Newbie + Wedding = Help!

[Bacon]

I've searched the forums and found some good tips, but I'm looking to gather as much info as I can.

So here it is:

My sister is getting married in March, and after being recently laid off from her job, she is looking for somebody to take pictures at her wedding in March, but is low on available cash flow. She knows I've recently become more interested in photography and that I've very recently got my first dslr which is a Nikon D5000 with the 18 - 55 lens.

They are hoping a friend of theirs who is an "Experienced Amateur/ Semi-Pro" photographer will be able to shoot their wedding, but if it doesn't work out, they've asked me if I could do it for them. I'm hoping that their friend can, but if he can't, I want to be able to give them the best results I can, so I'm looking for any tips, info, links, suggestions, etc. I can get just in case it doesn't work out with their buddy.

Anything you've got as far as equipment suggestions, techniques, or any other ideas or info would be greatly appreciated, as weddings are pretty much out of my league as a beginner.

However if my sister can't get her friend, I wouldn't want let her go without anybody to take photos, and have her stress out about it...

Thanks.

[zona5101]

what's to learn? Point and shoot!

seriously,
what else do you know about the event? Is it going to be indoors? Do you have an external flash? Can rent gear in your town?

Maybe you just shoot with what you have and call it good. Accept the fact that you'll do your best but not every pic is going to be a winner.

Its kinda a tough scenario...like your sis says her car broke down and she knows you just started to get interested in cars. In fact you just got your first socket set. And you ask for tips on how to fix it or what other tools you might need.

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom but it's Feb so the weding is a month away. Between now than then get out and shoot ALOT - get to know your gear. Then if you get the call, just relax and do your best.

[inkista]

Recommended reading:
Please READ Before Posting! - FM Forums

And then, just to get an idea of how a pro preps for a wedding shoot:
Preparation - Jeff Ascough's Blog

[Doug Pardee]

Some more references:

http://www.squidoo.com/wedding-photography-guide
http://www.christophermaxwell.com/we...raphy-tips.htm
http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Wedding101-page1.html
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=15032034
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=26501548

[Bacon]

Originally Posted by zona5101

what's to learn? Point and shoot!

seriously,
what else do you know about the event? Is it going to be indoors? Do you have an external flash? Can rent gear in your town?

Maybe you just shoot with what you have and call it good. Accept the fact that you'll do your best but not every pic is going to be a winner.

Its kinda a tough scenario...like your sis says her car broke down and she knows you just started to get interested in cars. In fact you just got your first socket set. And you ask for tips on how to fix it or what other tools you might need.

I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom but it's Feb so the weding is a month away. Between now than then get out and shoot ALOT - get to know your gear. Then if you get the call, just relax and do your best.

Her car I' be able to fix without much trouble!

As for this wedding, the whole event was planned rather quickly due to the deteriorating health of a grandmother on the groom side if I understand correctly. It will be indoors, but not in a church. I'm traveling about 3000km (or a little under 2000 miles for those not using the metric system) so I'm not too familiar with the area. I don't have an external flash, but am pretty sure I can borrow one from a buddy. I can probably rent things I can't borrow, but am just trying to figure out what those things are without getting stuff I don't need. Thanks for your comments and suggestions though.

Originally Posted by inkista

Recommended reading:
Please READ Before Posting! - FM Forums

And then, just to get an idea of how a pro preps for a wedding shoot:
Preparation - Jeff Ascough's Blog

Thanks for the links

Originally Posted by Doug Pardee

Some more references:

A Practical Guide to Wedding Photography
Wedding Photography Tips (for photographers) --- Information About How To Photograph a Wedding for Beginners
How to shoot a wedding - Lesson 1
10 Biggest Mistakes Noobs Make with Weddings...: Pro Digital Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Most Common Mistakes - Weddings: Pro Digital Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Thank you too for the links...looks like I've got me some reading to do!

[numsi]

the best advice i could give is:
1. read up on photographic techniques
2. practice what ever you have just read
3. make sure you have the basics down pat like shutter speet, apeture, iso and what happens if you adjust one of them and what effect it would give
4. get pleanty of rest before the big day
5. keep a cool and level head cause stress and panic will not do you good
6. talk to your sister to find out what is going to happen on the day so you can sort of plan what kind of shots you might find and try to get
7. if possible to go to the site and scout around to get the feel of the place
8. make sure you recharge your batts
9. make sure you bring your memory card

and good luck plus i know how stupid the last two sounds but it has happened to many in the past.

[DCBarner]

8. make sure you recharge your batts
9. make sure you bring your memory card

These two things should be in your mental list every time you pick up your bag. BUT I think it's hysterical (and correct) that you listed it.

Dane