Messages

61

Lenses / Re: New Photographer. Need suggestions :)

« on: December 15, 2011, 02:50:14 PM »

Everyone has already give out great advice. I just didn't want to take for granted that since you've only had your camera for a couple of months that you are already shooting RAW. If you aren't, take the time now to learn as you only get one shot at a wedding and RAW gives you so much leeway to fix some of the things you didn't get exactly correct in camera.

I've shot with RAW here and there.  I know it's great for editing.  Thank you for letting me know.  I'll make sure we are shooting RAW that day.

62

Lenses / Re: New Photographer. Need suggestions :)

« on: December 15, 2011, 02:48:33 PM »

The 24-70 2.8L is the piece of glass that lives on my 5dmii when I shoot weddings.  It just works well in most situations.  Since you are shooting on a crop sensor, you might want to look into finding a wider lens to use for the group shots.  But...I've shot whole weddings with the 24-70 and a 70-200 with no problems.

Flash is also very imporant, as someone else stated. 

Lastly, I would invest in post-software such as lightroom 3.  It'll help you fix those photos that didn't come out exactly as you hoped and your keeper rate will increase.  Plus, it is a tool that every serious photographer should have, so down the road when you get even more serious you will already have it.

I'm glad to hear that the 24-70 has been a great lens of you.  I currently own Aperture 3 on my mac.  I've been tinkering with it for quite some time and have learned quite a bit about altering photos.  I'll try a trial of Lightroom to compare it.

63

Lenses / Re: New Photographer. Need suggestions :)

« on: December 15, 2011, 02:19:54 PM »

As has been noted in earlier responses:

- If you are going as a photographer you are not going as a guest. It would be the same if your brother asked you to be the caterer. You will be so busy doing the job that you will not be able to enjoy the event.

- The wedding is about the bride. Make sure that she is happy with you being the photographer, and that her expectations are in line with your abilities.

Regardless of the advice you are given here, you will need to make the final decision. Remember that you understand the people and situation much better than any of us. Expectations regarding wedding photos can vary substantially. Some people expect their photographs to appear in magazines, while others are happy with snapshots.

For our wedding, we paid a friend $500 to take some pictures at the ceremony and family dinner. The reception was just snapshots taken by family. For most people, I expect that the results would have been disappointing. However, we were happy with the results because we kept our expectations inline with our investment. Neither of us wanted a fancy wedding, so we did not pay for a fancy wedding. I estimate that we spent less than $2000 for everything.

I expect that my experience was very unusual. Most people spend a lot more on the wedding and reception. I would also expect them to spend a lot more on a photographer. If your brother's fiancé wants professional pictures, then she should hire a professional photograph. Make sure that expectations are reasonable.

Again, you know the situation and expectations. I would recommend against taking on more than you are comfortable with. Weddings are a big deal to most people.

Excellent advice!! Thank you!

64

Lenses / Re: New Photographer. Need suggestions :)

« on: December 15, 2011, 02:17:53 PM »

Not to put a damper on things, but I'd recommend reading this first:

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2010/07/fwigtew-and-other-first-wedding-acronyms

Also, just to be very clear, your post reads like your brother is the one who liked the engagement pictures and asked you to shoot the wedding.  Weddings are (almost) all about the bride - so, in the interst of maintaining some family harmony, what was your brother's fiancée's input to the request?

Thanks for the article.  I'm going to read it this evening.

Both my brother and his fiancé loved the engagement photos.  I thought they came out well to.  However, knowing the tI am just getting into photography, I am well aware that others could have done a much better job.

To answer your question.  Both of them wanted me to do the photography.  When asked, I told them that I suggested they hire a professional.  They stated they did not have the money to do so and were very happy with the pictures I took of them.  I have no problem focusing on being the photographer.  I am grateful, however, for the posts pointing out that I will miss out of the moment of the wedding.  Since I am going to be the photographer, I want to study up so I can do a good job.   Will I do as good as a job as a professional?  I don't expect to and know that I will not!!  Both my brother and his fiancé are aware of this as I have told them.  However, they are happy to have me to do it and now I just need to take the time to do the best that I can for them.

65

Lenses / New Photographer. Need suggestions :)

« on: December 15, 2011, 12:33:23 PM »

Hello CR,

I've been following CR for a couple months now since I bought my T3i and have delved into the world of photography.  I've done some wildlife photography recently and some portraits and have discovered I really enjoy portraits and events.

I recently shot my brother's (with my wife's help) engagement photos with my new camera and a 50 1.8 lens I borrowed from a friend. They came out pretty good (Well at least he thought they did) and asked if I would shoot his wedding.  While I have no experience shooting weddings (and clearly told him so:), I said I would.  So...

What lenses do you suggest I use.  I know I can borrow the 50 1.8 from a friend and she'll let me borrow her 28-70 2.8L lens.  I'll probably borrow her 60D and shot with my wife (She'll use the T3i).

Also, any other suggestions for a budding wedding photographer.  Thanks in advance.

Mike