Am I overreacting?

I've done a couple of weddings now and coped just fine with my 17-50 on the D200 and 105 mounted on the D70 for the longer stuff. I do have a 28-200 but I rarely use it these days, far too much hunting and focussing is ssslllooowwww.

I actually found that I used the 105 a lot less in the second wedding and just worked with the 17-50 95% of the time. I think the wider you are the more involvement and being 'in the thick of it' you can achieve in your pictures, for that reason I tend to avoid the longer lenses. Still handy to have mind, especially during the speeches so that you can catch reactions. Another consideration is that light levels may not be that great and the longer you go the more chance there is of camea shake.

Here's the album from the first wedding I shot: http://johnhobsonphotography.com/weddings/20070528_Andy_and_Jane/
 
Sorry I missed the start of this thread. I rocked up to a friends wedding back in April, not as the pro photographer but they wanted me to take a few shots around the place since taking pictures is what I do... I took the 24-70 and 70-200 along, think I had a 17-35 somewhere but never used it. I found inside the 24-70 was excellent and outside I hung back and used the 70-200...the couple were being shepherded about by the pros for all the usual shots and poses outside, as I went for the unusual ones from a distance. the 70-200 range ment I could include some of their surroundings and then zoom in tight to their faces if need-be. I thing you'd find 100-400 way too much of a handful and perhaps get in the way of what you're after, since its usually about small groups and so on a 200 tends to be pretty well suited. mind you the 1-4 would make you look like a pro for sure!
After I started shooting I just put complete faith in the equipment and just rolled with it. turns out the couple prefered my shots to the pros (oops!).
I'm down to do two more weddings this year but as the principle photographer, and hoping to achieve similar standard of results, or of course better, and like you I feel a little nervous but realise I just have to suck it up and go for it. I'm sure you'll come out on top what ever you decide, the quality of your images is top notch :D
 
My two penneth is if you can stretch, now or soon, to the 70-200 2.8 with stabilisation (sp?) then do it. It will pay for itself and make your job a hell of a lot easier and fun. I used my new 70-200 2.8 VR last week and it was awesome, in very low light conditions.. couple with wireless flash it was fun too. This weekend I have a larger wedding and weather permitting it will be out all day this time :) As well as the 17-50 2.8 of course.
 
Like i've mentioned to you on irc, the 70-200 is really the lens you're missing from your kit. Even ignoring the whole wedding aspect, it really would be a very good addition to your collection. However, i think i might be right in assuming your money situation is much like mine, and therefore you ought to buy a Sigma 18-200 and stop with all the lens changing crap that is just annoying.

I'd like to see you go with some longer primes, but i'm not sure that would fit with your style.
 
CT said:
Anyone who says they aren't nervous doing weddings early on is either daft or a liar.;)

It's a big responsibility and your reputation is on the line if you really cock it up. When you've got a few weddings under your belt the abject terror subsides to mild panic and finally the usual butterflies as you become more experienced and have more idea of how you'll tackle the job.

Just don't opt for the reportage type shots out of shyness - taking control of a large group of people and keeping a sense of humour is great experience.

I've no doubt you'll do an excellent job ... stop fretting! ;)
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No one could have said it better!

Do not be afraid to take control - in a nice way of course!

Be sure to have ENOUGH time with the bride beforehand AND RELAX!!!:rules:

The bride will no doubt be nervous and if her support group is not strong you will have to take on that roll as well.:lol:

That said, ENJOY IT and learn as much out of it as you can...

There might just be a next one:D
 
Oh and if you want to get the 70-200 GET IT!

You will not be sorry, weddings or no weddings!:D

Get the 2,8 IS though!

It can be a bit on the long side if you work indoors (IMHO) and I would love to put it on a 5D.

Let us know when you get it!

:D :woot: :clap:
 
See! Now just as I've been trying to reassure myself I don't need you go and say that :p Think I might rent the 70-200 f/4. It'll be better than the 100-400 and lighter and if need be the 100-400 will be in the car. I'm really starting to feel that I should have the 70-200 f/2.8. 10-20, 24-70, 70-200, job done.
 
50mm f1.4 and shanks's pony? :)
 
petemc said:
See! Now just as I've been trying to reassure myself I don't need you go and say that :p Think I might rent the 70-200 f/4. It'll be better than the 100-400 and lighter and if need be the 100-400 will be in the car. I'm really starting to feel that I should have the 70-200 f/2.8. 10-20, 24-70, 70-200, job done.
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The 70-200 2.8 would have been ideal for me today.....I actually took a few at 200 and it would great to be out of the way.

In fact an 18 - 200 2.8 would be great....oh, and VR too...oh, and half the size of a can of coke please....I wish.
 
Steep said:
50mm f1.4 and shanks's pony? :)
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Um? :thinking: A what? Another thing thats troubling me is that some people use a tripod. I'm not sure why. If its just for getting the horizon straight I'm pretty good at that. Any real reason? I feel like such a noob for some reason. Guess its just nerves what with having my entire family there... :help:
 
Just to expand the knowledgebase, for those that don't know,

according to the BBC

"Shanks's pony, Going on ... - To walk.
The original Shanks's pony was a horse-drawn lawnmower with nowhere for the driver to sit, so he had to walk along behind".

I knew it meant walking, but didn't know the origin myself until now. :)
 
Ahhh I get it now.

