HELP! I was invited to be a wedding photographer.

[nahlene]

Hi guys, i recently posted some pictures on a local community for fun, but unexpectedly, i received an email from a lady saying that she likes my style and hope i can be the photographer for her wedding in September, we have a mutual friend but that's all...

I am certainly excited but I have always been a casual amateur and never thought about shooting wedding before.

My usable gears are:

Epson R-D1s, Canon VI-T, Ricoh GRD, Praktica MTL-5.
Canon 35/1.8, Canon 50/1.4.

and the worst thing is that i have no flash... because i mostly do street shots only...

I have a friend whom i might be able to borrow a Nikon D200 from, but i am not very comfortable with SLRs (i am okay with MTL-5 because it is focus with split screen).

Again, I really appreciate any advice for anything about wedding photography. Do you guys thing i should take the task or not? If so, what kind of special things i should pay attention to? thx alot.

i guess i won't charge anything for the first time as a non-professional...

[ampguy]

Go for it! I'd take the Epson and Canon lens, and the GRD. Just grab a book at the library for the standard poses.

[ckuang]

Hey Nahlene, personally if i was in your situation, I would speak to your friend/the person asking you to shoot wedding photos and let them know your style as in the type of images you shoot and how you go about shooting them

If you're not a posed/traditional type of wedding photographer and prefer to just be a fly on the wall, I would honestly just let that person know. I'm not in favor of shooting a wedding trying to be a photographer you're not, not in the sense of quality but in the sense that you're forcing yourself into a style that you don't feel a connection to.

And if you get to shoot the style that represents you, then there should be no problem for you to use your existing gear instead of running out and buying or borrowing gear.

when it comes to shooting weddings, I think you just need to be you, create heartfelt images, and this is how your style would shine through the best and how your clients will appreciate and remember you the most for.

[mfunnell]

It is very much oriented to digital and SLRs, but there may be a few pointers to be found here:

http://www.rokkorfiles.com/Wedding101-page1.html

...Mike

[michaelging]

If the style she wants, is what you are shooting now, why would you change it for the wedding. I would shoot it with what you feel comfortable with, and just do the best job you can.

[Mr_Flibble]

I've shot a '1940s' wedding in May this year, (It was my first too).

For I carried a Epson R-D1 with a 35mm Ultron f/1.7 and a Nikon flash SB-30something IIRC as a main setup.

I had a Leica IIIa + 90mm Elmar lens for portraits for the Bride+Groom shoot and a Kodak autographic folding brownie for really vintage photo's.

And I had a friend with two enormous dSLRs backing me up

Browse the forums, there's a Help-topic on weddings floating around.

Best thing to do is have a meeting with the couple before hand. Set expectations and see what they would like.

If you are going to use the R-D1, have at least 4 fully charged batteries and 2 flash cards.
The flash I used needed new batteries after about 200 flashes. so that's something to keep in mind.


I assume you are going to have them at least pay for prints

[historicist]

I dunno, but getting stressed about doing a good job when you aren't getting paid a penny and doing a (massive) favour for a friend of a friend seems like a bit of a raw deal to me.

I'm struggling to see the appeal unless you want to become a pro wedding photographer and see it as a useful way of getting experience. Why not just go as a guest with your camera, enjoy yourself, shoot a few pictures and give them as a gift to the couple? Looking at your flickr that would suit your style as well.

[Jonas Adolfsen]

First of all: even if it's a good opportunity to learn, you should charge some. Maybe not too much, but a little to put in your equipment account.

Second: If she likes your photos and your style, just talk to her and tell her that this is what you do. Not everyone wants plastic hollywood pictures. the quantity is not the issue, the quality is. I mean, all in all, what matters is that you get one or two really good photos for their wall and for their thankyou card. The rest is for memories and does not have to be perfect (if they want perfect they need a pro with experience costing $$$).

Just look in books and get inspired. You'll manage.

J

[nahlene]

Thanks for your replies guys, wow that was really fast. i really appreciate the ideas, they are really helpful. I will communicate with the person beforehand to make sure she really want me to do the job even i am not that experienced a shooter and i might make some guests look distorted in my output. if they still want me, i will go read some articles about how i should do it. btw, mfunnell ur link is very informative, thx

@historicist, haha yeah it does seems a little weird. i am a foreigner in a tiny Canadian town and people from my country forms a small community. I will try to help my fellows if i can. Another thing is, if i become the photographer they invited, i get justification shooting anything/anyone i want, which is a strange behavior if i am just a guest.

[Igor.Burshteyn]

If you are supposed to be the only photographer there - don't do it. You are not prepared for it, and chances you will not be up to the job. Remember wedding is pretty stressing event for photographer (which requires different skills from what you got used to), and it's "once a lifetime" event for bride&groom. If post-event they don't get images they would like to, nothing helps - charge you them or not.
On the other hand, it's perfectly ok to work along with "big dslr guy" as a backup, I did it a few times just for fun/experience. If you have style and prove it on event, can happen that "big dslr guy" will offer you to work together - that's what happened to me in similar circumstances. Btw I declined.

