Wedding kit list - am I missing anything?

[ShoeQueen]

Thanks to advice from on here I think I have the list of equipment for doing a wedding in October but just wanted a quick check to see if there is anything I've missed out. The wedding is 7 weeks away so I still have time to add to my list if needed.

(I'm not a pro, this as a favour to a friend and I haven't done a wedding before.)

2x D90s (one gripped)
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 (to be hired)
Nikkor 50mm f1.8
Tokina 11-16 (borrowed)
2x SB600s
2x tripods, remote cable, diffusers, reflectors
Extra memory cards, batteries.

Anything else I might need or should that cover everything?

 

[chrisgeary]

I'd not bother hiring a 70-200, that'll be way too long. Instead hire a 35/1.4, this will give you a 50mm equivalent and will be a much more useful focal length. I'd also not bother with the super-wide Tokina, the tripods, remote cable, diffusers and reflectors. If you have time to use all those things, you're probably missing the action.

The 2 bodies, 17-50 on one and 35/1.4 on the other will be all you'll need. You can do the formals on the Tamron at 50mm quite comfortably. Take the SB-600s, you might need them, 4 or 5 4GB cards and a spare battery for each body and spares for the flashes.

 

[big soft moose]

I'd not bother hiring a 70-200, that'll be way too long. Instead hire a 35/1.4, this will give you a 50mm equivalent and will be a much more useful focal length. I'd also not bother with the super-wide Tokina, the tripods, remote cable, diffusers and reflectors. If you have time to use all those things, you're probably missing the action.

The 2 bodies, 17-50 on one and 35/1.4 on the other will be all you'll need. You can do the formals on the Tamron at 50mm quite comfortably. Take the SB-600s, you might need them, 4 or 5 4GB cards and a spare battery for each body and spares for the flashes.

I'm afraid i completely disgree - 70-200 is great for candids, and i cant see any point in having two lenses that cover the same focal length (except as a spare for back up)

one tripod will be an essential in any lowlight situation whee flash isnt allowed (the second can stay in the car as a back up) such as during the ceremony, a difuser on the flash is pretty much esential and reflectors are a must for bridal portraits.

The only point i do agree about is that the ultra wide will be a waste of space

To the OP I'd say that you've pretty much got it sussed with the kit list - one quick point is to makesure you've got spare batteries for your flashguns as well as for your camera

 

[wegotitugetit]

Thanks to advice from on here I think I have the list of equipment for doing a wedding in October but just wanted a quick check to see if there is anything I've missed out. The wedding is 7 weeks away so I still have time to add to my list if needed.

(I'm not a pro, this as a favour to a friend and I haven't done a wedding before.)

2x D90s (one gripped)
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
Nikkor 70-200 f2.8 (to be hired)
Nikkor 50mm f1.8
Tokina 11-16 (borrowed)
2x SB600s
2x tripods, remote cable, diffusers, reflectors
Extra memory cards, batteries.

Anything else I might need or should that cover everything?

how about a camera bag to put it in

what about laptop to back the photos onto so you always have 2 copies

just a quick idea but food and water as i doubt you will get alot of time to grab out if you do then you have some sarnies ready

 

[futureal33]

I'd agree with Pete, the 70-200 2.8 will be invaluable - definitely dont drop that!

Also I would say that the Tamron 17-50 2.8 would be great for everything the 70-200 is too long for.
Swapping the 50mm prime for a 35mm prime might be a good option too, depending on lighting (ie, I would say the 35mm 1.4 will only be a benefit if its going to be really dark and you cant go higher with the ISO, other f2.8 should be fast enough)

I cant see when you'd need a tripod either.
Flash will be useful - as long as you're allowed to use it.

If it was me, Id have one body with the 70-200 welded onto it, and the other body with a 35mm 1.4 or 17-50 2.8 on it. Both on a dual Q strap harness, so you can flick between the two easily.

