Told about my hobby and now I regret it

[xoot]

Hi,

I try to keep this short. So I´ve been shooting for only a couple of months digitally and still got alot to learn.

My gear is still very, very, very.. very entry level: 1000d with kit lens, 50/1.8 and tripod. Yes: No flash (except the built-in one). My skills in PP are around advanced level as I've been studying digital graphics for 4 years and doing it as a hobby for 3 years before school.

So the thing is, a co-worker found out that I photograph as a hobby and asked me if I'd like to shoot his sons wedding ceremony (they only need me for 2h). I already told him that I'm still very new to the whole thing and that my gears are nowhere near the standard, and that I don't have any experience on weddings. Pretty much said that I'd rather not shoot as I wouldn't be able to provide (mostlikely) any good quality images. However he still would like me to shoot his sons wedding and would pay me a small amount.

So I'm mainly conserned that my gear is not capable of producing any quality images for the couple. If I do decide to do the shoot I'd still emphasize to the couple that there is a big risk of just.. failing. And of course in the worst case scenario I wouldn't charge anything.

So, should I let this opportunity slide or take it as experience, making sure that the bride and groom know what to expect?

Edit: Before the comments on gear come: I do understand that I'm missing everything essential. And I've told this to the couple. But they still insist that I'd shoot the wedding for them. Thanks.

[JeffreyG]

I think this is a bad idea. You are lacking the experience to pull this off, and you are lacking the gear - specifically flash equipment.

I honestly don't understand what your coworker is expecting, though he probably thinks photography is easier than it really is and he figures anyone with a decent camera can deliver at least reasonably good results. The problem is, if the ceremony really demands flash or a lens longer than 50mm you won't be able to give them anything. There are no do overs.

[5Dmaniac]

This is a horrible idea. It's not only the gear that is at issue here, but you alos lack the skills for flash photography (as you don;t onw an external flash). There is no way in hell I would agree to this. Just tell him that you are not qualified - period.

[snyderman]

Agree with Jeffery. As you get older, experience sends up a red flag that clearly states, 'this probably ISN'T a good idea.'

Do you see the red flag, too?

dave

[Skrim17]

They can insist all they want, you can still decline.

[bbbig]

I think you should take some photos of your coworker and show what you can do with ONE 50mm lens, and where you need to stand w.r.t. the subject. THEN you ask if he still want you to shoot, and if he says yes, and ask if his daughter-in-law-to-be would also agree. If he still says yes, then have that written on paper, have a great time at the wedding. Depending on what he's paying, have him throw in the food too! :)

[Mark1]

For get experience, you lack the confidence. If you go into this with any apprehension you will not work at your best. Many people have jumped in over their heads and have done great. But they went boldly. They went without reservations.

I would pass. But if you do, at the least I would settle on a number that he will pay. Then spend that on renting top lenses. The body will be fine for you, but you want the best lens you can get.

[bbbig]

Just a thought - if he's willing to buy you flash/body/lens in advance, why not! :)

[bps]

I would pass. But if you do, at the least I would settle on a number that he will pay. Then spend that on renting top lenses. The body will be fine for you, but you want the best lens you can get.

I know you are just suggesting that he rents additional gear so he has something to shoot with, but I think it's also important to point out that the best lenses in the world will not make a difference if you don't have the experience, knowledge, and skill to use them. (absolutely no disrespect to the OP -- it sounds like he is already aware of this)

xoot, I would sit down with your co-worker and explain your concerns again. One of the unfortunate side-effects of today's point-n-shoot generation is the assumption that a SLR equals good photography. If my point-n-shoot can take awesome pictures with ease, then that expensive SLR must take really good photos, right? I'm willing to bet that 95% of society does not realize that a SLR only provides an avenue for creative possibilities, but the art and beauty of photography lies solely within the photographer's skill, knowledge, and vision...and nowhere else! Fine photography is an art and the the camera equipment is nothing more than a palette and brush.

Bryan

[tim]

The camera's fine, the lenses not so much, the operator is the real problem.

[Moppie]

So, should I let this opportunity slide or take it as experience, making sure that the bride and groom know what to expect?





You are allowed to say No and just let it slide. :cool:

Unless of course your passionate about getting into wedding photography, then this could be your chance to sink or swim.

[ssracer]

That's why hobbies are best kept to yourself. As soon as my wife's family found out I knew about computers I became the family tech support. I built several computers for her family and am still the first one called when someone has a problem.

