I have a canon rebel xt camera,what would be a good lens for wedding photography?

goss

Answer
I always wonder when people ask this kind of question. Maybe you are an extremely skilled and experienced photographer, in which case you should have some idea of the focal lengths and speed you need. Just having a digital SLR does not make a wedding photographer. The industry is overrun with folks who got their dSLR last month and are advertising to shoot weddings next week. The lens is important, but other factors are so much more important.
Hopefully, you are experienced and are not planning on using someone's wedding day as a trial run.

Your Canon Rebel has a crop factor, so you will need a wide angle zoom and a moderate tele zoom at f/2.8, or a selection of primes to cover the same area. Of course, you have a backup camera body and flash. Bracket. Diffusers. Synch cords. Batteries. Several gigs memory. And you shoot RAW. Photoshop. Fast computer. Good luck.

Lens for wedding Photography?

JDR

I'm fairly new to photography and will be shooting a wedding in the fall. I've read that a must have lens is the 70-200mm 2.8 (mainly for the ceremony). Since i will be using a Sony A200 which is not full frame and with the sensor conversion (x1.5) this lens is actually 105-300mm. Should I still get it or make the adjustment and get a lens more like 40-135mm (somewhere around that)??

Answer
The 70-200 mm is the "third" lens wedding photogarphers use when they are shooting the candid shots during the reception.

With as little you know about photography in general and wedding photography specifically, you really need to work as an assistant to a working professional wedding photographer before you take on such an assignment. Remember, there are no re-shoots for weddings, sports or breaking news. One of the reasons only seasoned photographers usually take on those kinds of assignments.

No matter what you may have "heard" or "read" the most used lens by wedding and other event photographers is the 24-70 mm f/2.8 and 50 mm f/1.4 or f/1.8 when using a camera like yours. If they are using a full frame camera, a 85 mm or 100/105 mm portrait lens is used instead of the 50 mm.

I did not read any mention of what external flash and flash bracket you intend to use or what backup camera you will have with you.

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Wedding photography lens?

Awesome-sa

Well I'm not shooting the wedding. Just shooting the reception and doing formal shots of the bride her family and shooting the party etc. I have an XT and standard lens as well as a 50mm. I was thinking about investing in a 70-300mm lens. Good idea or not? The reception is indoors.

I know its pretty basic but it works for a broke college student.

Answer
The EF 50mm f/1.8 "Nifty- Fifty" and EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM are good lenses for those on a tight budget. The 50mm will be your best bet for low-light indoors at the reception but, you may occasionlly find it frames a little tight on your XT. That's not necessarily a problem but, if you aren't already aware of it, a 50mm lens on your camera will be the 35mm/full-frame equivalent of an 80mm, short-telephoto lens. So if you need to do any wider shots, you'll either need some extra stand-off distance or you'll have to accept the tighter frame.

A wider option, albeit more expensive, is the EF 28mm f/1.8. There's also the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 that many people on tight budgets find very useful for candids. Either of these would get you closer to a "normal" focal length on the XT. Downside is that both lenses get mixed reviews and are much more expensive than the 50mm f/1.8.

For what it's worth, all of Canon's 70-300mm lenses are a bit slow and will require flash under many conditions. If you can, spring for the IS USM version, you'll be able to get away with a few extra stops of hand-held speeds/apertures. This won't compensate for a moving subject but it will make up for a good bit of camera shake on your end. Ultimately, at the pro-level, you'd want something with an f/2.8 or faster aperture and bump up the ISO while being careful about noise. Noise is far less of a problem on full-frame cameras but it sounds like it will be a while before you are ready to make that move.

help with wedding photography?

