So how many new wedding photographers on this board?

[form]

Well......

Page 1:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=663702

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=659606

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=661373

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=663300

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=660667

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=660201

Page 2:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=660983

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=656078

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=658755

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=657494

I have no doubt that the list will continue to extend itself, but this is over about a 1 week (not 2, 3 or even 4, but 1 week) period. I personally find it hilarious, shocking...and deeply interesting! Of course if the moderators prefer this to be moved to a less important section, by all means - but since all of the "my first wedding" posts are on this particular part of the forum, I figured those who would appreciate this the most are also viewing this section.

[kaitanium]

you got to start somewhere right? im always excited to see new talent but not everyone is gifted in the art. with this board's amount of people willing to help out and respond with a reply within minutes of posting it would be my first stop if i was a newbie!

[Svetlana]

I am a newbie myself and love this forum as it helps me grow professionally. I only had one wedding so far (did it for free for a co-worker) and will be second-shooting this summer.

[_aravena]

My first wedding was 12.1.07. By all means I'm still a n00b and love looking over these images and learning. I have wedding this Saturday though so...fun fun! First time with two cameras. I know I know, should have had that already.

[tim]

My first wedding was 12.1.07. By all means I'm still a n00b and love looking over these images and learning. I have wedding this Saturday though so...fun fun! First time with two cameras. I know I know, should have had that already.

I used three during the ceremony last weekend! It was a tiny church so my assistant couldn't fit in, so she was my "camera loader". I had a 17-55 on one, 10-22 on another, 70-200 on another.

[_aravena]

Now that's cool.

[Tommy]

I used three during the ceremony last weekend! It was a tiny church so my assistant couldn't fit in, so she was my "camera loader". I had a 17-55 on one, 10-22 on another, 70-200 on another.

I used three during a wedding I did in January. I had a 24-70 on one, a 70-200 on another, then the third had a 17-55 zoomed all the way out to 17mm and mounted behind the altar set up on a pocket wizard remote. ;)

[form]

I've been using three cameras for the past three weddings and whenever it's possible for me to do so I will continue that trend. It's just too convenient to have three lenses ready at all times. In my case, it's the Sigma 10-20 on the 20D, and a fast prime and standard zoom get switched around on occasion between the other two bodies - but only because one's a 40D and the other's a 5D. If I had two 5Ds, I wouldn't have any reason to switch. My goal there is 2x 5D for standard zoom and fast prime (or two fast primes), and 1x 40D for ultra-wide and telephoto zoom.

only 2 lenses and 1 camera away from my goals! Sigh. That amounts to about $2k left...and then I might invest in studio lights.

[mattograph]

Form, thank you for posting this thread. I have some thoughts.

I am always torn when I see the "I'm a noob and I'm shooting a wedding" threads. On one hand, I would like to be as helpful as I can be, allowing for my limited knowledge. On the other, I often wish the calvacade of voices would say "STOP!"

Shooting a wedding because you have a DSLR is sorta like thinking you can race a formula one car because you drive to work everyday. Although the stakes aren't quite as high, the mistakes you make will most certainly reflect poorly forever on what was supposed to be the happiest day of someones life.

I have been asked to shoot several weddings. I have said no each time. I will continue to say no because the level of professionalism to do a wedding right eludes me today.

And I guarantee you that it eludes 99% of those folks posting their "first time wedding" threads.

Personally, I own three bodies, L glass from 16mm to 400mm, 4 speedlights, studio strobes, umbrellas, softboxes, the works. If I asked someone here if I had the gear to shoot a wedding, they would probably laugh and throw half of it in the garbage. But its not about that.

Virtually no one asks a new photographer to shoot their wedding because they want to, its because they don't have the funds to get the one they want.

Now, in a sense, I do handle weddings. I have a list of local shooters I have met that deliver honest, competent work, in price ranges from $500 to $4000. When someone asks me to shoot their wedding, I ask them about their budget, and what output they want. I then refer them to the appropriate person.

To me, this is far more professional and far less selfish.

Bottom line -- when you are ready to "shoot a wedding" you will know it. If you have to ask,well..........

[_aravena]

I've been using three cameras for the past three weddings and whenever it's possible for me to do so I will continue that trend. It's just too convenient to have three lenses ready at all times. In my case, it's the Sigma 10-20 on the 20D, and a fast prime and standard zoom get switched around on occasion between the other two bodies - but only because one's a 40D and the other's a 5D. If I had two 5Ds, I wouldn't have any reason to switch. My goal there is 2x 5D for standard zoom and fast prime (or two fast primes), and 1x 40D for ultra-wide and telephoto zoom.

only 2 lenses and 1 camera away from my goals! Sigh. That amounts to about $2k left...and then I might invest in studio lights.

I'm looking for a Rebel XT for my g/f but not doubt I'd borrow it for weddings and stick my UWA on it seeing how it's not the most used lens but would nice for it to be ready.

