Bruck
23rd of January 2008 (Wed), 13:18
Alright. A milestone in my spare time attempt of becoming a professional photographer (among my other business ventures) is upon me. I have been offered a paid gig to shoot a friend's sister's wedding. She has contacted me to discuss details and would like a quote for my services for one day.
The wedding is just about 1 yr away. Its a december wedding, and there will be about 100 guests (120 max). 60 which are family from both sides. Bridal party is less than 10.
My Thoughts
My first thought is that I'm scared/nervous to take the job. I fully realize how important of a job this is, and the severity of making even one mistake (missing a picture, improper shooting of a key moment, etc). I know that if I don't take gigs like this, I will never be capable of them, as I can only learn through experience. So my first inclination is to quote her a reasonable rate and accept the job. And then practice during the next year.
My Worries
I have taken my DSLR to 2 weddings so far, both I was a guest - but took over 500 shots each. (samples: http://www.pbase.com/bruck/photography/) I am afraid of the large shots, shooting them correctly. In the past, I did not have a flash. Now I have a 580 exII. I may need additional lighting rented for a job like this, or even an assistant. Unsure. I also know that I need to practice and prepare for this job. I am unsure a the moment if I was offered the job in an effort for them to save money on the expense, and if so if they realize that they may not achieve the same quality as a true professional by doing this. I am hoping that they feel this way. We have discussed that I will give them a cd/dvd with all of the pictures when I am done post processing them. They are not looking to buy a book from me, etc. I'm ok with this. I am very close with the family, and while I would not have been a guest at such a small wedding - I will enjoy being there, and partly am glad that me doing this will save them some money.
My Plan
Here's my plan of action.
1) Retreieve a checklist of how to run a wedding photography session (read:day) - I have this bookmarked, its a few pages long, goes into the organization and things to watch out for.
2) Discuss the pictures that the bride/groom want ahead of time. We will come up with a family photo checklist, and others
3) We have talked about the time that they want me for
4) I have a backup camera a 400D, and a few capable lenses (although I am considering buying 1 L lens to add to my gear, and to use as the main lens for the day)
5) I am going to do 3 free weddings thru craigslist to practice. I will aim to find a couple that was not going to have a photographer, and then do this as a service for free, or small fee so that I can gain the experience
6) I have talked with others, and it seems that a "friends" rate from an amature is about $900 for such a gig.
This is what a friend of mine paid a "friend of a friend who does this during his spare time". I was at that wedding, and shot with him quite a bit. His equipment was only slightly better than mine, and his knowledge of photography was close to equal as well. He did have a lot more experience though. But hte kicker is that I did not like the photos he took. He stood in the same place the entire wedding, and every picture was from the same angle. My friends actually have mostly my photos framed in their house as opposed to his.
I would appreciate any thoughts and advice that you can offer me. I am still considering turning the job down, and have not thought of a price yet. Also the wedding is in baltimore, a 4hr drive from here - I will stay in a hotel overnight.
The wedding is just about 1 yr away. Its a december wedding, and there will be about 100 guests (120 max). 60 which are family from both sides. Bridal party is less than 10.
My Thoughts
My first thought is that I'm scared/nervous to take the job. I fully realize how important of a job this is, and the severity of making even one mistake (missing a picture, improper shooting of a key moment, etc). I know that if I don't take gigs like this, I will never be capable of them, as I can only learn through experience. So my first inclination is to quote her a reasonable rate and accept the job. And then practice during the next year.
My Worries
I have taken my DSLR to 2 weddings so far, both I was a guest - but took over 500 shots each. (samples: http://www.pbase.com/bruck/photography/) I am afraid of the large shots, shooting them correctly. In the past, I did not have a flash. Now I have a 580 exII. I may need additional lighting rented for a job like this, or even an assistant. Unsure. I also know that I need to practice and prepare for this job. I am unsure a the moment if I was offered the job in an effort for them to save money on the expense, and if so if they realize that they may not achieve the same quality as a true professional by doing this. I am hoping that they feel this way. We have discussed that I will give them a cd/dvd with all of the pictures when I am done post processing them. They are not looking to buy a book from me, etc. I'm ok with this. I am very close with the family, and while I would not have been a guest at such a small wedding - I will enjoy being there, and partly am glad that me doing this will save them some money.
My Plan
Here's my plan of action.
1) Retreieve a checklist of how to run a wedding photography session (read:day) - I have this bookmarked, its a few pages long, goes into the organization and things to watch out for.
2) Discuss the pictures that the bride/groom want ahead of time. We will come up with a family photo checklist, and others
3) We have talked about the time that they want me for
4) I have a backup camera a 400D, and a few capable lenses (although I am considering buying 1 L lens to add to my gear, and to use as the main lens for the day)
5) I am going to do 3 free weddings thru craigslist to practice. I will aim to find a couple that was not going to have a photographer, and then do this as a service for free, or small fee so that I can gain the experience
6) I have talked with others, and it seems that a "friends" rate from an amature is about $900 for such a gig.
This is what a friend of mine paid a "friend of a friend who does this during his spare time". I was at that wedding, and shot with him quite a bit. His equipment was only slightly better than mine, and his knowledge of photography was close to equal as well. He did have a lot more experience though. But hte kicker is that I did not like the photos he took. He stood in the same place the entire wedding, and every picture was from the same angle. My friends actually have mostly my photos framed in their house as opposed to his.
I would appreciate any thoughts and advice that you can offer me. I am still considering turning the job down, and have not thought of a price yet. Also the wedding is in baltimore, a 4hr drive from here - I will stay in a hotel overnight.