Good resource to get the basics?

[goatee]

Hi,
ok, a colleague at work is getting married, and has asked me to do the photos. Personally, I didn't think I was up to it, but he's seen a load of my work, and really likes them. It's only going to be a small do, and they aren't looking for standard formal shots, and likes my style of candid photography.

He hasn't set a date for the wedding yet, and I've told him to think about exactly the type of photos he's looking for - what formal / semi formal shots he wants, and where he wants them shot.

Now, I am looking for some reading material (I'll be setting up some mock shoots with some friends as well) to start giving me more ideas.

[liza]

I liked the book, "Wedding Photography: Art, Business, and Style." I'd also make sure I had them sign some sort of agreement which delineates their expectations and yours. That way, you remain friends. :)

[sageone]

Oh yea...a contract is a great idea. In terms of books, I don't have anything to offer. When I was starting out - doing corporate work - I just use google images to find what I was looking for in terms of style. As for actually doing the work, I'm sure you can get plenty of tips and hints from this forum...no doubt in my mind about that.

[goatee]

Thanks Liza - it looks pretty reasonable. I agree about setting up a proper agreement beforehand - quite what it should contain I'm not 100% sure. I'm also not sure how much to charge - budget is one of the reasons they are asking me, but also, I and they know that I'm not a professional and it will be a learning experience for me.

Any other tips?

[goatee]

Thanks sageone - even though it's pushed me to spend money on glass etc, I've learnt so much, both in terms of technique, and in being able to critique my own images and post process them.

[Eoseni]

I have Steve Sint's "Wedding Photography: Art, Business, and Style," as suggested by Liza. Good advice, well written, though written for film cameras, very relevant in most topics covered. Though didn't care much for the sample photos there, the posing section is helpful for formals. Paul Gero's "Digital Wedding Photography" is as the title says, about digital weddings: I like the sample photos, advice is basic to intermediate and good, PS advice on some techniques very good. I've also heard good things about Bill Hurter's book, but haven't seen it yet. I'd suggest you go to Amazon.com and search wedding photography books. you'll find a bunch, with reader's ratings and reviews. That's what I do. It's helpful.
Another great idea is to browse wedding photography websites to study others' styles, lighting techniques etc. by studying their photos. i find inspiration that way, sometimes. Good luck.

[goatee]

Thanks Tim - that's great advice! I hadn't thought of taking a look at wedding photographers' websites!

[Eoseni]

Thanks Liza - it looks pretty reasonable. I agree about setting up a proper agreement beforehand - quite what it should contain I'm not 100% sure. I'm also not sure how much to charge - budget is one of the reasons they are asking me, but also, I and they know that I'm not a professional and it will be a learning experience for me.

Any other tips?

The contract should essentially protect you and spell out what services you are rendering and what you are not. I have a contract I can email to you, but I'd need to sign a contract with you to protect myself if that contract fails you.:lol: But seriously, if you want it let me know.