Hi all, like some l have read here, lm also entering into taking Wedding pictures for the first time. I have a Canon 30D and have taken masses amounts of sports pictures over the past 7 years, where l have pictures published in news and defence news nationally. Im purchasing an external flash, (Sigma 500DG-ST) and updating my card sizes to 4gig, (possibly 2 more) and there speeds. I have a 17 - 85 IS USM and 70-300 IS USM lenses. The main question is, do you think the camera l am using and the lenses will be suitible, if not your recomendations would be appriciated.
2007-11-21 23:11:59 · 10 answers · asked by eagal_one 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Photography
Yeah definitely! As long as you have a lens hood (the sun is really annoying when its bright and you're doing an outdoor wedding!). I say go for it! Over time you will find that you adapt to the equipment you have and will get a feel for any further purchases etc.
2007-11-21 23:15:15 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've got a pretty good start, but like one of the other people commented, a Canon flash is designed to work with your camera. Get it off of the body, difuse it, and use it as little as possible. I use an 85mm f/1.8 for low light work and once you get used to zooming with your feet, it's a great lens for the type of work you're looking at. You're going to find that the 70-300 is just too slow and long for wedding work. If you're looking for a little longer than the 17-85, something in the range of Canon's 28-135 IS works very well. It'll reach across most distances you'll be shooting and still allows up close work. I can only agree completely with the suggestion of shooting with an experienced wedding shooter for a while. It does 2 things for you. It lets you get comfortable in the environment without the pressure to get the money shots. Second, it lets you see how someone experienced does it. Good luck.
2007-11-22 09:45:00 · answer #2 · answered by Rob B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Equipment wise, I think you're pretty good. I think you could use a fast lens (like the 50mm f1.8 prime lens as the other have mentioned) but the 17-85 IS is in a very good range for wedding.
The flash... I think you could use a diffuser - something like the Lightsphere or something similar. It'll make a lot of differences.
4 GB is enough for one wedding I think. I can store up to 390 RAW image on a single 4 GB card. But of course, a couple spare will be very handy.
Now, since sports and wedding photography will be very different, I think it's better for you to at least try things out first - perhaps on a friend's wedding or like the other said, be a back up photographer for someone who have more experience in this field for you. Although I'm sure you'll be fine because all of the experience you've gained in the past seven years, I'm sure you'll learn one thing or two from the others.
Well I hope this helps. Good luck.
2007-11-22 07:47:48 · answer #3 · answered by dodol 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMO you should work with an experienced wedding photographer before going solo. Although some of your skills will transfer, weddings are stressful and (hopefully) a once in a lifetime event.
I also firmly believe that buying the top of the line flash offered by Canon for your camera is a better way to go. The camera and flash are made to work together so a Canon flash on a Canon camera will have total compatibility. You'll also need an off-camera bracket so add one to your shopping list.
Plan on re-reading the section on "Using Flash" in your Owner's Manual for your camera. You'll also need to really study the Owner's Manual for the flash.
Your lenses should be okay although the Canon 85mm f1.8 would be good to have, especially for any available light pictures you want to take during the ceremony - when flash is never used.
Good luck.
2007-11-22 07:28:42 · answer #4 · answered by EDWIN 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the clients you have and their expectations !
Some wedding photographers do high end large format work and mix in some small less informal photographs.
If your clientele is relatively unspoiled and not very fashionable.......you know what I mean they would be happy with the products from your 30D.
Now if her daddy is an oil baron she'll want something totally out of your 30D's league. I would be very careful to avoid this type of clientele because you'll disappoint them and they'll sue you for your trouble.
Do what you are comfortable with and don't be too ambitious and offer more than your camera is capable of. You must tell them that your largest enlargement can only be 10" x 16" don't say she can have a 2m x 4m portrait for over daddy's fireplace.
2007-11-22 12:24:32 · answer #5 · answered by Angel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The equipment is fine. I second the bracket, cord and diffuser (Stofen, Lightsphere). Also you must ALWAYS have a back up camera and strobe on weddings. (even if film is your back up!)
Shooting weddings is a lot different from sports, I've done both and agree that you should go out quite a few times as a second shooter before taking off on your own. Every wedding is different and each church has different rules. Training with someone can prepare you for many of the situations you'll come across.
2007-11-22 08:14:57 · answer #6 · answered by Perki88 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that your 75-300 IS can take hand-held pictures in a church. It is much darker than you realize in there, and many churchs have rules on when you can stand, etc.
It sounds strange but you can probably just attend a ceremony of someone you don't know. Keep out of the way of the hired photographer but try to take some shots and see what they look like.
2007-11-22 08:58:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
17-85 should do it, a fast 35 or 50mm like a F1.8 would fit in nicely also
is that flash wireless? if so invest in a flash bracket also,
thats my lot
a
2007-11-22 07:17:43 · answer #8 · answered by Antoni 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The equipment's adequate, depends on your skills. 70-300 lens may be too slow. What about reflectors?
2007-11-22 11:02:42 · answer #9 · answered by who me? 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
toy will be fine you just need the weather on your side and something for the nerves
good luck
2007-11-22 12:38:55 · answer #10 · answered by Mike 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