Shooting Wedding (1st time)

[sje4182]

Hi All

Will be shooting a fren's weddding next month and am in a bit of a dilema. I have a D7100 and the following lens: Sigma 17-50/2.8, Nikon 16-85 VR2, Nikon 18-105 VR and Nikon 55-200 VR. I only want to bring at most 2 of these 4 lens (if possible just one as i still have to bring a 35mm prime). Which 2 should i bring?

1. Sigma 17-50 - my only constant f2.8 lens should be useful in generally dark ballroom
2. Nikon 16-85 - widest lens i have for taking those table group photo (although ultimately only 1 mm wider than sigma so may not be a big deal) and also significantly more reach than the sigma
3. Nikon 18-105 - not as wide as sigma or 16-85 but has longest reach of the 3 but prob the lowest IQ
4. Nikon 55-200 - longest reach

If confirm that i don't need more than 100mm (150mm FF equiv) focal length then i can immediately rule out the 55-200. The other 3 is less simple. As i have not shot wedding before i am not sure if just the Sigma 17-50 (24ish - 75ish FF equiv) alone is enough to cover the whole event. If it is then this will be my choice due to the f2.8. On the other hand if 50mm if not long enough then i will need to bring either the 16-85 or 18-105. Needless to say i rather bring the 16-85. But if i need even more reach than 85mm (120++ FF equiv) then i will need to bring the 18-105. From the test shots i have taken, i can't say for sure that the 16-85 has better IQ than 18-105 but psychologically i rather not shoot with a kit lens.

I did consider getting a d600 and 24-120 f4 and solve all the problem but the $$$ hurts.

Any advice?

Thanks.

 

[catchlights]

Keep it simple.
Use flash.

 

[nanof4]

Keep it simple.
Use flash.

Two thumb up ... play it safe

 

[nanof4]

Hi All

Will be shooting a fren's weddding next month and am in a bit of a dilema. I have a D7100 and the following lens: Sigma 17-50/2.8, Nikon 16-85 VR2, Nikon 18-105 VR and Nikon 55-200 VR. I only want to bring at most 2 of these 4 lens (if possible just one as i still have to bring a 35mm prime). Which 2 should i bring?

1. Sigma 17-50 - my only constant f2.8 lens should be useful in generally dark ballroom
2. Nikon 16-85 - widest lens i have for taking those table group photo (although ultimately only 1 mm wider than sigma so may not be a big deal) and also significantly more reach than the sigma
3. Nikon 18-105 - not as wide as sigma or 16-85 but has longest reach of the 3 but prob the lowest IQ
4. Nikon 55-200 - longest reach

If confirm that i don't need more than 100mm (150mm FF equiv) focal length then i can immediately rule out the 55-200. The other 3 is less simple. As i have not shot wedding before i am not sure if just the Sigma 17-50 (24ish - 75ish FF equiv) alone is enough to cover the whole event. If it is then this will be my choice due to the f2.8. On the other hand if 50mm if not long enough then i will need to bring either the 16-85 or 18-105. Needless to say i rather bring the 16-85. But if i need even more reach than 85mm (120++ FF equiv) then i will need to bring the 18-105. From the test shots i have taken, i can't say for sure that the 16-85 has better IQ than 18-105 but psychologically i rather not shoot with a kit lens.

I did consider getting a d600 and 24-120 f4 and solve all the problem but the $$$ hurts.

Any advice?

Thanks.

If u r the main photographer .. god bless the couple ...

I am not saying u cant shoot good photo, but shooting a wedding is not as simple as you think. If u can't even know your equipment well enough, do u think u have the confidence to manage the whole situation and get the proper shoot ? Of course that s my opnion only .. for u to consider ..

If u buy new fx cam and len, it will cause u more problem as u will not be familiar with its performance .. chances you might get worst results than ur current setup

 

[kandinsky]

Second the flash suggestion too. Also think about backup equipment.

I did consider getting a d600 and 24-120 f4 and solve all the problem but the $$$ hurts.

It's a good idea, assuming you are familiar with the equipment (like the previous poster mentioned). You could shoot with both bodies, or if you don't, you at least have your D7100 as a backup body. If you're doing this as a favour, ask your friend if he/she is willing to pay for the rental of these two items (approx $125/day), if not, just get the job done with what you have. Much depends on your comfort level. If you're not afraid of moving yourself, you can probably do everything with the 17-50 and your 35. (I'd still bring a flash).

 

[dodgethis]

Best solution: Don't shoot. If you're not even sure of what lenses to use, you shouldn't be shooting at all

 

[Shizuma]

I am a wedding vendor, go many many weddings (wedding decorator).

