I was talked into helping a friend do a wedding on August 29th. I normally don't shoot people or weddings so I feel pretty unprepared right now. I am looking for advice on equipment and practice that will help me gain some confidence and ability over the next two months.

This is what I currently have:
20D
18-55 kit lens
70-200/F4L
50/1.8
10-22
580ex
stroboframe

I am thinking about getting one or two things to help me out, but I don't know what would be the best direction to go. I've been wanting a new body (50D/5D) but I don't think thats going to make a huge difference. A 17-55IS has been on my list for a while and that would probably be more help than the body. I've also been looking at getting some lighting equipment (second flash, alien bees, umbrellas, etc) which seems like the largest potential for improvement, with a big learning curve. Any recommendations? Anything I overlooked?

Any other advice would definitely be welcome too.

mastrmind wrote:
Anything I overlooked?

Not overlooked so much as looking in the wrong direction .. at the end of the day your ability to capture moments will matter a whole lot more than what you captured it with. So stop obsessing over equipment and get straight in your head how the wedding day will flow, and your part in it.

Are you going ot be the 1st or second shooter?

Perhaps the autofocus of the 18-55 and the 55 are a bit slow. If you are the first shooter I would suggest to talk with the couple who get married and say that your camera needs to take time to foucus.


I've done a lot with the 50 1.4. A little bit slower but usable.


Good Luck Xan

Mike Mahoney wrote:

Not overlooked so much as looking in the wrong direction .. at the end of the day your ability to capture moments will matter a whole lot more than what you captured it with. So stop obsessing over equipment and get straight in your head how the wedding day will flow, and your part in it.

Yeah, I am going to be meeting with them in a couple weeks to go over the wedding day flow, until then I just want to feel like i'm prepared.

...and its a good excuse to buy myself something. As was mentioned, the two main lenses are a bit slow which is why i've been looking at the 17-55IS for a while.

Only shooter. I was going to have a second shooter but they backed out. Anyone in MN want to help with a wedding?

Backup. Backup. Backup.

If you dropped your rig in the pond, would you be able to carry on without stopping?

Personaly I have bought the 24-70 2.8L. Great lens, that is worth every dollar (euro at where I live). Very fast, tack sharp (good copy) and beautiful bokeh and color.


I would always make a test shoot. Preparation is very useful gives you a way to be familiar to the pair and making photo's with them.

Why confuse yourself with equipment? Being that you are not used to photographing people you will find yourself continually second guessing your glass choice. Eliminate that by simple reduction.

I would stay with the 50/1.8 and 580ex for the day or at least until your panic recedes. Keep the rest handy, but see what you can do without overloading your brain.

A few prayers to Saint Veronica may also be in order.

I would suggest you offer the bride and groom a free test e-session. It will make the day of the wedding much easier if you already have a good rapport with them in front of the camera.

I'd also drag some friends out for some test shooting before that. Shoot as many people as you can before the wedding day.

What time of day are they getting married? Get familiar with shooting people at that time of day.

definitely do an "engagement" shoot with the couple before hand, that way you'll know how natural they are in front of the camera and know how to work with them, and they'll know what to expect from you.

I would first find out the place you'll be shooting, take your current gear and a friend and take some test shots on location. That will really help you figure out what kind of gear you need.

2 bodies, 2 580 flashes, 17-40, 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 pretty much covers it. You can go with some primes if you want to get creative with up close, shallow DOF.

Tell us more about the venue. Inside? Outside? Where's the reception to be held? How big is the wedding? What kind of photos are they looking for?

Maybe you'll luck up and the wedding will be overrun by Uncle Bobs!

Make sure your friend is well hydrated and all his equipment is within reach.