Fear not, Petkal has arrived to Weddings !

[PetKal]

Hello friends.;)
Decided to go into commercial wedding photography to help me pay for the new lens(e) I've just got, in fact two copies of the lens, so everything should start on an utmost professional level. Yeah, the lens is the Chubby.;)
Here are some examples of my macro work with the Chubby.

Any business tips will be appreciated.
Like, do I need a tripod ?/ (Never used/owned one)

[Pete]

You don't need a tripod, but you will need buckets of flash.

I see the groom, and I see the bouquet. Where's the bride?

[black_z]

LOL!!

[PetKal]

You don't need a tripod, but you will need buckets of flash.

I see the groom, and I see the bouquet. Where's the bride?

He, he.....funny guy, Pete.
Alas, I don't own flash either......never needed it.....that's why I have the fastest Canon glass and steady hands.;)

[short5]

Any business tips will be appreciated.


Carry your nose high in the air and learn to glare at other photographers.

[Banbert]

Unless your gonna start shooting weddings because its something that you really want to do I would say theres probably easier ways to make money to pay for gear .... if you want to do you and your clients justice it takes a massive amount of time and commitment.

Were still only in our first full year of shooting weddings ourselves so I am only speaking with the benefit of that much knowledge but thats my experience so far, outsourcing will help with some of the load but even then theres only so much you can leave to other people.

Good luck with it anyway, its definitely a lotta fun even if its also a lot of hard work.

[PetKal]

Carry your nose high in the air and learn to glare at other photographers.

I don't know, Shorty, the market pie seems big enough for all of us professional wedding photogs, regardless of experience, eh ?;)

[Curtis N]

Tip #1: While searching for that lens in your bag, never ask yourself outloud, "Where's chubby?" if the bride is over 150 pounds.

[PetKal]

Unless your gonna start shooting weddings because its something that you really want to do I would say theres probably easier ways to make money to pay for gear .... if you want to do you and your clients justice it takes a massive amount of time and commitment.

Were still only in our first full year of shooting weddings ourselves so I am only speaking with the benefit of that much knowledge but thats my experience so far, outsourcing will help with some of the load but even then theres only so much you can leave to other people.

Good luck with it anyway, its definitely a lotta fun even if its also a lot of hard work.

Thank you Banbert, those are wise and well meant words. I have been doing photography for about 50 years now, on an amateur level....so I hope I can do it.

[PetKal]

Tip #1: While searching for that lens in your bag, never ask yourself outloud, "Where's chubby?" if the bride is over 150 pounds.

:lol::lol: That had me giggle like Jaker.

[condyk]

I am interested in the responses that you may get as I am also considering a venture into wedding and generic event photography. I do wonder how serious you are tho' as I have followed some of your threads before. :rolleyes:

I have an Uncle who shot weddings for many years. He has a formula sheet which basically guides one through shooting a wedding. He made good money but worked too hard in my opinion. I want to do it for the gear and the possibility of meeting a nice woman perhaps and my financial needs are modest; maybe 2-3 a week.

So his tick sheet tells me all I need to know about positioning people, how to deal with problems, get people organised, what to charge, what broad gear one may need. Almost any idiot could make good money at this game ... and I am one :D

My own research indicates that the 200mm 1.8 may have a use but you really need more flexibility in lens choice. I don't have experience of flash myself. I was hoping to get away with fast lenses equipment and saying I like to shoot 'available light'. That seems quite a trend at the moment. Good luck.

Don

[Pete]

I don't know, Shorty, the market pie seems big enough for all of us professional wedding photogs, regardless of experience, eh ?;)

Experience isn't neccesary. All you need is attitude, and lots of it.

Keep saying "watch the birdy" alot.

Make sure you include the drunken elderly relative in pretty much any shot.

