wedding photography

[emeralddreamz]

I've never taken someone's wedding photos before, and I never really wanted to. Well I got suckered into doing my best friend's sister's wedding. So I ask all you wonderful photographers what is your favorite lens to have with you when shooting a wedding? Any special tips? Thanks. I'm very nervous about this.

[scootermcq]

You are in for some fun.... I have just started working with an established photographer as a 2nd, and I would not want to start any other way. There is so much to learn, that I would not recommend doing a first wedding as solo or primary. I would highly recommend advertising as a free 2nd shooter if you have time between now and your event to gain some insight.

The lens I use that gets 98% of the action at a wedding is my 28-70 2.8

I only have about 4 weddings under my belt and I am now just starting to get comfortable with what I am doing. I will not be shooting as primary for a month, and I have 2 more booked as 2nd shooter between now and then.

[kompressor]

There's a ton of good resources on the internet for first-time wedding shooters. Triple-check all your gear. Fully charge batteries, bring spares if you can. Scout the location beforehand. Have a shot list, go over it with the wedding party. Google some wedding shots, look up some good wedding photogs for inspiration. (Check out Jarvie, absolutely amazing) Take tons of pictures. You can't redo a wedding. You'll be nervous at first, then it goes away. Until you have to shoot the entire wedding party after ceremony. Two beers right before kickoff usually helps too.