Wedding Gear

Borderfox

I have a wedding on in Cabra Castle tomorrow and thought I would post up what sort of gear I am bringing up with me (wont use all of it but it comes out just in case) Lovely venue, shot there a few times but still plenty of variety to shoot. Some of the gear is backup and others is for if its raining (D-lite 4 lights) I will post up some pictures from the wedding on Monday and give some explanations as to the setup I used. Any questions just ask

First picture Clockwise from left is 70-200 f2.8IS L - 85 f1.2 L - 15 f2.8 Fisheye - 1dmk3. Bottom row same from left 17-40 f4 L - 50 f1.4 - 24 f3.5 TSE L (Usually use this for panoramics of the venue and the function room) - 24-70 f2.8 L - 5d mk1 - batteries - Memory Cards (16)



Second bag has flashgun batteries - white balance pop up yoke - Polaris ligthmeter - uv filters/polariser - 430ex - 580exII (x2) - pocketwizard flex tt5 (x3) - business cards



From top to bottom Lastolite umbrella kit (stand/flashgun holder/synch cords) Elinchrom D-lite 4 kit (stands/softboxes x2/flash heads/mains leads)
I also have a laptop and card reader in another bag and a large microfibre towel (never know when you need one) and a dogs nose in the bottom right

Cakes.

Why do you need two bodies to shoot a Wedding ?

Seen this said in another thread too.

Borderfox

Cakesofrice wrote: »

Why do you need two bodies to shoot a Wedding ?

Seen this said in another thread too.

1: Backup in case one fails

2: I can have different focal lengths on each body so say a wide angle on one and a telephoto on the other giving two different looks.

artyeva

love the dog's nose. essential kit.

jamescon

and a small tin of deodorant... lol
Which camera do you use as the main camera, I have the same 2 cameras and i would use the 5d all day over the 1dmk3.

hoganpoly

Would you use the pocket wizards just for off flash or any other uses thx

Borderfox

jamescon wrote: »

and a small tin of deodorant... lol
Which camera do you use as the main camera, I have the same 2 cameras and i would use the 5d all day over the 1dmk3.

No main camera but I do like the 5d too, I think they compliment each other really well.

Borderfox

hoganpoly wrote: »

Would you use the pocket wizards just for off flash or any other uses thx

Just off camera flash for the weddings, I use them for camera remotes for sports

colblimp

I'm going to ask the question that I'm sure is on everybody's lips - how are you going to best utilise the dogs nose...?

Cakes.

Who do you take away from the main event to get pictures of ? And for how long ?


thanks

Borderfox

Cakesofrice wrote: »

Who do you take away from the main event to get pictures of ? And for how long ?


thanks

Bridal group (Bride/Groom/Bridemaids/Groomsmen/Parents) start with the largest group and then whittle them down to just the Bride & Groom. Group shots wont take me any longer (providing everybody is there) than 30 minutes. I concentrate on more candid shots throughout the day but do a few set-up shots using off camera flash with the couple.

Dogs nose will be used to know when dinner is ready

K_user

Very nice. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of the day.

Great idea for a thread, always interesting to see what people use and how they use them...

smelltheglove

Borderfox wrote: »

Bridal group (Bride/Groom/Bridemaids/Groomsmen/Parents) start with the largest group and then whittle them down to just the Bride & Groom. Group shots wont take me any longer (providing everybody is there) than 30 minutes. I concentrate on more candid shots throughout the day but do a few set-up shots using off camera flash with the couple.

So much gear. I actualy do it the opposite, I do the couple first, then the bridal party and then the groups. I'd be interested to see why you do it this way, I just always thought the groups were the least enjoyable so get them done last.

Thecageyone

You have some cross over in focal length, do you find you use all lenses throughout the day? Or just choose the best minimal few for the location?

Re: the light stands, do you set these up in the church if allowed? Or are they strictly for the reception? And group shots?

Do you use an assistant?

colblimp

Thecageyone wrote: »

Do you use an assistant?

Surely the dog is the assistant?!

Seriously, if you do use an assistant, would that person be taking pics or just, er, assisting you, say with organising groups, gear etc?

