Introduce me to wedding photography.

reissigree · Jan 2, 2012

Today I became interested in wedding photography. I have a ton of questions and it'd be great if you guys could help me out like always

I have a Nikon D3100 with a 18-55mm lens, a 35mm f/1.8 lens, and a 55-300mm 4.5-5.6 lens. Would this setup work? P.S.- I'm about to buy a Nikon SB-700 speedlight.

I'm only 18 years old, but I think I'm very respectful for my age. I feel that this would hold me back. It seems like people would want someone older who looked more experienced even if they'd on shoot AUTO and then over-process them later. What do you guys think?

I have the ability to design websites as I have taken several classes over it. I think this would benefit me.

How would I get started? Would I have to shoot several weddings for free to build my portfolio?

Thanks guys! You're always there to help me out!

MissCream · Jan 2, 2012

Second shoot for a seasoned photographer

Vtec44 · Jan 2, 2012

If I'm going to get into wedding photography I would develop a style, have an impressive portfolio to show it off, attend bridal shows / get referrals from friends.

reissigree · Jan 2, 2012

I meant to add that! Do you think it'd be easy to get into one of those deals. I'd be overjoyed to do it for free just to get into the game.

mwcfarms · Jan 2, 2012

I second the second shooter/assistant. I would do that for a while and then see how you feel. I second shot 7 weddings last summer which helped me sooooo much. Ask them questions, watch how she/he poses the couples. Be their sherpa for awhile and see if its really what you want to do or can do.

momo3boys · Jan 2, 2012

MissCream said:
Second shoot for a seasoned photographer

Totally agree! This is what I did and it has helped me tremendously. I learned so much, not just about the camera but about all that goes with being a wedding photographer. I've been the hair dresser, makeup artist, therapist, and even the person who ties up the back of the dress when I'm at a wedding! There is so much more than just taking pictures in wedding photography.

It is so much fun, and so rewarding if that's what you like to do. Being second is also so much less stressful, because it's not all in your hands. You are free to learn without so many repercussions.

MissCream · Jan 2, 2012

reissigree said:
I meant to add that! Do you think it'd be easy to get into one of those deals. I'd be overjoyed to do it for free just to get into the game.

If your talking about my response then I would just ask around to the different photographers in your area, I'm sure one would at least let you carry around their gear, heck they might even pay you to be an assistant

reissigree · Jan 2, 2012

Yes, and thank you! And thanks all of you, that's definitely where I need to start.

MLeeK · Jan 2, 2012

No, your kit is far from adequate. You may be able to squeeze by a few weddings with the d5100, but you will definitely feel the limits of it quickly. Your lens kit needs some major upgrades. You'll need a wide zoom and a long zoom of a fixed aperture of f/2.8 and a back up of each piece of equipment you own. Yep 2 of everything. And PLEASE don't think "oh, I'll be OK with just one..." I have had some catastrophic failures at a wedding. Luckily only ONE that I didn't have an extra piece of equipment for and at that I was able to shoot the wedding-it was just a WHOLE lot harder.
You'll also need at the very least one dedicated flash-preferably a nikon SB910, but there are a couple of other Nikon flashes that will work-just not as flexible in their abilities. You will need a couple of flashes and trigger system to use off camera along with modifiers for them.
You will need about 4 to 6 batteries for the camera and 6 to 8 sets of flash batteries.
You will need SEVERAL memory cards. If you are shooting raw, maybe upwards of 40G for starting out. Preferably in 8G or smaller cards-that way if you lose one or it goes bad you aren't losing everything.
You'll need a business license and sales tax ID.
You will need to have indemnity, liability and equipment insurance.
I always carry with me a credit card with enough credit/money on it to purchase a camera body and a wide zoom with a f/2.8 aperture-JUST IN CASE.
You will need legal contracting-you can purchase contracts on the internet, but it is a MUST to have them reviewed by an attorney in your state and county to be sure they meet all state and local laws too.

That's the very VERY basic needs... There are a lot more behind the scenes things you'll need to have and do also. It's not nearly as easy money as people think. In fact, it COSTS me about $1500 cold hard cash to shoot a wedding after considering all of my costs.

