My First Wedding, Could Use Some Tips...

[Rekd]

Yeah I know. Sorry about that. But this one is legit! I swear! :mrgreen:

So here's the story: My friend is getting married and a few weeks ago asked me to shoot the wedding.

My first reaction of course was to say no. And I did. It's not my thing and I don't want to risk botching what could be one of the most important days of their lives. I probably should have left it at that but no...

So I've thought about it for a while and decided I might try it. They're not getting married for over a year so I've got plenty of time to practice. Besides, she's way hot and you almost can't take a bad picture of her. :shock:

Anyway, I figured I could try to find some local photogs and offer to tag along as a second shooter for free to get some experience. Do wedding photogs go for that? Or would I be shunned?

If I do it I'll probably just charge her for equipment rentals and any processing fees on top of a very modest margin.

I haven't completely committed yet, I just kind of hinted to her mom last night that I might re-consider and she got all giddy.

Should I do it? I really can't see myself doing this as part of my normal gig, Jack of all trades master of known sort of thing. (Yeah, I know... I'm not a master at motorsports even. :twak: ) but I would like to try it just to see what I can do.

Thanks for any input.

 

[mwcfarms]

Well you do have a year. If you could find a second shooter gig a few times and maybe a mentor to help you on your way I say why not.

Your familiar with all the drama that may ensue with this type of thread but I think you already know to take the good with the bad. You could always try the MM route and try a practice session of a girl in white dress outside etc to see how it goes. Set up a fake wedding or whatnot. If your going to rent a better camera, not sure what your gear is make sure you do it a few times to know it inside and out.

Have fun.

 

[Rekd]

Thanks, Dee.

Yes, I have thick skin and know I'll need it for this post.


The equipment I have now is

Canon 7D
20-35mm f/3.5-4.5
70-200m f2.8 L IS II
70-210 f/4.0 macro
kit 28-135mm

I will be buying a nifty fifty and an (possibly) an OCF some time this year, and will probably have to rent everything else.

I have a hot shoe dedicated bounce flash but that probably won't be enough for the "other than ceremony" portion of the shoot. It will be outdoors and a very beautiful estate somewhat locally so I will be able to go there and practice.

I have an 8gb and 2 4gb cards, 2 batteries and a cheesy tripod. I'll rent the backup body, reflectors, meter, tripod and OCF if I don't buy one before.

What else might I need? Besides experience! :greenpbl:

 

[mwcfarms]

I would rent the backup body and a 24 to 70 grab a good flash and a trigrip reflector diffuser that Lastolite just came out with. Ask a friend to come be your grunt. Probably wont use the tripod but grab an extra couple batteries too. One extra for each camera. with the 70 to 200 you have and a rented 24 to 70 you probably wouldnt need any other lenses baring no equipment failure. I might grab a 16gb card too. Its holds around 1000 raw that way you don't have to change out cards as much. Wouldn't worry about renting a meter really, I don't think that there is enough time in now a days weddings to use it effectively but I could be wrong. Get a flash first thing you can and practice practice practice.

 

[pgriz]

Actually, I don't think we need to give you advice on the equipment - you've enough experience to figure that out. What I would suggest is to get yourself into the church/synagogue/mosque/temple where the ceremony will be held, along with some willing (or bribeable) volunteers, and run through a simulated wedding. Then look at the results and figure out what adjustments you need to make. Then do it again.

If you are still having issues, THEN post your shots and let's have at them. This should keep things focused on specifics and prevent the usual thread creep that ends up discussing everything including the price of tea in China.

 

[gsgary]

Why not practise with your friend and her boyfriend, it's in her interest

 

[Syco]

I'm going to go the opposite way -- don't overload yourself with a lot of unfamiliar equipment. A wedding is a high stress event. It's easily possible to make a technical mistake that will affect all your shots and for which you'll never be forgiven. Unfamiliar equipment makes such a mistake more likely.

If you've got a year, study wedding photos. There are standards.

