Lens question

[lmacka]

Ello.

A mate has asked me if I'd take some photos at his wedding. Or rather, the reception as he's hired a photographer for the wedding. I've never done anything like this before so I'm seeking advice. In fact, I've only ever been to one wedding before so it's gonna be interesting :-)

I'm just wondering how I might go with my current setup...
Canon 400D with a Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro. Yes, I know it's not really designed for that kind of thing but it's the fastest lens I have. Other than that I could choose from the following...
Canon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
Sigma 400mm f/5.6 APO (haha)
Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6.3 APO (hahahahahaha)

I think I might leave the two monsters at home and just take the other two.
Specific questions:

Will I be ok with the built-in flash or should I fork out a couple of hundred and get an external?
Should I take a tripod? Perhaps I should borrow a friend's monopod instead.. I fear that I'll look like a bit of a twat if I'm carting around a tripod at a reception.

Thoughts?

[Shaddsi]

External flashes are the go if you can afford one.. They make so much difference to the photos you take..

Personally i would invest in a 50m f1.8.. only $150 (this is the most expensive i have seen them for, got mine for $115) and a 430ex (if you can afford the $600 rrp for a 580ex i would get one of those instead)

The 50mm will give you a legnth of 80mm (because of the crop sensor) and is great for portraits and low light stuff..

That would be your cheapest and easiest way out of it.. Lucky you are only doing the reception...

[Jazix]

I agree with shaddsi, I have an external flash, and the photos are sooo much better!

I would say bring a tripod just in case and leave it in the corner / in the car, you won't look like a twat and if you really need it, it's there to use.

Have fun!

[d-Z1R3]

tripods are great for group photos, but if you only taking pictures at the reception, then a external flash would be all you need, it doesn't hurt to have more gear than you actually need as it means you can always fall back on gear that you might actually need!

[cjp]

i just did my first wedding a week ago and let me suggest firstly that you also take some along to calm the nerves a hip flask comes to mind - my god the pressure !! but this does pass.

you are right dont bother with the big lenses its a lot of weight to carry.

i took my 70-200mm f2.8 and hired the 430 flash wow some bit of kit i am gettin one of them also hired the canon 16-35mm.
i didnt use the flash to much but was great for fill when needed, the lense was fantastic great for the couple and even better for the group shots as i was not having to reach into the bag and mess about changing lenses and so on which you wont have allot of time for anyway.

yeap dont forget your tripod i did and would have had more shots to choose from if i didnt with shutter release if you can.

good luck hope this helps

cjp

[Soulweaver]

I would forget about the big lenses as well. Depending on light you might have to go with something like the 50mm.

Some other things to keep in mind are things like what the bride and groom want.

For example some photographers won't shoot the cutting of the cake, where others will. Sometimes the bride and groom may really want an image of them doing something in particular, which you may miss if you don't know.

So i would have a chat. Also depends on the actual job, as this maybe a casual gig, but it is usually a good idea to make sure that they are aware you are there to work, and this means you may not be able to particiapate in certain areas of the wedding.

Of course this again comes down to the level in which you are the 'photographer'

Hope this helps some what.

Cheers

[blinky88]

Take the 18-55mm lens that's all you need and forget the tripod. If the pro is not at the reception (unusual), get a shot cutting the cake, bridal dance and then announce to the guests if they like form a line you will take their photo's with the bride and groom. By doing that, you can sit down and enjoy your dinner and the happy couple are only in front of the camera for around 15 minutes or so. Then get a shot of the groom removing the brides garter. Whilst the bride and groom are away changing into street clothes, get a shot of the guests sitting at their table, cuddle up type of shot (portraits). When the bride and groom return get a decent shot of them in their going away clothes and when the guests form a circle, get a few shots of them hugging their guests. Also get some shots of their car which will show the guests handy-work. Really not much to worry about, you have the right gear however, look at hiring a flashlite on the night, a lot cheaper than buying one, of course, if you intend taking on more weddings a flashlite and diffuser is essential. If you do rent a flash without a diffuser you can just throw a white rag over the flash to soften the light. Hope this helps.

[lmacka]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up using the 18-55 and the 100mm extensively. I also borrowed a flash off a friend.
Result:
http://www.photosbyliam.com.au/matt_aemelia/

Since then I've upgraded to:
40D with grip
580exII with diffuser and softbox
17-55mm f/2.8
70-200mm f/2.8L IS
28mm f/1.8
and a bunch of other irrelevant lenses.

The next wedding should be a bit better. I've had much more experience now too.

[Smorter]

You have some nice gear but I hope you have a backup camera!

I'm sure you found out that Speed is no substitute for IS (both are needed :D)

[nikon picturelady]

Hi Imacka,
Some lovely photos. Well done. I hope I do as well at my first wedding next April. Hopefully my last ???

[lmacka]

You have some nice gear but I hope you have a backup camera!

I'm sure you found out that Speed is no substitute for IS (both are needed :D)

I wanted to hang onto my 400D as a backup, but couldn't afford to. If (god forbid) I end up doing more weddings, I'll just borrow my friend's 450D.
I'm actually quite disappointed with the photos I took at this wedding. It was my first...
I also did a cousin's wedding not long after, but my 17-55 carked it and had to go in for warranty. I ended up buying the 28mm prime specifically for the wedding. Nice lens, but proved a bit difficult not being able to adjust the focal length. Alas, I was also disappointed with the outcome of that wedding.
However, I learnt a lot from those two and will be much better prepared for my mate's one in January!

[Sammyjrj]

Gorgeous photos! I'd be happy with them! :)

[sdpankhurst]

Weddings take practice to get a formula that works. I am still trying to do this (and upgrade from 2 400D cameras - I always find 2 better than 1 at a wedding). The first weddding is always the hardest and then the second is a little easier. Did the bride, groom and their parents like the photos? If they're happy, you should be happy.

[Crystal]

You should be happy with those pics they are lovely... :) Can't wait to see January's...