[PetKal]

I am interested in the responses that you may get as I am also considering a venture into wedding and generic event photography. I do wonder how serious you are tho' as I have followed some of your threads before. :rolleyes:

I have an Uncle who shot weddings for many years. He has a formula sheet which basically guides one through shooting a wedding. He made good money but worked too hard in my opinion. I want to do it for the gear and the possibility of meeting a nice woman perhaps and my financial needs are modest; maybe 2-3 a week.

So his tick sheet tells me all I need to know about positioning people, how to deal with problems, get people organised, what to charge, what broad gear one may need. Almost any idiot could make good money at this game ... and I am one :D

My own research indicates that the 200mm 1.8 may have a use but you really need more flexibility in lens choice. I don't have experience of flash myself. I was hoping to get away with fast lenses equipment and saying I like to shoot 'available light'. That seems quite a trend at the moment. Good luck.

Don

Thank you Don. I also bring to business the following primes: 24L, 35L, 50L, 85L, 135L and 180L.......plus several zooms as needed. I think I am well covered equipment-wise.:cool:

[PetKal]

Experience isn't neccesary. All you need is attitude, and lots of it.

Keep saying "watch the birdy" alot.

Make sure you include the drunken elderly relative in pretty much any shot.

No problem.
When you say 'attitude', you probably mean like "happy face" and "this is the best day of your lives" ?

[Maxed Out]

I've heard of photogs that get drunk before the wedding.......sort of a drunken master kind of effect

[Permagrin]

Tip #1: While searching for that lens in your bag, never ask yourself outloud, "Where's chubby?" if the bride is over 150 pounds.

LOL!!

[condyk]

I hope you don't mind me asking a few additional questions in your thread. I have been reading through this section (is that what one calls a forum 'part?) and the answers are not apparent.

1. Does one dress formally, or seek to mirror what the guests wear; if the latter how does one know in advance?

2. Do wedding photogs also shoot funerals and christenings and so on, i.e. the general events of life ... I hope so as my ex wife suggested I research the events of life across all religions and philosophies to identify niche 'markets'. She is a social worker so may not be too clever at business, especially minding her own ;-)

3. Is it possible to use a HD video and just snip out stills. Then one can sell both video foots and still imagery with minimal investment and hassle?

[short5]

Tip #1: While searching for that lens in your bag, never ask yourself outloud, "Where's chubby?" if the bride is over 150 pounds.

Brilliant advice:lol:

[Pete]

No problem.
When you say 'attitude', you probably mean like "happy face" and "this is the best day of your lives" ?

No... The attidute that you're worth every cent that your customers are paying you, that's why they're paying you so much....

[EOSAddict]

Pulls up a chair, sits down and grabs a beer...

[PetKal]

I hope you don't mind me asking a few additional questions in your thread. I have been reading through this section (is that what one calls a forum 'part?) and the answers are not apparent.

1. Does one dress formally, or seek to mirror what the guests wear; if the latter how does one know in advance?

2. Do wedding photogs also shoot funerals and christenings and so on, i.e. the general events of life ... I hope so as my ex wife suggested I research the events of life across all religions and philosophies to identify niche 'markets'. She is a social worker so may not be too clever at business, especially minding her own ;-)

3. Is it possible to use a HD video and just snip out stills. Then one can sell both video foots and still imagery with minimal investment and hassle?

Excellent questions. Here is my thinking on it.
(1) One should dress like a professional photographer but not too casually out of respect for the occasion.
(2) The social decorum and customs are essential to know for the niche market(s) a pro is after.

[condyk]

Thank you ... I understand your point 1 (1). I don't understand point 2 (2) as outlined. Could you clarify. Thank you for your help. Wow, photog-ing for 50 years.

Do you also have a response to my point 3 (3)? Seems a very good diea, although one never knows until one drills down below the surface of anything.

[PetKal]

No... The attidute that you're worth every cent that your customers are paying you, that's why they're paying you so much....

Well, I bring to the business thousands of $ in equipment and 50 years of photog experience. I think I can deliver a fairly memorable product that might consume 20 hrs or so of my time to prepare.

