HELP, I've been hired for my first job!!!

Flutist

A friend of mine's sister has hired me to take her wedding photos.

I told her straight up, I AM NOT A PRO!!!! and I am not, I am learning, an done day would love to be able to use the term Professional Photographer along side my name, but right now, not even close.

She has told me that she's on a budget, and just wants nice memories. I told her I could provide nice memories, as I feel confident enough to provide that. Photo quality like what most of you produce, not in the realms of possibility at the moment. I have a basic understanding of posing and things like that, and where she is getting married offers many good opportunities for photos I think Branches Catering Long Branch, NJ . The wedding is September 19th 11:30-4pm, so it is during daylight hours

My concern.....no......my fear.......is this.

Because my skill level is mediocre at best, I have a Canon XTi, 50mm1.8, 24-105L, and a 430EX flash for my hotshoe attachement. I also have a cheapo set of lights from ebay (no battery pack). I do not have a back up body.

Do I bring both lenses? Will my 430EX suffice on the hotshoe attachment of the camera? Do I go out and buy a flash bracket assembly?

Flutist

OK, 17 lookises and no one has anything to offer...........

This is a bunch of opinionated photographers, and I hit the tumbleweeds






I am looking into renting another body and lens........what do you think I should rent?

sweet caroline

Yes, rent! I would say have the rental arrive a week before the wedding and plan practice sessions. I'm not very familiar with Canon, so I can't make a recommendation there.

You could also think about renting this summer to get some practice. You have a few months to become an even better photographer! Study, study, study.

Caroline

Art Scott

Flutist wrote:

OK, 17 lookises and no one has anything to offer...........

This is a bunch of opinionated photographers, and I hit the tumbleweeds

at times opinonated doesn't even touch on it....at other times....well....this is it.




I am looking into renting another body and lens........what do you think I should rent?


I stopped using a 50mm over 30yrs ago....I just do not like them, you have be right in your subjects face to get a decent pic.......so I would recommend along with your 24-70 a 70-200, second flash and 1 more body....either one just like you have or the next step up to keep the learingn curve down......as mentioned above rent for at least 2 weeks total (3 would be better)......a bracket is actually a must for weddings and you want a camera roatating type not a flash rotator......
Read Scott Quier's thoughts on wedding photography it will help you aout a lot......

big and bold above................

heatherfeather

Did you talk to her about light in the venue? That is going to be your BIGGEST limiter on what you have / need to get. The 24-105 I have and love, but f4 still is just too slow a lot of the time in the darker places. You will have to crank the ISO and on your Rebel..... it isn't going to be pretty.

-BUT-

If you can talk the bride into keeping the lights up...(make sure ahead of time the officient/ venue agrees) you should be able to get away with it. If she is planning on lighting with candles or christmas lights only, you can pretty much forget it with that lens.

If I was you.... I would be renting probably the 70-200 2.8 IS (for portraits and ceremony) which isn't that much to rent... (I have rented it with 2nd day air to AK more than once for what I considered to be reasonable. Now I smile cause I own it.) And a camera body... the 50 or 40D... and a 580 EXII (that flash is sweet cause it can be the master and transmit to your 430EX which can fire remotely on ETTL [auto] and add more light for your reception)
Plan on using your 24-105 for candids before and some after, whenever you need to go wider. But to tell the truth I have never tried that lens on a crop sensor, so I don't know if it is really wide enough for candids in a smallish room. Someone else might be able to say.


But do get them early so you can PRACTICE.

And I don't own a flash bracket. *gasp* Shocking, huh.
It can be worked around. Reasoning: I don't really want to add any more weight to my already stinking heavy camera. But I work VERY hard to prevent the shadows that are produced from an on camera flash in the portrait position.....Mostly I just don't shoot portrait orientation if my flash is on camera. (Which is why it rarely is on camera. )

Flutist

Thank you all very much!!!


So............I should rent a body? Which one?