50mm and the old Reebok Zoom :D
 
So the 'F' number quoted with a lens is the largest aperture, which will be at the shortest focal length? Apologies for deviating the thread a bit...
 
Pete:

have you considered the usablility aspect of the 100-400 in this situation. You probably shoot with it more then me (since I have a 70-200 F2.8 as well), but that constantly locking and unlocking the zoom gets on my nerves sometimes, and I would rather a conventional zoom action where it won't creep when left alone hanging on a shoulder.
 
the tripod in weddings I suppose stems from old days when super fast shutter speeds weren't available, also its sometimes easier to organise groups when the camera is safe on the tripod, saves rearranging yourself :) and it also sets a barrier for the snap happy family members..... " Do Not go past my tripod :)
 
FranchiseJuan said:
Pete:

have you considered the usablility aspect of the 100-400 in this situation. You probably shoot with it more then me (since I have a 70-200 F2.8 as well), but that constantly locking and unlocking the zoom gets on my nerves sometimes, and I would rather a conventional zoom action where it won't creep when left alone hanging on a shoulder.
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Never had mine creep but you do make a good point about the locking / unlocking. I might lock it at 200mm.

Shorn said:
the tripod in weddings I suppose stems from old days when super fast shutter speeds weren't available, also its sometimes easier to organise groups when the camera is safe on the tripod, saves rearranging yourself :) and it also sets a barrier for the snap happy family members..... " Do Not go past my tripod :)
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Yeah thats a good point. No real technical reason but could be handy. I'm tempted to ban other cameras from the official shots for eye contact reasons. I want everyone looking at me. Yes, I'm that sexy ;)
 
petemc said:
I'm tempted to ban other cameras from the official shots for eye contact reasons.
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yes but could you actually get them to do that? after all if someone came up to me and told me not to take pictures I wanted to the first thing I'd do is not listen and take what I wanted...maybe as the official ones were being taken, other times its a free-for-all. from what I've seen the couple tend to look towards the pro regardless of others about - if you direct it well they should be focused on you not to worry about other cameras.
 
I don't mean a blanket ban on all shots all day. Obviously I'd be tactful and explain why. Just for the official group shots. If someone explained why I couldn't take a photo I would listen to them and go along with them. I wouldn't be an arse about it.
 
Been a Wedding photographer for 16 years on my own and 5 years before that working with a guy called Mark learning me the trade. And i have never needed anything other then the range around 24-70 and a 70-200. Go for the fast lenses that ae in the 2.8 range. Two cameras and two lenses, and away you go.
 
redhed17 said:
"Shanks's pony, Going on ... - To walk.
The original Shanks's pony was a horse-drawn lawnmower with nowhere for the driver to sit, so he had to walk along behind".

I knew it meant walking, but didn't know the origin myself until now. :)
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Always knew the BBC were clueless :)

Shanks' (or shanks's) mare (or nag or pony) derives from the name of the lower part of the leg between the knee and ankle - the shank, nowadays more often known as the shin-bone or tibia. This was alluded to in the early form of this term - shank's nag. This originated in Scotland in the 18th century.
 
Pete, you just have to be vocal and get them all to look at your lens when you need them to. Another trick for groups, is to get htem to close their eyes, count to three, then open them. That reduces the risk of some people having their eyes closed.
I Constantly look at your web site, your a very competant photographer, and as you say you have done weddings before. Personaly (I've never done a wedding) the 70-200 f2.8 is a great lens that you might like to consider at some time in the future anyway. If you rent one, you'll want one.

I'm a musician by trade, and whenever family are around I'm a bag of nerves even though I can do my job with my eyes shut. So I know how you feel about the family being present.
 
Hi Petemc
my only concern is to the speed of the lenses, if you get a snotty vicar who wont allow flash you're stuffed at F4, If i could add my 2p worth get yourself a nifty 50 F1.4. them churches can be well dingey, you'll need all the speed you can get. ttfn Dave:)
 
I've got the 24-70 f/2.8 that I've used at gigs. Shouldn't be that dark :) I also have the 50mm f/1.8 incase. :)
 
Have you considered selling the 100-400 and getting the 2.8 70-200 IS with a 2x converter. It'll give you up to 400mm at 5.6 plus the low light ability for your weddings.

I'm doing my cousin's wedding this weekend and it's the first chance I'll get to use my 70-200. I've done all my other weddings with the 24-70 and felt at all of them I needed the extra reach.

I'm with you, Pete, on the reportage style. In fact I've started limiting people to 10 formals as it's taken ages to get through them before. I don't mind doing them but they're generally fairly boring shots and they are there to enjoy the day rather than pose for photos. I do find 15 minutes to do some shots with just the bride and groom on their own at some point though.
 
I have, but I can't bring myself to do it. I love the lens too much. I know it sounds silly. I really know I need the 70-200 f/2.8 as its a better lens for things I do and with the extender I'm back to a 100-400. If I sold the 100-400 tomorrow I could buy a 70-200 f/2.8 through Kerso and have it by the wedding. Bah. I don't really trust selling things online though and I'd prefer to keep the lens in case. But...
 
petemc said:
I don't really trust selling things online though and I'd prefer to keep the lens in case. But...
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there you go then, keep the 100-400 and get yourself a nice 70-200 to go with it

nothing like a little retail therapy to put a smile on your face :)
And the bill for it will give you the need/ desire to get out and make some money with it


:D
 
Unfortunately the bill for the 24-70 is making me get out there and pay that off :p
 
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