Lens setup for wedding photography

[JonAustin]

I wouldn't be an official wedding photographer for any amount of money ... too much pressure (for me), and too many amateurs with P&S cameras or cellphones flashing away over your shoulder.

That said ... I'm an enthusiastic unofficial photographer at many weddings I attend. I'll only take one body and one lens, either a standard zoom or a fast prime in the 85-100mm range.

I keep my camera at the ready, but only shoot during the ceremony (from my seat) if others are, as well. If no one besides the official photographer is shooting during the ceremony, then I don't either. However, if there are P&S and cellphone cameras clicking and flashing throughout the audience, I'll take my shots without guilt (and without flash).

During the posed shots after the ceremony and during the reception, I'll shadow the official photographer discretely, and only take my shots (with flash, as appropriate) if / when he gives permission after he has gotten his shots. If he doesn't allow it (or ignores everyone else), I let him go about his business unmolested.

Never had an issue, and have come away with some great shots. I always send a disc of processed images to the newlyweds, some of which have been preferred over the official photog's offerings.

 

[cellomaster27]

Not the official photographer?
Then just the 50, be everywhere while staying out of the way.

+1...let's the pro does his/her best.

Although I would love to have a capable "photographer" at every table/group if possible. There are many moments that are missed because there is only so much one or two pros can cover.

I remember placing those disposable 35mm film cameras at each table when my wife and I got married. I was expecting a lot of shots to be bad, but I wasn't expecting THAT many shots to be bad. I'm pretty sure it was not worth the cost of those disposable cameras and the cost of processing the film for what we got out of it. Cell phone cameras are a lot better than those crappy disposable cameras, but a lot of those shots are still no better (as observed from all the FB links from a recent wedding we attended).

I was attending a wedding recently.. did not take my camera but what I saw was disturbing.. 24-105, 24-70 F4, 16-35, on both wedding shooters. Then I saw an audience attendee with a nikon D4s and a 70-200 2.8 (hopefully saved the day). And just by observing the wedding photographers, no offense, made me very worried as to if they will get many usable shots. The moments, which I would consider important (kissing, putting on the ring, etc), they were shooting at the sides or far down the aisle with those lenses. yikes. Since you're not the official photog, you don't need all that gear. But if I were you, I would take the 50 and the 70-200. The 70-200 is definitely a large lens but allows you to stay back and snap some shots. Maybe take the wide angle? Definitely not the flash if you take the 50. Spare batteries and most importantly, enjoy the wedding. cheers

The important thing is, did you see they carry any flashes?

To get sharper images, most wedding pros prefer to shoot with flashes indoor.

Well, the wedding was outdoors so no need for flashes at that point. But I mean one photographer with the 24-105 was way down the aisle when the bride and groom kissed (not paying attention) and the other was taking photos of the wedding party from the sides with a wide lens. I was so disturbed. Plus you could hear the shutter going spray mode while the photographer(s) was moving.. Yikes. I was so distracted.
They did have some flashes setup for the indoor reception in various strategic locations.