So, I see a few k$ fee as a minumum, in the beginning, until I get all the kinks worked out.

[Permagrin]

wow a 5 star rating already!

Perhaps I can learn something from this thread. I've recently been asked to shoot a wedding....:lol:

[Permagrin]

So, I see a few k$ fee as a minumum, in the beginning, until I get all the kinks worked out.

see....you're well on your way to the offical attitude :lol:

[Maxed Out]

Pulls up a chair, sits down and grabs a beer...


+1:D

[PetKal]

Thank you ... I understand your point 1 (1). I don't understand point 2 (2) as outlined. Could you clarify. Thank you for your help.

By knowing their customs and decorum, you develop raport with the clients quicker and gain their condfidence, they are more relaxed and natural with you, they trust your suggestions, you can also understand which moments and scenes they value most so you could photograph those, etc.

[PetKal]

see....you're well on your way to the offical attitude :lol:
Well, my dear young woman......there is but one difference between pro's and amateurs: amateurs work for peanuts.:evil:

[short5]

see....you're well on your way to the offical attitude :lol:

It really does work. If you convince the mark, I mean happy couple, you are the best thing since auto focus and they are lucky to be allowed to get married for you, you can charge anything.

[Permagrin]

Well, my dear young woman......there is but one difference between pro's and amateurs: amateurs work for peanuts.:evil:

then there are those of us who do it as a gift for a friend ;)


Don't worry Pet, I think you're really going to excel at this. Perhaps the mods will make you moderator in charge of the WF ;)

[short5]

*puts complimentary bag of peanuts behind back*

[condyk]

Yes, now I see. Thank you again. One concern I have, and you must have too, is keeping the inexperienced away once one has started doing this kind of career. Seems anyone and his Dog can take wedding imagery these days as the price of basic gear is cheap and most customers probably would fail to notice the basics against something shoot by a US professional such as Ronald Jr, or Tim who often posts messages here. How might one do that?

[PetKal]

It really does work. If you convince the mark, I mean happy couple, you are the best thing since auto focus and they are lucky to be allowed to get married for you, you can charge anything.

Wedding proceedings last up to a day, right ?
Pictures are like diamonds....FOR EVER TO CHERISH !

[Pete]

Whatever you do, don't forget to switch the Wedding Register with Modelling Release Forms.

These will be vital for when you sell the photographs to RussianBrides.com for your double bonus payout.

[Jon]

Thank you ... I understand your point 1 (1). I don't understand point 2 (2) as outlined. Could you clarify. Thank you for your help. Wow, photog-ing for 50 years.

Do you also have a response to my point 3 (3)? Seems a very good diea, although one never knows until one drills down below the surface of anything.
For #3, No - even the best HD video's lower resolution than the least-expensive (relatively new)P&S that any of the guests may have. Filming at 1080i means 1080 horizontal lines; that's about a 2 MP image on wide-screen (16:9). Crop it to an 8x10 and you've got less than 1.5 MP.

[PetKal]

Yes, now I see. Thank you again. One concern I have, and you must have too, is keeping the inexperienced away once one has started doing this kind of career. Seems anyone and his Dog can take wedding imagery these days as the price of basic gear is cheap and most customers probably would fail to notice the basics against something shoot by a US professional such as Ronald Jr, or Tim who often posts messages here. How might one do that?

I don't know who Ronald and Tim are, however, in all professions there is a golden rule....... true pro's sell themselves first before their product is even seen.

[condyk]

Thank you John, that sounds like very good advice. Maths was never my thing but i trust what you say. I will scratch that idea.

[PetKal]

Whatever you do, don't forget to switch the Wedding Register with Modelling Release Forms.

These will be vital for when you sell the photographs to RussianBrides.com for your double bonus payout.

You are joking, are you, Pete ?

[PetKal]

Perhaps the mods will make you moderator in charge of the WF ;)


Thanks, Permian, I would not mind moderating this forum, at least until my wedding business picks up.