Mo-ni-que

i'm a beginner at photography and my aunt has asked me to photograph her wedding, just because she doesnt care if she has fancy pictures or anything, she would probably not mind it if her pctures were taken with a disposable camera haha but she wanted to let me practice my photography.

so, i found this lens that is supposedly perfect for portrait pictures, its called the Nikon 135mm f/2 DC, and it blurs the background nicely and makes the subject very sharp and all that, but its like $1300, does anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper lens that will do similar things as this lens?

and also, any other suggestions for equipment or lenses i could use while photographing the wedding?

thank youuu
thank you for the suggestions but i want to make it clear that shes not expecting much, its her second marriage and she doesnt care much about hardcore wedding pictures, she just wants to give me a chance to practice.
but thanks again
i'm using a Nikon D3000 and i already have a 18-55mm lens that it came with

Answer
Honestly, unless you are planning to shoot many more portraits on a full frame camera in the future, you should just think about getting the 50mm f/1.8. Inexpensive and a good portrait lens on the crop sensor. Also good in low light. But you will have to manually focus. If you want a do-it-all lens for the rest of your photography needs as a beginner, think about the 18-200VR. The VR will give you a couple more stops in camera shake terms, and more reach for further away in decent light. It is *NOT* a lens for wedding photography in general, but will serve for a one-off event for an amateur, and then you can continue to use it. The go-to lens for wedding photography on a crop frame is the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8. Pricey, but a great lens. The Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is a good choice if your budget won't permit the Nikon version. If you don't have a flash, consider the SB600 or SB900.

Here is a link for first time wedding shooters:

http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Wedding101-page1.html

If there is enough light, you should be able to cover the bulk of the wedding with the kit lens. Outdoors in day time you should be fine. If you are in a dark cave of a church, you won't be fine. There's where you turn to the 50mm fast lens.

Make sure she is truly not expecting album shots. Some people really don't care much about quality photography, but only want a reminder of the event in snapshots.

Look at some good pro wedding sites and pay attention to the type of shots they get, and the posing of the formals. Visit the venue before the wedding and take some test shots. Pick out a pretty location for a few formal portraits, with uncluttered background and even lighting. At the wedding, make sure you at least get a good closeup and full length shot of the bride, and the couple together. Also the close family members, and the wedding party if there are attendants. Get pictures of the oldest and youngest. Hold the camera straight, tilt is seldom a good idea. Check your histogram for exposure. Stay away from blowing lots of highlights, but do not underexpose. If you are not comfortable shooting on manual, (and as a beginner, you are probably not) shoot on Program mode and use exposure compensation when needed. If you do not know about exposure compensation, then find out about that before the wedding. If you can process RAW images, then shoot RAW. If you do not have a workflow for RAW, then shoot your finest quality large Jpegs, or shoot RAW + Jpeg. Use as low an ISO as possible, but do not be afraid to go higher to get the shot and avoid blur. Noise from high ISO can be lessened in post processing, but blur is forever. Have lots of memory, and don't fill the cards to capacity. Keep the used cards in a safe place. Do not delete the trash and missed pictures in the camera. Wait until post processing. Download the images to your computer, then back them up immediately to CD or DVD. Go through them for the first edit. You will delete the blurry, missed focus, odd or unflattering expressions, closed eyes etc. Keep the better ones. Now you pick the best ones to tweak. Keep a light hand in manipulation. Wedding photos should not look like Myspace profiles, so easy on the contrast and saturation. Make them natural looking. Then load the best onto a CD or DVD for the happy couple to choose and print their favorites.

It is unlikely that your photos will be amazing, but with some preparation and care on your part, you will at least get some good shots to remember their day. Hope it goes well, and good luck!

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where and how to start as a wedding photographer?

best camera lens wedding photography image

Monica M

So here is the deal, I consider myself as an intermediate photographer. I'm a graphic designer and learnt photography in college (2 courses of ph) . Since then (2007) I got a Nikon D40 which I still own. For bad financial decisions I just haven't been able since then to upgrade my camera. I know it's not about "cameras" but "photographers" what matters and i try repeating that to myself everytime i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots and as my primary business is baby photography is not very easy to keep on manual focusing . Also I shot my bro's wedding and it gave me lots of troubles in poor light conditions (horrible noise at high iso, and other troubles even with a 50mm f1.8 lens)

SO, the thing is I've been trying to get into the business of wedding photography, i feel i can do it but i just can't seem to get any customers! many people ask me prices, my ranges are between $250-700 which i think is ok for my market (i already did some research of similar photographers' prices).

