Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer

[Ballistics]

I'm not a wedding photographer. I'm not even a professional photographer.
I'm a hobbyist/student with a website and not even very good to begin with.


Here's the story. A sister of my wife's boss is getting married and she found out (I
would assume she was told by her sister) that I am a photo student. My wife asked me about a
week ago if I would shoot her this woman's wedding. Before really giving it thought my knee jerk
reaction was "No, I'm not a wedding photographer" and that was that. Or so I thought.


Fast forward to today, I call my wife at work and her boss picks up the phone. Once she finds out that it's me,
she immediately questions my decision of turning down the job (in a respectful way, she was pleasant about it. )
She goes on to tell me how great her sister and herself think my photos are, and they would love to have me do it.
I tried to explain to her that the difference between the photography that I do (studio, little kid stuff etc) is that it's usually in a controlled environment and that there are second chances where there isn't in wedding photography(as far as I know). I also explained to her that I've never shot a wedding before, and the closest thing to it was a child's birthday party. She asked me to reconsider. She also tried to soft sell the wedding. She explained it was a second marriage and a small reception. I told her I would give it a second thought. Also, I'm well aware that they are looking for a deal, and think that photography is photography, which is why they aren't looking for an established pro, but a friend of a friend, but that doesn't really concern me.


There's a lot of homework ahead of me if I accept, so I guess I want to do my research and know what I am getting into, before I give her an answer.


I would imagine the given things I must do is:


- Scout out the venue, look at my options with light and angles.
- Rent better equipment, and use mine as a backup.
- Set up some a contract.
- Get ideas from other weddings.
- Maybe hire an assistant


But what am I missing? Where do I go from here? If I do this, I want to be as prepared as can besides lack experience.

 

[runnah]

I didn't read past "I am not a wedding photographer".

Just say no.

Help them find a good replacement.

 

[Ballistics]

I didn't read past "I am not a wedding photographer".

Just say no.

Help them find a good replacement.

I didn't read past just...

 

[tirediron]

My suggestion would be to politely refuse, however if you do accept, then the FIRST thing you need to do is get insurance, liability at a minimum (many venues won't even let you shoot unless they're named as an 'also insured' on your policy) and preferably E&) as well. Regardless of how much they soft-sell the wedding, that won't do you a ****ing bit of good if some half-drunk friend stumbles over your lightstand and twists an ankle. Then write out a contract and payment schedule, being sure to include rights usage, deliverables, etc.

Now sit down with the couple, go over the day in detail. Know exactly what and where each portion of the day will occur, when you need to be there and for how long. FInd out exactly what they want (shot list) and discuss formals, locations, and if there are any special relatives. Consider parking, travel time, time of day, traffic, etc. Visit each venue and talk with someone and ensure that there are no problems with photography, and ask for any pointers; they work there, they know the building, and have probably seen many weddings and photographers. As you said, check for lighting (go at the same time of day as you will be there), positions, etc.

If not well before hand, early on the day of, seek out the Maid/Matron of Honour and introduce yourself. Ask if she will be able to help you with "herding the cats" and figuring out who's who, getting people into position, etc. Have at least twice the number of batteries and memory cards you anticipate needing, and then add a few more. Rent/borrow fast glass (2.8 minimum) from about 15 to 200 and practice with it before hand (ensure the couple knows this is an added expense and NOT included in your fee). Ensure you have at least two speedlights and can get them off camera; practice bouncing and flagging and learn what distances work with what focal lenghts and apertures.

Good luck.

Don't do it.

 

[Parker219]

^ Click, highlight, right click, copy, open a blank email, paste, address email to the lady, send. End it with the fact that since you do have some basic knowledge of photography, that you would be happy to help look for the right guy.

 

[Ballistics]

That post was appreciated tire and I will make note of all of that, but I am interested in why your main suggestion is to refuse?

 

[Ballistics]

^ Click, highlight, right click, copy, open a blank email, paste, address email to the lady, send. End it with the fact that since you do have some basic knowledge of photography, that you would be happy to help look for the right guy.

I'm not asking if I should or shouldn't do it. That decision is mine to make.

 

[rexbobcat]

There are too many variable on your end that we don't know about so I can't tell you to just say no.

If the wedding is like tomorrow or something I say do it. It's their fault for waiting so long to find someone but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have pictures.

That's just my opinion.

Get a list of all the group shots too if you decide. You need to be as efficient as possible

 

[runnah]

That post was appreciated tire and I will make note of all of that, but I am interested in why your main suggestion is to refuse?

Because you don't want to learn on someone else's important life moment. You also don't want people paying for you to learn either.

When people hire wedding photographer they expect professional service and results.

It is not something to take lightly.

 

[Ballistics]

That post was appreciated tire and I will make note of all of that, but I am interested in why your main suggestion is to refuse?

Because you don't want to learn on someone else's important life moment. You also don't want people paying for you to learn either.

When people hire wedding photographer they expect professional service and results.

It is not something to take lightly.

I agree. However, if you read the entire post instead of stopping at the first line, you would have read that I made it a point to explain to her
that I do not have experience in wedding photography. I made it a point to go in depth about things that could go wrong, like missing an important shot
and not getting a second chance. All of these things seemed to be OK to her because it's "Not really that big of a deal, it's just a small reception".

 

[Ballistics]

There are too many variable on your end that we don't know about so I can't tell you to just say no.

If the wedding is like tomorrow or something I say do it. It's their fault for waiting so long to find someone but that doesn't mean they shouldn't have pictures.

That's just my opinion.

Get a list of all the group shots too if you decide. You need to be as efficient as possible

All I know so far is that it's a small reception in May with a bridal party consisting of Bride and groom, MoH and Best Man and 1 bridesmaid and 1 groomsman.
I need to find out where it is, how many people are attending, what her expectations are, her budget etc.

Can't say yes without knowing all of these things.

 

[Parker219]

^ Since you are not listening to us, and you are the one that asked "what am I missing", then go ahead and do the wedding and regret it later.

Come back and "like" this post when you regret it, just so I know.

 

[Josh66]

You will never go anywhere if you always refuse to do things you haven't done before...

There is always a 'first time' - I say go for it. This will let you know if weddings are something you want to get into, or something you want to avoid.

Yes, it could end badly - that's the chance you have to take. I think you'll do at least "OK" though.

It sounds like the perfect chance to get your feet wet - no real expectations that you can't deliver, and it's something new and challenging. A challenge is always good every now and then.

 

[runnah]

You will never go anywhere if you always refuse to do things you haven't done before...

There is always a 'first time' - I say go for it. This will let you know if weddings are something you want to get into, or something you want to avoid.

Yes, it could end badly - that's the chance you have to take. I think you'll do at least "OK" though.

It sounds like the perfect chance to get your feet wet - no real expectations that you can't deliver, and it's something new and challenging. A challenge is always good every now and then.

That is all well and good when it is not at the expense of others.

 

[Ballistics]

^ Since you are not listening to us, and you are the one that asked "what am I missing", then go ahead and do the wedding and regret it later.

Come back and "like" this post when you regret it, just so I know.

Couple of things I need to clarify, because there's some sort of disconnect.

I never asked anybody if I should or shouldn't shoot this wedding, nor will I ask anyone if I should or shouldn't shoot it.
When I have all of the information, and have done my research I'll be able to make that decision.

When I do things, I don't just wing it. I make sure I am very prepared for the task. There would have to be
something catastrophic to take place in order for me to regret shooting this woman's wedding.
After all, I established and made very clear that I am not experienced in wedding photography.

I don't know if you are purposely taking "What am I missing" out of context, but if you finish that line, it's clearly about preparation for shooting a wedding.