given that i have a 17-70, both the 35 and 50 1.8 are redundant in my opinion. In a situation where anything can happen and you need the shot, a wide prime that duplicates a focal length you already have risks too much.

I would have preferred the 85 1.8, indeed i now feel more strongly that i must buy that lens, but like i said, they didn't rent it out anymore, so i figured the 105 was the second best choice as i had no telephoto option(no way i'd carry my 55-22 into a wedding)

Well it is a macro lens and it does macro work great. It can just double as a portrait/telephoto lens, but it was still intended as a macro lens. It obviously isn't the best focal length for portraits either. A 50 mm lens might have been a better option and given you an extra stop or two for low light. I have the lens, and I don't think I would have chose it as my secondary lens. I would have used the 35 f1.8 I have before I used the 105...at least in the wedding case.

Glad it worked out for you though and if you learned something then it is all good. Also if you found out that you would never want to spend $800+ on the 105 macro then that is good as well.

thanks for the comments, the event was yesterday, and i can relate some interesting experiences.

I went to a camera store to rent a 85 1.8, but it turned out they no longer rented that out, they had an outdated table on their site.

So i decided to try out the 105 2.8 Micro instead, a little more expensive, but hopefully fun and effective

And it really was! Macro was great and i got some really great portrait shots. Though it was a little too tele for many uses (157mm effective).

But it got me in a bit of a conundrum: its tele nature plus its very wide and slow focus range meant that it was useless on my D60 (always hunted for focus), it only made sense on the D7000. But that meant my "main" lens (Sigma 17-70) would end up on the D60, which also has a partially defective shutter. In the end i accepted these limitations and it performed well, but i find it humorous that my broken D60 became my primary camera for the night.

In the end, the high number of 5 star, out-of-the-park shots the 105 gave me made up for everything. I often found it to be a very uncomfortable lens to use, but when the focal length matched what i wanted, it was gold.

I can't share much, privacy and all that, but check this out:

Its the ring shot, i was actually aiming for the action on the left, but the AF chose the right, probably since its closer, but it ends up being a decent shot nonetheless.

And this one rocked my world too:

SO in the end, i tried out a lens i potentially considered buying and decided it will never be worth it, but its a wonderful rental.

monty11 said:
I'm pretty sure that the wedding you are replying to was held quite along time ago, it was started a year ago :) It was hijacked by a similar question yesterday.

Thanks

ProImages said:
4. I wouldn't take the D70s above ISO 400, I wouldn't take the D200 above ISO 640.

5. Have a system to separate used CF cards from unused. I have a CF card wallet to keep the used ones safe.

I'm pretty sure that the wedding you are replying to was held quite along time ago, it was started a year ago :) It was hijacked by a similar question yesterday.

gelu88 said:
i was more looking for some tips or gear beyond the basics.

Your gear should not be that important
Just make sure you are completely familiar with it and have spare everything
Do look at the LCD from time to time and check the results for sharpness etc
DSLRs have a lot of buttons, check you have not swtiched somthing on or off
but the most important thing to remember, "Its the brides day"
Talk to her well in advance, and find out what photos are important to her

Since you're not in a church things will be much easier and the rules much less stringent.
Just a few suggestions.

1. Go to the rehearsal, you only need to be there for an hour or so. Observe the practice and ask about the rules for photography. Also ask the venue planner about the best places to shoot indoors and out. Get a game plan for the next day.

2. Sync the time on all cameras. Simply have all cameras set to the same time and date. This will place the photos in order in a program like Lightroom.

3. Shoot RAW.

4. I wouldn't take the D70s above ISO 400, I wouldn't take the D200 above ISO 640.

5. Have a system to separate used CF cards from unused. I have a CF card wallet to keep the used ones safe.

6. Take five times more batteries than you expect to use.

7. Have more CF cards than you expect to use. 16gb per camera is probably safe.

8. Dress comfortably, especially good shoes. I used to wear a suit & tie. It's just not practical. All black with a black dress shirt is what most male wedding photographers wear.