However, what i was wondering is that everybody started somewhere. I started by calling out "casting" baby models on my fb fanpage and that is how i started with children photography and people know me for that. the thing is i like weddings also and i think they can give me better profits than children ph. I wonder how other wedding photographers started out... i mean it's like a vicious circle: no one hires you because you don't have enough portfolio on weddings, you don't have a big protfolio because no one hires you!! So, how did others started?? I would really appreciate helpful answers specially from actual wedding photographers... did you do one or 2 for free to start a good portfolio?? I have so many ideas and things, but i think my social circle is not so good, i don't have many contacts.. i've seen others in my city doing that some are good, some aren't, but even them get customers... because they have a wide portfolio to show!

I need to know if it is a good marketing strategy to do some contest on my fb fanpage to get a wedding photoshoot or if it is not.. or how on earth to start, to get some nice couple to trust me and let me do their wedding?? I'm trying my best, but everyday i notice photography is an expensive profession, you need gear, you need lots of props, stages, backgrounds... i have bought some through the years but i feel it is not enough... anyway, sorry for adding to much to it.. i think i'm going through some dissapointment moment... hope you guys can help with some advices.. you can check out my webpage at www.moma-studio.com

thanks
thanks for the answers but what i need to know is in fact how some wedding photographers started.. did they shoot 1 or 2 weddings for free first? i'm not a total newbie on this, what i need is to get more for my portfolio.. please guys check these pictures i've taken and judge.. are they just ok or they are in the road to make me become a pro on this? thanks. http://www.momastudiofotografia.com/#!bodas-y-eventos/c117c

Answer
You have some major issues to over come. You stated " i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots". If you are having problems with your gear, and you are not upgrading it, then you are not ready to be a wedding photographer!

Wedding photography in not to be trifled with, either you are serious about it, and are willing to put in the time to learn, and finances for good equipment or you are not. There is not in-between. You are capturing precious moments in a couple's life that cannot be re-created. There are no second chances to get the right.

You will need the proper equipment and backup equipment just in case a camera, lens or flash fails. You need to have insurance and contracts stating exactly what service you are offering. You need to be able to produce professional results quickly with each click of the camera. You have to know your gear inside out, and know how to get the best possible shots in whatever lighting that may present itself.

Take Perki88's advice and be a second shooter with a seasoned pro for a year or two before trying to go on your own. You will learn how to compose good shots, what to shoot, what the minimum equipment needed is, including cameras, lenses, flashes, remotes, etc. You will learn how to shoot under many different lighting conditions and how to properly edit the photographs to make them their very best. Weddings can be very fast paced, extremely demanding on the photographer. It is not something you want to do without prior knowledge and experience.

Looking at your current wedding images, many of them are soft and have a lot of noise, some are the best images, like http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_b92b41c8ab9244a125fb969af392f1a9.jpg_srz_578_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz where the groom's face is totally blocked by the brides bouquet.

The noise is this one http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_214487e56e56847af024611206b17c06.jpg_srz_1239_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz just ruins the photograph. This one is really bad: http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_5f888edc54c199c4a9ec75e087ccd797.jpg_srz_1325_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz

Best wishes.

What is the best lens and flash for wedding photograph?

Elizabeth

I'm looking for an Nikon (only!) lens and flash good for wedding photography. Thanks! =)

Answer
You need a fast zoom with a constant f/2.8. The pretty much standard is the Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8. I've heard good things about the Tokina 12-24mm f/4, but it is a bit slower.You need a moderate telephoto, either zoom 70-300 or a prime, the 85 is heartily recommended. for portraits. You will use the WA for groups and the reception, and the tele for portraits and the ceremony when you are at the back. For really low light, the 50mm f/1.4 or the f/1.8 are hard to beat. You need a SB800 flash, or you can use the SB600 as well, but not as much power. Don't forget the second camera body. You'll need a diffuser of some sort, a bounce card, possible a flash bracket and synch cord.

