Equipment Suggestions for Wedding Photography

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/21/2008 09:41:38 PM · #1

Well, I was just hired as an assistant (2nd) photographer for a company that does wedding photography. I had my first (paid) shoot this weekend, and I loved it. It will be a good opportunity to learn a lot!

I have the Canon 20D and the 580EX flash. The next two pieces of equipment I'd like to get is a flash bracket and a battery pack for the flash.

Any suggestions? I'm thinking that a bracket that rotates the flash rather than the camera would be better for me. But I'd like to know your suggestions. When I rotate, I rotate counterclockwise (hand on top).

Thanks!
Paul

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

04/21/2008 10:09:11 PM · #2

I have the Custom Bracket Pro-M. It's on the expensive side (but cheaper than what the web page shows). But I've owned a cheaper bracket and can say that the more expensive CB is much more durable and has a much smoother action. The cheaper one lasted less than a year. I've had the CB for several years now. I like, too, that it stands up on its own.

I use the CB even when I'm using studio strobes (i.e. no flash on the bracket). The reason is that I can place the CB on a tripod and can easily and quickly rotate the camera without having to adjust the tripod in any way. It makes it easy to keep the camera and tripod in place, even as I shoot alternately vertical or horizontal compositions.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/22/2008 07:08:44 AM · #3

Thanks Dave. Any suggestion for a battery pack?

Prof_Fate

04/22/2008 09:09:47 AM · #4

I suppose from your list of next to get you're shooting old school traditional (posed, flash-lit) images mostly. The trend these day sis for more natural light, less posed, candid shots - that requires a better camera (better low light focus, high ISO performance and faster FPS). It also requires fast lenses - either IS equipped 2.8 zooms or 1.2-ish primes - yeah, it's not cheap, but that's what the brides want these days, and what they're willing to pay (more) for.

While a 1D3 rocks, a 40D is a bit more price friendly and pretty capable focus, ISO and speed wise. The 14bit RAW files compete in IQ also.
17-55 2.8 IS, 70-200 2.8 IS, 10-22 or perhaps the tokina 10-17 fisheye.
50 1.4 (or 1.2), 85 1.8 (or 1.2), 28 1.8 (or 24 1.4), 135 2.0 (2.8 SF will work in a pinch)

For old school a bracket is nice I suppose, but bounced flash right on the camera, or a flash completely off the camera (side lighting, backlighting) gives nicer images. A bracket is more weight for not much benefit IMO. I know some folks that like the faster recycle of extra batts on a flash, but I don't like being tethered to my camera if I need to set it down.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

04/22/2008 09:37:49 AM · #5

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

For old school a bracket is nice I suppose, but bounced flash right on the camera, or a flash completely off the camera (side lighting, backlighting) gives nicer images. A bracket is more weight for not much benefit IMO.

Of course bouncing the flash is out of the question if the ceiling/wall is far away. Also, if the wall is colored bouncing is ill-advised, unless you want to tint your bride the same color. Getting the flash(es) off the camera is nice too, but not really do-able in the middle of a busy reception.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

04/22/2008 11:22:10 AM · #6

If you're being paid to get th shot, even if you're second-shooter, you need a backup body.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/22/2008 11:34:05 AM · #7

Yup...got one..the rebel.

Originally posted by kirbic:

If you're being paid to get th shot, even if you're second-shooter, you need a backup body.

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

04/22/2008 04:57:46 PM · #8

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

For old school a bracket is nice I suppose, but bounced flash right on the camera,

Turn your camera sideways for a portrait shot and suddenly your flash bounces off the nearest wall (which may not be so near or may be obstructed by living bodies). And besides which, if it does work, you end up with shadows to the sides of the subjects.

The flash bracket keeps the shadows hidden straight down below the subject because the flash is always above the lens no matter what orientation you're shooting. That's the advantage of the flash bracket.