[Pete]

You are joking, are you, Pete ?

No, guilty....

[condyk]

I have a friend Alan who actually used that russinbrides web site. He went there with a new suit and other clothes and all his money. This was two years ago. he didn't meet the woman of his dreams, but did get a tip off another man who travelled with him and has been to Thailand twice since.

[PetKal]

Russia has many beautiful women. They make pretty brides too.
Nice to photograph.
Yeah, I have lottsa self-confidence.....I think I'll do good in this business.
I have always been able to sense what people want. I think that is essential in wedding photography.

[puddlepirate44]

Apparently some do not like your honest effort here in the WF. I tried to vote it back to 5 stars for you to no avail.

Good luck on your quest. Perhaps we can start posting our own attempts of photography on this thread so as to encourage each other?

Below is a shot I took of a wedding last June. As you can see, on the point, there is the entire wedding party. The family is all there, the bride, groom, pastor... all in one shot. I thought it was pretty good for my first wedding foray, but for some reason, the bride was less than pleased so I gave her a slight discount.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/942949839_3b57406e11.jpg

[condyk]

Yeah, I have lottsa self-confidence.....I think I'll do good in this business. I have always been able to sense what people want. I think that is essential in wedding photography.

Now that also worries me. I perhaps lack confidence. My ex-wife used to call me a weak man, although to be frank she is a fierce woman with her Spanish blood. I also seem to do the wrong thing regularly, or miss important details like birthdays, or noticing a new hair-do. I will have my check list to refer to and I think that can give confidence over a competitor who seems confident but who may forget things on the list.

[PetKal]

Apparently some do not like your honest effort here in the WF. I tried to vote it back to 5 stars for you to no avail.

Good luck on your quest. Perhaps we can start posting our own attempts of photography on this thread so as to encourage each other?

Below is a shot I took of a wedding last June. As you can see, on the point, there is the entire wedding party. The family is all there, the bride, groom, pastor... all in one shot. I thought it was pretty good for my first wedding foray, but for some reason, the bride was less than pleased so I gave her a slight discount.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/942949839_3b57406e11.jpg

This is exactly what's missing in the old fashioned pedestrian approach to Wedding Photography: creativity and showing the macro as well as micro side to the event, and anything in between. Excellent, Puddle !

[PetKal]

Now that also worries me. I perhaps lack confidence. My ex-wife used to call me a weak man, although to be frank she is a fierce woman with her Spanish blood. I also seem to do the wrong thing regularly, or miss important details like birthdays, or noticing a new hair-do. I will have my check list to refer to and I think that can give confidence over a competitor who seems confident but who may forget things on the list.

Yes, you have the advantage of forethought and preparation.
Excessive self-confidence which runs ahead of one's real abilities is a sure business killer.

[condyk]

This is exactly what's missing in the old fashioned pedestrian approach to Wedding Photography: creativity and showing the macro as well as micro side to the event, and anything in between. Excellent, Puddle !

I am thinking now that maybe wedding photog isn't the right career for me. I trust your judgement but I thought that shot was very poor. No offense, but I would expect a refund rather than small discount. You can't even see the people and the general exposure is poor.It could be anything. Maybe it is my confidence issue and I haven't even booked a wedding yet!

[puddlepirate44]

This is exactly what's missing in the old fashioned pedestrian approach to Wedding Photography: creativity and showing the macro as well as micro side to the event, and anything in between. Excellent, Puddle !

Pedestrian approach? Naw. I drove. I explicitly put that into the contract. I wear shorts, get free food and can drive wherever I want. Contracts are very important in wedding photography. Put the important things in very vague lawyer-speak so as to really garner the cash later. Condyk could probably help you out with the vague and confusing wording. ;)

[PetKal]

Pedestrian approach? Naw. I drove. I explicitly put that into the contract. I wear shorts, get free food and can drive wherever I want. Contracts are very important in wedding photography. Put the important things in very vague lawyer-speak so as to really garner the cash later. Condyk could probably help you out with the vague and confusing wording. ;)

That's what I meant......your photo showed us an example of non pedestrian wedding photography.