[DrMitch]

I've been asked a couple of times to shoot friends weddings. They've seen some of the pics I've taken at other friends weddings (as a guest, with a long zoom - all candids) - and liked them, but I know my limit - I don't know enought or feel comfortable posing people, etc - so I say I'll gladly bring along my camera and take some "snapshots" for them, but will not be "the" photographer - no way!
Maybe offer yourself up as back-up for candids, that sort of thing, etc - get the feel for it, let the pros do the main pics - of course, gotta clear it the photog at the wedding, etc.

[bps]

I agree with everyone else -- it's ok to say no.

I recently had the opportunity to second shoot at my first wedding. Sure enough, just one week later, my wife mentioned it at a lunchtime conversation and then one of her co-workers came up later that afternoon asking if I would shoot their wedding. My wife knows the drill, so she did exactly what I asked her to do: she told the individual, "I'm sorry, but he only works as a second shooter for B_____ C_______ at C_______ E__________." And then she gave her the card of the pro that I work for and told her that she does amazing wedding photography and that she should contact her for more info.

It takes the focus off me and puts it right where it belongs: in the hands of the pro.

Bryan

[tim]

If you want photography to stay a hobby don't get into it as a business. I used to take photos all the time, random stuff just for fun. Now I photograph 30 weddings a year I don't take a single photo for fun. I take a few to record holidays, but that's about it. I love what I do, but after after 30 days of taking photos and 90 days on the computer the last thing you want to do is take more photos.

[Johnsoir]

In the last year I've done tons of studio work, personal portraits outdoors stuff like that and I'm pretty pleased with my work.
But anyways, about a month ago a very close friend of mine ask if I would shoot her wedding. I paused for about half a second and replied as nicely as possible with a no.
I have some great experience doing fast paced events, but a wedding is a totally different story. In most cases this is going to be a once in a life time opportunity and if you hesitate or lose confidence at any point you'll quickly be over come.
It takes a certain type of person to shoot such an event, and in most cases you your that type you already know it.

[_Jo_]

I also find - with a wedding - you have to be confident.
You are the director. It's not just about knowing your camera and taking pictures, there is a whole creative side to it, including the ability to direct your shots.

People skills are a MUST.

[AccordGuy]

I'd pass. I've taken loads of pictures at weddings and people have always loved my candids as a guest but I'd never be "the photographer". My sister asked a friend to do her wedding and had the opposite problem - too much confidence. The friend had the same set-up almost as you. A 450D with a kit zoom and no flash but the pop-up. Luckily, I was taking loads of pictures with my 5D and a 580EX flash all through the day and evening.

My sister was very reticent in sending us a copy of the photos her friend took and even my mum said they weren't up to much and she much preferred my photos of the day.

Eventually, I got a copy of the photos and on the most part it looks like they were shot just in JPEG and no post processing applied in DPP, not even exposure compensation as a lot of the shots looked dark.

I'd still never do a wedding though... too stressful organising the guests and so on. The eyes are all on you and you'll feel it.

Having said that, I asked a friend to do my wedding but then it was a much smaller party of just close relatives and friends and he's an old friend and I know him well as a fellow camera nut. We've made films together where he's used me as a cameraman and he's written, directed and camera operated as well. So I knew he could direct and I'd seen enough of his own photography to know his style. Plus, I got in on the act, suggesting angles and such at the location when he was shooting and I wasn't in the shot myself and I took the shots of my wife standing with her relatives and by herself so I had only myself to blame if something went wrong. :D

[tim]

My sister was very reticent in sending us a copy of the photos her friend took and even my mum said they weren't up to much and she much preferred my photos of the day.

If you Mum likes your photos you know you've got it made :p :D

[AxxisPhoto]

Hell, I would go for it! Contact the bride/groom and tell them up front that you are a beginner and see what they say. If they still want to use you, there is no better way to learn than by jumping in the fire. If not, don't worry about it.

You have to learn by doing. The hard part is getting people to take a chance on you. Good luck.

[SamClarkPhotography]

Given your current gear list and experience, I wouldn't do it. However, to the dismay of many, I shot my first wedding with not much more gear (2 XTi's, 430EX & SunPak Flashes, 2 kit lenses, bogen tripod, 50 f/1.8 ). I had been shooting adamantly for a few years though. It's up to you, hind-sight is 20/20 and now I look back thinking I was an idiot for risking the bride and groom's wedding day, but thank God all turned out well.