I would hazard a guess that something around the range of 150mm will be your most useful length, so ensuring this is covered with good quality, fast glass is essential

 

[jpw]

I agree with Chris, 70-200 on a cropper would get far less use than a fast prime on the second body. When the light drops that 1.4 aperture would be invaluable. My 80-200 doesn't get much use on my FX camera, wouldn't consider taking it at all if I was on DX.

 

[chrisgeary]

The 35/1.4 might be the same focal length, but if it gets dark, like during the first dance, f2.8 will be useless. Sometimes f1.8 isn't enough.

A tripod is also useless when it gets dark. People move. You need a fast lens and high ISO. I regularly shoot at 1/100, f1.4 at ISO10000.

Reflectors are not a must for bridal portraits. The day moves so quickly, I don't have time to fanny about. Find the right light and/or natural reflectors.

The 70-200 on a FF body is my least used lens, I may even sell it. On a crop it would be utterly pointless. I get all of my "candids" at 50mm or less. 150mm on a crop body would be 225mm. I fail to see how this will be the most useful length.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Thanks guys.

The Tokina is an optional extra because I've been offered the lend of one to try and thought might bring it along so I suppose its not really on my list of kit that I need.

I thought of the 70-200 because the bride doesn't want me up at the front during the ceremony but I may be able to shoot from the side balcony during hymns. I've still to visit the venue and look into that though. Also for candids.

I expect to use the 17-50 for all the formal shots and B&G posed shots.

The extra tripod is just cos I have two and I'm pretty much going to bring everything I have in the car (including my 18-105 kit lens) - I'd rather bring something and not need it at all than wish I had.

I'm also bringing someone to help carry/hold stuff.

And I'm going to have plenty of batteries!

 

[tim_uk]

I would keep the telephoto zoom its your first wedding so you not have the confidence for "in your face" candids that pros take with wider angles

Might also be worth finding a foolproof routine that suits for swapping memory cards eg one pocket used one empty spares etc and swap cards often to insure against anything going wrong

 

[AliB]

Just goes to show, my 70-200 on FF is my MOST used lens. Please don't go shooting portraits under 50mm if you can help it at all, distorts the s*** out of subjects.

Batteries are good First time in over a year I flattened one on Friday's wedding and almost caught me by surprise, usually go the whole day on one in each camera. I must have been shooting lots on one body and less on the second for that to have happened but it does happen so when you have a breather just check things over and see how many shots you have left and how much power. Oh and swap those cards over when you can, spread the day out so there is less risk than having the whole day on one.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Might also be worth finding a foolproof routine that suits for swapping memory cards eg one pocket used one empty spares etc and swap cards often to insure against anything going wrong

Good tip - thanks - I'll work out a system for used/empty memory cards.

And yes, I'll not wait til one gets full before I swap, I'll make sure I spread the day out over several.

 

[futureal33]

The 70-200 on a FF body is my least used lens, I may even sell it. On a crop it would be utterly pointless. I get all of my "candids" at 50mm or less. 150mm on a crop body would be 225mm. I fail to see how this will be the most useful length.

Got my head the wrong way round, I meant 150mm on full frame (which works out to around 90mm on cropper)

It also depends a lot on the venue. If I had the room to move backwards, I would always reach for a longer lens, rather than getting up-close with a 35mm prime or 50mm prime. Not for the distortion reasons, but for ease of use - being less in your face, and for the compression.

 

[ShoeQueen]

how about a camera bag to put it in

what about laptop to back the photos onto so you always have 2 copies

just a quick idea but food and water as i doubt you will get alot of time to grab out if you do then you have some sarnies ready

Well yes, I'll have a bag!

I wouldn't have time to back up to laptop til the evening and I'll be doing it when I get home anyway.

Food not a problem as B&G don't want any photos during the speeches or meal and I'll be joining in at that point as a guest - (after that they just want cake cutting and first dance.)

 

[ShoeQueen]

Flash will be useful - as long as you're allowed to use it.