Second shoot for a local photographer. Just approach them and ask. I had a young man do just that a few years ago as he was a junior in high school. He shot with me for 2 years and has learned so incredibly much. How did it come about? He just found me and asked. I liked him... He's beginning to shoot professionally on his own now and I couldn't be prouder if he were my own kid!

MissCream · Jan 2, 2012

Good luck!!!

reissigree · Jan 2, 2012

MLeeK said:
No, your kit is far from adequate. You may be able to squeeze by a few weddings with the d5100, but you will definitely feel the limits of it quickly. Your lens kit needs some major upgrades. You'll need a wide zoom and a long zoom of a fixed aperture of f/2.8 and a back up of each piece of equipment you own. Yep 2 of everything. And PLEASE don't think "oh, I'll be OK with just one..." I have had some catastrophic failures at a wedding. Luckily only ONE that I didn't have an extra piece of equipment for and at that I was able to shoot the wedding-it was just a WHOLE lot harder.
You'll also need at the very least one dedicated flash-preferably a nikon SB910, but there are a couple of other Nikon flashes that will work-just not as flexible in their abilities. You will need a couple of flashes and trigger system to use off camera along with modifiers for them.
You will need about 4 to 6 batteries for the camera and 6 to 8 sets of flash batteries.
You will need SEVERAL memory cards. If you are shooting raw, maybe upwards of 40G for starting out. Preferably in 8G or smaller cards-that way if you lose one or it goes bad you aren't losing everything.
You'll need a business license and sales tax ID.
You will need to have indemnity, liability and equipment insurance.
I always carry with me a credit card with enough credit/money on it to purchase a camera body and a wide zoom with a f/2.8 aperture-JUST IN CASE.
You will need legal contracting-you can purchase contracts on the internet, but it is a MUST to have them reviewed by an attorney in your state and county to be sure they meet all state and local laws too.

That's the very VERY basic needs... There are a lot more behind the scenes things you'll need to have and do also. It's not nearly as easy money as people think. In fact, it COSTS me about $1500 cold hard cash to shoot a wedding after considering all of my costs.

Second shoot for a local photographer. Just approach them and ask. I had a young man do just that a few years ago as he was a junior in high school. He shot with me for 2 years and has learned so incredibly much. How did it come about? He just found me and asked. I liked him... He's beginning to shoot professionally on his own now and I couldn't be prouder if he were my own kid!

Very true. I was wondering about equipment failure as well and I figured I could find another young enthusiast like me to work with so we'd have two cameras just in case. But for the time being I'll just second shoot. Did you pay that young guy anything? Or does he just get payed with the experience? Because that would definitely help me make some money to get backups of everything.

MLeeK · Jan 2, 2012

At first I did not pay him at all, but I taught him free of charge. Now days if he shoots with me I pay him and I have for about a year now. Expect nothing at first unless you are lucky to find a photographer who is advertising for a second shooter and you can get hired. It does happen. Keep an eye on craigslist. They quite often will hire seconds from the rather shallow gene pool there and anyone with any fair skill is a Godsend-they'll snap you up in a heartbeat.

reissigree · Jan 2, 2012

I wouldn't expect anything at all! I just want to learn it. Thanks so much! I'll let you guys know what I come up with. And I'll be sure to post the photos from the first one I shoot for some C and C!

Robin Usagani · Jan 2, 2012

Based on my experience, it is very hard to get 2nd shooting gig. I actually had to shoot weddings by my self until someone hired me to 2nd shoot.

Raian-san · Jan 2, 2012

Yeah you have to network and try to find people who allow you to second shoot. I would say look around your area for wedding photographer, send them an email telling them you would second shoot for free. If you keep trying, I'm sure one person wouldn't mind you come along for additional coverage for free. Although not everybody wants to share their skills and advice to someone they don't know.

You have to learn how to shoot people, learn how to use flash because reception are usually dark. Wedding photography is a whole new ball game because it's overwhelming since it's a live event, everything happen so fast. You have to keep an eye out for everything. Just a split second late and you miss a shot. That's why having a fast focusing lens & camera is so important.

The only lens you have that's reasonable for wedding is the 35mm 1.8. If you really want to, I would say if you do find someone who allow you to second shoot, I would rent the 24-70mm 2.8 or 70-200mm 2.8. You definitely need a flash.

If you're around my area, I would help you out.