70-200? How close to subject can I be? When I first started, I had a 70-300 and I had to stand like in the next zip code to get everyone in a picture....needless to say I sold it quickly.


2 flashes? One on a tripod I assume?

JdMassaro Photography

Flutist wrote:

Thank you all very much!!!


So............I should rent a body? Which one?


70-200? How close to subject can I be? When I first started, I had a 70-300 and I had to stand like in the next zip code to get everyone in a picture....needless to say I sold it quickly.


2 flashes? One on a tripod I assume?

1st. I would try to go to other weddings and watch what the photographer is doing.

2nd. Go the the location and make a plan of where you are going to place people for the shots. Look at the light and take some test shots. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

3rd. If you only have one body try to use or rent a very versatile lens like a 18-200.

4th. On the day, change you shooting mode to multiple, HOLD The shutter button down and click away. It is the law of averages, you will get some bad shots but you will get some god ones two. It is easer to delete bad photos than to try to get everyone back in the church to retake the shot.

I have never shot a wedding but I have shot some other gigs that I would say were similar.

Good luck

Jon

oferrer

I agree with some of the suggestions said so far, and I also agree with heatherfeather about the 24-105mm, I own it as well and it's my main lens, but f/4 will not be fast enough for a wedding (keep in mind that an f/2.8 lens will let double the light in than an f/4).

I would suggest you get fast lenses, like the 24-70mm L f/2.8, and the 70-200mm L f/2.8. That should give you the range and speed you need to cover most situations during the ceremony and reception. Renting a 40D is probably a good idea, you could bump the ISO a bit with better quality than you would get with your XTi, plus (if you feel comfortable with two cameras) you could use the XTi for outdoor shots with one lens, and have the 40D with the other for inside shots.

In short, my suggestions are:

* A 24-70mm L f/2.8
* A 70-200mm L f/2.8
* A 40D Body

Hope that helps,
Oscar.

Flutist wrote:

A friend of mine's sister has hired me to take her wedding photos.

I told her straight up, I AM NOT A PRO!!!! and I am not, I am learning, an done day would love to be able to use the term Professional Photographer along side my name, but right now, not even close.

She has told me that she's on a budget, and just wants nice memories. I told her I could provide nice memories, as I feel confident enough to provide that. Photo quality like what most of you produce, not in the realms of possibility at the moment. I have a basic understanding of posing and things like that, and where she is getting married offers many good opportunities for photos I think Branches Catering Long Branch, NJ . The wedding is September 19th 11:30-4pm, so it is during daylight hours

My concern.....no......my fear.......is this.

Because my skill level is mediocre at best, I have a Canon XTi, 50mm1.8, 24-105L, and a 430EX flash for my hotshoe attachement. I also have a cheapo set of lights from ebay (no battery pack). I do not have a back up body.

Do I bring both lenses? Will my 430EX suffice on the hotshoe attachment of the camera? Do I go out and buy a flash bracket assembly?

zoomer

OK I went and looked at your website.
I am just going to give you the straight truth.
Your skill level is that of a basic events recorder which is just what your friend said she wanted, so you are fine there.

Do not go out and rent new equipment you are even more unfamiliar with, use what you have.
Shoot the same way you have been shooting, it is what you know and is good enough.

Just please try to get the subjects out of the middle of every photo, you want their heads in the upper third of the photo, practice focusing and recomposing or practice choosing the proper focus point in your viewfinder.

Make sure you have lots of batteries for your flash and go bang away.
Try to relax and have fun. Do not talk to anybody about how you have no idea what you are doing. Just have fun and shoot it to the best of your ability, you will be fine.

Flutist

Zoomer, thank you for your honesty. I appreciate your thoughts.

I am fully aware that my skill level is no where near the majority hear, and would love to improve it with lessons (I'm a hands on learner). Given that I cannot find anyone near me to help, I'm sort of stuck at my current level, as no one to tell me, "change this, change that, adjust this setting to that to acheive XYZ" I could read all the books in the world and they don't mean anything to me as having a person say it.

