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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
First Wedding Photo - Recc. Camera & Access to Rent??

karen
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Sep 22, 2006, 1:18 PM

Post #1 of 5 (451 views)
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First Wedding Photo - Recc. Camera & Access to Rent??	Can't Post

hi all

I booked an el-cheapo wedding photo gig in Oct. I Would like to eventually add photog. to my business, IF i possess the skills and talent to go along.

I'm shooting my first digital photog. wedding, and would like to know which camera & access. to rent ie. 20d ? ..which light, diffuser, ..how many flash cards [for five hours], batteries.

Any reccom. would be appreciated. I am hired for five hours. No bride prep... Just pre-ceremony, ceremony [indoors] formals and reception. I will also be renting the camera and access. the week before to get some hands on experience with them.
thanks,
Karen

Toogy
User

Sep 22, 2006, 1:54 PM

Post #2 of 5 (446 views)
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Re: [karen] First Wedding Photo - Recc. Camera & Access to Rent?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Umm... so you are shooting a wedding for pay, and have never actually done one before? And you don't even have any equipment? wow, that's risky if you ask me.
Not only the lack of experience, but the lack of experience with your equipment.
That being said, I'd suggest the following as a MINIMUM.

TWO 30D's (or 20Ds)
TWO 580EX flashes
Wide or Mid range zoom - ideally the 17-55 F2.8 IS, cheaper alternatives would be the Tamron 17-50 or 28-75 F2.8 lenses
Telephoto Zoom - ideally the 70-200 F2.8 IS, cheaper alternatives, Sigma 70-200 F2.8
Cheap low light lens - Canon 50mm F1.4 or 1.8 (ideal for low-light or as a backup, incase your mid range zoom gets dropped or something)
Extra batteries for camera & flashes.

GOOD LUCK Wink

------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
Digital ISO

http://www.digitaliso.ca/blog
http://www.pbase.com/toogy

Postal Boy
Veteran

Sep 22, 2006, 3:44 PM

Post #3 of 5 (439 views)
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Re: [Toogy] First Wedding Photo - Recc. Camera & Access to Rent?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Oh...and to add to Toogy, I just spent an hour doing simple photos for a neighbor's upcoming event (something small) and I can probably say with some confidence that taking the pictures is the SMALLEST part of being an event photographer. Getting the people READY for the picture is terribly difficult. I would practice on family and/or friends if possible to get used to thinking about where hands are, body angles, and so forth. Once all of that is set up, THEN you can go back and press the little button. That is for set shots, anyway (formals and so forth).

-Postal

szerangue
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Sep 22, 2006, 10:22 PM

Post #4 of 5 (427 views)
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Re: [karen] First Wedding Photo - Recc. Camera & Access to Rent?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I did my first shoot a few weeks ago.. it was great fun, but very different from video. I was lucky to have someone there who was experienced in posing, otherwise I would have been a bit lost. I have had my camera for a little over a month now and have shot probably 1600 pictures with it. I am getting better but still learning. Knowing how to set you camera to get the right exposure is crucial. And when you are under the gun to "get the shot" its even more crucial. Wedding party is not going to want to sit around and wait too much while you are learning. I was pretty lucky because I was actually second fiddle to the first photog who was basically a family friend using a consumer camera shooting all automatic. So I could sit back, make adjustments, get my shots and pipe in when I wanted a special pose. I think my day would have been much different had I had a go of it alone.
I would be interested in hearing more about your gig and how you see it unfolding.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

Shadow
Veteran

Sep 25, 2006, 11:38 PM

Post #5 of 5 (385 views)
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Re: [karen] First Wedding Photo - Recc. Camera & Access to Rent?? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Karen,

Are you able to do some test shots before hand in a similar lighting event?
I've been hanging with a dj buddy of mine who lets me tag along and pretend I'm with him snapping photos, testing out different settings and such.

Sometimes a setting I thought would work best was not the case - so if you can practice it will make everything a lot easier on you.

Apart from back up equipment, it would probably be handy to have a list of the photos you need. Research some poses online and even prepare a set of contact sheets for "inspiration" when your out there.

Good luck with the shoot! Let us know how it goes.
Cheers
Heidi