[historicist]

@historicist, haha yeah it does seems a little weird. i am a foreigner in a tiny Canadian town and people from my country forms a small community. I will try to help my fellows if i can. Another thing is, if i become the photographer they invited, i get justification shooting anything/anyone i want, which is a strange behavior if i am just a guest.

Fair enough, I don't mean to lecture! All I know is that I would never feel comfortable asking a friend of a friend to do me a favour which would take at least a whole day of their time, probably more by the time you process all the images, discuss what they want etc. Must be at least $500 if they paid for it? Even if I had a close friend who I knew could take great pictures, and who knew that I couldn't afford to hire someone, and knew that I would pay them back in some way in the future, I would rather that they came to my wedding as a guest and enjoyed themselves.

Going as a guest and shooting a few pictures sounds like a reasonable compromise to me, the couple get some nice pictures out of it, you don't have to work too hard, yet still help them out.

Anyway, whatever you decide, good luck!

[Roger Hicks]

I only shoot weddings for very close friends (and, nowadays, their children) if they really, really insist -- so I've only ever done about 7 in the last 35 years. Even then, the last 5 have been co-shot with Frances. My advice would be that if you want to do it, tell them to get someone else as well.

Cheers,

R.

[Leigh Youdale]

I recently had the same request. I don't really "do" weddings, although I have two friends with thriving pro businesses who do. At first I turned it down, but the bride-to-be came back and said she just wanted informal shots of the ceremony from someone who knew what they were doing,and at the party afterwards. (Second wedding, very informal).
She also said a lot of her friends will be using their digital P&S as well.
On the basis that I now have a clear understanding with her as to what she wants (no fancy album etc) I have agreed. As she's a friend I said I'd do it for the cost of the film and processing, plus a meal and a couple of drinks. Deal!

Which is a long way round to say - you need to talk with the couple and arrive at a clear mutual understanding of what your role is and what the required result is. Then you can decide if it's compatible with your experience/style etc. If it starts to sound difficult I'd pass on it.

[Brian Sweeney]

Don't use a camera that you are uncomfortable with.

Meet with the Bride and her family. If they are financially limited, and it is you or collecting snapshots from guests, you are doing them a favor. Explain that you do existing light work, and do not even own a flash. Your camera is 6Mpixel, good enough for 8x10 prints. Beyond that, they are pushing it. Probably not for 16x20 prints over the fireplace.

If they expect Pro Wedding Photographer work, then decline. they will be disappointed when comparing your work with those that paid $1,000+ for a wedding album.

If the conditions are met, a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera is "standard issue" for weddings. A fast 50 and a short telephoto are also required. And usually, conditions require a flash.

[leicashot]

I wouldn't do it. Not charging someone for shooting their wedding won't be a good enough excuse should they be unhappy with your images of their most important day in their lives.

Even if the couple were friends I'd be really hesitant unless they were adament on me doing it. Be careful when it comes to such an important event. Someone's wedding is not an event to be taken lightly, so I suggest you practice as a wedding photographer shadow before you experiment on a couple's BIG DAY.

Probably not the answer you were seeking, but trust me, you don't want to be on the end of an unhappy bride ;-)

Also, there are professional photographers that you are taking work away from. These people make their living from shooting weddings and are trained, prepared and 'fully' capable of a successful shoot. They specifically understand the details of the requirements of the client and even 'they' have their days with unhappy clients.

Amatuers taking on the 'official' job is not a great thing for the industry. I am not a wedding photographer, but know people who are and they are sick of amatuers taking away work, with quite often dissapointing results. Not through lack of skills or ability, but experience, preparation and understanding the clients' expectations and delivering on them.

If you do go ahead, good luck, but pls consult with them first, so they are 'fully' aware of your experience and capabilities. If they still want you to go ahead, "enjoy and kick butt!"

[daveywaugh]

You've had some great advice already and I will second a few things. Firstly - go for it! I was in a similar position not too long ago and nothing could have prepared me. It sounds like you are willing to research and plan, and that's much of the battle. I would also charge something - reduced rate for sure, but something nonetheless. You may not be a wedding photographer, but you are a great photographer who deserves something for the creative and technical skills you offer.

Wedding are tough. All of them. Even if they say "we are really casual and relaxed about it"... they're not. Never. Lighting is everything. Unless you are blessed that day, chances are you will have to contend with an incredible gamut of conditions. Spend as much time as possible working out a reliable flash fill system and have an assistant with you with a good reflector. Only use equipment you are REALLY familiar with and don't be tempted to borrow someone's Nikon D3x the day before :-) Something will go wrong.

PLAN, PREPARE and on the day try and have fun, relax, keep hydrated and make sure you eat a bit. Have a great one! Look forward to the pics.

[Nikon Bob]

Originally Posted by Igor.Burshteyn

If you are supposed to be the only photographer there - don't do it. You are not prepared for it, and chances you will not be up to the job. Remember wedding is pretty stressing event for photographer (which requires different skills from what you got used to), and it's "once a lifetime" event for bride&groom. If post-event they don't get images they would like to, nothing helps - charge you them or not.
On the other hand, it's perfectly ok to work along with "big dslr guy" as a backup, I did it a few times just for fun/experience. If you have style and prove it on event, can happen that "big dslr guy" will offer you to work together - that's what happened to me in similar circumstances. Btw I declined.