[puddlepirate44]

That's what I meant......your photo showed us an example of non pedestrian wedding photography.

Ah, forgive me. I tend to get very defensive when it comes to my contractual stipulations. Thank you for your comment. I eventually had the picture blown up and sent to all the priciples in the wedding. The only one that was seriously displeased was the mother of the groom, who pointed out that the groom's paternal uncle was slightly blurry. I explained that was gaussian blur and that it was added for effect in post.

There's another tip for you Petkal, never admit your mistakes. Either blame them on the wedding coordinator, the fine print in the contract, or explain it way with technical post processing jargon. Works every time.

[Grace]

Nice! Love a little spice in the wedding section! Welcome! Don't show too much cleavage, personality or flirt - thats my job and I'd hate to have to share all the attention ;)


:)

[puddlepirate44]

Nice! Love a little spice in the wedding section! Welcome! Don't show too much cleavage, personality or flirt - thats my job and I'd hate to have to share all the attention

No worries, Kathy. I lack the capability in all three areas.

[Jon]

. . . Don't show too much cleavage, . . .I wish you hadn't triggered that image . . .

[PetKal]

Nice! Love a little spice in the wedding section! Welcome! Don't show too much cleavage, personality or flirt - thats my job and I'd hate to have to share all the attention ;)


:)

Thank you beautiful Kathy.:oops:
Already I feel like I have found my new POTN home !
Thank you all so much.

Now I can start reviewing and commenting on the work by my colleagues here. That's also a good way to learn a trade, right ?:cool:

[PetKal]

OK, now back to business......one has to have a portofolio.....flowers come first.

[PetKal]

Then some cherubs.

[Permagrin]

Thank you beautiful Kathy.:oops:
Already I feel like I have found my new POTN home !
Thank you all so much.

Now I can start reviewing and commenting on the work by my colleagues here. That's also a good way to learn a trade, right ?:cool:

most definitely! If you dissect the work down to the most remote overexposed highlight or if the composition is slightly off, just saying so will help your photographs be better :lol:

[Grace]

Well, those are to centered for me and lack intrest...and the shadow on the first is hideous.. perhaps you should just delete these all together. I hope you didn't get paid for those.

;)




good luck next time ;)

totally kidding.

[Permagrin]

Nice! Love a little spice in the wedding section! Welcome! Don't show too much cleavage, personality or flirt - thats my job and I'd hate to have to share all the attention ;)


:)

lol!! Definitely listen to Kathy, Pet, she's the most fun person around here :) NO CLEAVAGE should be your first priority!

[PetKal]

most definitely! If you dissect the work down to the most remote overexposed highlight or if the composition is slightly off, just saying so will help your photographs be better :lol:

Gotcha.;)

[Grace]

most definitely! If you dissect the work down to the most remote overexposed highlight or if the composition is slightly off, just saying so will help your photographs be better :lol:


so true: I'm so glad you've picked up something here! :p

[condyk]

They are wonderful images. You capture the romance of marriage perfectly. The symbolism is rich.

[PetKal]

Well, those are to centered for me and lack intrest...and the shadow on the first is hideous.. perhaps you should just delete these all together. I hope you didn't get paid for those.

;)




good luck next time ;)

totally kidding.

I am here to learn, cutie pie.;)

[Grace]

lol!! Definitely listen to Kathy, Pet, she's the most fun person around here :)


Thats my goal! :)

[T.D.]

lol!! Definitely listen to Kathy, Pet, she's the most fun person around here :) NO CLEAVAGE should be your first priority!

I have to agree here. It does tend to get you into more trouble than anything else, Pet. Definitely steer clear.

[Grace]

I have to agree here. It does tend to get you into more trouble than anything else, Pet. Definitely steer clear.
Amen!