Fionn

five different lenses!!! i thought i was bad bringing a EF 70-200 f2.8 IS L, EF 24 -70 f2.8 or EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS and a EF 35mm f/1.4 L, usually have three bodies tho! so a lens for each (two S series and a 50D which i'm thinking of upgrading maybe) and a speedlight for each too.

lights are a good idea too although the last wedding i did - iwouldn't have had time to set them up, sometimes events just move along

i also have two reflectors a 43" and a 32" great for filling in shadow oh! and a stand for the bigger one.
Lots of other stuff too like laptop, tripods and spares etc. certainly fills up the car!

having the largest group is better because you can dismiss them as you run through your shoot list and it's easier to get them all at the one time instead of trying to find someone who, maybe in the bar or having a quiet moment or just lost somewhere.

VisionaryP

My wedding kit is as follows:

2 x 5d MkII
2 x 580EXii
24-70 f2.8L
70-200 f2.8L IS
135 f2L
17-40 f4L
50 1.4
100 2.8L IS macro

1 set of twin Bowens 500 which I almost never, ever use at weddings. In the last hundred weddings, I've taken them out of the car twice. I bring a reflector dish which I use occasionally in strong sunshine.

In terms of lens use on the day, I keep the 24-70 on one body 100% of the time and the other body swaps between the 70-200 2.8 IS (when indoors) and the 135 f2 (when outdoors). I use a camera slinger (highly recommended), so I have both cameras on me at all times.

The 50 1.4 is purely for emergencies (i.e. they get married in a cave) and the 17-40 is only used when I need to do a group shot in a tight space. The 100mm 2.8 macro, again, rarely used, but I bring it if there's a need for a macro shot.

With all that gear, are you an intrusive photographer? You've lots of gear, but at the same time, you said you prefer to get more candid shots?

How do you actually carry yourself at a wedding? Do you ever give directions at all? Are you at the altar much? Do you tend to find a dark corner of the room and whip out the telephoto? Do you make your presence known, or would people forget you were even there?

Also, do you 'accidentally' drop business cards all over the place, or do they only leave you when someone specifically shows an interest in you?

Finally.. you're moving from venue to venue a lot (assuming not everyone gets married in the same church), where do you put your stuff? What do you actually bring into the church with you?

Cheers for the thread.

VisionaryP

With all that gear, are you an intrusive photographer? You've lots of gear, but at the same time, you said you prefer to get more candid shots?

Not at all. I wear the camera slinger under my suit jacket (I still chuckle when I remember the thread where you advocated wearing combat gear to a wedding) so all I have on me at any one time are 2 cameras, one at each hip. The rest of the gear stays in the bag, and the bag stays in the car or hidden under a seat at the location.

How do you actually carry yourself at a wedding? Do you ever give directions at all? Are you at the altar much? Do you tend to find a dark corner of the room and whip out the telephoto? Do you make your presence known, or would people forget you were even there?

I give directions for the formal shots (20 to 30 minutes max), but for the rest of it, none whatsoever. At the church, I try to get a 45 degree angle to the couple and stay as far from them as possible. For the exchange of rings, I may move a little closer, but never, ever would I get too close.

Also, do you 'accidentally' drop business cards all over the place, or do they only leave you when someone specifically shows an interest in you?

I only give cards if asked. Generally people will ask the bride and groom for my contact details if they're interested in booking me.

Finally.. you're moving from venue to venue a lot (assuming not everyone gets married in the same church), where do you put your stuff? What do you actually bring into the church with you?

Same answer as before. Just the two cameras on my person, spare batteries, memory cards and cloth in pockets.

Borderfox

First dance now so just finished all the images backed up on the laptop/portable hard drive/ still on memory cards so just the dance to shoot and then home

VisionaryP

Good stuff, say hello to Oscar for me!

Borderfox

Thecageyone wrote: »

You have some cross over in focal length, do you find you use all lenses throughout the day? Or just choose the best minimal few for the location?

Re: the light stands, do you set these up in the church if allowed? Or are they strictly for the reception? And group shots?

Do you use an assistant?

Each lens has its purpose, today I used most of them at different times during the day. Brides house 24-70 on the 5d, church 24-70/70-200/15 fisheye/formals 24-70/17-40/ reception 24-70/70-200/ First dance 24-70/85

Sometimes use the lightstands in the church but only for signing of register

My partner Sue gives me a hand

Borderfox

Deleted User wrote: »

With all that gear, are you an intrusive photographer? You've lots of gear, but at the same time, you said you prefer to get more candid shots?