I do change my focus points and did not think that all my pictures had centered faces. I'll definitely have to work on that. I never have my center focus point on, always top left or right.....food for thought....off to ponder.

Thank you!

goldenstarphoto

Flutist wrote:

). Given that I cannot find anyone near me to help, I'm sort of stuck at my current level, as no one to tell me, "change this, change that, adjust this setting to that to acheive XYZ" I could read all the books in the world and they don't mean anything to me as having a person say it.

If your looking for someone to help you, you may want to check out www.meetup.com do a search for digital photography. Meetups are groups of people with similar interests. I've never been to NJ, but a quick search on meetup I found a group of 52 photographers in Barnegat NJ. Not sure if that is close to you....but worth checking out. Most meetup groups are free and take place in safe controled environmets with lots of people. I've met a lot of friends this way who are willing to share their opinions and advice. (I've also booked three clients this way)

Art Scott

Flutist wrote:

Thank you all very much!!!


So............I should rent a body? Which one?

either the same as you now have or 1 or 2 up from your current body......


70-200? How close to subject can I be? When I first started, I had a 70-300 and I had to stand like in the next zip code to get everyone in a picture....needless to say I sold it quickly.

I have shot in many small church and only once did I actually have to step outside the sanctuary to photo the ceremony while using my 70-210.......but you have a 24-70 so noe body long and one body short lenses.....


2 flashes?
Are you familiar with shooting with 2 flashes......get really good with one.....I used to practice on the squirrels and birds at the local parks.....take pop corn, bread and nuts to bribe the models with.......


One on a tripod I assume?
A lot of shooters on here swear they never use a pod at a wedding....it is a once in lifetime event and should be treated as such.......I recommend a tripod to be used as much as possible..........i shoot almost everything but approx 50 shots on a tripod and those 50 are candids......plus I shoot the reception mostly handheld except for cake cutting shots, all toasting......anything really formal.....dancing and other party shooting is off hand.....................

big and bold above.....................

time2smile

If i were you. I would see if your friend would let you tag along on a few sessions. Tell him the situation, if he doesn't know already. Ask him what he feels you can handle, as far as bodies and lens go. We both know he has an incredible eye, and a terrific future, and he knows his Canon stuff.
I'm not a Canon person, and I personally tried to convert your friend to Nikon, but he would not come over to the dark side.
I totally agree with Art, you need to rent a more advanced body, faster glass, maybe a flash. Get a bracket, and see about a tripod and or monopod.

Good Luck from your neighbor.

Flutist

time2smile wrote:

If i were you. I would see if your friend would let you tag along on a few sessions. Tell him the situation, if he doesn't know already. Ask him what he feels you can handle, as far as bodies and lens go. We both know he has an incredible eye, and a terrific future, and he knows his Canon stuff.
I'm not a Canon person, and I personally tried to convert your friend to Nikon, but he would not come over to the dark side.
I totally agree with Art, you need to rent a more advanced body, faster glass, maybe a flash. Get a bracket, and see about a tripod and or monopod.

Good Luck from your neighbor.

I assume you are talking about Pat?

jeffreaux2

Ive been in your shoes.....

-I dont recommend renting gear you are unfamiliar with. If you want a second body (you should) then borrow or rent one identical to yours. The 17-55 F2.8IS is a great companion for general purpose on the crop sensor Canons.....(the XTi is a crop sensor Canon).

- If you can avoid using the flash at all, then shoot existing light....but you will probably need flash at some point (reception)....in which case....bounce the flash or use a diffuser.

-Using a bracket can be cumbersome if you arent familiar and used to using one. Like Heather...I have avoided a need for one by paying close attention to shadows and using the flash off the camera....or simply keeping the camera in Landscape orientation. If you decide to get one....practice using it. You will also need a cord.