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What is the best camera lens when shooting a wedding that will be in a church and at the reception?

best camera lens wedding photography image

Alana W

I have been asked to take the photographs at my friends wedding. Which lenses are usually used? I have a canon digital rebel xt. I already have an 18-55 lens and a telephoto lens. The wedding will be at a church, and the reception will be at a hotel hall. Which ones will be suitable for shooting the wedding and reception?

Answer
If you can get your hands on one, buy, borrow or rent a Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 ($1050 retail). On a budget, get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ($450). These lenses provide much better image quality than the 18-55 kit lens, they are considerably faster than the 18-55 kit lens, and they are made to be used at f/2.8 (unlike the kit lens, which needs to be stopped down to around f/8 for best image quality). You'll use this zoom range for 80+ percent of you shots.

If you can't afford these, consider a Canon 50mm f/1.8 for the church ceremony. Used copies cost peanuts and they're under $100 retail. This is NOT the right lens for the job, but it WILL let you do available light photography.

Use your current tele lens for some candids. Or if money is no object, upgrade to a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8.

If you don't already have an external flash, strongly consider one and learn how to use it for fill-flash. The flash of choice is the Canon 580EX ($380). You probably won't be allowed to use it inside the church, but it will be very useful for the formals and at the reception.

Also stock up on memory cards and get an extra battery. Carry spare batteries for your flash as well.

where and how to start as a wedding photographer?

Monica M

So here is the deal, I consider myself as an intermediate photographer. I'm a graphic designer and learnt photography in college (2 courses of ph) . Since then (2007) I got a Nikon D40 which I still own. For bad financial decisions I just haven't been able since then to upgrade my camera. I know it's not about "cameras" but "photographers" what matters and i try repeating that to myself everytime i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots and as my primary business is baby photography is not very easy to keep on manual focusing . Also I shot my bro's wedding and it gave me lots of troubles in poor light conditions (horrible noise at high iso, and other troubles even with a 50mm f1.8 lens)

SO, the thing is I've been trying to get into the business of wedding photography, i feel i can do it but i just can't seem to get any customers! many people ask me prices, my ranges are between $250-700 which i think is ok for my market (i already did some research of similar photographers' prices).

However, what i was wondering is that everybody started somewhere. I started by calling out "casting" baby models on my fb fanpage and that is how i started with children photography and people know me for that. the thing is i like weddings also and i think they can give me better profits than children ph. I wonder how other wedding photographers started out... i mean it's like a vicious circle: no one hires you because you don't have enough portfolio on weddings, you don't have a big protfolio because no one hires you!! So, how did others started?? I would really appreciate helpful answers specially from actual wedding photographers... did you do one or 2 for free to start a good portfolio?? I have so many ideas and things, but i think my social circle is not so good, i don't have many contacts.. i've seen others in my city doing that some are good, some aren't, but even them get customers... because they have a wide portfolio to show!

I need to know if it is a good marketing strategy to do some contest on my fb fanpage to get a wedding photoshoot or if it is not.. or how on earth to start, to get some nice couple to trust me and let me do their wedding?? I'm trying my best, but everyday i notice photography is an expensive profession, you need gear, you need lots of props, stages, backgrounds... i have bought some through the years but i feel it is not enough... anyway, sorry for adding to much to it.. i think i'm going through some dissapointment moment... hope you guys can help with some advices.. you can check out my webpage at www.moma-studio.com

thanks
thanks for the answers but what i need to know is in fact how some wedding photographers started.. did they shoot 1 or 2 weddings for free first? i'm not a total newbie on this, what i need is to get more for my portfolio.. please guys check these pictures i've taken and judge.. are they just ok or they are in the road to make me become a pro on this? thanks. http://www.momastudiofotografia.com/#!bodas-y-eventos/c117c

Answer
You have some major issues to over come. You stated " i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots". If you are having problems with your gear, and you are not upgrading it, then you are not ready to be a wedding photographer!