How do you actually carry yourself at a wedding? Do you ever give directions at all? Are you at the altar much? Do you tend to find a dark corner of the room and whip out the telephoto? Do you make your presence known, or would people forget you were even there?

Also, do you 'accidentally' drop business cards all over the place, or do they only leave you when someone specifically shows an interest in you?

Finally.. you're moving from venue to venue a lot (assuming not everyone gets married in the same church), where do you put your stuff? What do you actually bring into the church with you?

Cheers for the thread.

I wouldnt say I was, each piece of gear has its place and for some thats backup on the day, I need to be able to complete the wedding if something dies on me. I try to let the day move at the couples pace and only give directions when it comes to formal shots. I shoot the 24-70 with a flash on teh body and the mark 3 has the 85L on for candids with no flash which I find very good for catching people unawares.I only give somebody a card if they request one.

For the last part when in the brides house I bring in two bodies and wide angle and prime and in the church I bring the peli case up to the top and leave it somehwere out of the way for the ceremony. After I have finished in the church I stick it in the car, at the reception it tends to get dragged around (peli) but its not too much of an obstacle on wheels

Thanks for the questions

Got home just before midnight and transferring backup onto hard drives and will burn onto dvd tomorrow. pictures to follow:)

colblimp

Borderfox wrote: »

Got home just before midnight and transferring backup onto hard drives and will burn onto dvd tomorrow. pictures to follow:)

Jeez, that's some long day! :eek: How many hours do you work on average per wedding? The more you post, the more I'm being put off lol!

Borderfox

colblimp wrote: »

Jeez, that's some long day! :eek: How many hours do you work on average per wedding? The more you post, the more I'm being put off lol!

Lots of stopping and starting but left the house at 11am and got home at 12 so long enough day.

Stats on the day
Shots taken 1897
Most used lens 24-70 : 787 shots
second 70-200: 501 shots

colblimp

Borderfox wrote: »

Lots of stopping and starting but left the house at 11am and got home at 12 so long enough day.

Stats on the day
Shots taken 1897
Most used lens 24-70 : 787 shots
second 70-200: 501 shots

Wow, that's insane lol! How many of those will make it onto the disc/into the album?

Fionn

hmmm i'll have to look into one of those slinger things!!

luckily i have a lady friend that assists me now so minding the gear isn't as much of a pain as it used to be. It's handy to have someone that can go off and get the tripod from a different location or for help with organising people etc.

Regarding the lens if needed i'd bring my EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L II, pretty good on a full frame but only if it was an awfully tight squeeze, i'd usually scout the venues first or know them already.

the 5D MkII is a great choice for the wedding shooter, would have done me good instead of the two 1 series i got (which i referred to as s series) :rolleyes:

yeah eight to ten hours would be about the norm long day ok, you'd be tired after it.

Thecageyone

What would you lads recommend as the minimum required to do a wedding comfortably? I have a couple upcoming and I know I have nowhere near enough, but I'll do the best I can with what I have/can borrow/rent. It's as a gift so I'm not getting paid.


I have a d90 with a 17-50 2.8, I'll be buying a prime beforehand and see if I can borrow or rent a 2.8 zoom. I have tripod/light stand/ brolly/flash (on order after the other one blew) and spare batteries.

Would I be better off with a couple of primes over the 17-50? Much as i love the lens, primes will always have that little bit of extra sharpness and of course, that extra stop [and a third?] or light. Looking at 35mm/60mm combo. Though, ideally, I'd prefer to keep the Tamron too as it's so versatile.

What else will I need.

Also, can you give is a run through of how you pace yourself. What shots are essential and do you make a list of them to tick off as you go?

Necronomicon

Borderfox wrote: »

First dance now so just finished all the images backed up on the laptop/portable hard drive/ still on memory cards so just the dance to shoot and then home

Do you ever get asked to do the afters as part of the package? If I was booking a wedding photographer it'd be something I'd be interested in (though every person in the room would have a compact, but still).

Borderfox

Necronomicon wrote: »

Do you ever get asked to do the afters as part of the package? If I was booking a wedding photographer it'd be something I'd be interested in (though every person in the room would have a compact, but still).

Its not part of the package but I can organise it

Borderfox

Thecageyone wrote: »

What would you lads recommend as the minimum required to do a wedding comfortably? I have a couple upcoming and I know I have nowhere near enough, but I'll do the best I can with what I have/can borrow/rent. It's as a gift so I'm not getting paid.