Sincerely,
the wedding forum post whore.


:lol:

[T.D.]

Amen!

Sincerely,
the wedding forum post whore.


:lol:

:shock::shock::shock:

[Grace]

it was a joke T.D.

[T.D.]

it was a joke T.D.

I know. ;):cool:

[Grace]

whew! that was close! ;)

[Permagrin]

it was a joke T.D.

I know. ;):cool:


LOL..he's probably off subscribing to all your threads now Kathy! :lol:

[italianfemmy]

Welcome to the wedding forum section. I hope that your adventure is full of wonder, fulfillment and lots of money!

[T.D.]

LOL..he's probably off subscribing to all your threads now Kathy! :lol:

You're assuming that I wasn't already subscribed. :cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:


;)

[Grace]

What?

[T.D.]

They aren't floating.
They're printed 20x30 on canvas, tastefully framed and nailed to the wall in my garage.

Curt, I'll be right over. Becky said it was okay.


;)

[Grace]

be sure to to get a pic with you and curtis off to build somethin'

:)

[PetKal]

Welcome to the wedding forum section. I hope that your adventure is full of wonder, fulfillment and lots of money!

Ciao bella.;)
Much obliged for your warm welcome and lovely wishes.
I shall be your slave.:oops:

[italianfemmy]

My slave? Hmm.. *thinking for a moment of how this could be advantageous to me in some way.* Hehe *evil grin*

[PetKal]

Building my portofolio as we speak.
Yup, what can better epitomize the warmth of their new conjugal home than a pussycat and chimneypieces......yeah...lottsa cuddling.:D

[Maureen Souza]

Tip #1: While searching for that lens in your bag, never ask yourself outloud, "Where's chubby?" if the bride is over 150 pounds.
:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

Well, my dear young woman......there is but one difference between pro's and amateurs: amateurs work for peanuts.:evil:
I like mine roasted.....

Thanks, Permian, I would not mind moderating this forum, at least until my wedding business picks up.
You might find the pay a bit discouraging.....;)

[PetKal]

You might find the pay a bit discouraging.....;)

I'd consider the pleasure of helping my colleagues become better wedding photogs to be the best compansation for my moderating labours.:cool:
Hey Pekka, have you heard that ?

[Curtis N]

Take the leap, PetKal. You only live once.

Put an ad in the paper that says, "I've been photographing hovering seagulls for 50 years. I can get the shot before the crap hits the pier."

Good luck!

[Grace]

Take the leap, PetKal. You only live once.

Put an ad in the paper that says, "I've been photographing hovering seagulls for 50 years. I can get the shot before the crap hits the pier."

Good luck!


:lol:

great!!!!!!!

[thekid24]

Take the leap, PetKal. You only live once.

Put an ad in the paper that says, "I've been photographing hovering seagulls for 50 years. I can get the shot before the crap hits the pier."

Good luck!
haaaaaaaaha

[howzitboy]

Building my portofolio as we speak.
Yup, what can better epitomize the warmth of their new conjugal home than a pussycat and chimneypieces......yeah...lottsa cuddling.:D

aha!! i see now! ive been shooting couples and weddings all these years trying to hone my skills when i should have been shooting pussycats adn chimneys!! darnnn, where were you years ago???

is it to late to start over? ;)

[Woolburr]

Hello friends.;)
Decided to go into commercial wedding photography to help me pay for the new lens(e) I've just got, in fact two copies of the lens, so everything should start on an utmost professional level. Yeah, the lens is the Chubby.;)
Here are some examples of my macro work with the Chubby.

