First time wedding photographer... Tips?

[cameront19]

Alright, I just got into photography around Christmas, and I feel that I've done well so far. The other day, a friend of mine asked if I would mind to shoot her wedding (I'm apparently the only person she knows that enjoys photography, and I owed her a favor). I'll be doing this for free, since they're on a budget and photos aren't THAT important to them... I'm looking at it as more of a practice session, I guess. Like I said, I've never done this before... I have a friend that will be shooting with me, if that's of any importance.

The only equipment I have is my Canon 400D with kit lens, a Gary Fong Puffer diffuser, and a few lens filters. I'm also on a tight budget, so buying a lens just for this wedding is pretty much impossible. My friend is shooting with a Canon 450D with just a kit lens as well. Don't get me wrong here, if I was being paid, I would definitely buy whatever equipment is needed.

Any suggestions are welcome, I'm just kind of nervous. I don't know what's appropriate for a photographer to do, whether I should be in view or not. I don't want to be distracting or anything. Thanks in advance for all of your help!

[wannabephotographer]

Originally Posted by cameront19

since they're on a budget and photos aren't THAT important to them... I'm looking at it as more of a practice session, I guess.

I wouldn't worry about anything, show up have fun. I don't they're expecting too much.

Beg, borrow, or steal an external flash unit...a 430exII or 580exII (preferable). You can get away with a kit lens if you have a good flash unit. Your on-board flash is only good for about 12 feet or so...an external flash is good for a long, long distance. Bounce it off the ceiling or white wall for a nice, natural looking light.

Otherwise, yeah, just have fun with it. I learned a lot from my first experience (like, I really need an external flash) and learn something new at every wedding I shoot.

[gturner]

1. have fun
2. watch the sun for harsh shadows and blown highlights
3. rent beg borrow or steal a 50mm or 85mm fast lens (1.8 min)

[cameront19]

Awesome, keep 'em coming!

I found a local place where I can rent a 50mm f/1.4 and 580EX for a combined total of $38. This is also a good opportunity to try out the 50mm lens, as I've really been thinking of buying one for concert photography.

I think this is going to be a fun learning experience for me. I know I'm going to have fun, but I really don't want the photos to suck. I guess just take a lot? Something good has to come out of it.

[livefire]

The best advice I can give you is to be prepared for the wedding. By prepared I mean:

*Sit down with the couple and find out what their opinion of good wedding pictures are (your opinion doesn't count...no offense)

*Make a list of the pictures they want and your ideas - write it down, you WILL forget something and this will help with your anxiety as you will have a plan of attack

*Pay attention to the details, especially in group shots. Don't be afraid to rearrange people to get proper poses (they won't be offended, their expecting it). Is everyone looking at you? Do the kids have their hands in their pockets or their shirt hanging out? Does anyone have a cell phone or keys in their front pocket?

*Attend the rehearsal - this way you will know what will happen and when so you can be in the right place ahead of time to get the shots.

**One last thing - if I remember right, both of those camera bodies are crop censors so keep that in mind while your taking your pictures - not many people order pictures on a 4x6 format.

No matter what they say about the pictures today, (unless they already have the divorce lawyer on retainer), the pictures will be important to them at some point. With that said, don't sweat it too much. Canon makes some fantastic platforms and will give you good quality images to work with - enjoy the experience.

[dilshad]

Originally Posted by cameront19

Alright, I just got into photography around Christmas, and I feel that I've done well so far. The other day, a friend of mine asked if I would mind to shoot her wedding (I'm apparently the only person she knows that enjoys photography, and I owed her a favor). I'll be doing this for free, since they're on a budget and photos aren't THAT important to them... I'm looking at it as more of a practice session, I guess. Like I said, I've never done this before... I have a friend that will be shooting with me, if that's of any importance.

The only equipment I have is my Canon 400D with kit lens, a Gary Fong Puffer diffuser, and a few lens filters. I'm also on a tight budget, so buying a lens just for this wedding is pretty much impossible. My friend is shooting with a Canon 450D with just a kit lens as well. Don't get me wrong here, if I was being paid, I would definitely buy whatever equipment is needed.

Any suggestions are welcome, I'm just kind of nervous. I don't know what's appropriate for a photographer to do, whether I should be in view or not. I don't want to be distracting or anything. Thanks in advance for all of your help!

Hi,

If you cant go for any other camera than just go and have some fun. we always learn something from our experiences. Check the link, it will help you with many things:

Tips for wedding photography

[asaulo1]

as someone already posted, an external flash would really help.... if budget is an issue, I would go with some of the chinese speedlights (yn-465) that costs under $100.... a few lens... maybe the nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8) for around $100.... good luck...