I was asked to take pictures of a friend’s wedding On June13. I have a Canon Rebel XT. I have taken several weddings in the past year. But this time I want to do it better. What type of equipment will I need? The wedding and reception are both outside. I have my batteries and CPF card. I just need advice on what equipment I should get for this outside wedding. Thanks!
Well, what lenses should I purchase? I am asking for help. Be nice. And which flash?
Good shoes?
*sigh*
You ask what to get but apart from saying you have a “Canon Rebel XT” nothing. What do you own and use? The most important info is missing! What lenses you have already? If anything you might want to get better lenses and maybe the odd (extra) flash or reflector but lenses are your upgrades. Without us knowing what you have it seems kind of pointless to answer.
EDIT:
I was being nice!
Since you mention having done weddings before I was assuming you already have one or two lenses? What are they? Range, Aperture? And it’s hard to say what flash or even if you need one at all. Will you be shooting during the day, evenings or night too, inside, outside, what weather can be expected, how many people at the wedding, if inside what lighting will there be, what are your skills and limitations etc etc. There is not just one answer here. Too many options and possibilites to consider. I am sure there’s people here willing and able to list whatever you need for a basis setup to be ready for anything but are you going to actually buy all that and or do you need to?
I suggest that you check out a few books from your local library. This is an extended and complex question.
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Hang on, surely if you “have taken several weddings in the past year.” then you must surely know what equipment is required.
Lenses, whatever is required to get the shots you want. That could be anything from fisheye through to 400mm f2.8′s depending on what you want.
Flash, again could be anything from simple speedlights through to portable studio lights.
The question really is a bit like asking “how long is a piece of string” as it depends on what type and style of shots you are planning (you are doing some pre-planning aren’t you).
I know some photographers who carry only a couple of bodies with a medium zoom on both through to those who have a whole portable studio.
Can I ask if you are the primary photographer or if you have just been asked to bring your camera along?. I am assuming there is a pro also working there?.
This question could descend into chaos unless you are clear on this.
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“But this time I want to do it better”
What was worse about the last time you did it? I can only assume you were not quite happy with the previous results – just what was it you wasn’t happy with?
If you can identify the problem as inferior equipment, you could do well to get a EF 24-105mm f/4L IS or a EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS lens. As for a flash you can get a 580EX for best results.
Remember, the best equipment anyone can have is knowledge…
It sounds like the equipment you have may be adequate as far as focal lengths. Perhaps you just need to upgrade your lenses, get nicer glass.
So you could upgrade from say a 75-300 variable aperture lens to something like a Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 and so on.
As others have said, it is nearly impossible to really help you without a few key details:
what equipment do you have? lenses, flashes, everything
how much money can you spend on this?
and what is it you want to improve?
edit-If you can’t bother to come back and check-up on your question and give us the details we need, why should we bother to take the time to help you?
This is what the average wedding photographer uses.
2 cameras. In case one breaks
Lenses
24-70mm F2.8
70-200mm F2.8
50mm F1.4
A wide angle lens. Good for large group shots or showing the whole church or reception hall.
A macro lens like a 100mm F2.8. Good for a shot of the flowers or wedding cake. Also a good portrait lens on a full frame camera.
A good flash like the 580EX with a flash bracket and diffuser.
All of this stuff would cost about $5,000 so I realize you wont be buying all of it. Most of this stuff can be rented from a good camera store for a nominal fee.
If you want to just buy something I would suggest at a minimum you buy a good flash, diffuser and flash bracket. Cost would be in the $400-$500 range. I would also pick up a 50mm F1.4 lens $400 or the 50mm F1.8 $90. Those two lenses are very good in low light.
If I were you I would rent your equipment though. This is what I would get.
Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS
Canon 580EXII flash with a bracket and a diffuser or some nature. The Gary Fong Lightsphere is a good choice.
You should be able to rent this for about $100 for the day. Attached is the rental agreement and rates from a camera store near me. The prices should be similar where you are. Also if you can swing it rent a second camera as well. I am assuming that you know how to use this stuff. If not you should rent it for a day now and familiarize yourself with it. Then rent it again the day of the wedding.
As the others have said be careful of what your getting yourself into. You don’t want to ruin your friends wedding. There is a reason why there are professional wedding photographers.
http://www.penncamera.com/files/e_street_4_15_09.pdf