IF you rent a second body....renting a 70-200 F2.8IS and a 17-55mm F2.8 IS would be the route Id go for lenses.

Fair warning.....if you rent a 17-55F2.8IS, I bet you decide to buy one.:D


Dont sweat it.

Just do what you do. Your bride has seen your work and has decided she trusts you and is okay with the outcome. Be yourself.

time2smile

Flutist wrote:

I assume you are talking about Pat?

Flutist

time2smile wrote:

You are in TR? Do I know you? I'm in Beachwood

time2smile

Flutist wrote:

You are in TR? Do I know you? I'm in Beachwood

PM sent

Scott_Quier

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Ive been in your shoes.....

-I dont recommend renting gear you are unfamiliar with. If you want a second body (you should) then borrow or rent one identical to yours. The 17-55 F2.8IS is a great companion for general purpose on the crop sensor Canons.....(the XTi is a crop sensor Canon).

- If you can avoid using the flash at all, then shoot existing light....but you will probably need flash at some point (reception)....in which case....bounce the flash or use a diffuser.

-Using a bracket can be cumbersome if you arent familiar and used to using one. Like Heather...I have avoided a need for one by paying close attention to shadows and using the flash off the camera....or simply keeping the camera in Landscape orientation. If you decide to get one....practice using it. You will also need a cord.

IF you rent a second body....renting a 70-200 F2.8IS and a 17-55mm F2.8 IS would be the route Id go for lenses.

Fair warning.....if you rent a 17-55F2.8IS, I bet you decide to buy one.:D


Dont sweat it.

Just do what you do. Your bride has seen your work and has decided she trusts you and is okay with the outcome. Be yourself.

Jeff is giving you the straight goods - almost exactly the same advice I would offer.

I shoot most weddings with my 17-55 on one body and my 70-200 f/2.8L IS on a second, carrying both at the same time and switching between them as needed. Receptions, are usually dedicated to the 17-55.

The 24-105 is a bit long for receptions and a bit slow for weddings (where you really want to avoid flash if you can). However, if the wedding is outdoors, the 24-105 f/4L is a sweet lens!!

If you haven't done so already, check out the stickies in the wedding forum. There's one there that I'm particularly fond of. (see the link to it in my siggy).

bham

Yeah the biggest problem you will find in renting some nice gear, is that suddenly your own equipment is bad. You will get equipment envy really quick, so be forewarned.

Lots of good advice so far. For a second body, use the same camera if you can. Makes it much easier, and no extra learning. You will have enough of that to do. Scott and Jeff lens recommendations seem right on for you.

If you haven't read Scott "thoughts on photographing a wedding", go read it right now.

Try to find a photographer that does weddings and beg and plead to be allowed to watch him shoot a wedding. You could even offer money. You should be able to learn a good amount of valuable things, and in this economy, people are less likely to give away things of value. If you can find a couple different ones even better. Different people shoot them different ways and helps to see different approaches, styles, etc. If some won't willingly let that happen, try to drop by the venue and watch some weddings shot there. Not just the ceremony the before and after time as well. The ceremonies, time wise, are a small portion of the day.

Well all these are assuming you really want to do it extremely well, and I think you do. After all this preparation (it could easily be 10 or 15 hours), you will start to understand why wedding photographers charge big $$ and may feel cheated by the small amount you are getting.

Don't let mistakes you make during the day frustrate you to much, move on, don't let it ruin the next potential shot.

Be prepared to be part wedding coordinator. Low budget weddings rarely have them. People may ask you when a b or c is going to happen?

Good luck.

Quantum3

I did social events with just a 400D and the default lens in my early years

Boths lenses are a must but keep in mind taking somehting around f/2.8 to play with ambient light, which is the best for every situation.

The flash can be attached to the camera, no need to get a tripod for that. Bounce the light in the roof (cannot remember the right word) and shoot. The best thing is testing first, with some shots; after that, you can drink as much as the guests