Nighttime wedding

Hi, 
So, i have my very first professional gig this upcoming Friday. I’m doing my very first wedding and I’m nervous. It’s an outdoor wedding that’s start at 5pm. It will be dark outside and I’m afraid i may not get any good shots!! any tips? should i buy a camera flash?

The fact that you are asking this question clarifies only one thing: You are not ready to be shooting any wedding, at any time of day. Period.

I'm not trying to be unkind, just realistic. On what is arguably someone's most important day, you are unsure as to lighting, and own none? You are facing possibly the worst scenario (in the dark) for any shooter period, not just a wedding, and you don't know the answer to a very basic question.

You're not ready. This is a recipe for disaster. One starts by second or third shooting weddings to learn, before one ever attempts to photograph someone's wedding as a professional.

Oh: you're not a professional yet, by any definition. Repeatable, predictable results are the hallmark of a professional photographer. Can you do that?

Do the couple a favor and suggest they (quickly) find and hire someone with experience. Or, if they have no budget, do your best and hopefully they'll be satisfied.

Gary sounds about right on this. Just saying you have a professional 'gig' seems like you just learned that term online but not that you're a pro or have the necessary skills.

This is on Friday?? What I would suggest since it's probably too late to get out of it, would be to go early while it's still light and at least get pictures of any decorations, etc. before it gets dark. See where and how things are set up, notice where they have any tiki style outdoor torches, or stringing tiny white lights, etc. Figure out vantage points to be able to use the existing light as possible.

You might need to use a high ISO setting which may or may not be the best quality due to digital 'noise' at higher settings. Try opening up the lens (which at the largest aperture may not be its sharpest) to let in as much light as possible. Figure out what shutter speed you can use to hold the camera and not get blur (for me 1/60 is as slow as I like to go unless in low light and I position myself in a stance to help keep the camera steady, then maybe 1/30, if even).

If you get a flash, that may create fairly harsh light and shadows, so consider a diffuser (like the ones by Sto-Fen that fit over the flash and are maybe 10 bucks thru Adorama and
B&H or probably Amazon).

After this, before taking pictures for other people, I'd suggest working on developing skills and practicing; maybe go to holiday events where it's OK to bring a camera. Work toward developing a professional looking portfolio and learn what to do in various lighting situations.

Oh my....