I can use flash for the signing of the register (in a side room) and its also for indoors at reception venue (already been and taken test shots). If its a really wet day the formal shots will have to been in there, so flash (with diffuser) will be needed.

If it was me, Id have one body with the 70-200 welded onto it, and the other body with a 35mm 1.4 or 17-50 2.8 on it. Both on a dual Q strap harness, so you can flick between the two easily.

That was the plan - and will think about a 35mm as well.

 

[Flash In The Pan]

Good tip - thanks - I'll work out a system for used/empty memory cards.

I have a lanyard with two of the zip pouches that come with Sandisk CF cards, one (with a piece of green gaffer tape on it) for empty cards and one for full.

For your flash batteries, some of the little boxes that 7dayshop sell, turn two of each set the "wrong" way up when they're done, then you know at a glance which are the good batteries...

 

[ShoeQueen]

For your flash batteries, some of the little boxes that 7dayshop sell, turn two of each set the "wrong" way up when they're done, then you know at a glance which are the good batteries...

Not seen those before - they look handy and good tip about turning two round so I know they are used.

 

[Richard King]

Stands for your flashes, radio triggers

Something like a rapid strap

Comfy shoes

2-3 times more batteries than you think you need. Same applies to memory cards

Lightmeter

If you shoot JPEG - a grey card or colour balance disk

Lens cloths

I have have a dozen pegs, some gaffa tape, some boob tape, some electrical tape, a white cotton sheet, a polythene sheet in a box in the car (the box containins about 100 other silly wedding essentials) Also in the car a bevie of white and black umbrellas

I'm a guy - so change of shirt, tie + Deoderant + hand wipes

And a coolbox with some cold drinks in in the car is a godsend at some venues

You need a system that separated dead batteries from good ones, same for memory cards

I use studio flashes a lot in the evening, there is a pile of gear needed with these

____

You need to separate "What I need to carry" with "What I can leave in the car"

The lenses you have are adequate, unless one of them fails

If you are hiring or borrowing gear, allow time to get used to it

____

Learn how to get your flashguns from TTL to remote and back again with your eyes closed, and learn how to do the same with the cameras

____
A sat nav is a god send, program it the day before for ALL locations

 

[ShoeQueen]

Thanks Richard - lots of little extras there that I wouldn't have thought of.

I like the sound of the box of lots of wedding stuff - I'm like that with my 'dance bag', everything from safety pins to talc (for soles of shoes).

I'm still learning about using flash (have mainly just been using it bounced up til now, only taken it off camera for test shots so far) but I'm doing a speedlight training course at a local studio this weekend which should help.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Thanks guys for all the advice. Wedding is tomorrow!

Having been to the wedding rehearsal and found no shots allowed during the ceremony, but for walking up/down the aisle I can use flash, and also for signing register (in room at back with white ceiling), I've decided against hiring the 70-200 and instead plan on mostly using the 17-50 with an 85 for a bit more reach if needed. (The only shot I'm allowed to take during the ceremony is one during a hymn from a balcony, no flash. Intend to have a tripod set up there in advance and use slow shutter speed and a reasonably wide view to take in some of the guests from back.)

I usually use bounced flash and can do that fine for signing the register (have tried some test shots) - but for walking down aisle would direct with a stofen diffuser be better?

Lenses
Tamron 17-50 f2.8
85 f1.8
50 f1.4
35 f1.8

Used on two D90 bodies.
(Plus back up lenses of 18-200, 50 f1.8. And have a 105 macro for detail shots if needed.)

Assistant will have D60 with 50 f1.8.

2 x SB600s, light stand, umbrella, a couple of tripods, two wireless remotes and trigger, reflectors and lots of spare batteries and memory cards!

An assistant to carry stuff, help set up shots, and take some candids. (And help keep me calm!)

