up. The equipment you need will be at least 2 camera bodies with a spare battery. As for lenses he can do ok with the two he has if he knows how to use them. Flash would be best rather than shop lights because unless you know the color balance of the lights you will either get a very yellow shot or a very green one which depends on the light source. Flash is considered daylight balanced. You need two flash units large enough to cover groups of more that three people. Plus you have to have done a few test shots and figure out how the flash guns talk to the camera and to each other. I purchase 2 not long ago but I have yet to figure how to make them talk to each other. (I should have gone Nikon) I did not retire from wedding photography I was forced out by digital and now I am shooting digital and I am a few strobes away from a comeback. I took many years and photo courses to achieve proper posing and lighting. I worked with the best until I mastered the art. So I must say tell your friend he may make an enemy out of the bride and groom if what he gives her is shoddy work. I have shot the bridezillas and they come back to haunt you when all is done even if your work is far above the best. Many amateurs know this and will refuse to shoot a wedding so I advise your friend to leave well enough alone and not play like he knows how to shoot a wedding.

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Feb 13, 2017 16:11:23   #
Bullfrog Bill Loc: CT
 
He should consider renting a 24-120 f4 nikor and take some online courses in wedding photography and definately develop a shot list.

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Feb 13, 2017 16:22:07   #
Billy Bob
 
Just do it and this will help with lighting. http://www.ebay.com/itm/291316011193?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

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Feb 13, 2017 16:33:32   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
No sure there is enough light with that help.

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Feb 13, 2017 16:36:30   #
mas24 Loc: Southern CA
 
drklrd wrote:
Is this meant as a joke? I mean even I a seasoned wedding photographer know not to tackle a wedding without being prepared. Although after seeing the wedding photos on display at a local photographers place of business I think that one professional photographer needs to go back and learn more about photography. Your friend could be doing the bride and groom an injustice especially showing up with a shop light for group pictures. Please advise your friend to be courteous and deny the bride and groom his burdening offer of at the best ok photos. I am sorry if I sound harsh but I have been there with a bride asking me to help her create an album with what other shot at her wedding. She would say as I say do not let him impose on the bride and groom what he knows nothing about. I have shot over 1500 weddings before digital showed up. The equipment you need will be at least 2 camera bodies with a spare battery. As for lenses he can do ok with the two he has if he knows how to use them. Flash would be best rather than shop lights because unless you know the color balance of the lights you will either get a very yellow shot or a very green one which depends on the light source. Flash is considered daylight balanced. You need two flash units large enough to cover groups of more that three people. Plus you have to have done a few test shots and figure out how the flash guns talk to the camera and to each other. I purchase 2 not long ago but I have yet to figure how to make them talk to each other. (I should have gone Nikon) I did not retire from wedding photography I was forced out by digital and now I am shooting digital and I am a few strobes away from a comeback. I took many years and photo courses to achieve proper posing and lighting. I worked with the best until I mastered the art. So I must say tell your friend he may make an enemy out of the bride and groom if what he gives her is shoddy work. I have shot the bridezillas and they come back to haunt you when all is done even if your work is far above the best. Many amateurs know this and will refuse to shoot a wedding so I advise your friend to leave well enough alone and not play like he knows how to shoot a wedding.
Is this meant as a joke? I mean even I a seasoned ... (show quote)


Your views are well stated. My friend, an amateur like me, has no intention of being a future Wedding photographer. This is a one shot deal. I have seen his photos, and they are good. Will they be as good inside the Church for the Wedding? Well, he has 4 months to prepare. He will go to the Church beforehand, and see what challenges befall him. Taking test shots, etc. He doesn't expect his work to be equivalent to the professional photographer. He will also see if the shop light is a bad idea or not. He could possibly rent proper studio lighting for a day If necessary. This is his sister. I'm sure he will give it his best effort.

