Buying a new lens and flash for wedding photography?
I'm looking into getting a new lens for some wedding photography I ll be doing in the near future. Also potentially looking for recommendations for a flash.
I've been having a look at some recommendations including the sigma 30mm f1.4 art, and a Nikon 24mm f1.4, plus others.
Could anyone offer some recommendations and reviews based on their experiences with these or other lenses that may be useful? I'm not looking to spend a fortune either so please keep that in mind haha.
Are you the main photographer or just someone attending a wedding wanting to get some quality amateur shots?
If you are the main photographer then you fail at the first hurdle. The fact that you need to ask this question casts serious doubts over your ability. Just having a "professional" camera and a prime lens doesn't make you a photographer.
What lens(es) do you have already? As well as the fast primes you are asking about you also need some fast zooms -a 24-70mm f/2.8 and a 70-200mm f/2.8 are a good start point.
As for flash, get the most powerful one you can find and be sure to have plenty of spare batteries.
Also have a good pair of running shoes to make your escape if you screw up on the biggest day in the bride and groom's life.
If you're using a full frame body, you'll literally be between the bride and groom with those lenses. While they are excellent, wedding photography poses some unique challenges that those wide angle primes won't overcome. If you have only 1 lens, it should be a 24-70… At least for a ceremony. Posed shots can be done with a prime, but longer focal lengths will be more natural and appealing. After the 24-70, a fast 85 or 135 prime would be a good second lens. Finally, a lens wider than 24 might be useful indoors during a reception/party. For flash, you'll do better with a remote and off-camera strobes on stands.
Define what you mean by "near future". Based on hints that you've given about your current skill level, that should be 2-3 years, some of which you will spend as an assistant and then second shooter for a professional. One does not just jump into wedding photography. It's the most challenging and stress-inducing genre, largely because two key people (the bride and the bride's mother) often have greater expectations than would be warranted by the bride in her current manifestation and they expect the photographer to fulfill them and more.
Since you are already experienced as a wedding photographer, you should be able to pick your next lens (portrait or moderate zoom)
My colleagues who specialize in wedding photography use a full frame digital SLR with an 85 mm medium telephoto for candid and formal portraits and a 24-70 mm for the rest of the wedding sessions.
Usually, by the time you have worked for six months or more as an assistant to a working pro, all this would have become self-evident.
Any dedicated electronic flash will do what you need.
Go with a Nikon SB flash that can accept external power cords, has a tilt/swivel head, and that spread the output wide enough to cover your widest lens' angel of view.
go to bhphotovideo.com to see what's available.
For weddings you need a versatile lens which can cover most situations without having to be interchanged. On a crop-frame DSLR body, which I assume you have, a lens of 17mm to 50mm or to 55mm at constant f2.8 is the best. If you have a full-frame body you need a 24mm to 70mm at constant f2.8.
If you do go for a fixed lens (prime lens) go for 35mm on crop frame, or 50mm on full frame, but be prepared for problems with photographing big groups in small spaces. You might also need a wide-angle.
See the link at the end of my post for lots of lens info.
Weddings are tough photo assignments if done properly, are you sure you are ready? There's no room for error and if something happens - no way to reshoot it.
Planning
Visiting church
Going to rehearsal - shoot that for practice
Backup gear
Have an assistant
Plan the group shots
Wear deodorant - you will need it
Most pros charge hundreds if not thousands of dollars for prime wedding photography - because it is tough work and is supposed to last a lifetime.
Wedding assignments are expected to deliver traditional wedding images, complete with posed group shots - and very little of it is simple snapshots.
It is great that you are making such great business plans - just make sure you can deliver quality results.
Good luck - see linked page for more info
http://www.christophermaxwell.com/wedding-photography-tips.htm