I've made a running order with rough times, and a list of shots with what equipment I'm probably going to use for each one (eg which lens, if I need tripod/flash etc). And little things like the bride's mother doesn't really like being in photos, so I'll get her in position once, then change the people around her and have the group shots in order to allow for that. And learning names of main bridal party (which I got the bride to write out for me) so I can say 'Alan could you move to the left' instead of 'you on the end'...

I'll bring several copies of this (will give a copy to my 'assistant' tonight).

Any last min tips appreciated. This is my first wedding, its unpaid and its a favour to a friend - but I want to do the best I can.

 

[Phil V]

(The only shot I'm allowed to take during the ceremony is one during a hymn from a balcony, no flash. Intend to have a tripod set up there in advance and use slow shutter speed and a reasonably wide view to take in some of the guests from back.)

One last tip then, just because your tripod mounted camera can handle long exposures - doesn't mean that your subject can.

Singing people move - I doubt that anything slower than 1/60th will be usable, and to be on the safe side I'd go with a range of ISOs so that you have something usable. For the future, couples sat still at static points in the service might be possible as low as 1/15, but generally people need shutter speeds over 1/125.

It's a mantra you'll find all over sites where wedding photographers congregate, we can do something with noisy shots, but blurred ones spoilt by subject movement are heading straight for the bin.

 

[ShoeQueen]

One last tip then, just because your tripod mounted camera can handle long exposures - doesn't mean that your subject can.

Singing people move - I doubt that anything slower than 1/60th will be usable, and to be on the safe side I'd go with a range of ISOs so that you have something usable. For the future, couples sat still at static points in the service might be possible as low as 1/15, but generally people need shutter speeds over 1/125.

It's a mantra you'll find all over sites where wedding photographers congregate, we can do something with noisy shots, but blurred ones spoilt by subject movement are heading straight for the bin.

Thanks, yes that's really helpful. I'll try to keep shutter speeds up as much as possible and I know I can push the D90 up a reasonable amount in ISO.

Maybe I don't need the tripod for that shot then - I'll be at the church early so I'll take some test shots in daylight there and see how I get on in terms of natural light. I can try a range of ISOs and speeds as I should have a few mins during that hymn.

The only other time I plan to use a tripod was for the group shots, mainly to keep some consistency in composition while I get different groups arranged. Good/bad idea?

 

[Yv]

The only other time I plan to use a tripod was for the group shots, mainly to keep some consistency in composition while I get different groups arranged. Good/bad idea?

if you are not used to organising large, unwieldy groups that just want to be off to the bar after they have taken their own group pics [usually the ones they are meant to be in] a tripod can serve as useful prop even if technically you don't need it - no, not for hitting them with - it can act as a marker, a point at which you need space to work and you can ask people to stay further back than while you take the shots. So I would say good idea for that reason alone, before adding in any consistency of composition you want.

Good luck btw

 

[ShoeQueen]

if you are not used to organising large, unwieldy groups that just want to be off to the bar after they have taken their own group pics [usually the ones they are meant to be in] a tripod can serve as useful prop even if technically you don't need it - no, not for hitting them with - it can act as a marker, a point at which you need space to work and you can ask people to stay further back than while you take the shots. So I would say good idea for that reason alone, before adding in any consistency of composition you want.

Thanks, that's a very good point I hadn't thought of! I'm used to giving direction to some extent (I teach adult evening classes) but as these are friends (two of the group shots are of friends, all of whom are people in my regular social circle), having a tripod will remind them I'm there in the role of photographer.

Good luck btw

Thanks. I'll admit to being a bit nervous about it and am going to take my shot list, to camera club tonight and run it past a few folk who do weddings.

More comfortable with the candids part, as I've done that before, so as long I don't mess up the key shots (formals, signing register etc), I should be ok.

Probably most worried about the 'walking down the aisle' ones as they have to be right and no second go at that. I know these could be really natural as the bride and groom will be smiling at friends - but should I get them to pause and look at the camera for a few seconds to get some shots?

