EMERGENCY.. Wedding in 5 hours HELP!

[pepsirich]

I have only done event photography (casual shots) and sports action shots. A friend just called me and the photographer coming to their wedding today cancelled. A low budget wedding from what I understand. He knew I did some photography so he has asked me to shoot the weeding and do the best I can.

I need your top 5 suggestions for someone who has never done a wedding. On a scale of 1-10 I believe I am a 6 on technical knowledge and an 8 on shooting technique. Equipment is below. (Wish I had a 550 flash now) Thanks

[LisaMarie]

1) lots may come on and say don’t do it- that is not what I am saying - ( just to be clear I will leave that opinion OUT ;) )
2) go buy that 550 or 580 or even a sigma EF 500 NOW ! Unless it’s a good day ( meaning no rain clouds are okay ) and you are going to make all the photos outside.
3) bring a back up or complimentary camera even if it’s film
4)trust in your self and take nice deep breaths- you are proficient with your camera and technique and take candid event photographs so this is the same just at a wedding.
5) repeat to your friend that you’ve never done a wedding before and you intend to take candid pj style photographs not formal portraits - then also let him know you are happy to help out
6) typing up a quick contract might be a good idea - although I realize this is a friend it’s still an event that you are photographing regardless of your relationship with the hire.
Opps sorry that was 6 not 5 !

I’m sure you’ll get lots more responses !

Good luck.

Lisa Marie

PS- also get the name of that photographer who cancelled and find out if he offered to find a back up- it was actually his responsibility to try that 1st.

[rebel61021]

Good Luck the only thing I can suggest is take a lot of pictures hope you got lots of CF cards. I am not a pro but I would think that last minute saving the wedding Makes you the Hero. I do know that you will wish that you had at least the 50mm f/1.8 got any camera stores close enough that is a very cheap lens but great.

[pepsirich]

I am close to Wolf a regional chain in the SE for both the 50mm and the 550. If I use the 18-55 would you suggest not messing with the zoom and just leave it set at about 50? Keep those suggestion coming. He does understand I am his hero and if he gets anything better than snapshots he is better off. I know I can do that. Thanks for the bonus #6. Top 10 is fine too. Don't limit yourself.

[LisaMarie]

You'll need that zoom to get in close and back up ! Lots of pj style wedding coverage people in my group will use the wide angle zoom (like you have ) and one fixed focal length like the 85mm 1.8 because it gives great background blurr or bokeh.

[pepsirich]

Will i need a frimware update on my 300D to use the new 580 flash and get good results? I bought the camera in Dec 2003.

[defordphoto]

1. Just say no.
2. Don't do it.
3. Leave town.
4. Tell them your camera broke.
5. Repeat at #1.

[defordphoto]

But seriously, if there is money involved, get a contract/agreement signed. Since he's your friend he already knows this ain't your normal gig.

Relax and just have fun as you're not really obligated. Thank God you're shooting digital so you get immediate feedback.

[ssim]

1. Just say no.
2. Don't do it.
3. Leave town.
4. Tell them your camera broke.
5. Repeat at #1.

This is probably the best advice I've seen so far. You accidently screw up at the pictures and your friendship could be done.

[OceanRider]

go buy another 1 gig card and shot LOTS!!

Good luck!

[dispatchermike21]

We asked my mom to do ours she is not a pro and we knew that and everything came out great. I agree with the last post go have a good time and take lottts of pictures if he is really your friend it will come out fine.

[kong]

the lens you have is ok,
get yourself a flash
lots of batteries
plenty of memory cards
shoot like you know that you can and have fun
don't freek and go out and blow $$$..

[cactusclay]

If you have to use the 18-55 outside, make sure to at least get one of those rubber colapseable lens hoods, when you pick up the flash. Don't forget that and you'll be fine.

[Maureen Souza]

I did a couple of freebies for my niece and then my nephew who were on a tight budget and they were not concerned with a lot of the formal stuff. But I did pre-wedding, ceremony and reception pictures like everyone else...they all came out fabulous and now I am booking weddings just from word of mouth and friends/relatives of my niece and nephew who have seen the pictures. So you never know about that old snowball affect.......... Just have fun and take lots of pictures. A big handful of them will surely come out great.

