1st Time to Shoot a Wedding

[bratkinson]

Sometimes I wonder if being totally naive about wedding photography is a benefit.

7-8 years ago, I was the sole 'friend with a camera' to take pictures at 2 small weddings (30-40 guests each) for down-and-out-but-recovering friends of mine. All I had was a Canon point and shoot G-3 for the first one and a G-5 for the second. Both with a 550EX on top for some real lighting power. I was just as naive about digital photography, so shot everything in JPG and most of my shots were in Auto.

I haven't reviewed the pictures lately, but I managed to catch a couple of getting ready shots, down the aisle, at the altar, ring exchange, the 'introducing Mr & Mrs', and, of course, the reception with a several B&G with/without family, etc shots. They were more than pleased with the 100+ prints of various sizes I produced for them. I got lucky, I guess.

Spin forward to this past March at my step-daughters wedding with a 60D and 24-70 and 580 EX ii as a guest, not shooter...complete disaster! Perhaps ignorance really can be bliss!

Oh yea...I will NEVER take a camera to a wedding again!

 

[greybeard33 5]

From what you already have, I think you need to rent a 70-200 f/2.8 and a good speedlight like a SB910. I use a flash bracket that keeps the flash about 1' above the lens in either horizontal or vertical orientation. This eliminates red eye and the ugly side shadow you get on the background with a hot shoe mounted flash in vertical orientation.

Rent Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Rentals
Rent Custom Brackets PRO-E Camera Rotation Bracket with Universal Camera Plate

 

[bunny99123]

Just once, i would like to see the results of these "friends making me shoot their wedding what do I do?" deals.
Good luck on the shoot. Stay calm and try to have fun with it. Post pictures when you get them processed.

Try not to appear nervous. Brides can smell fear.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

Here is my first."I can't afford a photographer photos" family renewing vowels. All I had was my Sony A55 and kit lens... Only fill flash.