Wedding Photography on a 20D

[Mitch Gurowitz]

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

 

[EOSMan]

Good excuse to buy a 24-70L ;-)

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

 

[Mark Gillett]

won't break the bank. 24-70 is good but expensive. The 420 is more than adequate but if you have the money, hey go the whole way.

Mark

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

--
http://www.pbase.com/markgillett

 

[kluken]

Ditto! Or at least find a place to rent one! Or at minimum a Tamron 28-75Di.

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

--
http://www.pbase.com/kluken

 

[trijicon]

I would get a prime like the 50. And maybe a walkaround range like 24/28-70 f2.8 either buy Tamron or Sigma. I believe between the two Tamron is a better lense. If you want L get the 24-70. This is considered the ultimate wedding lense. You already have the wide and tele range covered. I'd then use the prime for low light and definitely for formals. Have fun!

 

[markswheels]

Get the 24-70L. Keep in mind; if the ceremony is indoors, the officiator may not want you to use a flash. With the 24-70 you can still pull it off.

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

--
Click the link below to see a gallery of my photo's.
http://www.pbase.com/markswheels

 

[RusYus]

I mostly use only two lenses for weddings. they are 50 1.4 and 17-40.

although the second one is only f4 is is a very good lens for outdoor shooting for group shots. i try not to use it at 17mm to minimize destortion.

50mm lens takes care of indoor low light. usually bumping ISO to 400 allows me to shoot with no flash. results are stunning. love this lens.

just my 2 cents

 

[Vance Zachary]

I am not trying to be rude but genuinely helpful. When people generally ask what tools and tips they need to photograph a wedding, what they really need most is more practice. Because with practice, it would become apparent to you what you really need to work the way that you would feel most comfortable.

If you are comfortable with flash photography, you can use about any flash for weddings. I use a Vivitar 283 with a stofen omni-bounce in manual mode. The important thing is that you are thoroughly comfortable with flash photography and can get consistent results without really thinking about it. If you are feeling even the slightest discomfort, practice, practice, and practice before the wedding day.

As far as lenses are concerned, the range between 17-85 would do well. The more range, the better to give you more variety. But if you already own the Canon 17-35 IS lens, that lens would be just fine to use. Equipment really is the least of your worries when doing weddings.

The following are more important at weddings:

familiarity and experience with whatever equipment you own (practice, practice, practice before the wedding day)

being organized while remaining flexible

knowing how to relax people in a tense situation

having a great sense of anticipation and timing

knowing how to satisfy the bride and groom and family while minimizing any loss of time or money on your part.

The Best of Luck!!!

--
Vance Zachary
http://www.pbase.com/photoworkszach
http://www.photoworksbyzachary.com

 

[Vaughn T.Winfree]

The Canon 24-70L f2.8 or less expensive Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di are the work horse of weddings. You need fast glass using at least f/2.8 where you are able to turn the flash off and still get great shots.

The 20D will be able to get you excellent ISO400 shots and even ISO800 shots. I am starting to use ISO 800 more even with flash as it gives better ambient background lighting. Most of those photos that I shoot ISO800 will not get any larger that a 5x7 or 8x10 anyway.
Regards,

Vaughn

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

--
Vaughn T. Winfree
Friends Don't Let Friends Shoot Film

pBase supporter http://www.pBase.com/vaughn

 

[Vaughn T.Winfree]

OH, I almost forgot.
The 580EX is a MUST...
Vaughn

Vaughn

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

--
Vaughn T. Winfree
Friends Don't Let Friends Shoot Film

pBase supporter http://www.pBase.com/vaughn

--
Vaughn T. Winfree
Friends Don't Let Friends Shoot Film

pBase supporter http://www.pBase.com/vaughn

 

[Jeff Tabor]

You could tell the parents that you joined the army and that you are being sent to Iraq. I have often compared wedding photography to combat photography.

Vaughn

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

--
Vaughn T. Winfree
Friends Don't Let Friends Shoot Film

pBase supporter http://www.pBase.com/vaughn

 

[Mitch Gurowitz]

Thanks for all the responses, I have printed them and will take them into consideration. Naturally money is a concern, as I will have to buy things I don't normally have a use for.

Vance, I don't find your post to be the least bit rude. It has a good deal of very useful information.

