Can I photograph a wedding with only a Canon 350D and 50mm f/1.8?
Asked 9/22/2010
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I’ve been asked to photograph my cousin’s wedding: the church ceremony, some outdoor portraits in a nearby park, and possibly part of the reception. My budget is very limited, so I’m working with a Canon 350D, a 50mm f/1.8, two external flashes (580EX and 420EX), plus a tripod and monopod.
I’m comfortable with the 50mm for portraits, but I often wish I had something wider. Is it realistic to cover a wedding effectively with only this setup, especially the ceremony and reception? If so, what should I plan for, and what limitations should I make clear to the couple?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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It depends on your and the couple's expectations. No expectations? No problems.
As the main shooter in getting high quality shots? Very difficult. Without experience? Pretty much impossible. Though it depends highly on the venue and how it is orchestrated. Outside before and after shots, pose shots, etc. are no problem, but the ceremony and reception are important. You need to get key moments where you are not in control, and having to run backwards/forwards to get the right framing will cost you (and will also be distracting). It's the same reason why wedding photographers use 2 bodies, so they won't waste time to get the right shot. Wide angles are great for telling the story, be it the Ceremony, the first dance, or subsequent festivities. Even if they are okay with portrait-only shots, you'll still be running around a lot or capturing them with deep DoF and cropping away resolution. In the least, it will be very stressful.
If I had one lens and they asked me to be the main photographer, I would decline and recommend some tips on finding a good budget photographer. I think it's a special day and would not want to capture something less than what I know I could do for someone I know. I've seen some horrible wedding pictures.
If you want to learn to do wedding photography, become a second shooter.
Originally by user389. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user389
15y ago
0
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You can make some good photos with that kit, but covering a wedding the way most couples expect will be very difficult.
The main issue is not just the gear, but that weddings are fast, unpredictable, and have no do-overs. On a 350D, a 50mm behaves like a short telephoto, so it’s fine for portraits and candids but usually not wide enough for the ceremony space, groups, storytelling shots, or much of the reception. You may miss important moments while moving to reframe, and that can also be distracting.
So: yes, you can photograph parts of the day well—especially posed outdoor portraits and some candid moments—but as the primary photographer for full wedding coverage, this setup is very limiting.
Most important: make sure the couple fully understands what you can and cannot deliver. If they only want a small set of portraits/candids and accept the limitations, it may be fine. If they expect full professional-style coverage, it’s probably not realistic, especially without wedding experience.
If possible, consider renting or borrowing wider options and/or backup gear.
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