 

[stevewestern]

For your flash batteries, some of the little boxes that 7dayshop sell, turn two of each set the "wrong" way up when they're done, then you know at a glance which are the good batteries...

I use an even simpler method - fresh batteries in those 7dayshop boxes, used ones loose in whatever bag pocket is otherwise unused !
I can then just grab a box and slip it into a trouser pocket 'just in case' without needing to check !

 

[Phil V]

I use an even simpler method - fresh batteries in those 7dayshop boxes, used ones loose in whatever bag pocket is otherwise unused !
I can then just grab a box and slip it into a trouser pocket 'just in case' without needing to check !

Me too

 

[mark1616]

I use an even simpler method - fresh batteries in those 7dayshop boxes, used ones loose in whatever bag pocket is otherwise unused !
I can then just grab a box and slip it into a trouser pocket 'just in case' without needing to check !

I would do that apart from I like to keep all my batteries in sets so they all perform the same (goes back to my RC car racing days). So I use the 2 up 2 down method and works great.

 

[scottthehat]

hope it goes well just be confident and if you are the main tog, dont be affraid to tell other people taking pics to step back and wait untill your done then they can take there pics, people dont mean to be in the way, they just want photos, so be nice a clear and most people will understand, you might get the odd one but just be nice and explain that your doing as the main tog. 35mm on a crop is ok i find 50mm on a crop to long, but would keep the 70-200mm and step back and get those natural pics.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Thanks for the batteries tip, will make sure I have unused and used separated.

hope it goes well just be confident and if you are the main tog, dont be affraid to tell other people taking pics to step back and wait untill your done then they can take there pics, people dont mean to be in the way, they just want photos, so be nice a clear and most people will understand, you might get the odd one but just be nice and explain that your doing as the main tog. 35mm on a crop is ok i find 50mm on a crop to long, but would keep the 70-200mm and step back and get those natural pics.

Thanks, I may have to fake the confidence! (But I used to have to do that when I started teaching.)

I'm not getting the 70-200mm but I have an 85mm for candids. Problem is as its my first wedding, I'm not sure quite what my preferred style will be, so will probably keep it simple for the group shots, and then try stuff with the candids. I'm not getting too creative with the first dance, don't want to put myself under pressure and get nothing. I may just get my assistant to hold a flash off to one side and up a bit.

Asked a few folk to look over my shot list tonight and they seemed to think it was ok, with a few extra tips from some folk who regularly shoot weddings so am hoping if I stay calm and relaxed, it'll be fine.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Not long home and backing up the images before I head to bed. Thought as I asked for lots of advice on here I'd give a wee review. Day went more or less according to plan, missed getting some shots I wanted but got everything the bride wanted, which is the main thing.

Really blessed with the weather, raining as she arrived at the church, but the day really improved and ended up being nearly too bright, on one group shot I realised I'd blown the dress - but was checked as I went along so realised straight away and just retook.

Thought I'd 'Uncle Bob' sorted, but nope, he totally got in the way of all the walking up the aisle shots, and followed me about everywhere. There were several folk there with DSLRs (though all with kit lens and using pop up flash) and they followed me everywhere. Actually the most difficult part of the day was the bride and groom shots, as I had an audience watching me set up every shot and that made me feel self concious. Need to find a better way of handling that (and I know I should have been prepared for it, but I thought they'd all go inside when all the other guests did - problem was there was nowhere to take the B&G away on my own for those shots and I only had about 15 mins to get them.)

Finally put the cameras down at nearly 11pm, and then spent about an hour on the dance floor, having some fun unwind time with my friends, getting to be a 'guest'.

Really enjoyed it, fantastic first wedding - relaxed couple and having a friend along as an assistant really helped. At times she helped set up the shot and held reflector, flash etc, in the church she was able to get some different angles (eg from balcony while I was downstairs) and she got guest candids at various times of the day and some detail shots.

