What!......me shoot a wedding????

[Chris71]

I was asked by my Brother-in-law, if I would be interested in shooting his Brother's wedding. My first reaction, was NO WAY! I explained to him, that I have never shot a wedding, and that I would not want to disappoint them. He told me that his brother's fiance was not very picky, and that she was just going to get one of her friends or family members to take some snap shots with a cheap camera at the wedding. I told him that I could probably do better than just a few snapshots. So, I talked to the bride to be, and her fiance and explained to them that I have never shot a wedding. They said that they had looked at my website, at the portraits I have taken, and would like me to take the job.

To make a long story short, I have agreed to shoot their wedding. I am not going to charge them anything for my time, just for the photos that they want to order. That way, if I do not turn out any shots that they like, they will not be out any money. I will also gain a little experience shooting a wedding.

What would you have done?

[sm1rf]

exactly the same as you except maybe asked for a a bottle of Red for my troubles! :)

[buffalophotographer]

be carefull as the people that say are not picky end up complaining the most.

[Chris71]

I have thought about that, and that's why I have fully explained to them that I have never shot a wedding. The only expectations they have, are that I will do better than a few snap shots. Which I believe I can. That is also why I am not charging them anything. If they are not happy, I will give them their money back. :D

[mizuno]

In my years in business in both graphic design and photography I have come to realise that it's always the free favour jobs I do for friends and family which turn out to be the biggest nightmares.

Take that how you will, it's just my experience.

[Wilt]

I would not hesistate, even inexperienced, to shoot as 'just another camera'. But it sounds like too much is riding on YOU not screwing up, and YOU getting good photos, and YOU delivering the quality that is not expected of other guests! If you do not mind become the great unwanted due to what goes wrong at the ceremony and reception, have fun trying to meet their expectations -- regardless of what they tell you!

[Exit]

Make a contract with them!

[queenbee288]

Chris, I will tell you about my experience. I did a wedding in which they were not going to have a real photographer unless I did it so there was no pressure. I did not charge a fee as I wanted the expererience. I only charged for the prints. They ordered $600 worth of prints. I was happy, they were happy. Go for it!

[Mark T]

It all depends on you. I recently shot my sister's wedding under similar circumstances and my biggest hang up before hand was that I didn't want to screw it up. I took a hard look at my photography skills and told them that although I was capable of taking good photos, I didn't feel that I was consistent enough to take good pictures all the time and I might screw up certain shots such as the aisle walk or the ring exchange. Anyway to cut a long story short my sister wanted lots of black and white candid shots of the wedding and despite a few technical errors on my part it worked out great. They were both very happy with the shots and I guess that is what counts the most. So from my limited experience I would say go for it but of course other members might have been in a similar situation and had a nightmare time. Weight up the pros and cons and go with your gut instinct. Whatever you decide, best of luck.

[Mark T]

Actually I have just seen that you have agreed to do the wedding. I wish you all the best. One thing that I did wrong was that I forgot to keep an eye on the ISO setting and I started shooting outside with 1600! I probably had more time between shots than I realised to get the settings correct. Not sure of the link but Tim produced a great thread about his experiences from his first wedding, try and search for that it'll help you immensely.

[wpccc]

Chris,

From your website and your gear list, you know what you're doing. Just go ahead and do as much as you can, they'll be happy.

It'll be helpful to talk to the B&G, as well as the pastor (if in a church). Go to the rehearsal if you can to test the light, get familiar with the place/procedure and figure out the best spots to shoot.

Shoot in raw or raw+jpeg.
Check your ISO and histogram as often as you can.
Your 50mm 1.8 and Tammy 2.8 will be the best choices for most of the time.

Don't forget to share your pictures with us. :-)

[Chris71]

Thanks everyone, for the words of encouragement, and advice.
I am going to talk to the B&G about maybe taking some engagement photos, that way I can get to know them a little and they can see what I am capable of.

I will also see about going to the rehearsal to get a few test shots.

Thanks

[Philco]

Hey Chris,
If you can manage to get your hands on an extra body for the day, I think it would make a big difference, not only in terms of the range you'll be able to acheive, but also having a back up in case (God forbid) something goes haywire w/ your main body is always a good idea. You don't want to be the guy that didn't get any pictures, even for free.

The engagement shoot is a fantastic idea. I think engagement shoots are practially essential for the reasons you stated. Everyone will more comfortable with you and your camera on the wedding day (including yourself) after you've shot them once already. It's a good confidence builder all the way around for a wedding. Plus, any feedback you get from the engagement session will clue you into the B&G's expectations and tastes.

I hope you post a few when you're done!

[Chris71]

Thanks, I'll have to see if I can get my hands on another camera body.
The wedding is not until July, so I have a little time to study up, and practice.

Hey, this gives me an excuse to buy another camera.................Oh Hoooooneeeeeey!...........:lol: