Looking for ideas and suggestions

[Joel Weine]

Hello from Long Island, NY. I was led to your site through the internet. I am impressed by the quality and tone of your forums vis-à-vis some other forum sites.

I have been taking photos for over 30 years as an avid 60 year old amateur. I take mostly landscapes but have forayed into architectural pictures as well, although without a PC lens. I have played with both color print and black & white film.

I presently have a Nikon N2000, N8008 and, for a couple of days now, a D60. My lenses include a Nikkor manual focus 50mm f1.8, a Tamron manual focus SP 90mm f1.25 macro lens with a 1:1 extension tube, an AF Nikkor 35-105mm f3.5-4.5 and the two lenses that came with the D60, AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR and 55—200mm f4.5-5.6 G VR ED. I also have a Nikon SB-24 speedlight which according to the manufacturer cannot be used in TTL mode on the D60.

My step-daughter is getting married next June and she has asked that I take the outdoor wedding photos as she and her fiancé cannot afford a professional photographer. I will not be part of the wedding party so I’m “available.“ I bought the D60 for this purpose.

Having never done this before I’m trying to learn as much as I can about appropriate techniques, lighting and tools. By the way I’ve read that this is less than the best of ideas but I’m kind of looking forward to it. One caveat though is that for the most part the reception will be handled by the guests with disposables I’ll supply. After all I want to enjoy myself, too!

Right now I’m considering a two flash set up with one on the camera and one off to the side to be fired by wireless remote. This would seem to be ideal for two SB-800’s but they are too expensive. I’m considering a SB-600 and an SB-400 with either an Elinchrom EL-Skyport set or a MicroSync Radio Slave kit. Any suggestions?

 

[Kathy Rappaport]

Venue

Well for having been shooting for 30 years myself, and formerly owner of a Nikon 8008 - first I will welcome you to OPF. Second, I am working now as a pro doing mostly people, Events, and some Weddings. I am a Canon Digital Shooter now but what I do see is that the low light capability of your lens line up isn't there.

Brides move as do the rest of the wedding party. Lots of venues and many officiants don't allow flash during the ceremony and even with flash you don't have enough capability to shoot any dances or reception acitivity after dark. Disposable cameras will yield some snapshots of funny faces and stuff that rarely will go in an album.

I suggest that you practice shooting things/people that move with the kit you have. Start with maybe some shooting inside or even at the park at dusk and see what results you get. Maybe your wife can model for you or even your stepdaughter.

Then I will tell you that no matter what, you would want to let your stepdaughter know that you are not experienced at this type of photography and tell her not to hold it against you if she doesn't get the results she wants. The first wedding I shot was of a friend of 40 years and while I did a great job, got all the shots, she was unhappy with herself (she gained a lot of weight) and the photos brought it to her attention creating a bit of an issue for a while. Family relationships are hard enough without her coming back at you upset. It might be worthwhile for you to contribute the amount you'd spend on gear on a photographer for at least the ceremony and some formals for a shoot and burn. (just shooting and a disk of images). Just a suggestion. I wouldn't touch the photography with my own stepchildren's events for all the tea in China. Actually, I'd be happy to be invited at all!