[mbze430]

Run away and hide. Just tell your friend that because of the lack of time given, you do not have necessary time to prepare. You loose alot of friends doing weddings.

[Avalonthas]

Run away and hide. Just tell your friend that because of the lack of time given, you do not have necessary time to prepare. You loose alot of friends doing weddings.

Dont be soo negative. He'll be fine.

[rg-tom]

I'd normally say dont do it but with such little time for them to get another photog its their only hope, just do the best you can and they'll be happy, and grateful you did it at all rather than them having no memories :)

[musthavemuzk]

so what was the decision?

how did things turn out?

Monty

[karusel]

I demand a follow up.

[mikesd]

If you've ever taken properly-exposed and properly focused photos with the rig you intend to use, and if the lab has been able to print them for you, then just bring a lot of batteries and a few flash cards and go have fun.

Your friend's expectations will be low.

Just make sure that you keep people at least five feet away from walls in order to avoid that hard shadow which on-camera flashes produce.

Take charge of the situation.

Don't take more than 4-5 flash exposures during the ceremony.

Be sure to get pictures of the B and FOB coming down the aisle,

Get a pic of the B&G kissing at the end of the ceremony

Get a pic of the B&G coming down the aisle after the ceremony.

Relax and have fun. This will be the ONLY time you'll ever have the opportunity to shoot a wedding and not be liable for negative results.

I'd forego the contract if he's a friend. If you give him a contract, you'll offend him.

Go have fun. Stay away from that luminous green "punch" that looks like radiator coolant. If it's one of those self-catered affairs, don't eat the food. Drink plenty of water because you WILL dehydrate.

In truth, if a friend asked me to shoot his wedding on short notice, I'd oblige and I'd also tell him that It'll be a wedding present. After the bouquet toss and the garter pull, I'd put the camera down and eat and drink like the rest of the guests.

Despite all of my terrible little stories, I still think that weddings and the receptions are among the best parties I've ever attended.

Go have fun and relax.


Great advice Bloo, I would stay away from a contract also, it would imply that you have taken the job as a hired professional instead of your helping a friend out in a jam situation. This is a good oppurtunity to find out if weddings is something you would enjoy doing. Good luck and have fun.

[defordphoto]

Heh...Wedding is long over...

Anyway, how'd it go? We need a report. Do I detect a hangover here? :lol:

[pepsirich]

I was just too tired last night to post. I first want to thank everyone for the tips both before I left and the ones I got post the event. Some made me feel good that I already did those things and others helped me with new knowedge. WOW that was a lot of work! The friendship is fine because he constantly told me not to worry if things were not perfect. I shot 460 pictures and have trimmed it to 360 already. The worst thing about the event was the church. How awful a place to shoot. No windows and the walls were dark and the lighting was very poor with only some spotlights on the stage. It was more like shooting in a theater. Black back drops that were behind the heads while the actual stage was shinny light colored wood. Also a drummers area that had clear plexiglass around it that reflected everything. To top that off the groom wore white and the groomsmen black so it was messing with the auto mode for the flash. I looked for a place outside to take some better shots but no nice place. I am still glad I did it and I am sure he will be happy with the pictures considering his other options. I took 2-3 of every shot and I will end up with at least 1 good (not great) shot of each pose. I am still glad I did it because it was like free training. They did not have the 580 when I went to get it so I had to use my 420 which I am sure hurt me. Thanks again to everyone. I don't know if I want to pursue the wedding thing.