Wedding photography in not to be trifled with, either you are serious about it, and are willing to put in the time to learn, and finances for good equipment or you are not. There is not in-between. You are capturing precious moments in a couple's life that cannot be re-created. There are no second chances to get the right.

You will need the proper equipment and backup equipment just in case a camera, lens or flash fails. You need to have insurance and contracts stating exactly what service you are offering. You need to be able to produce professional results quickly with each click of the camera. You have to know your gear inside out, and know how to get the best possible shots in whatever lighting that may present itself.

Take Perki88's advice and be a second shooter with a seasoned pro for a year or two before trying to go on your own. You will learn how to compose good shots, what to shoot, what the minimum equipment needed is, including cameras, lenses, flashes, remotes, etc. You will learn how to shoot under many different lighting conditions and how to properly edit the photographs to make them their very best. Weddings can be very fast paced, extremely demanding on the photographer. It is not something you want to do without prior knowledge and experience.

Looking at your current wedding images, many of them are soft and have a lot of noise, some are the best images, like http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_b92b41c8ab9244a125fb969af392f1a9.jpg_srz_578_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz where the groom's face is totally blocked by the brides bouquet.

The noise is this one http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_214487e56e56847af024611206b17c06.jpg_srz_1239_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz just ruins the photograph. This one is really bad: http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_5f888edc54c199c4a9ec75e087ccd797.jpg_srz_1325_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz

Best wishes.

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what are some good wedding photography tips?

best camera lens wedding photography image

Jessica

im only 14 but ive been into photography my whole life. i can take pretty good pictures, and very good at editing. i currently have a nikon d40. i want to become a wedding photographer. can wedding photographers, or any type of photographer give me some tips?

to get started?
what type of cameras?
what age should i start wedding photography?
what kind of pictures to take?
anything, please and thanks.

Answer
Well, I do quite a few different types of photography, including weddings.

Just because you are 14 means only that age limitations apply. You have the youth and energy to craft your photographic trade for decades to come though! Having a Nikon D40 is a great thing. I shoot a D90 with a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 and love it! The fact you can edit is a great plus, seeing that digital photography has a requisite for that kind of talent.

Now, on to your questions...

You've already have gotten started. You have a great camera, you're computer savvy and have drive. Now you need the channels to utilize those energies. How about the school paper? The local paper? Be a free-lance photographer for them! Learn what clients want and find out how you can supply it. How will you make yourself unique (differentiate) as compared to other photographers? Think about this.
As to how to further get started in wedding photography, I learned by taking lots of photographs and reading up on books in the library. I also asked other photographers (like you're doing here) on some tips. It takes time, and you have lots of that!

As for your camera, right now the D40 is fine. Learn the operations of the camera if you haven't already. Knowing your tools is of utmost importance to getting the most from them. In a few years, think about upgrading possibly. Always look to buy the best lenses you can afford. The lens will outlive the camera by decades! Read articles, look at product reviews and see what is the right kind of lenses and bodies for what you want to do. I still have my 6 year old D70 and lenses because my wife is getting into photography and she loves it.

You can do some work on wedding photography right now. Not for pay possibly, but doing some free-lance work and then showing the bride and groom your work afterwards would set you up for something in the near future. I'd say that the earliest you could get some sort of paying work is at 17 or 18. Don't ask me what you could charge... your work/portfolio quality will determine that in a few years.

What kind of pictures? What do you WANT to take pictures of? What really makes you want to snap that picture? That is the motivation you need to focus on! That is what helps differentiate your work from everyone else! I do a lot of landscape, macro, flowers/plants and specialty photography personally.

The best thing to do is:

1) Learn your camera and lenses. What/where are they good at performing? How many lenses do you really need to just start? If you only have one lens then fine. Learn its strengths and weaknesses. Know the camera operations by memory so that when conditions change, you can change the settings accordingly.
Do you have a good prime lens (50mm f/1.8), a good low end zoom (18-70/105mm), a good high focal length zoom (70-300mm)? Maybe, like me, you have a good "walk about" lens (18-270mm). Even if you just have the 18-105mm Nikon lens the D40 came with, it's a very good lens! You can do a lot of fine work with that lens.