Yeah, i know that thread. Lens discussions can only go so far, i was more looking for some tips or gear beyond the basics.

i like the idea of slow shutter sync flash+ high ISO, ill give it a try, with the D7000 i'm comfortable going to 3200

As the tread Niko has recommended suggests the 17 - 70 should be fine

but needles to say, if its a small venue, something wider might be useful

one tip, when using flash, crank up the ISO and use a slowish shutter speed, this will help stop the background going too dark

Do some practice shots, to see how far you can increase the ISO

But beware, high ISO values can degrade faces in large group photo

http://nikonrumors.com/forum/topic.php?id=2198

Hijacking this old thread for a similar issue.

I've been asked to shoot part of a wedding (south asian weddings can be comprised of as many as half a dozen separate events), this is more like an engagement party except hundreds of people will come.

i've been the "unofficial official" photographer at relatives weddings a number of times before, so the basics are clear enough. Re-reading this thread has helped immensely.

I've got a Sigma 17-70 with my D7000 plus a 35 1.8 on my D60, plus a SB-600 and 55-200(ughh). What im wondering is, what is my next step?

what extra can i add to add something special? i'm considering renting a 85 1.8, its only $25 for the weekend, and i'll most likely be compensated for it.

Anything else come to mind?

Alright so I got a bit more info. There won't be any shooting in the Church. In fact the ceremony will be held in a same place where the dinner/party will be.

There will be only two shooters(me included) and only 100 people at most. That's easy peezy. At work I shoot way more people in an hour. Anyway

I already ordered the Lumiquest System, made couple of light diffusers such as "Gary Fong" DYI lightsphere and diffusion dome/dish.

I am working on getting a battery grip asap, otherwise I will just get second battery and keep it in my pocket.

Yeah there won't be any light stands on the altar. I have talked him out of doing that. Thank god.

The main shooter will be doing the dress up shoot and other formal shots. While I will be only shooting and assisting during the party and the very short ceremony in the beginning.

lol Niko that's funny. I wouldn't dare doing that. I got smacked enough by priests and nuns during my catholic school days.

Yeah I will act professional Niko, afterall I am not on a party boat.

"And for goodness' sake man, leave the beanie cap and mirrored sunglasses in your apartment!!!"

Don't you be hating the playah! lol I will wear a nice fancy fedora hat instead lol.

Just kidding.

alphanikonrex said:
Yeah, I agree with Niko. Can't have too many photographers as long as they're not all shooting in the same direction ;^)

Or at each other, which is what adam was saying, I think. ;-)

And another thing Poster, DO NOT suction/hang a remote camera/flash on the Virgin Mary statue!!!

Yes I've seen that happen too!!! That is why churches have so many restrictions for photographers!

Yeah, I agree with Niko. Can't have too many photographers as long as they're not all shooting in the same direction ;^)

adamz said:
IMHO - three photogs are too many to cover one ceremony, unless it's a really big one.

Not really adamz. The more photogs the better. You can spread out and cover lots of details. For instance one person sitting up front at the church. One guy sits at the back for wider shots. The third guy keeps an eye at the back near the exit and catches the couple coming down the isle and leaving the church.

The previous two guys are free to capture the various expressions of family as the couple is leaving. One photog can then head over to the reception to capture the couple arriving while the other two pick up any gear, lights left behind etc.

poster said:
I am not much of drinker anyway. But I flirt A LOT when shooting in my work. It's like second nature now, can't help it. I am obnoxious about it too, I do it in front of their husbands and boyfriends. What can I say I like to live on the edge. lol

Now how did I know that about you, hmm... :^) But really I say it because I've seen it happen. Remember to act the part of a professional so leave the girls alone! Handout your biznaz card but keep the flirting to just smiles and winks. Really, it's a special day and you want people to remember YOU for the great job and photos you take and NOT for how creepy your pickup lines were.

poster said:
I will be dressed in black slacks, white shirt, black tie and vest. I think this should be good, yes? Or should I wear a jacket too?