[karusel]

Glad it worked out in the end! ;)

I'm sure someone will say something in the line of welcome to the world of wedding photography... :D

[Merle]

Pepsirich,

I have been photographing weddings for 32 years. Remember The shots that have to be in every album are
1. Single poses of the Bride. ( full length weddings train flaired out to be seen, waste up and head only shot.
2. Singles of Groom at leaast three dif. poses.
3. Bride and Groom together at least three diff poses.
4. Whole wedding party together.
5. Bride with her parents
6. Groom with his parents
7. remainder of the family groups
These 7 listings every wedding couple (bride) looks for in every album. Miss them and your wedding photography will be a bust. All of the pretty and artistic stuff we do is just icing on the cake. I assume if you are photographing event photography you know how to make a good exposure. Do not go out and buy lighting if you now have lighting that you know how to use. Use what you know how to use.The lighting equipment that has been suggested to you in previous posts is good lighting equipment. I suggest you only use the equipment you are familiar with on an assignment as important as a wedding. Remember it is the photographer not the equipment. ;) :D :D

[defordphoto]

Woohoo! Glad to hear you made it through part one of the event. Yeah, we wouldn't mind seeing a few shots here just for grins.

[pepsirich]

Here is the area where they wanted the phots taken. There was really nothing else but black curtained walls on the side. I had them pull up the white projector screen in the back. I am still doing some work on the pics and will post a few when I get them ready. I would also like some feedback on composure when I post the full group on my web site. I moved to the level of the stage to take the shots.

[Persian-Rice]

What are good friend for? You did a great thing for showing up with your camera. Even if you got 3 good shots atleast your friend got 3 shots of his wedding. I guess he has a good story to tell whenever he shows the pictures.

What kind of a photographer bails on a wedding just before the event? What an inconsiderate ass.

[pepsirich]

For those who dare to look at the worse pics I have ever taken go to the link (http://69.42.87.214/cgi-bin/ezlclk.fcgi?id=9788) and look at Fraizer wedding. The password is gunter. I am glad it was a favor. I was in over my head with the glare and dark everything. I was not prepared. Good news is he still said thanks after looking at the pics. Thanks for all the suggestions and I could use some more. I think I depended on the auto mode too much.

www.yourpersonalphotographer.photoreflect.com (http://www.yourpersonalphotographer.photoreflect.com/)

[jaypie77]

Jeez, I think you're being rough on yourself - those pictures are great, especially for most people! I think a lot of photographers forget that most people aren't like members of photo forums, they like the photos that their 10 year old cousin takes with the throwaway P&S. In contrast, the pictures you took are great. The average person, I think, likes clear shots of the subject, head-to-toe, well-lit. You accomplished that and more. Well done.

[charlesu]

I would say you done real good. Be proud.

[musthavemuzk]

i think you did a fine job. a perfect job? by all means no. but then who does?
did you feel comfy with the gear?
did they let ya know what shots were wanted so you could plan better?

you get the point.
you first time
and it can only get better from here.

Monty

[froman98]

This should be good. Pepsirich, you're a real trooper.

Something that drove me crazy were the candles. It's rare that anyone ever actually straightens them.

Keep us posted.

I'm glad the candles drove you nuts, because I was afraid I was the only one who noticed the crooked candles. :) I feel like Monk when those minor details bug me.

[pepsirich]

I did use a stoboframe and took charge and I made a list of what to take so I would not miss anything. I was comfortable with my equiment but NOT the location. It took all of my confidence when I arrived and saw the church. The strategy I used was to tell them I will get all the basic shots and you tell me of anything you alos want. I realized quickly they did not know what they wanted. My wife set everyone up since she is very good at telling people what to do. One more thanks to you all for your support. So what happens to a thread like this when it kind of gets to the end of the road?

[PhotosGuy]

It looks pretty good considering. I would have liked to see more close-ups, but you covered it & that's what they wanted you to do. Did you ever find out what happened to the guy who backed out?
How do you like PhotoReflect.com?

[pepsirich]

I have had no issues with photoreflect in the 9 months I have used them. I thought the fees were high but I have not found a host that does much better. I think the guy they had was an aquaintance who just bailed on them. I could see by the wedding that is was low budget and a quickie before the baby arrives. The brides parents gave me a thank you card with $300 which was a nice suprise.

[PhotosGuy]

Thanks. I'm not selling online now, but I can see a few times when I might want to, like last fall when a friend wanted me to take some pics of his Dart at a drag strip & there was the possibility of shooting other cars while I was there. My biggest concern is the quality of the pics if they were to order from the vendors affiliated with photoreflect.