I have a d90 with a 17-50 2.8, I'll be buying a prime beforehand and see if I can borrow or rent a 2.8 zoom. I have tripod/light stand/ brolly/flash (on order after the other one blew) and spare batteries.

Would I be better off with a couple of primes over the 17-50? Much as i love the lens, primes will always have that little bit of extra sharpness and of course, that extra stop [and a third?] or light. Looking at 35mm/60mm combo. Though, ideally, I'd prefer to keep the Tamron too as it's so versatile.

What else will I need.

Also, can you give is a run through of how you pace yourself. What shots are essential and do you make a list of them to tick off as you go?

Essential gear would be two bodies/wide angle/prime/two flashguns and enough batteries to power cameras and flashguns. The 17-50 should be grand for the wedding with that lens something like a 50mm(I know you have the 50 on the Tamron but the f1.8 is really handy for lowlight stuff without flash) or 85mm would suit it.

I dont have a list of pictures, most of them are in my head now and for a lot of different venues I had ideas of shots based on what the couple want. I let the wedding go at its own pace and that dictates my day

Thecageyone

It shouldn't be a big problem to borrow a body for the day. Maybe an 85mm or 105mm w/macro on one, and the 17-50 on the other? Tonnes of batteries and a flash for each? Sounds very doable.

DO you set up a light stand in church ever? Or only use it outside for the group shot? and then at reception? set up near the floor maybe?

oshead

I've assisted Keith on a couple of occasions and I have to say, watching him work, you realize it's not that easy. It was a pleasure to watch him work and made me realize how much I need to learn if I want to get into weddings. Particularly shooting and thinking on the go. I got the sense that he always knew what was gonna happen next. That's very important IMO, cos if you don't have lens and camera set correctly you'll miss some very important moments and on a wedding day thats a real no no.

Thecageyone

I might sneak into a few weddings beforehand and watch the photographer at work

I know just by how Keith talks about his work, on here and in person, that he is confident and capable. he might be sorry he started this thread because I may have a million questions before the time comes

Borderfox

Thecageyone wrote: »

It shouldn't be a big problem to borrow a body for the day. Maybe an 85mm or 105mm w/macro on one, and the 17-50 on the other? Tonnes of batteries and a flash for each? Sounds very doable.

DO you set up a light stand in church ever? Or only use it outside for the group shot? and then at reception? set up near the floor maybe?

Focus on the macro is very slow so avoid, I have set up the lightstand on occasions depending on the size of the church and I usually have it half set up before the ceremony and stuffed into a corner.

Happy to asnwer questions, I wouldnt have started the thread otherwise

Thecageyone

Hmmm, I thought if I got something like the 60mm macro it would double for portrait/candids and for close ups of rings/flowers/etc. fast primes are a better idea then?

Borderfox

Yeah the canon 85 f1.8 has really fast af, 50 f.14 not so fast. The macro has a lot of ground to cover from 1:1 to infinity to takes its time, some have a focus limiter on them and this hels

Thecageyone

85mm f/1.8 sounds a good option. It would be perfect on the DX body for me to keep a bit of distance and still get close in shots. Best get saving!

smelltheglove

Thats some amount of shots Border, how many would you actually use of those? At a wedding of the length of this one I would prob take 7-900 images and use 80-90% of those.

Thecageyone

How many processed images do you guys offer to the couple on DVD/printed or in a book? I take it the amount of shots you take is to cover you, make sure you nailed them. A lot of them probably rapid fire?

smelltheglove

I dont rapid fire at all, all of my shots are composed first and yes there will be a succession of some images, often it is because I want a succession, say for album layout.

I would use all images I deem successful and give those to the bride and groom, The album could have 60+ images in it, really depends on the wedding.

Thecageyone

60 sounds a lot more like it, you okay select the best to process? I've done shoots where I took about 200 or more shots but only used about 20. A wedding of course, is a different ball game.

daycent

I don't rapid fire as such, but I do take multiple shots of the same formal set-ups. The reasons for this are people closing their eyes, looking away, pulling faces (some people are worse than others for this!) etc. Often, maybe only every fourth shot is usable. The more people in a group, the harder it gets. Sometimes, I combine group shots in Photoshop if I have to.

smelltheglove

Thecageyone wrote: »

60 sounds a lot more like it, you okay select the best to process? I've done shoots where I took about 200 or more shots but only used about 20. A wedding of course, is a different ball game.

