Author Topic: Wedding Photography (Read 6004 times)

donding · « **on:** April 04, 2011, 17:27 »

I need to know what lens that would be needed for wedding photography. The wedding itself is going to be a church wedding and the reception in a reception hall. I need to know what MM lens are recommended. I have a Nikon. And tips and advice would be greatly appreciated also.

Just hope I don't screw it up...

MatHayward · « **Reply #1 on:** April 04, 2011, 17:34 »

What lens should you use for a wedding? That is like asking "what channel should I watch on TV tonight?" The answer of course is whatever you prefer.

Asking that question however implies to me that you are not quite ready to be shooting somebodies wedding. It is a massive responsibility and a tremendous amount of work. If you are doing it as a favor for a friend that wouldn't have a photographer otherwise then that's cool. If not, be very careful because you can get in pretty serious trouble. Be sure to have them sign a contract limiting your liability.

To answer your question, you should have at least one wide lens and one long lens. I use a 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, 16-35 f/2.8L IS, a 70-200 f/2.8L IS and a 100mm f/2.8 L IS macro.

A cardinal sin is to shoot a wedding with just one camera. If it goes down, the Bride and Groom don't get wedding pictures. Bring at least 2.

Good luck.

Mat

donding · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2011, 18:04 »

My niece wants me to photograph her marriage. I've got a 18-200VR, 50MM, 105MM Micro and a 18-70MM. Would it make sense to use a 50mm for portrait and but which zooms would be the best. I don't want to have to do change lens especially for the reception. I find the 18-200VR isn't always the sharpest lens, that's why I was wondering which zoom will work. I would have to purchase it.

I did a wedding several years ago before the digital, back in the good old film days. I've told them I can't guarantee what results and I thought they should hire someone else, but they insist I do it. I always told them I can't guarantee they will turn out the way they want them. I'm just a very picky person. What they consider good photography I don't always agree with it.

Thanks for the advice Mat...that helps.

Kone · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2011, 18:08 »

For any event photography I use 17-35 2.8 and 80-200 2.8 with full frame camera.

Good luck.

leaf · « **Reply #4 on:** April 05, 2011, 01:44 »

How much do you have to spend?

I agree with Matt - I use(d) the 70-200 for the majority of close up portraits and in the church (with a tripod) to get close to the front without actually being at the front of the church. The 24-70 for wider portraits or group shots, and a 16-35 for some wide angle love. If you can afford a 24-70 f/2.8 type lens it is a nice all-around lens for portraits and reception.

donding · « **Reply #5 on:** April 05, 2011, 11:41 »

Quote from: leaf on April 05, 2011, 01:44

How much do you have to spend?

I agree with Matt - I use(d) the 70-200 for the majority of close up portraits and in the church (with a tripod) to get close to the front without actually being at the front of the church. The 24-70 for wider portraits or group shots, and a 16-35 for some wide angle love. If you can afford a 24-70 f/2.8 type lens it is a nice all-around lens for portraits and reception.

I explained to my sister in law yesterday I don't have the equipment for weddings and she still wants me to do and said that her niece would more than likely buy me the lens I needed, but I doubt she'll give me the price of the 24-70. That would be to good to be true. Even used they aren't cheep. I don't even know how the lighting is in the church. I live in Alabama...the wedding is in Illinois, so I can't go check it out first. I know the reception hall I've been to and it is not real bright. She said she would make sure I was seated up front...so I don't think length of the lens will be a big factor. I have the 18-200 but don't really care for it's lack of sharpness.

I'm going to go look on KEH Photo and see what their prices run for the 70-200 and the 16-35. I have a 50mm...would that do for the portrait shots?

donding · « **Reply #6 on:** April 05, 2011, 18:03 »

Ok I checked the prices on these lens and they are high. I guess what I'm asking now what is the second best? I've been doing a little research and read the 55-200VR or the 80-200 are both sharp lens. Kone mentioned he used the 80-200, has anyone used the 55-200VR. It is lighter than the 80-200 2.8 and has VR, but the 80-200 is faster. Am I right?

Pixart · « **Reply #7 on:** April 05, 2011, 23:25 »

Just don't do this!!!

http://www.videobash.com/video_show/wedding-photography-fail-4977

donding · « **Reply #8 on:** April 05, 2011, 23:40 »

I hope not!!! Now that might give me nightmares....lol. I know one thing if I did something like that I would never live it down and it would be a very memorable wedding by everyone in the family...lol.

donding · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2011, 11:14 »

Quote from: MatHayward on April 06, 2011, 02:01

Quote from: donding on April 05, 2011, 11:41
She said she would make sure I was seated up front...so I don't think length of the lens will be a big factor.

Seated? You should consider calling wedding photographers local to you and asking them if you can haul their gear around during their coverage of a wedding. Basically be a fly on the wall and learn as much as you can as fast as you can.

If you intend to provide good coverage you will need to be moving around. Find good angles, get the Brides face and the Grooms face in different shots. If you stay seated you will have one angle for the entire ceremony. If that's the case then you had darn well better make sure it is a great angle.

Rent fast lenses. Lensprotogo.com Rent fast lenses.

Good luck, my fingers are crossed on your behalf.

Mat

Thank you Mat....I live in Alabama but the wedding is in Illinois, which is 12 hours from here. I'll do an online search to see if they have any rental places around there. I don't know any photographers. I just hope we get there early enough and are able to get in the church before hand so I can get the camera setting done before the wedding. They said they were going to sit me at the front so I can move around better and closer to the bride and groom and get pictures so I don't think that will be a problem. I think I need to purchase some more cards also so I am prepared. I know the person who did my daughters wedding was trying to delete pictures as the reception was going on because he ran out of room on his two cards. He missed the cake cutting because of it. Must of been a bad omen because they are divorced now.....lol

Pixart · « **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2011, 15:13 »

Why don't you call the church directly and explain your situation. Some priests think the photographer is just as important as the bride - others have rigid rules. Regardless I don't think the pastor will expect the offical photographer to sit in a seat for the whole ceremony. Also, good to know if you can use flash at certain points. I've even had a pastor ask ME if it was okay for the congregation to take flash photos during the ceremony, yikes!

If you can make it to the rehearsal the night before you will feel worlds better, you will know which stages are important and will know where you want to be for them and can even discuss with the priest if you are okay in that spot (but light won't be the same).

If your neice thinks you will be sitting in a seat during the service, obviously she isn't expecting a lot. Some nice photos of the couple in front of the church and in the park afterward will likely be more meaningful. Especially if great grandparents. etc. can stay for a few shots.

donding · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2011, 17:42 »

This is getting a bit frustrating. I find a good alternate lens then can't find them anywhere. I guess that means they are good?...lol
I'm still waiting for the call from my niece with the pricing info. She may run the other way. I think if I do end up buying rather than leasing I'm going to go for the
80-200 f/2.8
24-70 f/2.8 I hope
17-55 f/2.8 having trouble finding this one

Does that sound like a good enough combo?

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Author Topic: Wedding Photography (Read 6004 times)

donding

MatHayward

donding

Kone

leaf

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Pixart

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MatHayward

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Pixart

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