2) Read up on the types of photography you'd like to do. Take notes. How about some classes in middle or high school? Go to the library and check out some books so you can refer back to them. That is a no-cost option! Learn the basics of exposure and composition and how to get different effects from different settings of the camera. Don't rely on your software to make a semi-good picture better. Learn to take a great picture right off the bat so you don't have to do any rework on the computer.

3) Learn from your mistakes. Why did the picture come out bad, over or under exposed? How can you work to not do that again? Why is is that certain pictures came out fantastic? What did you do correctly so you can repeat that? Since you have a digital camera, you can usually take several shots of the same subject and see how different settings make the picture change to you liking.

4) Have fun doing whatever you do. I have seen so many people get into photography and get lost in the details that they forget to have FUN!

Good luck!

What is the best camera lens when shooting a wedding that will be in a church and at the reception?

Alana W

I have been asked to take the photographs at my friends wedding. Which lenses are usually used? I have a canon digital rebel xt. I already have an 18-55 lens and a telephoto lens. The wedding will be at a church, and the reception will be at a hotel hall. Which ones will be suitable for shooting the wedding and reception?

Answer
If you can get your hands on one, buy, borrow or rent a Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 ($1050 retail). On a budget, get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ($450). These lenses provide much better image quality than the 18-55 kit lens, they are considerably faster than the 18-55 kit lens, and they are made to be used at f/2.8 (unlike the kit lens, which needs to be stopped down to around f/8 for best image quality). You'll use this zoom range for 80+ percent of you shots.

If you can't afford these, consider a Canon 50mm f/1.8 for the church ceremony. Used copies cost peanuts and they're under $100 retail. This is NOT the right lens for the job, but it WILL let you do available light photography.

Use your current tele lens for some candids. Or if money is no object, upgrade to a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8.

If you don't already have an external flash, strongly consider one and learn how to use it for fill-flash. The flash of choice is the Canon 580EX ($380). You probably won't be allowed to use it inside the church, but it will be very useful for the formals and at the reception.

Also stock up on memory cards and get an extra battery. Carry spare batteries for your flash as well.

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What is the best camera lens when shooting a wedding that will be in a church and at the reception?

best camera lens wedding photography image

Alana W

I have been asked to take the photographs at my friends wedding. Which lenses are usually used? I have a canon digital rebel xt. I already have an 18-55 lens and a telephoto lens. The wedding will be at a church, and the reception will be at a hotel hall. Which ones will be suitable for shooting the wedding and reception?

Answer
If you can get your hands on one, buy, borrow or rent a Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 ($1050 retail). On a budget, get a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 ($450). These lenses provide much better image quality than the 18-55 kit lens, they are considerably faster than the 18-55 kit lens, and they are made to be used at f/2.8 (unlike the kit lens, which needs to be stopped down to around f/8 for best image quality). You'll use this zoom range for 80+ percent of you shots.

If you can't afford these, consider a Canon 50mm f/1.8 for the church ceremony. Used copies cost peanuts and they're under $100 retail. This is NOT the right lens for the job, but it WILL let you do available light photography.

Use your current tele lens for some candids. Or if money is no object, upgrade to a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8.

If you don't already have an external flash, strongly consider one and learn how to use it for fill-flash. The flash of choice is the Canon 580EX ($380). You probably won't be allowed to use it inside the church, but it will be very useful for the formals and at the reception.

Also stock up on memory cards and get an extra battery. Carry spare batteries for your flash as well.

where and how to start as a wedding photographer?

Monica M

So here is the deal, I consider myself as an intermediate photographer. I'm a graphic designer and learnt photography in college (2 courses of ph) . Since then (2007) I got a Nikon D40 which I still own. For bad financial decisions I just haven't been able since then to upgrade my camera. I know it's not about "cameras" but "photographers" what matters and i try repeating that to myself everytime i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots and as my primary business is baby photography is not very easy to keep on manual focusing . Also I shot my bro's wedding and it gave me lots of troubles in poor light conditions (horrible noise at high iso, and other troubles even with a 50mm f1.8 lens)

SO, the thing is I've been trying to get into the business of wedding photography, i feel i can do it but i just can't seem to get any customers! many people ask me prices, my ranges are between $250-700 which i think is ok for my market (i already did some research of similar photographers' prices).

