New to flash, want to get into Wedding Photography

[vicky2]

I'd like to start photographing at weddings I attend to get some experience,and

eventually would love to start pursuing wedding photography professionally. My

past experience with photography is only travel and sports, so I do not have

any experience with flash and have never owned a flash.

 

Does anyone have any advice? I would really be very thankful as there is so

much info out there that it is overwhelming to search. Looking for all advice,

and specifically:

 

1. What kind of flash to start with?

 

(I have a Canon 30D, 17-55 2.8 lens and 70-200 2.8 lens)

 

 

 

2. What other "equipment" do I need besides a flash?

 

 

3. Does the flash itself need to be set each time you take a photo, in addition

to setting the camera f-stop/aperture?

 

 

 

4. What's the best way to get into wedding photography?

 

 

 

Thank you for your help.

[mitchfalk]

Seriously - you have to get at least 2 or 3 of everything. On event day if something suddenly breaks there are no do overs at a later date, you just ruined their wedding and your reputation.

[stephen dohring]

1. The best one cannon makes

2. A backup body for sure maybee a faster 1.8 50mm but low priority you have good lenses to start.

3. no just make sure it is recharged before snapping the next shot

4. Assist a pro then second shoot for a pro.

[jimstrutz]

1) Canon 580EX, with Canon CP-E3 battery pack

 

2) A flip type camera bracket to keep the flash in line, and Off Camera Shoe Cord to make the flash work on the bracket. Perhaps a flash diffuser of some sort. Lots of memory cards so you can shoot in RAW, and a good fast RAW converter for your computer. Plus, a spare everything, as has been said.

 

3) You often have to change settings on, or for, your flash, but generally not every time. Things like FEC are commonly changed from scene to scene, but sometimes you may also have to set high speed sync, or second curtain sync, etc.

 

4) What Steve said, work for an experienced pro first.

[zofia]

http://www.planetneil.com, invaluable flash technique info!

[gregory_c]

#4, run away !!!!!! Ok, do not do friends weddings, ok, for real this time, pratice first, go to a friend's wedding, ask the pro photographer if OK to photo bride, bridesmaids, etc. where he is NOT photographing. Pros do not like for you to shoot over their shoulder. Then watch him/her pose, communicate, shoot, sweat & sweat. Shoot candids during reception, work with a pro is as a assistant probably the best.Or have been raised around it.I came from a photography family, we have Dektol for blood !! Main thing is patience and practice, do not be afraid to shoot your camera on manual, experiment with settings until you get images excellent. Then remember the settings ! ps,do not experiment too much when you shoot for money !!

good luck,,,

[russell_limprecht]

1. Add Energizer 15 minute battery charger for those 580EX batteries. Also get 2nd battery for the 30D plus a charger.

 

I have the 70-200 L IS. It is excellent.