Photographers: when you shoot a wedding how many photos do you capture?

In the old days of 120 film, I shot about 150 photos, and I tried to make sure every one counted. Now I shoot 400–500 digitally (RAW format), and edit them down to about 350–400.

as many as you possibly can
just in case

~1000 between 2

Thanks all I was curious. I just purhased a 16gb card from my slr and was curious if it was enough. I guess 900+ RAW sounds like it would do nicely.

I’d be cautious about shooting a whole wedding on one card. If it crashes, you’re done. I’d recommend 4–4GB cards.

Digital, Professional: ~5000 Our photographer shot 5269.
Digital, Casual: ~500 I took 453 at a friend’s wedding.
Manual is a whole different animal.

I haven’t had an issue with the card crashing. [Knocks on wood.]
I used four 4GB cards and had to run out to get another 10GB one.
Think I would have preferred having two 16 GB cards instead.
Less fumbling with the camera to change cards.
You don’t want to miss any critical moments.

Out of 5269, we’ve got about 1,222 keepers.
But we’ve got to whittle it down to TWENTY for an album. Insanity.

As for the 453 I shot at a friend’s wedding?
I’d tell you, if I could actually figure out how to edit them first.
Obviously also depends on how picky you are…and how much practice you’ve had.

I will shoot 1,200 – 2,500 depending on the party size. I use at least two 16’s and change them when there is a lull in the action.

Between 800–1200, more if it is a large wedding and reception. This does not count any pre-wedding sessions with bride, groom, wedding party. I will shoot more at outdoor weddings, usually because of my doubts about lighting situations.

Nimis nails it about whittling down the shots. I will do my whittling, then let my wife do some whittling (she sees things with brides that I don’t, then let the client do their whittling.

I’ve never had a card crash, but I have made stupid mistakes when downloading images. So, I do the multiple card thing as well. I also use a good point-n-shoot to shoot a couple of hundred shots. Guess I am a belt and suspenders guy when it comes to weddings.

I also use the multi-image setting to take three pictures at a time, if someone blinks etc. you have three images of the same thing a fraction of a second apart. you can choose the best of the set.

Hundreds to thousands. What you end up with in the end is all dependent.

@DrBill Good call on the multi image setting. Though it may eat through your batteries faster (if you keep viewing and deleting 2/3 of your shots). Or take up room on your card. Take an extra card if you do?

@all I’m also curious.
Are these numbers for a professional or personal shoot?

To those concerned about cards failing, one thing that can help prevent this is formatting your card to empty it rather than using your camera’s “delete all” function. This clears up small files and gives it a fresh start. Also do this on the camera and not in your computer.