Any business tips will be appreciated.
Like, do I need a tripod ?/ (Never used/owned one)

Your venture into wedding fotografie will probably be short lived. It appears your portfolio duck has been goosed! I retired from the wedding foto business about 15 years ago after I accidentally mentioned Chubby in too close proximity to the bride. Hell hath no fury like a large bride thinking she is the brunt of an inside joke. (Damn ribs never did fully heal.:cry:)

[Permagrin]

Your venture into wedding fotografie will probably be short lived. It appears your portfolio duck has been goosed! I retired from the wedding foto business about 15 years ago after I accidentally mentioned Chubby in too close proximity to the bride. Hell hath no fury like a large bride thinking she is the brunt of an inside joke. (Damn ribs never did fully heal.:cry:)

darn it Wool, I've said I was sorry! :lol:

[Grace]

Im not sure why, but I just noticed your sig Permagrin!!!!

"The High Priestess of TMS!!" LOVE IT! We should go money spending together!

[louiep83]

Hello friends.;)
Decided to go into commercial wedding photography to help me pay for the new lens(e) I've just got, in fact two copies of the lens, so everything should start on an utmost professional level. Yeah, the lens is the Chubby.;)
Here are some examples of my macro work with the Chubby.

Any business tips will be appreciated.
Like, do I need a tripod ?/ (Never used/owned one)

We don't use tripod but always have one in the back of the car just in case.
If you are only shooting macro/landscape/nature photos, you'll probably find wedding photo is rather different.
I'd encourage you to try a few, rather than shoot for perfection, shoot to capture the moment.
Flashes are essential (even w/ fast lens), although a lot of ceremony place won't let you use them at all. You'll need it for every other places throughout the day.

Enjoy.

[PetKal]

We don't use tripod but always have one in the back of the car just in case.
If you are only shooting macro/landscape/nature photos, you'll probably find wedding photo is rather different.
I'd encourage you to try a few, rather than shoot for perfection, shoot to capture the moment.
Flashes are essential (even w/ fast lens), although a lot of ceremony place won't let you use them at all. You'll need it for every other places throughout the day.

Enjoy.

Good advice, compadre, thank you.
BTW, I happen to live in GTA too.
I suppose we could be goin after the same clientele base, eh ?;)

[CyberPet]

PetKal, congrats on your 10,000th post on POTN!!! Nice way to get there... you'll shine as a wedding photographer, you have total control of the light and composition. Now.... next is to try to photograph people, who cannot be bribed with cat food. :D

[PetKal]

PetKal, congrats on your 10,000th post on POTN!!! Nice way to get there... you'll shine as a wedding photographer, you have total control of the light and composition. Now.... next is to try to photograph people, who cannot be bribed with cat food. :D

Thank you so much, Petra....you are one sweet gal.:D

[JSolie]

Take the leap, PetKal. You only live once.

Put an ad in the paper that says, "I've been photographing hovering seagulls for 50 years. I can get the shot before the crap hits the pier."

Good luck!

Tempting, oh so tempting....

"Faster than a speeding bird dropping, stronger than a 500mm f/2.8, able to freeze frames in a single click, it's.... Wedding Memories Captured by PetKal (Dun dun DUNNNN!!)"


;)

[csm328]

PetKal, having switched from landscape, commercial and pets, probably the biggest tip I could offer is: get more storage cards! All the other advise you've been given here and the advice you will get is valuable but doing a wedding, especially your first, second, third, is a big jump and you'll shoot more pictures than you ever thought possible.
Best of luck and we all look forward to seeing your pictures.

[PetKal]

Thank you Wayne.

[sblais]

Wow. Not only do we have the honor of having PetKal on our humble forum, but we also have the privilege of seeing his fan club in action!

My advise to you: even though brides are all white on their wedding day and some seem to quack around, they do have a hard time flying. I'd recommend practicing your photography on chicken rather than seagulls.

[JimAskew]

Oh goodie...wedding photo contests are coming:) What is going to be your first theme Peter? Brides in flight? Web footed brides?

[Grace]

Brides in flight! nice- I have actually had a high groom, does that count?

[PetKal]

:D
Trust me, this ole boy has some experience with shootin fleeing grooms.;)

[sblais]

Well, you won't have much success in the biz if you only photograph grooms' butts... :rolleyes: