[chips]

Ok I did the stupid thing I volunteered to do a wedding !!
I was blackmailed
Tried to avoid it but there was No way out.
HELP !!!! I am starting to worry --the down side
The up side -the lady in doors (who by the way volunteered me)
Has agreed to put her hand in her pocket and by the flash gun.
So I was thinking of a 18-35mm lends ????
1 Is this a good choice
2 What would be a alternative??
3 If the sun light is good what about White balance.
4 If the light is poor do I go with the safe option and just set to flash
5 Or do I just panic and set the camera to auto……….
6 Or do I just disappear of the face of the map for the next few years
7 I have a Canon 350
HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dabhand16]

There are several threads on this subject, all of which have lots of good advice and tips.

I think an 18-35 might leave you a little short for some shots, and maybe an 18-70 or thereabouts would be better.

I've not done a wedding, so I'll leave it for those who have to give you some pointers about the actual shoot.

[talk2me9]

Chips
Don't panic! Not ideal situation or camera but I reckon you can pull it off despite advice to contrary. I did my first wedding a couple of weeks ago so I know exactly how you feel!
Firstly you definitely need a flash gun with ability to bounce off walls or ceilings.
I upgraded from 350D to a 40D but that is a luxury, lenses are more important.
I had a 17-85 and borrowed a something to 135 I think! Yes you need a wide angle to cope with the group shots which I found the most difficult bit of the day. I now have a 50mm prime 1.8 which is amazing for portraits (only about £50, known as the "nifty 50")and I so wish I had that on the day! I also borrowed a 75-300 during the evening which was brilliant for picking off those special moments from afar! I have just posted a request for advice on which lense to get in this category so maybe worth seeing if I get any response. More important than any of this is nothing to do with cameras...
Make sure you know someone, such as the Best Man who can round up family members...people management is the key!
If you have loads of money get lenses with at least 2.8, dark churches or halls don't always allow you to use flash so you need to open up aperture.
Lastly, buy flash and lenses early enough to practice using before wedding.
Just so you know my bride and groom were thrilled, although as a photographer I was critical of my results!
I have accepted a second wedding to do in June so it can't be all bad!!
Good luck
Andy

[stepheno]

There is lots of good advice regarding lenses, flash, lighting etc, etc but you can still do the shoot without them. BUT.....you can't do the shoot without a camera, battery or memory card so take spares of each. Even if your backup camera is a point and shoot.

Can you imagine, a crucial point in the procedings, and your camera, battery or card fails? Doesn't bear thinking about.

[chips]

Thanks every one for the sound advice .
In for a penny in for a pound fingers crossed.
If anyone has any more basic advice please pleas !!! post I will keep checking

[Charlotte]

I'm in the same boat, chips. There's a lot of good advice in this thread, go check it out