[SamClarkPhotography]

If you want photography to stay a hobby don't get into it as a business. I used to take photos all the time, random stuff just for fun. Now I photograph 30 weddings a year I don't take a single photo for fun. I take a few to record holidays, but that's about it. I love what I do, but after after 30 days of taking photos and 90 days on the computer the last thing you want to do is take more photos.

I am learning this to be very true. It's kind of disappointing in a way.

[AccordGuy]

If you Mum likes your photos you know you've got it made :p :D

Absolutely! It's not what the bride & groom thinks of the photos, it's what the mothers think that really counts :lol:

[Gabe63]

Is this a shotgun wedding? If so proceed with caution...

[xoot]

Thanks for replies everyone!

I left out from the first post that I mainly do streetshooting, fashion and portraits and that I don't plan on pursuing a career as a wedding photog.

Anyway, after thinking it over and with the given gear (renting is not an option because the sum I'm getting paid for wouldn't cover the costs), I've decided to say no for the reason that I have no experience with weddings and even though the bride and groom don't mind that fact, I still feel like the images I'd be able to produce under the given conditions wouldn't be up to their expectations.

I know you are just suggesting that he rents additional gear so he has something to shoot with, but I think it's also important to point out that the best lenses in the world will not make a difference if you don't have the experience, knowledge, and skill to use them. (absolutely no disrespect to the OP -- it sounds like he is already aware of this)


Exactly. I'm not a complete newbie to this all (I've been shooting on film for a couple of years) but I still feel like I'm lacking experience (and gear) to produce the quality of image that I want. Honestly; I don't want my name on those crappy photos that would come off from this gig.

The camera's fine, the lenses not so much, the operator is the real problem.

Agreed on the operator part but still, with the gears given, I doubt it's really possible to pull off those amazing shots. If I were to nail something, I'd want a a hammer instead of a shoe.

[tim]

If you do it rent or buy a 17-55 F2.8 IS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/425812-USA/Canon_1242B002_EF_S_17_55mm_f_2_8_IS.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114), that will eliminate that problem.

[Mrsjperry]

The logical thing to do is to gracefully bow out.

[smile.its.me]

Hell, I would go for it! Contact the bride/groom and tell them up front that you are a beginner and see what they say. If they still want to use you, there is no better way to learn than by jumping in the fire. If not, don't worry about it.

You have to learn by doing. The hard part is getting people to take a chance on you. Good luck.

My first post, but have been reading POTN for some time.

I would have to agree. Same thing happened, a coworker wanted me to take pictures of her brother's wedding. They were not going to even have a photographer, so anything more than the point-and-shoot my coworker had was better. (Somewhat of a shotgun wedding and not expected to last.) I insisted I was not qualified...said no 3+ times...I finally caved and agreed. They paid me $250 (even though I asked for nothing) and gave them a DVD of the pictures (no prints).

I would like to do weddings someday...way down the road...I know that I need lots of practice. Most of the pictures were blownout since I don't know how to use my flash very well.

In the end...the bride bawled when she saw the pictures...she was so happy that someone was there to capture the moment. I learned a lot...mainly how much I don't know...but that is usually the start right???

Good luck with whatever you choose!;)

[fishingjts]

For get experience, you lack the confidence. If you go into this with any apprehension you will not work at your best. Many people have jumped in over their heads and have done great. But they went boldly. They went without reservations.

I would pass. But if you do, at the least I would settle on a number that he will pay. Then spend that on renting top lenses. The body will be fine for you, but you want the best lens you can get.

So... does buying a book on wedding photography and reading it on the way to your first wedding (while the wife drives) count as BOLD? LOL! Wife and I did act very confidently and some how managed to pull it off... everyone was ecstatic with the results... :)

[dryfire]

An enthusiast is better than uncle bob on a point and shoot...

[LBaldwin]

Hi,

I try to keep this short. So I´ve been shooting for only a couple of months digitally and still got alot to learn.

My gear is still very, very, very.. very entry level: 1000d with kit lens, 50/1.8 and tripod. Yes: No flash (except the built-in one). My skills in PP are around advanced level as I've been studying digital graphics for 4 years and doing it as a hobby for 3 years before school.