Being prepared really helped I think. I had a shot list with what equipment I'd be using (and when I wanted my assistant to help me and when I wanted her to second shoot), I had a list of group shots to give to the best man who was great at rounding people up, and I knew what shots the bride wanted and made sure I got all those.

Made mistakes, learnt stuff I'd do differently next time, but really enjoyed it, despite the pressure.

Thanks again for all the advice (in this and a couple of other threads).

 

[scottthehat]

glad your happy with the result of the day,
cant wait to see some of the shots now.

 

[chem]

Hi all new to this, come alomg for some help.

I am going back into wedding photography, got my canon lenses and supports. However I have a canon 1DS, but are now unsure what other body to get. I have about £900. For me its a 1ds mkii or a 5D classic. I really dont know. I used to shoot medium format, I have done some on my old D60 and they were fine. I have only had the 1ds for 1 month and got it off a mate with only 9000 shots taken for £300, I couldnt say no. Its alittle slow in low light, but results are great with my L lenses. what other body should I get.
thanks chris

 

[jeff127]

Thanks for sharing your review of the day with us Lynn, it sounds like it went well! How many photos did you end up taking out of curiosity? Agree with Scott that I look forward to seeing some of the results.


Jeff.

 

[Richard King]

Not long home and backing up the images before I head to bed. Thought as I asked for lots of advice on here I'd give a wee review. Day went more or less according to plan, missed getting some shots I wanted but got everything the bride wanted, which is the main thing.

Really blessed with the weather, raining as she arrived at the church, but the day really improved and ended up being nearly too bright, on one group shot I realised I'd blown the dress - but was checked as I went along so realised straight away and just retook.

Thought I'd 'Uncle Bob' sorted, but nope, he totally got in the way of all the walking up the aisle shots, and followed me about everywhere. There were several folk there with DSLRs (though all with kit lens and using pop up flash) and they followed me everywhere. Actually the most difficult part of the day was the bride and groom shots, as I had an audience watching me set up every shot and that made me feel self concious. Need to find a better way of handling that (and I know I should have been prepared for it, but I thought they'd all go inside when all the other guests did - problem was there was nowhere to take the B&G away on my own for those shots and I only had about 15 mins to get them.)

Finally put the cameras down at nearly 11pm, and then spent about an hour on the dance floor, having some fun unwind time with my friends, getting to be a 'guest'.

Really enjoyed it, fantastic first wedding - relaxed couple and having a friend along as an assistant really helped. At times she helped set up the shot and held reflector, flash etc, in the church she was able to get some different angles (eg from balcony while I was downstairs) and she got guest candids at various times of the day and some detail shots.

Being prepared really helped I think. I had a shot list with what equipment I'd be using (and when I wanted my assistant to help me and when I wanted her to second shoot), I had a list of group shots to give to the best man who was great at rounding people up, and I knew what shots the bride wanted and made sure I got all those.

Made mistakes, learnt stuff I'd do differently next time, but really enjoyed it, despite the pressure.

Thanks again for all the advice (in this and a couple of other threads).

It's great when a plan comes together

 

[ShoeQueen]

Thanks for sharing your review of the day with us Lynn, it sounds like it went well! How many photos did you end up taking out of curiosity? Agree with Scott that I look forward to seeing some of the results.

I took nearly 800... (that was with no bridal prep, ceremony shots, speeches etc). And my assistant took another 300... so plenty of shots to go though.

I'm happy with most of my shots, but I learnt a lot too. I've done the 'in at the deep end' thing before with other things and its a sharp learning curve - it was great to have that opportunity of friends who knew I'd no experience of this, but happy to have me shoot their wedding (they had to talk me into it). I've learnt more by actually doing it than I did with all the reading I've done - and now all the reading is making sense and I can see what I did right and where I can improve. But the really important thing will be if they like the result!

