I'm doing a wedding

[voyagernavy2004]

Yep, my first wedding next month on May 9th. I was out to sea and my COB asked me if he could hire me to take pictures at our Captain's Daughter's wedding, so I jumped at the chance!

So, any helpful hints? Tips? Or good reading material so I don't screw up such a blessed day?

[beansbaxter]

You are indeed a brave person. I get so many people asking me to take pictures for their wedding, and I say I will come and take pictures for free but spend your money on another photographer to be responsible for pictures that will be a lifetime of memories. Not trying to put any kind of pressure on you, but you are responsible for this couple's wedding pictures, which will be used forever and ever and you only get one chance.

What kind of lenses do you have with your 40D?

What kind of flash setup are you running? Do you have an external battery pack to power the flash?

Will the wedding be indoors or outdoors? If outdoors, what time of day and how is the weather going to be? If indoors, what will the setting be like? Looking for more details about the wedding.

[voyagernavy2004]

Lenses: 18-55mm, 28-135mm, and 55-250mm. I pretty much know I won't be using the last one, but I'm just letting you know I have it in case you do have suggestions on its use.

Flash setup - I have an external flash that can move and be pointed in pretty much every direction. I do not have an external battery pack for it, which I am considering investing in one for this occasion, it just depends on the cost, and I'm uncertain where to look.

The wedding I do believe will be indoors from what I understand.

[JayT]

That gear won't be very good indoors, especially if the room is dark. At a minimum, you'll want 2.8 lenses, but faster primes are better.

Flash is ok if the room isn't too large and you can bounce the light. Otherwise you'll want some kind of flash bracket. Even using your flash on the camera's hot shoe will produce some pretty bad shadows.

being your first wedding, good luck! I'd never do a wedding by myself, let alone my first one for the bosses daughter.

[JayT]

You also should ask the pastor and church director where you can shoot from. Some will restrict your shoot location during the ceremony. You'll want a telephoto.

[balut]

ever considered getting the 50mm 1.8?
its cheap.

[PhaQGM]

Originally Posted by balut

ever considered getting the 50mm 1.8?
its cheap.

^^^ This. Or spring for the 1.4 which is just a couple hundred more and everybody swears by it.

[Shooter]

Besides everything else said,
Are you a people person? can you control a room of women? have a contract? I mean a GOOD one. You doing the prints to or just sending them all unedited pics on CD?
And as some have rightly suggested, faster glass. depending on the venue and time of day and how many people in wanted shots, you might want to look into renting some lighting gear, like strobes with umbrellas and slaved, Plus testing it all out with your gear.
Just make sure you know from the BRIDE what the expectations for a finished product is.
Then again, maybe they just want a casual package, nothing fancy. we just want to help you from getting in over your head from what you think it will be like, and what they expect. Cool?
Oh, and if was me, I would shoot both RAW and Jpeg, if you want to know why, ask me later. As long as you able to edit RAW.

I only ask because I shot one wedding once as a favor back in 81'. Hated it.
Now I won't do weddings, even when offered stupid money.
But reception are fun, no expectations.
Have fun. and look Here

[xqsme]

Originally Posted by beansbaxter

You are indeed a brave person. I get so many people asking me to take pictures for their wedding, and I say I will come and take pictures for free but spend your money on another photographer to be responsible for pictures that will be a lifetime of memories. Not trying to put any kind of pressure on you, but you are responsible for this couple's wedding pictures, which will be used forever and ever and you only get one chance.

+1 that's what I did too. I have shot a couple of weddings but up till now still uncomfortable doing it myself.


I suggest to go check the venue and do some test shots. Check the restrictions, e.i - some church does not allow flash during ceremony.
Take someone with you to help out ( organizing the crowd) . Believe me once the party starts, it would be hard getting them all together again.
If you have an extra camera, bring it! Always carry back-up.

have fun and take a lot impromptu shots. Keep all the pictures you take, and wait until you’re at home editing to decide any of them are “trash.” Often there will be portions of “bad” pictures that can be cropped and made into good ones.

turn off the sound of your camera. The beeping sound can distract the ceremony.

[Tofu Anonymous]

Originally Posted by xqsme

turn off the sound of your camera. The beeping sound can distract the ceremony.

Maybe his camera is secretly in love with the bosses daughter and doesn't want to forever hold its peace.