So the thing is, a co-worker found out that I photograph as a hobby and asked me if I'd like to shoot his sons wedding ceremony (they only need me for 2h). I already told him that I'm still very new to the whole thing and that my gears are nowhere near the standard, and that I don't have any experience on weddings. Pretty much said that I'd rather not shoot as I wouldn't be able to provide (mostlikely) any good quality images. However he still would like me to shoot his sons wedding and would pay me a small amount.

So I'm mainly conserned that my gear is not capable of producing any quality images for the couple. If I do decide to do the shoot I'd still emphasize to the couple that there is a big risk of just.. failing. And of course in the worst case scenario I wouldn't charge anything.

So, should I let this opportunity slide or take it as experience, making sure that the bride and groom know what to expect?

Edit: Before the comments on gear come: I do understand that I'm missing everything essential. And I've told this to the couple. But they still insist that I'd shoot the wedding for them. Thanks.


Sure they do, because they are willing to risk bad images for no cash out of pocket!! There is a reason why this is a PROFESSION.

Do yourself a favor and pass on this one. As a favor you can help to kick in for a pro and perhaps act as a 2nd shooter. If you have no experience in this area you are setting yourself up for lots of heartburn and possibly legal issues.

Have them hire a pro, plain and simple.

[AccordGuy]

An enthusiast is better than uncle bob on a point and shoot...

That's very "uncle Bob"-ist. He might be a wiz with that thing for all you know :p

[dryfire]

He could be, and he could have an amazing point and shoot. Luckily, you can work together.

:-P

[AccordGuy]

Me and "uncle Bob" are big mates.

I went to a friends wedding and used my digital point and shooter (a Kodak DC120 - weird contraption shaped like a pair of Starwars binoculars). I had a laptop and ink jet printer back at my hotel near the reception. Shot a bunch of photos of the happy couple leaving the church and slipped back to the hotel before the reception. When they got round to opening my presents later, one of them was a framed photo of their wedding. They were delighted (or at least surprised).

At another wedding I went to I was taking a load of photos and video for the bride (another friend) as a guest. Half way through the reception, "The Photographer" came over and had a look at the photo I'd just been taking on my Olympus E-20. He was so impressed, he asked if I'd sell it to him - the Olympus, not the photo :D

[dryfire]

Uncle bob is supposed to be half drunk and weddings... One of my uncles opted to hire a photographer just for the ceremony and a few posed shots. At the reception they gave everyone a disposable camera and told them to shoot away (this was before any digital camera was below ~$300).

The bridge and groom were pretty happy with the results, and everyone there had a lot of fun.

Personally, I'd offer to be a backup or to do it if they weren't going to hire anyone anyway.

[The Moose]

Good idea to say no. When I only had a 400D and the slow 18-55mm kit lens, my sister asked me to do her wedding. I had a go and I wasn't happy with the results. She was though, but she was disappointed because there were no full body shots of her and my now brother-in-law in the dress and suit. I was so under prepared for the whole wedding, I was inexperienced and when I was thinking of options to help, I actually thought a monopod would help me more than anything else because at the time I hadn't researched properly to know about external flashes or the nifty fifty. If I had what I had now, not only gear but experience, I'd probably still say no. But I would take my gear along and shoot whatever I could. I might have even actually gotten up and moved around even if I'd said no.

My cousin is engaged and I'm not sure when they're going to get married. I'm sure they'll hire a professional wedding photographer but I'm going to take along (at least) my 70-200mm because I love taking photos. If I have more gear by then, I'll pack it in and do what I can. I might even talk to the pro, just to talk to him. But I can't see myself doing a wedding again.

[Bobster]

An enthusiast is better than uncle bob on a point and shoot...
hey im an Uncle! :p

[oomus]

That's why hobbies are best kept to yourself. As soon as my wife's family found out I knew about computers I became the family tech support. I built several computers for her family and am still the first one called when someone has a problem.


And they always find a reason to call with problems.....
Been there done that!
Hated it! :evil:

[Disassociation]

I've done two weddings now, third one is Next weekend actually :)

I love doing them, its very exciting, lots of pressure and running around like a fool, but trust me, when you hand over a high-quality personalized package to the bride and groom its very rewarding to hear 'Oh wow these are amazing!' :)

But its all about personality right, if you only see the stress and risk, youll have a hard time getting past that on the day of :)