What do I need?

[bethard728]

Long time, no see! Haven't been on these boards for a while. I've had too much going on to be on the computer lately. Anyway, a friend of the family has asked me to photograph her wedding. I am a complete amateur and she is comfortable with that. (Not sure I am, but she is, lol.) Basically she is on a VERY tight budget so she's looking for someone pretty cheap...which I am. Usually I work for free because of my inexperience. But in this case I'm going to be spending most of my day at the wedding events, driving 30 miles there and back, and I'd like to purchase some lighting for the wedding. Sorry, that was a lot of background. She's asking how much I'd charge. I want to cover my expenses for gas and maybe a little towards lighting. But I have no idea what I need for lighting of what it would cost me. I've been doing some research but don't understand a lot of what I'm reading. I have a Nikon D60 so most of what I've read has been about equipment that is not compatible with my camera. I have until August to learn how to use these things. Right now I'm just trying to get a price estimate so I can give the bride an idea of what I might charge. Thanks so much!

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by bethard728

Long time, no see! Haven't been on these boards for a while. I've had too much going on to be on the computer lately. Anyway, a friend of the family has asked me to photograph her wedding.

Uh oh.

I am a complete amateur and she is comfortable with that. (Not sure I am, but she is, lol.) Basically she is on a VERY tight budget so she's looking for someone pretty cheap...which I am.

Is she comfortable with it or resigned to the fact that's all she can afford?

Usually I work for free because of my inexperience. But in this case I'm going to be spending most of my day at the wedding events, driving 30 miles there and back, and I'd like to purchase some lighting for the wedding. Sorry, that was a lot of background. She's asking how much I'd charge. I want to cover my expenses for gas and maybe a little towards lighting. But I have no idea what I need for lighting of what it would cost me. I've been doing some research but don't understand a lot of what I'm reading. I have a Nikon D60 so most of what I've read has been about equipment that is not compatible with my camera. I have until August to learn how to use these things. Right now I'm just trying to get a price estimate so I can give the bride an idea of what I might charge. Thanks so much!

What do you need?

Time, which you have a little, and practice, of which you need a LOT!

Before we get into lighting, do you even know if you'll be allowed to use it during the ceremony? Here's a hint, that's not up to the bride, it's up to the wedding official - depending on where the ceremony is held.

As to what sort of lighting, I recommend an SB900. Actually, I'd recommend at least two for something as important as a wedding.

I also recommend that you consider a different camera. The D60 just won't cut it in the sort of lighting you're likely to encounter. Same here as the flash. At least two capable bodies.

What do you have for lenses?


My first instinct is really to tell you to run far and fast away from this. I've not looked at your work really, but by your own words, you don't seem to be ready to shoot a wedding. Whether the bride is truly comfortable with you doing it or if you're her only real choice, botching a friend's wedding photos is a good way to botch a friendship, or a friendship for the whole family.


If you're determined to do it, you need to really get on the stick and start shooting daily and posting images for critique. I won't say it's impossible to get ready by August, but that depends on how hard and how diligently you're willing to work between now and then.

[BigFuzzy]

Amen to what Jim says. Though I have nothing to add, I want you to know others agree so that you don't think he's just a grumpy old fart (which he is, just not right now)

Edit - having seen your photos, I see little (if any) use of flash, and shooting a wedding (in my opinion) you need to know how to use flash IF you need it, and I'd wager to say most wedding shoots (not just during the ceremony) will require skillful use of flash, so I'd start there. Learn how to use your flash.
And having looked at your photos of the boys and the maternity shot, make sure you nail the focus on the eyes, and avoid all of your images being composes with the subjects dead in the middle.
I know you asked about kit, and sorry for commenting on your work if unwanted, but I think these things are more important than your kit as they are starting points.
Good luck

[bethard728]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Is she comfortable with it or resigned to the fact that's all she can afford?

I think she's comfortable with it. She came to me and asked. I never offered my services or anything like that. She may somewhat just be resigned to the fact that that's all she can afford but I think it's either someone like me with some experience or an aunt with a point and shoot.

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

Before we get into lighting, do you even know if you'll be allowed to use it during the ceremony? Here's a hint, that's not up to the bride, it's up to the wedding official - depending on where the ceremony is held.