A few shots on a thread here

 

[haggis]

Love the shots on the other thread Lynn. I usually manage to get rid of the Uncle Bobs for the B&G shots by simply explaining to them that they have specifically asked for the time alone with us. On the rare occasion they don't willingly cooperate I politely remind them that we have been paid to get these special shots and that the B&G won't thank them if their presence hinders that. Usually works.

 

[andyturner]

Wow. I'm approaching my first "proper" wedding shoot, and felt quite prepared until I read this thread. I'm now wondering if I'm making the right decision after all! I don't think the bride/grooms expectations are too high (they are friends), but it looks like a few more memory cards and batteries are in order, and possibly a fast standard zoom to go with my 70-200mm.

More expense; the wife is going to boot right off lol

 

[ShoeQueen]

Love the shots on the other thread Lynn. I usually manage to get rid of the Uncle Bobs for the B&G shots by simply explaining to them that they have specifically asked for the time alone with us. On the rare occasion they don't willingly cooperate I politely remind them that we have been paid to get these special shots and that the B&G won't thank them if their presence hinders that. Usually works.

Thanks! I should have been more prepared to cope with people following us around and had a backup plan to get some time on my own with them. Lesson learned on that one.

 

[ShoeQueen]

Wow. I'm approaching my first "proper" wedding shoot, and felt quite prepared until I read this thread. I'm now wondering if I'm making the right decision after all! I don't think the bride/grooms expectations are too high (they are friends), but it looks like a few more memory cards and batteries are in order, and possibly a fast standard zoom to go with my 70-200mm.

More expense; the wife is going to boot right off lol

Extra memory cards and batteries are always good anyway.

I didn't hire the 70-200 in the end, I found the 85 long enough - great for candids. If I'd been shooting during the ceremony I think I'd have got a 70-200.

If its friends and they know you don't have lots of experience (I hadn't even been a 'guest with a camera' before this I did this one) then they'll not be expecting 'pro' level work. But be as prepared as you can be. I had a shot list, with what lenses I was going to use for each one and order I'd hoped to do things - time is tight and knowing exactly what you are going to do next and what lens you need saves time. Having a second body helps - originally I was going to borrow one as a back up but ended up using both all day.

I had a great day - but the important thing is the bride loves the photos - and therefore I'm happy!

Hope it all goes well for you Andy.

 

[big soft moose]

70-200 (or something of that ilk) is only really essential if you have to shoot from the back of the church, but its nice to have in case the celebrant gets ****y about you shooting from closer and also for dance floor candids at the reception. - Lynn is absolutely right about cameras its good to have two in play for the whole day to minimise time spent changing lenses , i generallytry to have two on me and a third in the car as a spare in case one of them dies

The other thing i'd say about shooting freinds weddings is it can be a lot more stressful than shooting a strangers because guests who know you won't view you as a proffesional doing a job and are more likely to arse about ("oh you put two fingers up behind the grooms head , arent you a hillarious") and less likely to take direction, and if uncle bob is your father in law although its easier to tell him to do one its harder to make him realise that you mean it

 

[Little John]

The other thing I'd say about shooting freinds weddings is it can be a lot more stressful than shooting a strangers because guests who know you won't view you as a proffesional doing a job and are more likely to arse about ("oh you put two fingers up behind the grooms head , arent you a hillarious") and less likely to take direction, and if uncle bob is your father in law although its easier to tell him to do one its harder to make him realise that you mean it

That is soo true, my first was my dad's mate and everyone knew me, it was a nightmare and really put me off doing it in the future.

The 2nd I got roped in to on the basis of I was just shooting to make up for the other 2 who were just shooting (no official) I became official and took the reins and I know quite a few there but not everyone knew me so I was considered more as someone with a job to do and people listened. the only problem I had was someone who knew me kept holding a packet of crisps up during the big group shot but I handled it by drawing everyones attention to her LOL.

The 2nd wedding really did reverse my never again to wedding photography feelings but I still wont go out of my way and will always recommend others first.