OMG! What have I Done?

DarknFuzzy

DarknFuzzy

Suspended / Banned
Messages
604
Edit My Images
Yes
I have been asked by my mother-in-law to photograph her wedding in the states in mid november.

I politely explained that I have never done anything that important or challenging so far, and advised her that someone with more experience would be better. Great! I thought, side stepped that one.

Her response was something along the lines of "Get Practicing". It is not her first marraige so she doesn't want a pro barking orders and just wants some nice shots for albums etc. If i can get the flights i need i should have about 7 days to look around the venue to pick out possible shot locations.

So, I need some more wisdom from great bunch of togs. I have an smc pentax-a 1:2 50mm for the portraits. It is planned as an outside wedding, but if the weather doesn't cooperate it will be in a church. What lens is recommended for this environment? Flashes aren't allowed so I have been looking at a Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8 XR Di (something with a wide aperture throughout the range).

The reception is an outside affair, they will be needing group shots and the usual portraits done here. I thought about using my 28-80mm for this and maybe my 18-55mm.

I would just like to point out again this wasn't my idea! I am very aware of the pressure to "get it right" that comes with photographing these events. It would appear my M-I-L won't take no for an answer, so all i can do is to make her aware of my inexperience, gain the knowldge i need in the mean time and just do my best. If you guys with experience could just tell me how near or far off the mark I am regarding my lens choices, that would be great.

Nothing like being thrown in at the deep end eh?

DnF
 
I have the Tamron AF 28-75mm f2.8 XR Di.

It is a great lens but you may need a bit more reach unless you can stand very close to the happy couple during the ceremony.
 
The first thing I'd be doing is asking her for the money for the flights!!!

Then make sure you book a different plane back ... just in case !!!

Seriously though - sure you will be fine!

Good luck.

Anth.
 
Try and find out how many will be there for the group shots so you have an idea of how wide you need to go, though of course you can always step back to get more in.

Try for a one lens solution if possible, faffing about swapping lenses might lead to you missing a great shot.

Plenty of battery power and plenty of memory.
 
As long as the shots are all in focus, I'm sure they'll be happy with them. If you are able, shoot in RAW which will give you more leeway to correct any exposure mistakes.

I took loads of shots with a simple point & shoot at my sisters wedding before I really got into photography - they liked my shots much better than those of the official photographer! Just relax, you'll be fine!
 
Thanks for the pointers, having slept on this I feel better about it. I think you are right, a one lens solution would definately be easier. There will be about 120 guests (the groom is full blood native american and has a large family, i should probably explain my wife is american so all the in-law side is obviously located over the pond). It will be full Native dress so the colours should be fantastic (I have to wear a ribbon shirt seemingly.)

I have spoken to the mother in law again and gone through some details about what she is expecting which has made me feel more relaxed about the whole thing. I have started to make a list of things i need (extra batteries, memory etc) and plan to get into some serious practice between then and now.

Thanks again for the tips and support, any and all advice is appreciated.
 
DalkFuzzy,As long as you told your Mother-in-law that your not a Pro,then she should understand.If not, I would not worry about it.Do the best you can and you might supprize yourself and find a new Part time job.I have done this at a wedding and it worked out well,infact I got complements from many people.......... Good Luck............Sean
 
SeanBoyce said:
DalkFuzzy,As long as you told your Mother-in-law that your not a Pro,then she should understand.If not, I would not worry about it.Do the best you can and you might supprize yourself and find a new Part time job.I have done this at a wedding and it worked out well,infact I got complements from many people.......... Good Luck............Sean
Click to expand...

Thanks, and well done you! Did you enjoy doing it? Is there a link where i can see the photos?
 
DarknFuzzy,I don't have the picture as I gave them to Bride and Groom for a wedding gift.I used Rebel350 with 24-70F.2.8,I00-400 F3.5-5.6 for far away shots of alter and 16-35 f.2.8 for Family shots.The Pictures supprised me. Get there early.Plan what you are going to do.Take alot of Pictures.I took near 600 pictures.Good Luck....Sean
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top