I never thought I would say this...

eric-holmes · May 8, 2011

...but I believe I just booked my first wedding. It's four months out and I'm already nervous as sh!t. But hey, everyone has to start somewhere. I will also have a seasoned wedding photographer second shooting with me. That helps ease my mind a little.

Jan Matis · May 9, 2011

Assuming you are american so this might nod be all of use to you.

European weddings photography usually consists of 3 parts:

pre (post) ceremony pictures of bride and groom at some nice place like garden or old castle

- kit: outside/inside lens, flash (if inside), golden reflector ( if outside, to give bride nice shine

- pictures : "artistic crap" of just bride and groom, it is good to know some poses so that you can easily navigate them, and it is usually well worth to have female companion ( to hold that reflector and also because women usually have "more feminine eye" for composition

ceremony pictures (usually in church) + pictures of family just after ceremony.

- kit: inside lens, flash, outside lens afterwards
- pictures: bride, groom, priest , family afterwards ( make sure you spoke to bride before the wedding and at least roughly know who does she wish to have on pictuers - well worth to go through family albums to know the faces in advance) - with family pictures be bossy telling them how and where to stand (choose your background ) - nobody else will organize those people for you

party pictures

this is probably where you make your money on extra pictures - get the bride and groom and move with them all around the place and take pictures of small groups ( 4-5 people ) whilst sitting/talking or dancing

Cut the "artistic crap" like nice door arch or altair in church and concentrate on people in few years time nobody will care about flowers, but everybody will like to have a look at picture of grammy because this was her last wedding. ( and don't take me too seriousy, I'm just an amateur who thought a bit about it )

Peanuts · May 9, 2011

Yay. If you have any questions about wedding photography just ask. Also. I find the above post a bit old school in their approach but okay pokey.

One thing I need to throw in there. Make sure you have backup equipment.

fokker · May 9, 2011

Just been there and done that 2 days ago. I've seen enough of your stuff before to say that you'll do fine. Must be nice to have a seasoned pro backing you up!

I second the above poster, backup gear is essential.

If you don't mind saying, how much are you charging?

Dao · May 9, 2011

I am sure you will do fine. Just let us know how it goes!

Derrel · May 9, 2011

Way to go Eric! You gotta start somewhere,sometime! Keep things in perspective.

eric-holmes · May 9, 2011

Thanks everyone! I have turned down a few because I never felt confident in my gear/skills. Lately I have been thinking that if I never do it, then I will never get started. This should also help boot savings to a new D700 rather quickly.

vtf · May 9, 2011

First time I heard a pro second shooting.
Good Luck :thumbup:

eric-holmes · May 9, 2011

We have became really good friends. I was telling him about being asked to shoot the wedding and that I would probably decline and then he through out the fact that he would help.