Ultimately if you are going to shoot your friend's wedding, a good idea is to practice dummy runs with him at the venue. You will get a feel of how the walk-in will be, where the couple will stand (of course, no darkened room or uncle bobs or obstacle course, but some practice is better than none). You will be able to mark out where the key photos should be taken (entry ways, walk up stage, pour champagne, etc)

Make a list of all the key shots you MUST make. Have the bride and groom and event manager / restaurant manager run through the programme with you as well.

Use the 17-50 2.8. Also use flash as Uncle Catchlights suggested.

Shoot RAW if you can. (and if you know how to PP).

If you are super kiasi you can use auto-exposure bracketing and set your camera to burst (hopefully these functions you have). Have big memory card and spare ones and check check check check your equipment before setting out.

And remember if you are the main photographer, you should have unblocked access so think of how you may ask the guests nicely to not obstruct you. Wear comfortable shoes and move fast if you are afraid the 50mm end is not tele enough for you still.

Good luck.

 

[huatman]

TS the main & only photographer?

Use the equipment that u most familiar with that u have.
As some pointed out, best to use the one u familiar with, so that u can change setting etc as fast as possible, the one that u know what are the limitation etc. No point getting the best but dun know how to use.
By time figure it out, moments are gone.

And think won't have much time to keep changing lenses at AD wedding.

 

[sje4182]

Keep it simple.
Use flash.

Yes definitely have flash (SB 910).

For that matter also have 2 x 32GB Class 10 30MB/s SD cards and 3 x batteries. And will also bring 16 x Energiser Max batteries for the flash.

 

[sje4182]

If u r the main photographer .. god bless the couple ...

I am not saying u cant shoot good photo, but shooting a wedding is not as simple as you think. If u can't even know your equipment well enough, do u think u have the confidence to manage the whole situation and get the proper shoot ? Of course that s my opnion only .. for u to consider ..

Ya i didn't say it was and i didn't ask for it. They asked me and i keep telling them "hallo your BIG day just spend a bit and get a pro lah!". Their reply "aiyah so expensive, after take already just put one side and keep. Don't waste money". So i just gonna do my best to help.

 

[sje4182]

I am a wedding vendor, go many many weddings (wedding decorator).

Ultimately if you are going to shoot your friend's wedding, a good idea is to practice dummy runs with him at the venue. You will get a feel of how the walk-in will be, where the couple will stand (of course, no darkened room or uncle bobs or obstacle course, but some practice is better than none). You will be able to mark out where the key photos should be taken (entry ways, walk up stage, pour champagne, etc)

Make a list of all the key shots you MUST make. Have the bride and groom and event manager / restaurant manager run through the programme with you as well.

Use the 17-50 2.8. Also use flash as Uncle Catchlights suggested.

Shoot RAW if you can. (and if you know how to PP).

If you are super kiasi you can use auto-exposure bracketing and set your camera to burst (hopefully these functions you have). Have big memory card and spare ones and check check check check your equipment before setting out.

And remember if you are the main photographer, you should have unblocked access so think of how you may ask the guests nicely to not obstruct you. Wear comfortable shoes and move fast if you are afraid the 50mm end is not tele enough for you still.

Good luck.

Thanks!! Really appreciate it.

 

[sje4182]

TS the main & only photographer?

Use the equipment that u most familiar with that u have.
As some pointed out, best to use the one u familiar with, so that u can change setting etc as fast as possible, the one that u know what are the limitation etc. No point getting the best but dun know how to use.
By time figure it out, moments are gone.

And think won't have much time to keep changing lenses at AD wedding.

Erm the second shooter is even "worse" than me. It's the groom's cousin. Don't even have own camera. Gonna borrow the groom's EOS 400D + Tamron 18-270 VC without any external flash and just one battery pack *shake head*

 

[sje4182]

Best solution: Don't shoot. If you're not even sure of what lenses to use, you shouldn't be shooting at all

Not an option.

 

[Blur Shadow]

Then may the force be with you. Haha!

I don't know how good your skills are, I don't know what you experience is, all I know is the equipment you have and I can only say you are short of a good flash unit. Everything else will be up to your skills and luck that day.

 

[sje4182]

Then may the force be with you. Haha!

I don't know how good your skills are, I don't know what you experience is, all I know is the equipment you have and I can only say you are short of a good flash unit. Everything else will be up to your skills and luck that day.

Err....SB910 still not good enough?

