Congratulations, I'm the last-minute wedding photographer!

[lordfly]

The only option you have on your minimalist budget that will produce decent snapshots is to go to your local camera rental store and rent better gear. Such as a fast zoom lens, 5D or 7D body and a flash. Tell your friends that are getting married you need the cash to pay for the rental :er:

Yeah, not so much. If they had the money they wouldn't be asking a newbie photo-junkie to do their wedding, eh?

 

[MissCream]

Bring an extra memory card or something you can put the pictures on so you don't run out of room

 

[mrmacedonian]

You've got some skill behind the viewfinder so I'd say relax and have fun with it. If its a unique event then I agree focus on the small details and most definitely shoot RAW!

Most importantly, keep us updated and post some results!

 

[SrBiscuit]

Hi
I am eighteen years old, and I have a love of photography. I also love weddings and therefore being a wedding photographer would be an ideal career for me. However, I do not know what is needed in order to accomplish this goal.

perhaps search the forums or make a thread asking specific questions that you cant find answers to on the world wide innerwebz.

 

[mrmacedonian]

Hi
I am eighteen years old, and I have a love of photography. I also love weddings and therefore being a wedding photographer would be an ideal career for me. However, I do not know what is needed in order to accomplish this goal.

perhaps search the forums or make a thread asking specific questions that you cant find answers to on the world wide innerwebz.

spammer >_<

 

[SrBiscuit]

yeah, just realized it with another of his posts.
lol silly spammers.

 

[oldmacman]

Get sick!









First thing: Don't stress about it. Go out there and do the best job you can. Talk to the couple, make sure they understand the limits of your equipment (make sure you understand the limits of the equipment in this case), find out if there are any 'must have' shots (ie, Aunt Martha who no one has seen in 25 years has flown in from Pumphandle Junction for the wedding.

Arrive early if possible, scout the venue, find out where you want to stand for what shots. If you can beg/borrow/rent a flash and possibly a fast zoom (24-70 and/or 70-200 2.8).

Good luck!

I rarely LOL at a post and you made me LOL twice with this one. Thanks for a chuckle to start my day.



Edit: realized I read it wrong and the second laugher was accidental through my stupidity. I thought you wrote "...make sure they understand the limits of your equipment (make sure they understand the limits of the equipment in the case)". Interesting how two little words made such a big difference to the sentence.

 

[lordfly]

Well, I'm back.

I took 600-some shots throughout the night. I'm transferring them now.

The pre-wedding shots might have turned out well; they got moved at the last minute into the reception bar due to rain, so I had very little lighting to work with, and crappy lighting at that (tungsten and dance-hall spotlights).

The wedding venue was an old movie theater with orange lighting and a LOT of empty space. I pretty much turned on the flash and prayed to God. I couldn't move around a lot, as the people were on the stage and the last thing you want to do is get between the guests and the people getting married.

The reception... we'll see. It was at the same bar, except this time with 150 people in a crowded space and even less lights; they're going to be all snapshots, most of them with long shutter speeds or under-exposed backgrounds.

I did what I could, but I don't think I did well.

At least now I know the benefits of a fast lens and proper lights.

 

[MohaimenK]

Well people told you that already. Its nothing new. Obviously you knew from getgo that the indor shots wouldn't be that great. Which is why people suggested fast lens and proper lights (speedlite).

 

[lordfly]

Well people told you that already. Its nothing new. Obviously you knew from getgo that the indor shots wouldn't be that great. Which is why people suggested fast lens and proper lights (speedlite).

The local "camera shop" here is Walmart, and I sadly didn't have the funds to drive out of state to pick up some rental equipment. I absolutely had to do with what I had.

 

[LCARSx32]

I know I say this a lot, but it's not that expensive to get fast lenses--if you don't mind manual focus/aperture settings. I bought a Mamiya/Sekor 50mm f/2 for $20.50 + 8.60 shipping. I also had to buy an m42 to EF mount adapter for $12.99. So, for $34.09 I have a 50mm f/2 that's fast enough to deal with regular indoor lighting.

Since then, I've picked up a 135mm f/2.8 ($24.35 including shipping) and a 35-70 f/2.8 ($66.75 cause it's pristine and a zoom).

So, fast cheap glass is out there, if you don't mind some extra thought before the picture.

BTW: I bought all that because I was doing my sister's wedding, so I know how you felt!

Are you going to be able to post some of the pictures? I'd like to see how they turned out.

 

[juggler78]

given the circumstances i think you did a great job. i'm sure your friends are grateful that you agreed to fill in at the last minute and can't have been expecting you to go out and buy extra equipment especially on one days notice. I'm sure they'll be happy with the results (unless you've been overstating your abilities!).

 

[lordfly]

I know I say this a lot, but it's not that expensive to get fast lenses--if you don't mind manual focus/aperture settings. I bought a Mamiya/Sekor 50mm f/2 for $20.50 + 8.60 shipping. I also had to buy an m42 to EF mount adapter for $12.99. So, for $34.09 I have a 50mm f/2 that's fast enough to deal with regular indoor lighting.

I would love to get a cheap prime lens. Shows you how knowledgable I am, I'm not particularly familiar with Mamiya or Sekor... manual focusing might even give me a new challenge to master.

I was figuring I'd have to spend around 100 for a "cheap" prime lens. Maybe someday, but not at the moment.

 

[LCARSx32]

Click and marvel at the cheapy goodness: m42 lenses on eBay

Here's the adapter I bought. Roxsen m42 to EF adapter I suggest getting the same one if you go this route. It supports AF Confirm (the lights and beeps when things are in focus) and infinity focus (being able to focus on the horizon and sky). Not all adapters are created equal.

*EDIT*

Mamiya/Sekor is one brand. The best thing to do is to try to find examples posted by other people. For example, when I was considering buying my Mamiya/Sekor 50mm f/2, I searched google for "Mamiya Sekor 50mm f2" and found this flickr set showing test shots with this lens. I was happy with the shots, so I bought it.

Then again, with glass this cheap, it's worth taking the risk. My 135mm f/2.8 is a Suntar. I couldn't find a single image to look at, so I found out when it got here and it's great. Keep in mind, it's really easy to make good, quality prime lenses. Zooms are the difficult ones. So *most* primes will be good... most.

 

[>>><<<]

Could you post some of the photos? I'm interested to see the results.