Gee Phillip, JUST three? <wink>

Nice setup, BTW!

I shoot smaller cameras so the investment isn't as large, but I consider 4 a minimum for ceremony coverage (reception is one or two), and I carry a boatlaod of outboard gear - excessive? Maybe, but better prepared for anything than caught up short!

I've never shot less than 2 cameras. Even when just starting out, I borrowed a second one! It's FAR more frustration and trouble to NOT have a cutaway in edit, than to roll a second cam... as the OP found out... In THEORY, you can always move your "manned" camera to get the best shot, but what if you CAN'T? You'll have some 'splaining to do if you've got no cutaway with a decent angle.

I still say, if you are being paid, you MUST have a backup camera, and sticking it on a cheap, high, well positioned tripod to cover your a** should be a professional duty, not an additional charged option! The additional equipment costs are nominal compared to the aggrivation you save.

And having proper equipment is another differentiator between a professional and "uncle Bob"! Even if Uncle Bob has a video camera, will he remember to push the button or have backups rolling if he blows a shot? NOPE. That's why we get the big bucks... ummm, yeah...

Dave, I didn't want to make our policy and practice too over the top but thanks for your endorsement. Like you we carry additional gear,including a Zoom H4 for the choir/organ with a couple of AT4040s if we can be discreet.

I always try and give encouragement to youngsters just getting into weddings - they're hard work but fun and it's a great environment - after all who goes to a wedding to be miserable? Compare that to a carefully scripted and rehearsed corporate in which the CEO explains why 15% of the workers are going to lose their jobs. No laughs on that production.

However, weddings are unpredictable as hell and I often use much of 30 years experience in corporate etc on a single wedding. Makes me smile when youngsters sometimes tell me they're "starting in weddings before going on to proper TV and video work".

Best regards

Philip