Rex Photography

Wedding photography equipment?

I would like to take some photos at an upcoming wedding this next spring. I am new to photography and I am taking classes now on how to use my camera. What I would like to know is what equipment I will need. I will just be taking casual, practice photos and using this for a learning experience. I have a Nikon D40 (I am thinking about getting a D80 or a D200), I have a 18-55mm lens, a 70-200mm lens and an SB800 flash (do I need a diffuser?). I am considering purchasing a 70-300mm af-s vr lens. What else do I need to consider? Thanks for your help!!! I also have a tripod.

Public Comments

1. Will you need a tripod? This will help you take steady photos. You should take an extra battery because you never know if you'll run out. If you think you'll be taking more pictures than your memory can hold, take an extra memory stick. If you want your pictures to look really good, try out a few filters, but Idon't think they're necessary for what you're doing.
2. tripod, notebook and a pen, a plan - shot list a
3. The 18 - 55mm lens will be more than adequate. You will require a defuser if you know how to use one as this will cut down harsh shadows although this is not always required if you are not to close too a background (wall etc). Don't forget extra batteries etc and a tripod for static groups . Wedding photography is usually fairly simple as no special equipment is required like other commercial photographs (High speed etc). No need for any improvement in camera so good luck and have a nice day.
4. What kind of wedding it would be... outdoor/indoor, day/night? If I were you and it's an indoor or night condition (or both)... I'd use the18-55mm exclusively because you're going to need to use your flash very often, and telephoto lenses aren't very useful here (you can shoot from a distance but the flash won't be able to reach it anyway). A diffuser can help a lot but I myself like to bounce my flash off the ceiling so I don't need it that much. Except, of course, if it's an outdoor wedding. I don't think you're going to need a new camera or lenses for the time being. A tripod would definitely help, but keep in mind that it only will work on a still object during low light condition. If you're into it, you might want to bring a studio ligths or two with umbrella/soft boxes. But also keep in mind that those lights aren't so portable so usually I only use it for a family photo and so on. I hope this helps!
5. i think you should consider the nikon 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. they're both awesome for low light photos and they give you great bokeh and depth of field. the f/1.8 is very inexpensive - usually around $100. the f/1.4 is around 300 or 400 dollars.