Basics for doing my first wedding?

[JustKeating]

I'm not sure if I want to get into weddings for regular income, but a friend of a friend needs a favor and is low on cash. What would be the basic equipment needed to do something I would be willing to use in a portfolio??

I think it's going to be an cheaper beach wedding... So natural light. West Coast of Florida. Not sure what time yet..

Can anyone help or direct me to a site that would be helpful?

Just Keating Photography | Facebook

 

[Ryan L]

 

[JeffieLove]

I won't be the typical "judgmental" person here who is going to tell you not to do it because you don't have enough experience... I'll give you some (at least) somewhat useful tips...

Don't count on natural light. Have a flash and NOT just your built in flash on your camera. If it is outdoors, have a way to diffuse the flash so it isn't so harsh when taking pictures.

What camera do you have? What lenses do you have? These are things that would be good to know in order for those of us who choose to be helpful to actually help you.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Others will chime in with info, more or less.
I just want you to use the search function with "first wedding" and read a few threads for grins and giggles, and so you can brace yourself for a potential firestorm.

 

[wlbphoto]

x'2

 

[Trever1t]

x'2

and raise you

 

[JeffieLove]

Hey! A popcorn pyramid

 

[Ryan L]

These are things that would be good to know in order for those of us who choose to be helpful to actually help you.

And those that will try to deter you and sway your every thought.

 

[thingsIsee]

not sure what you are asking? do you have a camera and lenses or need to buy them and want to know what to get?
you can use the sun and reflectors if it is outside during the day for lighting the rest will depend on what you have.

As for what you would be willing to use in a portfolio – only you could answer that when you see your work and pick the best shots

 

[Ryan L]

x'2

and raise you

WWWHHHHOOOOOAAA Double popcorn all the way!!

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

x'2

and raise you

See! See the firestorm is already brewing.

 

[JustKeating]

Sorry. I thought this was a post for beginners... The person I'm going to be doing this for can barely afford the wedding itself. I'm looking into get some "new" used equipment and was wondering what I should look into. The flash information was very helpful.

I'm not sure what the smiley faces w/ popcorn mean, but I'm thinking it's a joke to see what people are going to say to me. I didn't go to school for this, and I'm not an expert. I don't look to do this full time, just looking for some help. If this is going to be a joke and I'm wasting people's time, then I'll go back to google and stay out of forums.

Thanks for anyone that is willing to help me as I try to have fun and make a tiny bit of money doing something I enjoy doing...

 

[JeffieLove]

Do you have any gear at all right now?

 

[RockstarPhotography]

You can't do it.......since you have never done a wedding before there is no way to get good results. I would tell you when i first started, but of course, i never "first" started as I have been doing them for longer then I have been alive, I had to walk uphill to and from the location carrying 500lbs of camera equipment, no shoes, and in the dead of winter. Not to mention back in those days we did 30 minute exposures and the bride and groom had to sit for the whole time and not move. There is just no way you can do it not having been born with the magical "wedding photography" gift........

 

[Trever1t]

OK....here you go, ready?

You can volunteer to take pics with your friend's understanding that you are a beginner and just do the best you can.

There is probably nothing technically more difficult to shoot successfully than a wedding. I've done a couple (for fun only) but have always INSISTED that the couple hire a PROFESSIONAL because there isn't a more important day to totally screw up. That said I've gotten a few lucky good pics in.