Advice?

[Jessphotog]

I had previously posted about someone wanting me to do a wedding for them but that I had never done one before. I was encouraged to make sure again the couple knows I am not a professional and I did, they still want me to meet with them next week and do the wedding. I have confidence in myself that I can do it.
(The wedding isn't until May)
i would love any advice on doing my first wedding and about meeting with the couple. What kinds of questions should I ask? I'm taking them a small portfolio also obviously not of wedding pictures but they would like to see other photos I have done. What kinds of pictures should I include?

Any my and all help is appreciated! Thanks!

 

[The_Traveler]

My best advice is that you do a search for 'first wedding' and read all the resultant threads.

Then you will spare everyone rewriting lots of materials that has been said many times before.
You will be a hero.

 

[ronlane]

^^^ and spend as much time as you can researching on the interweb about wedding photography. Also, one more thing, PLEASE, search for a contract and both of you sign it to outline everything.

creativelive.com has a ton of videos on that will help.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Then you will spare everyone rewriting lots of materials that has been said many times before.

Rewrite? Could just copy and paste. 99% chance it'll be relevant.

 

[vintagesnaps]

I'd recommend doing a lot more research into this before you go any further. It can make you feel great to know that someone likes your photos, I can remember first being asked if I'd take pictures for someone etc. But that itself isn't all it takes to be a photographer.

Are they paying you? the going rate in your area? The reason I ask is because so often it seems like people want someone to take photos for them who will do it for next to nothing rather than have to pay a professional photographer. If you start out that way I think it would be hard to raise your prices or develop a good reputation as a photographer.

From the other thread on here it looks like you have ability at portraits but might still be learning and developing technical skills and a wedding is a big undertaking. I've been a photographer for years and have done sports/events but haven't done weddings and would not take one on now - I'd refer someone to a professional wedding photographer.

A good way to get some experience might be to do some assisting/second shooting; you could try networking with other photographers in your area and start developing some professional contacts. It takes time to build up a reputation and if this first venture doesn't turn out well that may not help you become a good wedding/portrait photographer in the long run.

There are pro organizations like ASMP that have professional resources for photographers and I'd suggest you look into what's involved in the business aspects of photography.

 

[Jessphotog]

Thank you for the help! I definitely plan on doing more research and practicing more since I have until the end of May. Should I ask a lot of questions when I meet with them? If so what kinds if questions?