wedding gear advice

[cesc]

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Hi! I have a friend who is getting married next week and I have been asked to take some photos during the wedding using film. I am wondering which equipment is "better" for a wedding. I know I am also a guest, so my intention is to go light, only with my Leica MP and a 28mm for wide shots, or in the crowd zone.. but it's a 2.8f so I will have to rate the film at 1600 because low light situations. Should I look for a 35mm 1.4 summilux?  My budget doesn't allow me to go for a 28mm 1.4

Also if I decide to go for a 35mm, does it makes sense to grab a 50mm, just in case, for some "close ups"shots orIt won't be very different from a 35mm field of view

so to sum up a bit my thoughts

- go with the 28mm and add a 50mm and just push film

- go with a 35mm 1.4 to have this extra stops of light

Also if anybody can share his experience in wedding photography and equipment using film I would love to hear from them

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

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[Al Brown]

Absolutely the most awesome and convenient wedding lens is the 28mm... You can do perfectly fine close-ups providing the subject(s) is/are in the centre of the frame. Your budget will surely allow you to go for 28mm Voigtlander Ultron 28mm f/2 ASPH, one of the best 28mm Leica M lenses you can get period. No need for 35, no need for 50. Thank me later.

Edited August 31, 2022 by Al Brown

[cesc]

I forgot to mention I am using the Biogon 28mm 2.8f. But I'll take a look at the Voigtlander Ultron having that extra stop it's always good

[Al Brown]

You can find the images made with that lens (type II) here.

[Dennis]

If you want to bring (and use) one super versatile lens only, I would suggest a 35/2 or 35/1.4. There is nothing you can't do with a 35mm at weddings. I use it 70% professionally for weddings, and the remaining 30% goes between 24mm and 58mm.
If you want to "work" (responsibility) more and enjoy (as a guest) less, bring your 28 Biogon, use it at f4 and f8, plus an extra 50 2.8/2/1.4 (whatever) for details, portraits, and a telephoto approach. 
Good luck.

Edited August 31, 2022 by Dennis
typos

[earleygallery]

Don't buy new stuff to use at a wedding, use equipment that you're already familiar with and know it works and the kind of results it turns out!

Presumably they have an official photographer and you're doing extras, so don't replicate the formal shots or anything the official 'tog is doing, get candids of the couple and guests and photos of details.

Relax, have fun and enjoy the day as a guest.

[spydrxx]

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Mt limited wedding shooting, always as a 2nd to the official photographer - whose permission is always secured to shoot as long as I stay out of the way, is if the wedding is indoors, or evening outdoors, have a reliable flash and know how to use it so you get natural looking shots. The last one I shot, I bumped up the ISO as I knew most of the action was expected to be outdoors during the daytime. The official photographer still used flash outdoors and produced much better results than I did. Indoors , although not dim by any means, really would have benefitted from a bounce flash in a number of my shots. 

[Jean-Michel]

Guest and photographer = unhappiness all around. Be one or the other, never both.

I got around a similar request some years ago — the couple did not have ample resources to ether hire me (awkward to say the least) or another studio. So I simply purchased a bunch of one-time throwaway cameras and put on on each table for the guests to use at will. I collected the camera at the end and paid for the processing as a gift to the couple. I also did a few formal images, but nothing requiring much equipment, etc.

I quickly google-checked, and such cameras are still available for example see: https://thedarkroom.com/disposable-cameras-top-cameras-reviewed-compared/kodak-fun-saver-disposable-camera/

 

 

[chuhsi1]

I wouldn’t agree to be a side photographer at a friend’s wedding. I also wouldn’t buy a new focal length or lens for a wedding because of the lack of practice before the wedding. 
 

the film comment is interesting. If your friend is just looking for a few film-like photos, maybe ask the hired photographer to process a few shots with a film look. 

[grahamc]

I’d agree that it’s not necessary to purchase a new lens for this type of occasion (which essentially sounds like you doing a good turn for a friend and adding some creative and nice memories to the day). I’ve layed out on gear for that kind of thing before and in the rush of the day you end up leaning on the gear you know best anyway because you want to deliver nice (and known) results for your friend .
 

can I ask which of the lenses you mentioned you already own ? The 28 and 50 or just the 28? 

 

I don’t see low light as being a huge issue, you could lean more toward capturing the natural light parts of the day or even buy flash for the reception that’s always fun when things get lively, and zone focus with the 28, especially as you are a guest not the photographer that could make for some great images close to the action and IMO that’s a great look with a Leica kit and using film, particularly B&W 
 

 

Edited September 1, 2022 by grahamc

[Susie]

I am oh! so relieved that you did not ask for advice on wedding tackle.

If the film is rated at 400 ASA you should be able to record something, as long as the wedding isn't in a mine.  Don't forget that it would be pointless to buy a large aperture lens only to stop it down to f/2,8.

Susie

[a.noctilux]

Wedding photography is something so "special" that changing gear to do it is little help or nil.

Good wedding photographer DO have many years of practices, so it's not so easy.

 

I agree that being guest and photographer is something to avoid,

not because photographer or married couple, but results would deceive.

 

I don't know why they (wedding pro. photog.) usually use flash 😇.

 

[Aryel]

I’d suggest to ‘document’ the wedding from your viewpoint as a guest. You can relax enjoy and snap. I’d take whatever gear you normally use. Maybe spend some time to choose the emulsion and developer (if you go b&w).  

This way you can enjoy the wedding whilst taking photos from a perspective not accessible to the pro who will be there. Last time I went to a wedding I took some photos of the photo session with the family including the photographer in the frame, got it printed in a nice shop. They really liked it. Sorry, I cannot share this one…

In my opinion, have fun, your photos will only be better and this way you can definitely be a guest and a photographer. 

Edited September 1, 2022 by Aryel

[OR120]

If I was a guest taking a few (moments) shots - I would bring one camera and one lens. Use gear you already have. That's it. You don't want to waste time changing lenses and missing moments. As I shoot digital - I bring extra batteries and extra cards. I know you are shooting film. Keep it simple. Focus on moments and skip changing lenses. Look for things the hired gun isn't shooting. But that's just my opinion - you know. Have fun!

[rramesh]

If there is an official photographer, I would suggest this:

1. For main shots use a 50 lens. With this, you can stand further back and pick interesting shots without getting in the way of the official photographer. Here the 28mm may be too wide as you need to stand closer.
2. The 28 or 35 would be useful for capturing groups shots (family and friends) on the side.

Do note that you often need to jostle with the many folks who will be whipping out their mobile phones to take pictures.

[drew.saunders]

Can you rent? Lens Rentals in the US lists the 28/1.4 for $275 for 7 days. You can rent for fewer days or more. 

[Drmat]

i recently took some photos at a wedding as a guest.  The bride and groom hired a photographer.  I shot in my own style (monochrom, 50mm wide open)and it turns out they really liked my stuff to the point that other guests asked if i could shoot at their weddings.  The trouble with weddings is everyone thinks they need the classic stuff, but what they really want is candid photos that give a feeling of the day.  I echo the advice - use what you are comfortable with and you do you.  That way you get your best work.