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Feb 13, 2017 16:45:19   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
As a pro you never get to do test shots or check it all out beforehand. I know I got my Saturday assignment on Monday when I delivered my Saturday shoot and got my check. We then went over the wedding I shot 2 weeks earlier. I know it took me at least the first 25 weddings to become confident enough to do it alone without my studio boss. I still never get any chances to do test shoots. I do a lot of event shots for a local studio to offset my Social security retirement. I would not be doing this retirement shoots had I not been very adept at groups and location shoots with a film camera. I advise against your friend doing this.

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Feb 13, 2017 17:40:46   #
LEGALDR Loc: Southern California
 
mas24 wrote:
A friend who owns a Nikon D7100, and owns only two lenses, a Nikon 18-55mm kit lens, and a FX 28-300mm, wants to save his sister money, from not paying a pro photographer to do a small Wedding. He is an amateur just like me. I asked him, why didn't the Bride and Groom's family chip in to hire a pro photographer. He said they were already paying for other preparations to the Wedding. I told him those 2 lenses he owned were not going to cut the mustard. He does have an external flash unit. I offered to loan him my prime lenses of 35mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8. And an outdoor plug in work light he could use inside the small Church. He has never done a wedding before. He said he will have two young laborers to help out. He says he can handle it. I told him to prepare for a long day when he does it. Reception included. I'm glad I'm not doing it.
A friend who owns a Nikon D7100, and owns only two... (show quote)


A bad day in photoland and you have grounds for a brother-sister divorce!

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Feb 13, 2017 17:46:16   #
SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont
 
mas24 wrote:
A friend who owns a Nikon D7100, and owns only two lenses, a Nikon 18-55mm kit lens, and a FX 28-300mm, wants to save his sister money, from not paying a pro photographer to do a small Wedding. He is an amateur just like me. I asked him, why didn't the Bride and Groom's family chip in to hire a pro photographer. He said they were already paying for other preparations to the Wedding. I told him those 2 lenses he owned were not going to cut the mustard. He does have an external flash unit. I offered to loan him my prime lenses of 35mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8. And an outdoor plug in work light he could use inside the small Church. He has never done a wedding before. He said he will have two young laborers to help out. He says he can handle it. I told him to prepare for a long day when he does it. Reception included. I'm glad I'm not doing it.
A friend who owns a Nikon D7100, and owns only two... (show quote)

I read through all the responses to your post, and there is a lot of excellent advice. I just wonder why you are the one who is posting here rather than your friend! Sounds to me like you would not be confident enough to tackle the assignment, and are projecting it onto him. (I know I would not have the confidence either!) He, on the other hand, sounds confident, and the fact that he already recognizes the need for help with managing things shows he is thinking ahead.

While 3-4 months is not a lot of time to prepare and gain experience, when still maintaining regular daily routines, it should be possible with planning. Have you talked to him yet about some of the advice presented here? Not just the discouragement part, mostly the constructive suggestions.

There was the suggestion to shadow a professional wedding photographer. He would probably get a lot of useful information and experience from going out with the pro, since doing is much better for learning than reading or even practicing on your own. It would be very useful to find someone he could go with multiple times, and who would talk to him away from the shoot site. No time to talk at the wedding! If he happens to know other people who are getting married, perhaps their photographer would not object to his being there with a camera.

If your friend enjoys photography as much as so many of us, he would probably have more fun doing that than sitting in a pew and then walking around with a plate of h'ordoerves! So the best thing you could do is share the constructive advice, especially the part about planning. Plan, plan, and plan again... And practice, practice, practice... Then go to the wedding and have fun - photography should always be fun!!!

[I go to football and baseball games with my husband. Always take my camera and tripod. More fun than watching the game with the same perspective as everyone else!]

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Feb 13, 2017 18:09:26   #
selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA
 
Apaflo wrote:
No, "loan" is a noun... or a verb. When used as a verb it means exactly the same thing as "lend". To loan is to lend!

Yes, "loan" is both a noun and a verb. That's what

But for someone who doesn't know the difference between advice and advise, you are not in a position to lecture anyone on grammar.

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