That would be my view also.

Bob

[nahlene]

Thank you very much guys, for your great advices about possible troubles and preparations.

I did realize some of the problems when i first got the mail, so i told her that neither me and my gears are professional enough for her wedding as the only one, suggested her to go for pro, and all i can do is to take some pictures of the guests and some portraits for her.

I wanted to use this chance to learn but i really didn't realize the complexity of wedding photography. Thank you for the warnings and fortunately i didn't gave her a very positive response.... i think i'd choose to be a happy walk-around guest, and get some lessons from the pros if she gets any.

i guess i am still pretty much in my impulsing age :-)

[nahlene]

Originally Posted by nikonhswebmaster

I am late to this discussion, but I would run like hell... Unless there is a seasoned photographer already hired, and you are going to supplement that work.

They may tell you they understand, they may think they understand what you do, but they will be disappointed and angry about what you actually do.

I would only consider it, if the wedding is a VERY casual affair, with just a few friends and family, an old fashioned "hippie" kind of thing. Big church, 300 guests, not for you.

oh by all means it is a casual wedding, all young guys just graduated from the university. However, i think i'd better avoid it now if she expect me the only photographer, before tragedy take place.

thx for the advice

[35mmdelux]

She likes your style because she expects it to be done cheaply. I would pass. To get good coverage takes alot of effort. In your situation shooting candids as 4th photog might be ok. I took 150 pix at a wedding a few days ago and all I could say was thank the Lord I wasnt the guy hired to deliver the goods.

[flip]

I get frustrated by these threads. I think it's important to recognize your limitations but also not to let others weigh you down with them. Be a cheap 2nd photog for a minimal fee. Try to show-up the 'pro.' Everyone starts somewhere.

[kshapero]

Originally Posted by Roger Hicks

I only shoot weddings for very close friends (and, nowadays, their children) if they really, really insist -- so I've only ever done about 7 in the last 35 years. Even then, the last 5 have been co-shot with Frances. My advice would be that if you want to do it, tell them to get someone else as well.

Cheers,

R.

Best advice, you will get here IMHO. Unless you are willing to commit to the "equipment needed or expected" then ask that they get someone who will. I once shot a wedding as the "backup" using a fast lens on a ZI B&W film only. They also had the Nikon D2 guy. he made the album for them. I made the framed 11" X 14" framed prints. All in all it worked out great. They got what they wanted and I got to shoot the way I wanted and I made some nice $$$.

[Al Kaplan]

Reading your post brought these song lyrics to mind:
"So lock up your daughter & lock up your wife Lock up your back door And run for your life The man is back in town So don't you mess around."

You should work as assistant or second shooter on at least half a dozen weddings before doing one on your own. You have two major concerns: getting all the expected pictures and creativity. Concentrate on the first one. They might look like boring pictures but when all is said and done people want to see sharp clear pictures of Aunt Emma and Uncle Jason. They want to see smiling faces.

First get the important "must have" shots, then go for the creative version. Right now the most creative thing you can possibly do is talk your way out of this one.

[daveywaugh]

Wedding photography, more than any other type IMO has a very broad definition of 'quality'. As an art director, there is a quite distinct quality line drawn in the sand for commercial shoots. When a photographer is hired for a 50K plus job, they generally have two assistants, MF digital, and at least 20K worth of lighting. Then there's make up etc and the list goes on. Of course there is also a photographer with years of experience, a wonderful ability to follow a brief and add his or her creative flair. Unless we are talking about the real big budget stuff though, there isn't the room for being too different, or taking too many risks. There is a formula of sorts. Not for weddings though.

Wedding photography can sometimes look like stock. Bland, emotionless, dull. Everything is in the eye of the beholder of course (or in this case the bride) but there is a much larger gamut of what makes a good photo. Increasingly more couples are quite conscious of this stock 'look' and will almost do anything to get something different. Being a good wedding photographer is more about who YOU are. Ask yourself the hard questions... "can I really handle this?" And most importantly "do I really want to do this?" If you answer yes to both then go for it. Be passionate and be prepared to work hard planning the day. I'd shoot some film too :-)

I shot a wedding recently for a very successful professional couple who forwarded me links to the websites of 10 wedding photographers. They were all obviously extremely good photographers, and very successful. The instructions from the clients were "just don't do anything like those!" It's just the way it is. Stick to your guns, shoot YOUR way and obviously make sure that is the style your couple is after.

I know I will be flamed for this - just an opinion though :-) Life is too short.

[daveywaugh]

This was my first here. I was in exactly the same circumstance as yourself at the time. I made every mistake in the book including not taking enough film. Lighting was difficult but you know, it was still captured OK and the album was fine. I just kept plugging away and not allowing myself to get flustered. Now I have only done one since and it was much slicker, and more 'professional; but not sure if it was THAT much better. Just a thought.