I have explained that I never shoot a wedding unless there is already a professional photographer doing the shoot. On a few occasions, I have been told that I out-shot the pro, but I feel that this is due to their hiring lousy professionals, not my brilliance!

I have also tried to explain to them that my work that they liked so much (Mostly concert photography of Indian classical musicians). Is very different than a wedding. I shoot what makes me happy, I like motion blurs, I like to sometimes play with exposure and light. But I do what I like, and if others enjoy, all the better. My only published work is sports photography, so unless a hockey game or concert breaks out, I will not be happy or comfortable.

I have no clue about Flash photography, it makes me cringe. The wedding isn't for a good month, so I do have time to practice, but I don't honestly know where to start. I was looking at the 580ex as it seems to communicate with the 20D color temperature. (I figured it may help the clueless).

Thanks again to all-
Mitch

I am not trying to be rude but genuinely helpful. When people
generally ask what tools and tips they need to photograph a
wedding, what they really need most is more practice. Because with
practice, it would become apparent to you what you really need to
work the way that you would feel most comfortable.

 

[Andy A]

Well put about be familiar with your equipment. I would also like to add that I agree to stick with the faster lenses just in case you are prohibited from using flash. Also, make sure you purchase whatever lens you decide on early enough to receive it AND test it and become familiar with it.

I am not trying to be rude but genuinely helpful. When people
generally ask what tools and tips they need to photograph a
wedding, what they really need most is more practice. Because with
practice, it would become apparent to you what you really need to
work the way that you would feel most comfortable.

If you are comfortable with flash photography, you can use about
any flash for weddings. I use a Vivitar 283 with a stofen
omni-bounce in manual mode. The important thing is that you are
thoroughly comfortable with flash photography and can get
consistent results without really thinking about it. If you are
feeling even the slightest discomfort, practice, practice, and
practice before the wedding day.

As far as lenses are concerned, the range between 17-85 would do
well. The more range, the better to give you more variety. But if
you already own the Canon 17-35 IS lens, that lens would be just
fine to use. Equipment really is the least of your worries when
doing weddings.

The following are more important at weddings:

familiarity and experience with whatever equipment you own
(practice, practice, practice before the wedding day)

being organized while remaining flexible

knowing how to relax people in a tense situation

having a great sense of anticipation and timing

knowing how to satisfy the bride and groom and family while
minimizing any loss of time or money on your part.

The Best of Luck!!!

--
Vance Zachary
http://www.pbase.com/photoworkszach
http://www.photoworksbyzachary.com

 

[Mitch Gurowitz]

Hmmmm, Would I actually have to enlist, or just say that I did? ;-)

You could tell the parents that you joined the army and that you
are being sent to Iraq. I have often compared wedding photography
to combat photography.

 

[Ostoski]

One of the best articles for first time wedding photographers.
http://www.aljacobs.com/Weddings.htm

Rod
http://www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski

 

[Jason Kim]

I'm in the same shoe as you are. It's going to be my first wedding shoot. I have to shoot a wedding as the couple doen't have enough money to hire a professional. I plan to shoot with Canon 24-70 on 10D. My only flash is 220ex that I seldom use. I also bought Strobo 2000 so I can take vertical shots without casting ugly side shadows. I'm awaiting Sto-fen to deliever new model for 580RX before the wedding day. They told me end of November. I'm crossing fingers for that one as I hate to work on flash hot spots in PS. It has cost me over $600 already for a free shoot. But good excuse for me to justify a better flash that I always wanted but couldn't justify. ;-)
Good luck with your wedding shoot.

Vance, I don't find your post to be the least bit rude. It has a
good deal of very useful information.

I have explained that I never shoot a wedding unless there is
already a professional photographer doing the shoot. On a few
occasions, I have been told that I out-shot the pro, but I feel
that this is due to their hiring lousy professionals, not my
brilliance!

I have also tried to explain to them that my work that they liked
so much (Mostly concert photography of Indian classical musicians).
Is very different than a wedding. I shoot what makes me happy, I
like motion blurs, I like to sometimes play with exposure and
light. But I do what I like, and if others enjoy, all the better.
My only published work is sports photography, so unless a hockey
game or concert breaks out, I will not be happy or comfortable.

I have no clue about Flash photography, it makes me cringe. The
wedding isn't for a good month, so I do have time to practice, but
I don't honestly know where to start. I was looking at the 580ex as
it seems to communicate with the 20D color temperature. (I figured
it may help the clueless).

