I'm doing my first wedding this January, and I want to get a full frame camera with a versatile and fast lens that's not gonna break the bank. Any recommendations?
Find me a Reliable Camera and Lens Rental
simouny21 on 15/12/2015 - 12:19
Last edited 15/12/2015 - 13:23 by 1 other user
Last edited 15/12/2015 - 13:23 by 1 other user
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I know that would be an issue as getting used to a full frame camera plus the pressure from the event might take its toll but I really don't have the money to buy it out right at the moment. I was thinking of getting a Canon 6d and an 24-105 lense to start with. And then build up on that and maybe even buy it off the rent place if possible.
Most wedding photographers have two camera bodies so that you can have a wide angle and a portrait lens ready to go. It is also as a backup in case one body fails.
I would also make sure the camera has dual card slots for redundancy in case a memory card fails. When dealing with weddings you can't do things half arsed because you are entering a world of pain if you stuff up someones photos on their special day.
If you can't afford to buy, at least rent it for a number of days before the wedding.
There is enough drama involved with wedding photography outside of your own gear.
Edit: If you can't afford to buy outright, perhaps go on finance? Or buy a second hand camera?
Hello @simouny21 ,
getting some pro equipment for a wedding is definitely important. I am a wedding photographer myself (Portfolio: http://www.freshphotography.com.au ) and can give you a few other tips:
- Don't rent only a camera for the day … you need to be able to use your camera blind. So when you need to rent get it at least for the week and play around (it's pretty game to book a wedding without having a great camera).
- Be upfront with your client / friend - what can he expect from your photos. Considering you don't even have a camera yet make sure you are both on the same page. But on the other side it's also about artistic feel and composition … so even with a cheaper camera you can get some nice shots.
- Wedding Photography is a lot of preparation - know the timeline of the wedding - plan for the light (dark venue, harsh sun at the beach) - plan for rain - know where you will go for the photoshoot and take the family photos. be prepared. Scout the locations.
- Take a backup body - you don't want that your only camera fails (a backup camera body is a must have!)
- You need to get a great portrait of the bride … in case you have a canon … get the 85mm 1.2 II (it's THE portrait lens for canon)
I could go on their forever … but I hope this helps you a bit. Good luck with your first wedding. Let us know how you go …
When you are in Melbourne I can recommend Ben's camera hire. ( http://www.benshire.com.au )
Ended up getting a sony a6000 borrowed from a friend, and used it for wide angle shots. I already had a 50 mm f1.8 on a canon 400d and thought I wouldn't use it but did for the portraits. It was a very overcast day, no detail on the clouds, and a very small ceremony. Couldn't find a nice side for the bride for the life of. On top of that, everyone in the crowd had bigger looking cameras and were right behind me taking photos. Needless to say, I learned a lot from that experience.
PS. Thank you for your suggestions as for your first tip, I had the sony camera for about 2 days before the event - hence I was uneasy with the size and button placement. I was very upfront with the couple and stated that my skill level is hobbyist at best, as i only started shooting 6 months ago.
Gosh I wish I could shadow someone.I always helps to have the same camera twice (identical bodies). So when you switch cameras you don't need to worry about the buttons …
Overcast day is easier to shoot than harsh sunlight. The clouds act as a massive soft box.Some people assist on weddings for years until they have enough courage to shoot their own wedding alone … so you are ahead here :-)
Definetly start a little photoblog or at least a flicker account) to get your photography work out there. Practice. Unfortunately photography is fairly expensive hobby to start with … gear is not cheap. But when you are creative you can get good results even with a cheaper camera.
How did you start your wedding business @mini_wombat
I always had fun photographing and did a lot of photography with my wife (starting with a "cheapish" Canon 7D and 24-105mm and 50mm 1.8) for www.fabulous-femme.com (it's just a personal blog … which we did for fun). People looked it up and wanted to book us as their photographers. Looks like we did some nice photos which people wanted. So we created a little wedding photography business. So we invested in great lenses and full frame bodies and kept practicing a lot (meaning every day shooting and there is lots of information on the net to learn). We only shoot a limited number of weddings in Melbourne to not burn out. And also started a bit event photography in Melbourne.
Wedding Photography is a tough business to be in … lots of competition and the entry barrier is low (see: you shot a wedding with no cameras and only 6 months experience). So when you want to get in that field do it on the side to your day job at first - you will not be able to live from it for a long time. After a while you realise it is more than Photography (it's running a little business and you need more skills than just photography).
I finally have the courage to show you guys the finished photos of the shoot. Please take it easy on me guys. It's my first try.
Due to the time pressures I think you are best to buy a full frame camera that you are happy to own and start familiarising yourself with the equipment right away.
The wedding date is a few weeks away. That's not much time for getting your hands on equipment, practicing shots, familiarising with the new body, multiple lenses, flash, lens filters, tripods, remote control, battery life-vs-shots taken …
It will take you about a week just to read the instruction manual to work out all the menu settings.