Just starting out please respond need advice

[mstark70]

+2 for eNZee~!
I personally do not think it sounds very professional to even consider taking wedding photos with a point and shoot unless you are a guest at the wedding, just shooting some candids. I am sorry but that is just my two cents. I know some point and shoots can take some great photos and I know it is more about the photographer and their abilities but this just screams amateur to me. I don't think anyone getting married (outside of the courthouse) would take you seriously. I am not trying to be mean or dash your hopes but just trying to help you see things realistically.
I personally do NOT do weddings and I never have nor do I ever plan to. I am realistic. If I have a baby or family shoot that does not work out for whatever reason I can re-shoot it. There are NO do overs for a wedding. You only get one shot (no pun intended) ,you screw it up, that's it~! That is pressure in my book!
Good luck to you know matter what you decide but I hope you do more research and come to a wise decision with an educated mind. Best wishes!

I actually know a photographer who is VERY good, and she started by shooting weddings with an advance P&S...I think it was one of the Canon S2s or S3s. She only charged about $500 to shoot a wedding. Last I heard, she finally upgraded to a DSLR last year (XSi) and shot about 40 weddings.

However, I wouldn't recommend it. I've shot a few weddings, and every wedding convinces me that I need better gear. F2.8 lenses and external flash units are a must, especially during a reception. But like someone said, I hold myself to a high standard, and feel my shots need to look as good as a mid-level pro. For that reason, I would never take on a wedding without:

2 DSLR bodies
2 external flashes
light stands and umbrellas (for portraits)
one low-light prime lens (I use 50mm f1.4)
Normal F2.8 lens
Telephoto f2.8 lens
Tripod

And someone made a good point as well, that P&S don't look very professional. And when a good DSLR is only $600, it's hard to take any photographer seriously that doesn't have one. You and I both know the camera does not make you a good photographer, but your clients don't.

[Jim Bryant]

You also need to read this thread. It has a lot of helpful info in one spot. I'd book mark it for future trips for tips. Everything you ever wanted to know about photography! On DPS!