Thanks again to all-
Mitch

I am not trying to be rude but genuinely helpful. When people
generally ask what tools and tips they need to photograph a
wedding, what they really need most is more practice. Because with
practice, it would become apparent to you what you really need to
work the way that you would feel most comfortable.

--
See profile for my current setup.

 

[gandalf_42024]

Outstanding article, thanks, jf

One of the best articles for first time wedding photographers.
http://www.aljacobs.com/Weddings.htm

Rod
http://www.pbase.com/rod_ostoski

 

[centralcoastmagazine]

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

Wedding pros will tell you that the album you offer should only have
a few dozen pictures at the most. Take your time and spend at leat five
minutes or more setting up each picture. Fuss over the B&G and pose
them in nice places. Spend an extra minute or two on fluffing the dress
or arranging a rumpled pant leg etc. Since most pros agree that you only
need a few dozen pictures, don't go over board here. The bride will only
be confussed if you offer more? More important than getting lots of
pictures is that you have the time you need. Make them wait, cause you
are in charge here. That is why they hired you, cause you take your time,
but get good pictures, right?

Anyway, just have fun yourself and eat lots of cake and seconds at
dinner. The pictures taking is over after the ceremony, so you can relax
and have some fun with the guests and flirt with the bridesmaids....gotta
be a cute one in there somewhere?

If you take more than a few dozen pictures you will have days of post
processing and all that trouble of going to the printer and that costs gas
and time after all? Just do a few pictures, paste them into some album and
make you get the check before all this work, cause they might change their
mind after they see the pictures.

Well, that is about it...... easy eh?

 

[Tom065]

Hi Mitch

the 20d is great - depending upon your budget I would suggest either the canon 24-70, the new sigma 24-70 or the tamron 28-70. All will work.

If you can get the 580 flash in time great, other wise the 550 (+1/3 as a starting point) you can use the 420 but you will have to make adjustments in camera rather than the using the controls on back of the flash - Sigma has a version that is e-ttl compatable.

the 18-55 can be used for the occasional wide shot
you may be able to use the 75-300 on a tripod for available light long shots.
You need an off shoe cord and a flip bracket.

With this equiptment you can do an above average job - you can certainly add lenses if you have the cash and want to spend it.
Three camera batteries

at least three sets of rechargeable flash batteries unless you have on of the big Quantum units

But what you really need is some experiance - see if you can work with a pro for free for a few weddings it would give you a better sense of the flow of the wedding day

other wise it could really be a long day for you. I hope you'll forgive me if you've already done a few of weddings and don't need this advise. Because they are friends and because you may be saving them money I am sure they will appreciate all you do for them.
Best wishes

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

What do I really need as far as lens and flash goes? I can use this
as an excuse to get a 580EX, but I really don't know much about
what lenses would be useful. I currently have the 18-55 that came
in the kit and a 75-300 (which providing that I shoot from another
county, may be useful).

Any ideas?

Thanks!
M-

 

[Jason Kim]

Since couple I will be shooting doesn't have much money, could you recommand some reasonably priced album places?

Somehow, I am being coerced into shooting a wedding. I have given
the parents no less than forty reasons why I shouldn't do this, but
I feel that I have little choice.

Wedding pros will tell you that the album you offer should only have
a few dozen pictures at the most. Take your time and spend at leat
five
minutes or more setting up each picture. Fuss over the B&G and pose
them in nice places. Spend an extra minute or two on fluffing the
dress
or arranging a rumpled pant leg etc. Since most pros agree that you
only
need a few dozen pictures, don't go over board here. The bride will
only
be confussed if you offer more? More important than getting lots of
pictures is that you have the time you need. Make them wait, cause you
are in charge here. That is why they hired you, cause you take your
time,
but get good pictures, right?

Anyway, just have fun yourself and eat lots of cake and seconds at
dinner. The pictures taking is over after the ceremony, so you can
relax
and have some fun with the guests and flirt with the
bridesmaids....gotta
be a cute one in there somewhere?

If you take more than a few dozen pictures you will have days of post
processing and all that trouble of going to the printer and that
costs gas
and time after all? Just do a few pictures, paste them into some
album and
make you get the check before all this work, cause they might
change their
mind after they see the pictures.

Well, that is about it...... easy eh?

--
See profile for my current setup.