A wedding is the bride's 'princess' event, and she probably thinks photography is easy. She also has expectations, whether she states them or not. You won't be able to be invisible. You'll be expected to not just shoot the wedding but to orchestrate the posed shots, as well. This takes confidence, control and complete assurance of what you're doing.

On the other hand, you'll probably get a nice meal!

 

[memento]

A good quality black Chinese tea is priced between $13 - $45 (US dollars) per 100 grams.

 

[RauschPhotography]

Hey Rekd! Good luck on shooting your friend's wedding in the future In the meantime, take the chance to browse the other (numerous...dozens...so many) threads on the forum about first weddings. (I'm sure that you already have!) Other than that, it really is a great idea to shadow or second shoot a professional. I had actually started shooting weddings through an internship, and eventually booked my own gigs. You'll learn a lot, and it'll definitely be a memorable experience for you

 

[table1349]

Areas to work on and study.
1. Masculine and feminine posing. Not just major body posing but head and sholder positioning, hand positioning etc.

2. Classic wedding poses. There are tons of books out there. The public library should have all you need. Select a good list of classic poses you want to shoot, bride, bride & brides maids, groom, groom & goomsmen, bride & groom, various groups etc. You get the idea. A good selection of classic poses is a must for any wedding you shoot. Remember, this is the brides cinderella day, however there are familes on both sides of the isle here that may and probably will want photographs as well. (Write your list down, so you don't forget what you wanted to do in the heat of the moment. Also look at other wedding photographers galleries to get ideas. Don't be shy about asking what people or group shots that both sides of the family may want. There can easily be that very special person that someone may want to include.

From some of the classic poses you can come up with a list of other more fun or different poses you want to shoot. Nothing wrong with creativity here and having fun with a wedding shoot as well.

3. Get the wedding routine down pat. Not just the ceremony. What time is the bride arriving to get ready, brides maids, groom etc. You need to be there for that as well. The bride and groom stuff can be done before the wedding ceremony leaving the group stuff for after. Recepiton time, location, activities.

4. Scout the location of the wedding well. Take a light meter with you and get readings in the light that will be used and write them down. Get a feel for the location and plan where you want those individual pre ceremony and post ceremony shots. Be there at least a half hour to and hour before you start on the day of the wedding so you can re-asses the location now that the flowers and other wedding fru-fru is all in place.

5. Speak to the minister or whoever is doing the ceremony. Find out and rules for the location and shooting during the ceremony. Same thing for the reception. While rules may not be in issue, it is good to get aquainted with the DJ if they have one. They can make getting shots like cutting the cake, first dance etc easier by giving you a heads up. Makes your life easier.

6. Day before the wedding, check your gear, all of it. Day of the wedding, check your gear, all of it. (You get the idea.)

7. Rent the Dirty Dozen and watch it. Expeciall the planning scene for their raid. If you have your plan down as well as they did you will 1 be prepared to follow it and not feel so lost and 2, be prepared to deviate from it easily for what ever you want to do and get right back to it.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[gsgary]

 

[pgriz]

A good quality black Chinese tea is priced between $13 - $45 (US dollars) per 100 grams.

Thanks! And what's the going rate for "monkey" tea? I can't get any at my local Chinese emphorium...:er:

 

[cliffy13]

It always amazes me that in all the advice given in threads like this nobody mentions People Skills
You are going to be organising a large number of people some such as the B&G,Mothers Fathers Bridesmaids etc who may be rather stressed and you have to do this without offending anybody.You need to be able to be forcefull and polite at the same time and remember that you are also working with other professionals,Priest,Car Drivers,Wedding Planners etc etc

If you are happy that you can do that (And I Love It) then go for it

 

[tirediron]

To add to what Cliffy said, get to know the Maid/Matron of Honour and recruit her. She will generally know at least a majority of the important guests and can be invaluable in "herding the cats". As well, find out if they have a wedding planner; meet with her and discuss the timeline, venues, etc.