 

[photoart]

Hi All

Will be shooting a fren's weddding next month and am in a bit of a dilema. I have a D7100 and the following lens: Sigma 17-50/2.8, Nikon 16-85 VR2, Nikon 18-105 VR and Nikon 55-200 VR. I only want to bring at most 2 of these 4 lens (if possible just one as i still have to bring a 35mm prime). Which 2 should i bring?

1. Sigma 17-50 - my only constant f2.8 lens should be useful in generally dark ballroom
2. Nikon 16-85 - widest lens i have for taking those table group photo (although ultimately only 1 mm wider than sigma so may not be a big deal) and also significantly more reach than the sigma
3. Nikon 18-105 - not as wide as sigma or 16-85 but has longest reach of the 3 but prob the lowest IQ
4. Nikon 55-200 - longest reach

I did consider getting a d600 and 24-120 f4 and solve all the problem but the $$$ hurts.

Any advice?

Thanks.

If in your situation, i'd just go with the Sigma 17-50 and a flash.

carrying too many equipment might be a hinder to your movement (you'd be fumbling with your bag) and changing of lenses might be difficult in tight situations (both time and space)

buying a d600 and 24-120 f4 just for a one-time shoot isn't advisable if you are not earning that money back from the wedding. too high a price to pay

 

[sje4182]

If in your situation, i'd just go with the Sigma 17-50 and a flash.

carrying too many equipment might be a hinder to your movement (you'd be fumbling with your bag) and changing of lenses might be difficult in tight situations (both time and space)

buying a d600 and 24-120 f4 just for a one-time shoot isn't advisable if you are not earning that money back from the wedding. too high a price to pay

Ok thanks. Ya, agree with your points. the 17-50 should be enough for the "main" must have shots. But one of the reasons i wanted a long reach lens was to take those candid shots where ppl don't know i am taking photo of them which would have to be taken at some distance.

Well, if i can get them (D600 + 24-120/4) used from BNS, i could probably come back and sell it off after the wedding and make only a minimum loss.

 

[catchlights]

Ya i didn't say it was and i didn't ask for it. They asked me and i keep telling them "hallo your BIG day just spend a bit and get a pro lah!". Their reply "aiyah so expensive, after take already just put one side and keep. Don't waste money". So i just gonna do my best to help.

Erm the second shooter is even "worse" than me. It's the groom's cousin. Don't even have own camera. Gonna borrow the groom's EOS 400D + Tamron 18-270 VC without any external flash and just one battery pack *shake head*

Ok thanks.

Well, just saying, if i can get them (D600 + 24-120/4) used from BNS, i could probably come back and sell it off after the wedding and make only a minimum loss.

most people think good gears is all they need for producing good photography, that is exactly what your friend thinks, and you do have the same mindset too.

anyway, wedding day photography is worth noting to them, they don't want to waste money, so why waste your money to rent or buy anything for them? they won't able to tell much different and won't appreciate that too, right?

just give them what you have now and that is they want, that is what they asking for isn't it?


even they don't have any wedding photographers, they will still get married, life will still goes on after wedding isn't it?





so don't waste too much time on this, since the wedding couple will just put (their wedding photos) one side and keep.
photo nice or not, using D7100 or D600, pro lens or consumer lens, with flash or no flash,
still nobody will appreciate it right? than why bother so much?

just relax lar, take it easy.






.

 

[sje4182]

most people think good gears is all they need for producing good photography, that is exactly what your friend thinks, and you do have the same mindset too.

anyway, wedding day photography is worth noting to them, they don't want to waste money, so why waste your money to rent or buy anything for them? they won't able to tell much different and won't appreciate that too, right?

just give them what you have now and that is they want, that is what they asking for isn't it?


even they don't have any wedding photographers, they will still get married, life will still goes on after wedding isn't it?


so don't waste too much time on this, since the wedding couple will just put (their wedding photos) one side and keep.
photo nice or not, using D7100 or D600, pro lens or consumer lens, with flash or no flash,
still nobody will appreciate it right? than why bother so much?

just relax lar, take it easy.

Of course i know good gear alone doesn't mean good photos. But it would definitely help to have them (otherwise why would ppl but all those expensive gear). And of course good skill and experience can compensate for good (read: expensive) gear.

Well, i would still want them to turn out as nice as possible even if it is just keep one side. My fault for having pride in what i do and wanting to do it as best as i can.

 

[huatman]

Erm the second shooter is even "worse" than me. It's the groom's cousin. Don't even have own camera. Gonna borrow the groom's EOS 400D + Tamron 18-270 VC without any external flash and just one battery pack *shake head*

If there another person with camera, maybe can discuss with him/her. Eg u cover more on couple and he/she cover more on guests?