Wedding photography help

[crisp82]

Hi all,

I am in need of some advice. I have been asked to take photos for my sister's wedding next May, but I am new to photography, and have not done anything that will have the pressure of this scale. Yes, I am aware of what I am letting myself in for (I hope), although she is not expecting a professional set of images.

I want to take well composed shots ranging from close up portraits to wider shots including the family and other guests. I like the images shown at Samuel J Images.com, but I fully appreciate they were taken by a professional.

I have a Canon EOS 400D, the kit 18-55mm lens, a 50mm f1.8 prime, and a 70-300mm lens. All non IS. I also have a tripod and remote release cable. I am guessing that I would need a flash gun, a reflector, and a whole lot more knowledge than I have currently. I could use some suggestions for what kit you think that I should / will need.

I have read some of the articles posted on the site via the feeds regarding weddings, and they are a good place to learn, but I could use more specific, targeted tutuorials also. If you are aware of any, please post them here.


Any and all advice is welcome.

Thanks,

Chris

[SusanH1970]

Don't know if you saw this - it pretty much covers everything. Do you have any specific questions not addressed there?

[Vallie]

Maybe you could check when weddings are on at churchs near you and go and observe the photographer in action, check out their gear and techniques?

[i speak in math]

I have only done 1 wedding as a second shooter. But, as they say, wedding photography is 10% gear, 90% experience/skill. I can say that it was difficult. Even as the second. We shot for about 10 hours, from noon till around 10:30pm.

The cerimony was outside so light wasn't an issue. But in a church, it will be. Flash is usually not welcome in there. Its very dark in the reception hall and getting a focus lock on the moving subjects might be an issue.

You will need a flash. 1/60th, f/2, ISO 1600 couldn't expose well enough.

My advice, call a professional. Be a second shooter a few times. You might get a couple bucks out of it. And the experience will be quite revealing. Practice, practice and practice some more.

[kencaleno]

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