That depends on how fancy shmancy the wedding will be. But since they are hiring YOU for free I take it is a simple affair so slacks,shirt,and tie will be fine. Even though you are not being paid show some pride in what you are there to do! It might lead to an actual paid event in the future.

And for goodness' sake man, leave the beanie cap and mirrored sunglasses in your apartment!!!

There are some great tips here. Just make sure you and the bride have the same expectations. Sounds like in this case, given the price, expectations are low. So have fun. I think based on the style you're going for and the lenses you're using you should check out jeff ascough's site. He's one of my favorite photojournalist-syle photographers. He's an available-light fanatic, though, and that's a bit too extreme for me. On the other hand, umbrellas and lights next to the altar are on the other extreme end of the spectrum. I would also avoid that unless the bride asks for it. ;-)

I'd go to 800 even on the D200 if it means getting the shot. Don't fear the noise—not every picture has to be printed at 12+ inches.

Good luck!

my 5 cent,
just dot points

- Im yet to see one church wedding with umbrellas and light setup, I might be wrong here but I think you are there to document the moment rather thn have a proper shot, so you as a photographer have to adjust to the condition instead of changing them to your need
- Make sure you guys know who is shooting what (if you have more thn 1 shooter) there is no point for all of you to be shooting bright and groom all the time, guests can usually give you some good shots (mum and dad, sisters uncle Bob)
- extra memory \ batteries
- know your location before you get there
- have a look at other photographers work to get some idea with a poses for the photoshoot after the ceremony
- be prepared before critical parts (dance\bucket etc) - make sure you have more thn 10 shots left on your memory card \ battery \ flash before that
- talk to them, get few random SHORT jokes from the Internet to get some real smiles - remember they a lot more nervous then you are
- plan some time for bright and groom to have 5-10 min breaks (bubbly \ coffee) - can be also a great time to take few 'casual' shots
- be prepared to take over one of your shooters (camera not functional\ lens swapping etc)
- since you are not the main shooter maybe its a good idea for you to look after umbrellas while the other guy doing all the shots (be assistant)
and as Niko said: dont drink (well at least till very end of it)
and great way to check if bright mates have partner is a direct question, when its quite just say to hot chick ' ok now its time for few snaps with your partner\boyfriend ' she will be like oh but I dont have one bla bla bla.... you can take it from there :) but remember 2 things:
1. you still have job to do
2. she might get drunk and leave with some other hot shot :)

i won't pretend i know jack about wedding photography, however i have been reading David Ziser's Digital ProTalk Blog, and ive found lots of information there, maybe you should check it out, there is lots of goodie tips and videos there if you care to look for it.
http://digitalprotalk.blogspot.com/

NikoDoby said:
Know who is who at the wedding! Find out who the bride's family is and who is important to the groom. Don't just shoot random people who are there! Remember you are recording history that will not be repeated for those involved.

Has your friend checked with the church about setting up lights? Sometimes flash photography of any kind is NOT allowed during the ceremony. And even if it is having so many flashes go off will be distracting so be prepared with ISO.
The 50 won't be long enough unless you are sitting up close to the couple. OH and ask about moving around during the ceremony. Sometimes the church won't allow you to move from place to place to shoot because it's distracting. Sometimes you are confined to a certain space ONLY.

Carry your gear with you at all times! Camera gear left unattended has a habit of leaving without you. Take lots of memory cards. Do manual WB unless there's tricky various lighting conditions then use auto.