When I say 60 I mean in the album, 60 or more but usually 400+ on disc depending on the weddings, i.e. civil or church, number of guests, size of bridal party and specified coverage.

Borderfox

smelltheglove wrote: »

Thats some amount of shots Border, how many would you actually use of those? At a wedding of the length of this one I would prob take 7-900 images and use 80-90% of those.

I take as many shots to get the job done, I usually edit down to 300-350 and then process them. I am very particular about candid shots and like them to be perfect from my point of view and if that needs multiple shots to get that so be it..

Thecageyone

Ah righty. 60 prints then? With up to 400 on disc processed?

I can probably get away with a lot less as it's a gift, saving the bride [My sister] a bundle on hiring a pro. But I will of course want it to be right, and do as good a job as possible, as it could lead to future work. It'll be nice to have a wedding under the belt, in the portfolio. I was thinking of an album with about 20 of the best shots, and all the rest on a DVD.

I don't think there's anything wrong with rapid firing? Especially for the groups, with blinking/bad expressions etc as mentioned. Once you don't mind going through those shots and just keep the best ones.

Borderfox

Thecageyone wrote: »

How many processed images do you guys offer to the couple on DVD/printed or in a book? I take it the amount of shots you take is to cover you, make sure you nailed them. A lot of them probably rapid fire?

As Brian says bigger group shots and some staged shots require multiple amounts shots, large groups I wouldnt hesistate shooting ten shots because I dont want to end up combining shots in ps. Depends on the book Keith. I shot a couple who wanted to jump up and down on the bed in the honeymoon suite and that took a huge amount of shots to get it just right

Thecageyone

I just wondered as you see some wedding photographers running backwards up the aisle firing off a rapid succession of shots on just the couple alone [with rapid flash]. In that case I reckon quick composure each shot would be better. For group, some rapid firing for the reasons stated and as you say, for specific shots like jumping in the air.

smelltheglove

Thecageyone wrote: »

Ah righty. 60 prints then? With up to 400 on disc processed?


I don't think there's anything wrong with rapid firing? Especially for the groups, with blinking/bad expressions etc as mentioned. Once you don't mind going through those shots and just keep the best ones.

They choose from give or take 400 shots yes.

there isnt anything wrong with rapid shooting but having said that I dont want the hassle of going through thousands of shots I am not going to use. Yes groups will have 3 or 4 shots and I will ensure I have a shot with all eyes open. A trick that works for my with serial closers are tellnig them I will count to 3 and I want them to blink on 2, I then click as soon as their eyes open and 9 times out of 10 it works.

Borderfox wrote: »

. I shot a couple who wanted to jump up and down on the bed in the honeymoon suite and that took a huge amount of shots to get it just right

Sounds like a cool shot, can you show us? Kicking myself I didnt think of that on Friday when I had seriously constrained shooting options. All couple shots were in the bedroom as use of the hotel was prohibited and not once did jumping on the bed enter my mind.

Borderfox

Here two examples Rachel, generally have two flashguns one on either side first shot is with a 17-40L and the second is a 15 fisheye both shot with the 1dmk3 with the iso raised up to at least 800 (gives the flash a better chance of continous shooting) main flash is on a battery pack. You have to excuse the pictures as they were resized by flickr and then downloaded and uploaded to pix.ie so compression is yuk. Shutter speed is 1/300th (max synch on the mark 3)

daycent

Borderfox wrote: »

Here two examples Rachel, generally have two flashguns one on either side first shot is with a 17-40L and the second is a 15 fisheye both shot with the 1dmk3 with the iso raised up to at least 800 (gives the flash a better chance of continous shooting) main flash is on a battery pack. You have to excuse the pictures as they were resized by flickr and then downloaded and uploaded to pix.ie so compression is yuk. Shutter speed is 1/300th (max synch on the mark 3)
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Very good execution of the shot Keith. What i don't understand; is why they wanted to jump on the bed in the first place!

These are probably the only 'bed' shots I have! This couple wanted some shots of the bridal suite, with the pop up TV being the main feature:

The TV was pretty much blown out here, so I (cheesily) photoshopped in a photo. Yes, it's E.T. (it was actually on at the time, it wasn't picked at random...)