However, what i was wondering is that everybody started somewhere. I started by calling out "casting" baby models on my fb fanpage and that is how i started with children photography and people know me for that. the thing is i like weddings also and i think they can give me better profits than children ph. I wonder how other wedding photographers started out... i mean it's like a vicious circle: no one hires you because you don't have enough portfolio on weddings, you don't have a big protfolio because no one hires you!! So, how did others started?? I would really appreciate helpful answers specially from actual wedding photographers... did you do one or 2 for free to start a good portfolio?? I have so many ideas and things, but i think my social circle is not so good, i don't have many contacts.. i've seen others in my city doing that some are good, some aren't, but even them get customers... because they have a wide portfolio to show!

I need to know if it is a good marketing strategy to do some contest on my fb fanpage to get a wedding photoshoot or if it is not.. or how on earth to start, to get some nice couple to trust me and let me do their wedding?? I'm trying my best, but everyday i notice photography is an expensive profession, you need gear, you need lots of props, stages, backgrounds... i have bought some through the years but i feel it is not enough... anyway, sorry for adding to much to it.. i think i'm going through some dissapointment moment... hope you guys can help with some advices.. you can check out my webpage at www.moma-studio.com

thanks
thanks for the answers but what i need to know is in fact how some wedding photographers started.. did they shoot 1 or 2 weddings for free first? i'm not a total newbie on this, what i need is to get more for my portfolio.. please guys check these pictures i've taken and judge.. are they just ok or they are in the road to make me become a pro on this? thanks. http://www.momastudiofotografia.com/#!bodas-y-eventos/c117c

Answer
You have some major issues to over come. You stated " i see so many limitations on my gear but honestly it starts getting annoying because the focusing is not so good so it makes me lose many shots". If you are having problems with your gear, and you are not upgrading it, then you are not ready to be a wedding photographer!

Wedding photography in not to be trifled with, either you are serious about it, and are willing to put in the time to learn, and finances for good equipment or you are not. There is not in-between. You are capturing precious moments in a couple's life that cannot be re-created. There are no second chances to get the right.

You will need the proper equipment and backup equipment just in case a camera, lens or flash fails. You need to have insurance and contracts stating exactly what service you are offering. You need to be able to produce professional results quickly with each click of the camera. You have to know your gear inside out, and know how to get the best possible shots in whatever lighting that may present itself.

Take Perki88's advice and be a second shooter with a seasoned pro for a year or two before trying to go on your own. You will learn how to compose good shots, what to shoot, what the minimum equipment needed is, including cameras, lenses, flashes, remotes, etc. You will learn how to shoot under many different lighting conditions and how to properly edit the photographs to make them their very best. Weddings can be very fast paced, extremely demanding on the photographer. It is not something you want to do without prior knowledge and experience.

Looking at your current wedding images, many of them are soft and have a lot of noise, some are the best images, like http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_b92b41c8ab9244a125fb969af392f1a9.jpg_srz_578_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz where the groom's face is totally blocked by the brides bouquet.

The noise is this one http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_214487e56e56847af024611206b17c06.jpg_srz_1239_885_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz just ruins the photograph. This one is really bad: http://static.wix.com/media/cd9b4d_5f888edc54c199c4a9ec75e087ccd797.jpg_srz_132

How to get started in wedding photography?

best camera lens wedding photography image

Elle

I want to start to do portraits and wedding photography outside because I like to take photos outside rather than indoors. What equipment would I need to buy so I can do that? Currently I only have a canon t1i and the kit lens.
Should I shadow someone to learn?

Answer
* Learn how to use a fully adjustable camera (school is the fastest and least frustrating way to do this)
*Work as an assistant to a wedding photography. Buy the equipment you need earned from the excellent work you do while working with the pro
* once you have learned the business and accumulated the equipment you need, figure out what you have to make per wedding to stay in business.

