First Wedding

sm4him · Jun 13, 2012

Steve56 said:
Thanks for the advice everyone.

Unfortunately, I'm now more nervous than before. I do have an Flash gun but it's only a cheap version. As people have said it is better than relying on the pop-up, I've got spare rechargable batteries. I don't have a spare memory card though. So fingers crossed.

I'm not tempted to rent any lenses. I've spoken with the family and they are aware I am by no means professional and that this is merely for practice. So I can't see them taking me to court. (fingers crossed)

Surely it is possible to take adequate photos with what I've got?

I've never shot a wedding; not as a primary, or a second shooter. I really never intend to do so, and the sheer thought makes me want to break out in hives. Basically, I don't want to shoot weddings for a reason you've alluded to:

"Surely it is possible to take adequate photos with what I've got?"

Yes. Yes, it IS possible. Well within the realm of possibility, even.
BUT--it is also possible that something will go wrong, and because of your equipment limitations and lack of experience, the couple will end up with completely INadequate photos of a day that they can never, ever get a retake on. Screw up an engagement shoot? Do it over. Horribly underexpose photos on a portrait session because you have no flash? Try again.

But you cannot just get a "do over" on a wedding--the couple have just this ONE shot at worthwhile photos. And it takes just ONE thing going wrong, with your ONE camera, to blow it for them.

I understand the whole "they can't afford a pro, and they don't really want anything specific or fancy" thing. And I wish you all the best, I really do.

But for me?? NO WAY would I take the risk of being the one responsible for a couple's recorded memories of their wedding day with that little experience and equipment. I couldn't handle the pressure!!

jowensphoto · Jun 13, 2012

I did my "first wedding" with the same camera and the same lenses, minus the 50mm. I was the only one there taking photos, really, but the bridal party had not "hired" me. They couldn't afford a photographer and I just happened to bring my camera.

A few decent shots outside, couple from the reception. The ceremony shots are hoooooorrible.

texkam · Jun 13, 2012

Explain that grain and blur are part of the deal. : )

gsgary · Jun 13, 2012

get another card they are very cheap

Robin Usagani · Jun 13, 2012

Knowing what I know now, I really think I can rock a wedding with rebels and a couple of nice lenses plus flash.

Steve56 · Jun 13, 2012

jowensphoto said:
I did my "first wedding" with the same camera and the same lenses, minus the 50mm. I was the only one there taking photos, really, but the bridal party had not "hired" me. They couldn't afford a photographer and I just happened to bring my camera.

A few decent shots outside, couple from the reception. The ceremony shots are hoooooorrible.

Thanks for this. I'm glad that someone else has tried it with the same equipment.

I'll do my best with what I've got. Ultimately, they get what they pay for an £50 isn't going to get professional quality photos. If I could guarantee that then I'd charge them £300 as what Student Photographers were charging.

We've got nothing down in writing as two parties so they can't complain.

I understand what people are saying that it is their special day and that I can't re-do it. But this is the chance the couple have taken by going down this road.

Thanks for the advice and I'll be sure to post my results on here.

pixmedic · Jun 13, 2012

While that can be true, i would definitely refrain from using the words "you get what you pay for" to the wedding party.

I have heard a few photographers say that if you cant do a proper job, then you should decline it, be it from a lack of equipment or experience.

I dont fault you for giving it a go, but take your time with the shots, make sure everything's in order with the background and poses, and do the absolute best job you can with the equipment you have.

Everyone has to start somewhere. just keep it in the back of your mind that no matter how cheap you are doing the job, they still only get one shot at this wedding so dont rush anything.

12sndsgood · Jun 13, 2012

definatly run out and get an extra card. they are so cheap its not an excuse to miss shots because you ran out of room. also gives you the ability to switch cards midway thru in case one of the cards fails. and cards do fail. ive gone out shooting with a buddy all day long and had him come back to a bad card and end up with nothing.. you also have nothing in writing wich i would imagine is a lot worse way or covering yoru ass. i'd at least write up a contract to cover your ass.

Mike_E · Jun 13, 2012

Mo-No-Pod.

Really.

If you can't get a good one (I may start sounding like a broken record soon) get a cheap tripod with a center post and ball bungee the legs together. Camera shake is going to kill you.

Find a video on correct camera holding technique and Practice it.

Hotel halls are glorified caves! You would need to bring in a portable star unless you get some flash/strobes. If you have no experience with flash/strobes beg, borrow or buy/rent as strong a video camera flood light as you can find. You'll need to do a custom white balance.

You also need a contract.

Let me say that again, You also NEED a contract. Get a boiler plate one from the net and make sure it limits your liability (write it in before you print it if you need to). There are other clauses that are helpful -model release so that you can use the photos in your portfolio and as advertising, exclusive photographer clause so that if somebody gets in your way you have the right of way and if somebody starts trying to sell prints or whatever they won't have the rights to do so- but make sure you have at least the limit of liability. Tell them that you are trying to be as professional as you can and want to do this right.

You do need a backup. Even if it's a P&S in your pocket, carry a backup.

Good luck.

gsgary · Jun 13, 2012

If i was free i would come and give you a hand and lend you some lenses, from what i remember your not far from me

kric2schaam626 · Jun 13, 2012

May I just be the one to say what everyone is thinking but hasn't said: what you're doing is dangerous and ballsy. We have all been in the same spot, but look back on it and cringe. I, for one, would opt out if I don't have the experience or the equipment. But hey, all the power to you - literally!

Steve56 · Jun 13, 2012

kric2schaam626 said:
May I just be the one to say what everyone is thinking but hasn't said: what you're doing is dangerous and ballsy. We have all been in the same spot, but look back on it and cringe. I, for one, would opt out if I don't have the experience or the equipment. But hey, all the power to you - literally!

I'm not going to try and look at it as a "job" as I may have made it out to be in the thread title.

I'm going to go there and have fun with the equipment I've got. Although I shall be paid expenses this is literally just petrol money. This isn't for the exclusive use of my photos or an end product such as an album.

I understand that I don't have the proper equipment for the wedding which is why I'm using this as a trial to see how I get on with it and if it's an area of photography I wish to pursue.

That may seem insensitive considering it's a persons only wedding (fingers crossed) but I have sat down with the couple and made them aware of my limitations as an amateur (if that) and they are happy for me to continue. I was reluctant to accept payment as I explained that I can't guarantee professional quality photos but they were insistent on giving something for my trouble. Which is why I just asked to cover my petrol costs.

gsgary · Jun 13, 2012

At the ceremony, 50mmF1.8 @ F2.8 if possible iso3200 or higher if it will go, spot meter their skin minimum speed 1/80, don't worry about noise because we can turn them B+W and arrange to get as close as possible

pixmedic · Jun 13, 2012

I think everyone wants to have fun with what they do. Maybe its easier when photography is a hobby and not a job..i dont know, i treat sick and injured people for a living and i love even the middle of the night yank me out of bed calls.

That being said, i think you can have fun doing this and still maintain a serious mindset about it.

Its ok to goof off for yourself, but for someone else take things serious and you will do fine.

If you are unsure about any posing you think you need to do, dont hesitate to ask the subject their opinion. They might have their own ideas of what they would like to see shot.