This is something I need to double check but if it's at the church that I think it is, it is allowed during the ceremony.

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

As to what sort of lighting, I recommend an SB900. Actually, I'd recommend at least two for something as important as a wedding.

I also recommend that you consider a different camera. The D60 just won't cut it in the sort of lighting you're likely to encounter. Same here as the flash. At least two capable bodies.

What do you have for lenses?

I'd love to be able to upgrade my camera between now and then. Hopefully that is a possibility but I don't know for sure if that will be in the budget. I suppose it would depend on what I can get out of my D60. I have the 18-55mm lens.

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

My first instinct is really to tell you to run far and fast away from this. I've not looked at your work really, but by your own words, you don't seem to be ready to shoot a wedding. Whether the bride is truly comfortable with you doing it or if you're her only real choice, botching a friend's wedding photos is a good way to botch a friendship, or a friendship for the whole family.

lol, you are right, I am not ready to shoot a wedding but I guess I feel like as long as the bride is well aware that my photos may or may not be of "professional quality" I'd like to do it. Mainly because I don't think she has any other options and I'm hoping whatever I can provide for her will be better than what she will end up with if I choose not to do it.

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

If you're determined to do it, you need to really get on the stick and start shooting daily and posting images for critique. I won't say it's impossible to get ready by August, but that depends on how hard and how diligently you're willing to work between now and then.

Absolutely! I will be practicing my little heart out for sure! Especially if I get a new camera and/or some lighting.

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Amen to what Jim says. Though I have nothing to add, I want you to know others agree so that you don't think he's just a grumpy old fart (which he is, just not right now)

lol

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Edit - having seen your photos, I see little (if any) use of flash, and shooting a wedding (in my opinion) you need to know how to use flash IF you need it, and I'd wager to say most wedding shoots (not just during the ceremony) will require skillful use of flash, so I'd start there. Learn how to use your flash.
And having looked at your photos of the boys and the maternity shot, make sure you nail the focus on the eyes, and avoid all of your images being composes with the subjects dead in the middle.
I know you asked about kit, and sorry for commenting on your work if unwanted, but I think these things are more important than your kit as they are starting points.
Good luck

I definitely appreciate the advice! You can't learn without criticism! I'll take all I can get!

Just to be clear, I have made it very clear to the bride that I have never done a wedding and that indoor photos are not my strong suit. I have told her that photography is more something that I "play" around with at this point and I am no where near professional. I have also told her that if anytime between now and August she decides to go with someone else, I am totally ok with that. So I think she knows what she's in for. I'm just hoping I can do a lot of learning between now and then and maybe give her a little more than she's expecting. Thanks again!

[Dajuan]

Have you considered not charging her at all? Or, only for your expenses? If you have concerns about your ability to perform, or doubts in your kits ability to provide you the settings you'd need (working in difficult lighting), etc., if you simply don't have the experience, why not shoot simply for the experience? You won't feel as bad if the results aren't what you'd hoped for, maybe. Be careful though, an upset bride can be difficult to deal with, no matter the family / friend relationship.

[bethard728]

Originally Posted by Dajuan

Have you considered not charging her at all? Or, only for your expenses? If you have concerns about your ability to perform, or doubts in your kits ability to provide you the settings you'd need (working in difficult lighting), etc., if you simply don't have the experience, why not shoot simply for the experience? You won't feel as bad if the results aren't what you'd hoped for, maybe. Be careful though, an upset bride can be difficult to deal with, no matter the family / friend relationship.

If I don't buy any lighting, I'm only asking for gas $. And regardless, she knows that if she isn't happy with her pictures I won't charge anything. I also found out that she really wants outdoor pictures so, weather permitting, hopefully we'll do a lot of outdoor shots and I won't have to worry as much about lighting.

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by bethard728

If I don't buy any lighting, I'm only asking for gas $. And regardless, she knows that if she isn't happy with her pictures I won't charge anything. I also found out that she really wants outdoor pictures so, weather permitting, hopefully we'll do a lot of outdoor shots and I won't have to worry as much about lighting.

Outdoor shooting is not always a bed of roses..you have to know how to deal with harsh light, or even the possibility of rain. You might want to scope out the location before the wedding to pre-plan some good places on the property for potential shots...try to do it at the same time of day so you can see how the light will be