Wedding on Short Notice - Low Budget

JcMax200JcMax200 Registered Users Posts: 9 Beginner grinner
edited May 17, 2007 in The Big Picture
Hey, I got asked about 2 weeks ago to do a wedding for this Sunday - very short notice, and I was very reluctant to say yes. But they needed my help, and the wedding is low budget. So I'm doing this as a favour, and for free to boot.

I need some tips, and what is essential that I purchase if I want to do the best I can.

I have a Rebel XT with the Kit lens (18-55mm) and also a 50mm f1.8. I have a tripod, 1 2gb CF Card, and 1 battery.

The ceremony is in a wedding chapel, the main group photos and such will be outside either at a botanical garden, or by a bay (they haven't decided yet), and the reception will be at a hall with no windows.

I am very underprepard, and though I feel rushed, stressed and like it's the end of the world, I want to make this day a memorable one with great photos.

Please unleash your wisdom upon me, and tell me where I need to break the bank.

On a side note, to make things difficult, the Bride and family is caucasion/italian, Groom is from Jamaica, wearing white as well. The wedding party is about 8, so that makes things a bit easier I assume.

I am assuming that I will probably need to buy a new battery, a flash of some sort, and probably a few CF cards - tell me what is the best to do here.

Comments

  • z_28z_28 Registered Users Posts: 956 Major grins
    edited May 16, 2007
    How much do you have to spend for necessary upgrades ?
    D300, D70s, 10.5/2.8, 17-55/2.8, 24-85/2.8-4, 50/1.4, 70-200VR, 70-300VR, 60/2.8, SB800, SB80DX, SD8A, MB-D10 ...
    XTi, G9, 16-35/2.8L, 100-300USM, 70-200/4L, 19-35, 580EX II, CP-E3, 500/8 ...
    DSC-R1, HFL-F32X ... ; AG-DVX100B and stuff ... (I like this 10 years old signature :^)
  • JcMax200JcMax200 Registered Users Posts: 9 Beginner grinner
    edited May 16, 2007
    Well, bear in mind I'm in Canada, I figure I'm going to pay about $80 for CF Cards alone - I'd like to stay under $500. I'm not sure how much i really want to spend on a non-paid gig. $800 would be my limit I think, I'm also trying to save for school in Sept.
  • jonh68jonh68 Registered Users Posts: 2,711 Major grins
    edited May 16, 2007
    Maybe a new card, and a battery, but I wouldn't spend anything to get into debt. Show up with what you got now. Do the best you can and have fun. Don't take on stress they are not willing to pay for. With short notice and NOT paying you, it is not your burden to provide for brilliant photography. If they wanted to preserve the memories, they would have planned ahead and paid for it properly. Tell them I will do the best I can with what I have and the experience I have in wedding photography.

    If it's a traditonal ceremony in which the father gives the bride away, get the kiss from dad. Get the bride and groom kiss. Get some candid shots of the family as well as the formal pictures. However, DO NOT spend money for extra accesories unless you know you will use them down the road. It sounds like they are in a financial bind, but they shouldn't ask for you to put yourself in a bind, especially if you are saving for school. If they were paying you $1800, you need to be stressed and concerned. For this, go and have fun and use for experience.

    Maybe get a disposable camera as backup.
    www.jonimages.com
  • Scott_QuierScott_Quier Registered Users Posts: 6,524 Major grins
    edited May 17, 2007
    15524779-Ti.gif with jonh68 - don't stress, don't go into debt, don't buy something for which you will have limited use down the road.

    I would, however, recommend you get a decent flash and learn how to use it boucing off ceiling etc. The Canon 580 if you an swing it, if not then maybe one of the Sigma 500 flashes. The hall with no windows just screams "CAVE" so you will need some sort of lighting.

    Get a signed contract. Yeah - there's no money involved, but you need something to put into writing all the communications regarding expectations. They may say now that "Anything you can get will be fine" but next month they may sing a different tune. Sample contracts abound on the net, just google for them.

    But, bottom line don't put yourself in a bind, and have fun!
    Scott
    My Photos
    Thoughts on photographing a wedding, How to post a picture, AF Microadjustments?, Light Scoop
    Equipment List - Check my profile
  • cdonovancdonovan Registered Users Posts: 724 Major grins
    edited May 17, 2007
    definitly agree with the above. If it's something that you do want to persue in the future than look at it as an investment in your future...
    But without a doubt I'd purchase at least another battery and cf card. ebay is AWESOME There is a company in Ontario and another in Alta that sell batteries that will work in your camera, just not with the canon name on them...they are much cheaper...like around 14-20. See if you can't borrow a flash, and if not, well make the purchase, they hold their value and open up a whole new world of shooting...if you don't have use for it after they are hot commodities to sell so you'll have no trouble reselling if you don't.

    I'd also recommend the contract...tell them not to freak out when they see it...it's just to protect everyone!

    good luck...it really is fun!
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