Here is something to help you determine how much that is.

https://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/cdb/cdbcalc.cfm

Most wedding photographers have two dSLR's one full frame and one APS-C sensored camera. They also have two dedicated electronic flash units with flash diffusers, each mounted on a flash bracket to avoid redeye.

Lenses: 24-70 mm f/2.8, 70-200 mm f/2.8 and 50 mm f/1.4
Memory cards: 6 to 8 - 4 gb CF cards
Lots of spare batteries

what are some good wedding photography tips?

Jessica

im only 14 but ive been into photography my whole life. i can take pretty good pictures, and very good at editing. i currently have a nikon d40. i want to become a wedding photographer. can wedding photographers, or any type of photographer give me some tips?

to get started?
what type of cameras?
what age should i start wedding photography?
what kind of pictures to take?
anything, please and thanks.

Answer
Well, I do quite a few different types of photography, including weddings.

Just because you are 14 means only that age limitations apply. You have the youth and energy to craft your photographic trade for decades to come though! Having a Nikon D40 is a great thing. I shoot a D90 with a Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 and love it! The fact you can edit is a great plus, seeing that digital photography has a requisite for that kind of talent.

Now, on to your questions...

You've already have gotten started. You have a great camera, you're computer savvy and have drive. Now you need the channels to utilize those energies. How about the school paper? The local paper? Be a free-lance photographer for them! Learn what clients want and find out how you can supply it. How will you make yourself unique (differentiate) as compared to other photographers? Think about this.
As to how to further get started in wedding photography, I learned by taking lots of photographs and reading up on books in the library. I also asked other photographers (like you're doing here) on some tips. It takes time, and you have lots of that!

As for your camera, right now the D40 is fine. Learn the operations of the camera if you haven't already. Knowing your tools is of utmost importance to getting the most from them. In a few years, think about upgrading possibly. Always look to buy the best lenses you can afford. The lens will outlive the camera by decades! Read articles, look at product reviews and see what is the right kind of lenses and bodies for what you want to do. I still have my 6 year old D70 and lenses because my wife is getting into photography and she loves it.

You can do some work on wedding photography right now. Not for pay possibly, but doing some free-lance work and then showing the bride and groom your work afterwards would set you up for something in the near future. I'd say that the earliest you could get some sort of paying work is at 17 or 18. Don't ask me what you could charge... your work/portfolio quality will determine that in a few years.

What kind of pictures? What do you WANT to take pictures of? What really makes you want to snap that picture? That is the motivation you need to focus on! That is what helps differentiate your work from everyone else! I do a lot of landscape, macro, flowers/plants and specialty photography personally.

The best thing to do is:

1) Learn your camera and lenses. What/where are they good at performing? How many lenses do you really need to just start? If you only have one lens then fine. Learn its strengths and weaknesses. Know the camera operations by memory so that when conditions change, you can change the settings accordingly.
Do you have a good prime lens (50mm f/1.8), a good low end zoom (18-70/105mm), a good high focal length zoom (70-300mm)? Maybe, like me, you have a good "walk about" lens (18-270mm). Even if you just have the 18-105mm Nikon lens the D40 came with, it's a very good lens! You can do a lot of fine work with that lens.

2) Read up on the types of photography you'd like to do. Take notes. How about some classes in middle or high school? Go to the library and check out some books so you can refer back to them. That is a no-cost option! Learn the basics of exposure and composition and how to get different effects from different settings of the camera. Don't rely on your software to make a semi-good picture better. Learn to take a great picture right off the bat so you don't have to do any rework on the computer.

3) Learn from your mistakes. Why did the picture come out bad, over or under exposed? How can you work to not do that again? Why is is that certain pictures came out fantastic? What did you do correctly so you can repeat that? Since you have a digital camera, you can usually take several shots of the same subject and see how different settings make the picture change to you liking.

4) Have fun doing whatever you do. I have seen so many people get into photography and get lost in the details that they forget to have FUN!

Good luck!

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