one body or two

[Exposures]

[MOVED]

I've been hired to shoot two weddings next weekend. I'm on a VERY tight budget, but I plan to rent a good lens and flash (I only have kit lens and pop up flash):

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens for Nikon
(Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) Autofocus Lens for Nikon Rentals)

And a Nikon SB600 speedlight flash

I thought I was set with that, but then I read something that has me thinkin 'what if something happens with my camera' and I'm not debating the pros and cons of renting another body.

I have a D40X which I've never been anything but happy with
and can rent a D50 for $37 for a week.

Pros:
My assistant (not professional, but good eye) can also help with shooting
There is a back up plan for the unexpected
I would probably rent an extra batter (for a third) just incase, so it isn't that big of a price jump.

Cons:
Budget
I have never used a D50 before

Are they similar in function? I usually shoot in RAW with the auto settings. I have never used a detachable flash. Is it difficult to learn? I plan to get it a few days extra to practice, but I know my pop-up flash is the biggest thing holding me back. I do A LOT of pp because I feel like it gives the images an extra sparkle. While I don't do much to the images, just a little touch up makes a world of difference to me.

Do you {pros} think that will be a decent set up for a beginner? Is it being obsessive thinking I might need an extra body? I've never had a problem with mine before.

I don't charge a lot (500-700) so I don't have much room for budgeting in extra's but I also understand how important it is to do the job not only well, but PERFECT.

You can get an idea of my work and skill level at Exposures Photography - Home

thanks for all of the input!

[tasmo2]

I would ALWAYS advise two bodies for a wedding... you dont get a redo on that!

[candleman]

wow..

do you know these people? ever shot a wedding before?

to be blunt.. (and i know the prevailing attitude here will say i'm a meanie)

if you're renting basic equipment... you're in for some serious trouble.
1. you dont know how to use it
2. do you know why you need that equipment or are you just doing as told?

Yes, flash photography is a very complex beast.. you need to be using Manual settings (or at the very least Aperture Priority with exposure bias) to even start to think about using flash.
then theres the white balance issue.

If you decide to go through with this, Instead of getting a second body, you should be spending that money on insurance instead. There is a very real possibility you may need it.


its gotta be said.

unless these are friends who cant afford an experienced Photographer, for the sake of THEIR wedding day... dont shoot these weddings or take their money.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by candleman

wow..

unless these are friends who cant afford an experienced Photographer, for the sake of THEIR wedding day... dont shoot these weddings or take their money.

+100

I have good equipment (D3, pro F2.8 lenses, 3 flashes, etc etc). I have years of experience and I take consistently good pictures. I would STILL be hesitant to do a paid wedding shoot.

[tasmo2]

Originally Posted by Exposures

I usually shoot in RAW with the auto settings.

Ok im sorry, but I apparently didn't see this the first time... I am not sure its even possible to shoot a wedding on auto! I mean, really shoot it. You may as well have a P&S doing it.
Now I think im coming off as mean and I don't mean to, but if I understood that right you really should not do it. Take some time to learn your camera, learn to shoot on a mode that doesn't make all the choices for you, THEN start to learn about the compilation of a good photo, THEN practice practice practice, THEN think about weddings.
AND if you are shooting raw, you need to be doing more than just a touch up for PP, you need to REALLY KNOW PP... Because when you shoot in RAW you aren't getting an exposed photo.. Its kinda like if someone asked for a photo of your home, and you handed them the blue print. KWIM?

Im really sorry if that sounds harsh, but I just do not want you to try to do something above your experience level (which it is) and end up with an upset bride! (Which you will!) Even if she doesn't come to you and say she is unhappy.. she will certainly tell everyone else that!

[Niresangwa]

While I'm definitely in the camp of the other respondents and agree that you're about to jump in way over your head, I also know that no matter what everyone says here, (and believe me, everyone is going to say the same thing, because it's the right thing), you're going to go ahead and do this anyway...

Whatever equipment you're going to get, get it asap and practice with it. Find and read articles regarding wedding photography. You're going to be in a situation where you'll be in less than desirable lighting situations pretty much the entire time, and whether you're compensating for white balance, low light, midday sun, prohibition on flash use, you need to be prepared - no one is going to be waiting on you to figure things out. Make sure you know the time line for the day up and down, backwards and forwards so you're always preparing ahead of time for whats coming....

I know you're going to be reading this thread of replies and probably feeling pretty indignant about the responses and the doom-saying pessimism, but there's a reason you're seeing such consistency... even experienced photographers with appropriate equipment balk at the thought of doing weddings. Technically they're a tremendous challenge, and no matter how many you do they never cease to be so.

So, don't take offense at what you'll get as replies, nor that they're largely not answering your initial questions - its just that the situation itself is way more urgent. Do as much research and practice as much as you can in as many crappy light conditions as you can... i know you're not going to drop the job, so just work your a$$ off to try and get through it as best you can.

[Jim Bryant]

I have to agree with everyone. You're not photographically ready to undertake such an important moment is someone's life. Renting two 28-75 lenses and another body is kind of stupid. You need one 28-75 and at least a 70-200 with two flashes and higher end bodies.
If you don't have the experience, knowledge and money to either purchase or rent higher end equipment. The second shooter has a good eye, well....that doesn't take the place of experience either. Do yourself a favor, or rather, do the couples a favor and bow out. I'd hate to see you end up on one of those TV court shows getting the pants sued off you. Sorry, this kind of reminds me of that movie, "Dumb and Dumber".

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by Exposures

You can get an idea of my work and skill level at Exposures Photography - Home

thanks for all of the input!

That's not a link. Could you post some of your work for us to see?

[Q2SHOOT]

Years ago, my sister-law insisted that we use her cousin for our wedding pictures as he was an excellent photographer. He showed us some nice pictures, but he had never done a wedding before. We were young and naive and didn't realize what we were getting into. Well, no surprise the pictures were just awful to the point of being embarrassing. It was before the digital age, so they're was no editing we could do.

I never paid the dufus and he threatened to sue. I told him to go ahead as I was looking forward to showing the judge his crappy pictures, which were deserving of a life sentence. I never heard from him again and my relationship with my sister-in law has remained chilly to this day.

Don't make the same mistake this guy did.

Wow... just... wow.

The thoughts running through my head make Candleman's comments look like a sunny day breeze.

You have no clue what your doing, don't make them suffer because of it.

Remember, a girl only gets married 4 or 5 times in a lifetime, make sure you get those right!

~Eric