DON'T DRINK OR HIT ON THE BRIDESMAIDS!!! Well you can flirt a little if they're really hot. Just make sure they are single or at least that their boyfriend isn't present ;^)

hahahahah well said Niko. That's the best part of shooting weddings. Hitting on the Bridesmaid.
Regards

I would also shoot in RAW. Don't be cheap with data like I am. :D

BATTERIES - Since you have a D200, make sure you have another - and another - charged - battery for that D200. Batteries for the flashes.

ISO - Don't run the ISO over 400 on the D200 - the noise will be awful. Use 200 as much as you can.

SENSOR - Make sure your sensor is clean for the shoot. If you're getting dark spots in skies, you're going to get dark spots on white dresses, or faces, the same place on every shot.

FLASH - An off-camera flash bracket like the stroboframe that allows portrait and landscape with a quick flip, some sort of mini-softbox for indirect and bounce flash - Lumiquest Promax is relatively small, cheap and works with any hot shoe flash with the Velcro strap around it. Fong Cloud, others are available. I would not use any direct camera or hot shoe flash. If you have to get any new stuff, set it up and practice so you know how it works before the day. Don't expect anything new to work right for you on the day unless you've checked it out and know it will.

Check the site - will the ceiling be low enough, light enough for bounce? Fortunately you have the LCD to check how things work. If you don't usually work with flash, make sure understand the settings and that you have the flash and camera flash settings set up in a way that works.

LENS - For me, it would be nice to have something a little wider than 35 on DX for group candids, dancing, etc. The 17-55 is the ideal lens for this job with DX. The full range is useful for a wedding.

Since others have the longer lenses, your 50 is probably fine, though I'd like to have an 85 or something for close-up candids at the reception. The 50 should give a nice quality to those shots, just not as tight.

YOUR STUFF ON THE DAY - Make a list, organize your stuff and pack it the night before. Make sure you have a way to carry it all easily in a way that it won't get in your way.

ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT - The prime photog needs to make a list with the couple, and the bride's and groom's families, of what family groups they want shot. Typically it's bride with parents, groom same, both with both sets of parents, both sets of siblings, bridesmaids and groomsmen, bigger groups (danger - lighting challenge, framing challenge - not too wide a lens or you spread those people out at the sides, but the distance makes lighting a challenge). You need to scope out the time and location for the group shots in advance, figure out the lighting, have the order of the groups set so you run them all through - this takes substantial time if you have to run anybody down - skip them if they don't show. If they're outdoors, and they're facing into the sun, they'll be squinting and the contrast will be awful. Use a small enough aperture to get everybody in focus.

Get the parents or somebody in the party who seems to have organizational skills and some influence to help police the group shots, or you'll lose them. Arrange what specific key candids you want in advance and make sure you work that out with the participants. You need to insist on getting faces in the shot for these (e.g. car departure) - make them sit still a second for these or the shots may not work.

The pro's portfolios will be helpful for scoping out key shots you want and working with the couple and the families.

RELAX AND BE A PHOTOGRAPHER. If you've got your stuff organized and your shoot planned in advance, and you're familiar with your gear, you can just be happy you're not the one with the prime responsibility - maybe you can save his behind with a couple of key shots he missed. You'll see the light just right, catch a right angle or expression, an interesting juxtaposition of shapes and shadows.

Enjoy.

Check out the websites of pro wedding photogs, lots of shot ideas there. Brings lots of SD or CF cards (which ever you need)then you can click off a lot of shots without worring about filling them up. If you have time before the event, check out wedding photography books from your local library and study up. With 3 photogs there, try doing some interesting angles so there isn't tons of the same photos. Have fun and best of luck to you!

IMHO - three photogs are too many to cover one ceremony, unless it's a really big one. So in this case, I will go for more irregular pictures, not the obvious ones. Experiment with low level angles, give a nice perspective if You are shooting from the entrance towards the altar. Also, unless You are 100% sure about WB, shoot in RAW.

As for taking snaps of bride getting dressed. It's sometimes better to convince her and to take some snaps, so she would have a memory. For most of girls that's the best and more important day of their life.