[Tanya Lynne]

I am new to wedding photography as well!

I have 3 weddings booked this summer...my first one is in August. I did assist with a wedding last summer, thanks to a friend of mine who has been a professional wedding photographer for 10+ years. She was nice enough to give me the opportunity to join her and it was amazing. I also took on a wedding reception last fall as a favor for a friend (lighting nightmare by the way and I wouldn't call it a total success). I was terrified but still had enough shots turn out because I took so many. It was definitely a learning experience. I truly believe that you can't get experience unless given the opportunity. For me... I love dealing with people and love the fast pace of weddings. I am taking the time now to get organized for the three that I have booked.I won't be taking anymore on until I have these three under my belt. I wouldn't take them on if I didn't feel confident enough to handle it.

Everyone does have to start somewhere and deserves the chance. I don't know why people would put negative comments on here. I guess it all depends on each individual situation and if someone is doing it for the wrong reasons etc...

I have been up front with my three clients. They have seen my other work and like what I do. I have a passion for photography and I take all of the courses and workshops I can. This forum seems to be a great help.

We newbies look up to you experienced photographers and admire your work, so thank you for all of the tips and pictures that you post.

I went to a wedding photography workshop last year that was put on by David Jay, California Wedding Photographer(for those who don't know who I mean). He told us that wedding photographers should help one another out whenever possible. There are enough people to go around so we can share. haha!

So what I want to know from the more experienced wedding photographers on this forum: How did you land your first wedding and what was the outcome? Can you post a few shots from your first wedding?

Thanks!

Tanya

[kaitanium]

Shooting a wedding because you have a DSLR is sorta like thinking you can race a formula one car because you drive to work everyday. Although the stakes aren't quite as high, the mistakes you make will most certainly reflect poorly forever on what was supposed to be the happiest day of someones life.



wholly agreed. too many people have this mindset...too many. its not all the photographers fault either. its the people and clients who call upon them. "oh hey friend, you got a really nice big camera, hey im getting married next month you must be good, shoot my wedding!"

and then we find that person with the DSLR here on POTN hahah. nothing wrong with newbies though...you gotta start somewhere. which leads me to....


I am new to wedding photography as well!

It was definitely a learning experience. I truly believe that you can't get experience unless given the opportunity. For me... I love dealing with people and love the fast pace of weddings. I am taking the time now to get organized for the three that I have booked.I won't be taking anymore on until I have these three under my belt. I wouldn't take them on if I didn't feel confident enough to handle it.



....yes everyone should be giving the chance. and A+ to those couples who are willing to help one get started knowing that you (not you Tanya, im just saying in general) suck now but may become better later!!!!! its those couples that have the balls and guts to perhaps sacrifice themselves for the betterment of someone else! no good deed goes unnoticed in the end. which client do i personally give my attention and constant contact with? my first one.

[harroz]

last time I called myself a mechanic and tried to fix my sister's car I cost her more in the long run. I don't think she or any of her friends will ask me again. I kind of feel stink about it now, maybe if I'd put the time in to study being a mechanic I might have been able to help her more and she'd be happy. Oh well too late now.;-)

[harroz]

I landed it through a friend, it was a couple from England coming to get married in Australia, he owns a huge internet business and is what we call 'minted' so I was quite nervous. By this stage I'd been working for 4 different companies over 4 years as a photographer(mostly shooting people) and so was well taught/learned. it was shot on film in 2001, and seriously some of the best interior people shots I've ever taken. The outcome is they were very happy. Sorry, the photos are in a box somewhere out in my garage ;-)




So what I want to know from the more experienced wedding photographers on this forum: How did you land your first wedding and what was the outcome? Can you post a few shots from your first wedding?

Thanks!

Tanya

[Tanya Lynne]

I landed it through a friend, it was a couple from England coming to get married in Australia, he owns a huge internet business and is what we call 'minted' so I was quite nervous. By this stage I'd been working for 4 different companies over 4 years as a photographer(mostly shooting people) and so was well taught/learned. it was shot on film in 2001, and seriously some of the best interior people shots I've ever taken. The outcome is they were very happy. Sorry, the photos are in a box somewhere out in my garage ;-)


Thanks for taking the time to respond. I totally agree that people should take the time to study prior to taking on their first wedding. :)

[_aravena]

My first wedding was through a person I only met once. I was shooting a concert and shot a few more before the wedding and she absolutely loved them. At that time I said I would never do a wedding because of pressure but and whatnot but she asked and it was all last minute so I figured why not?

Ugh...while people loved the photos, looking back to then and now, it's amazing how much has changed. While I think about 3 of the photos are still some of my best wedding shots, knowing lighting alone would have helped out so much. They were pleased though and so was the mother-in-law would hired me. It was a great first experience save my ex-wife (who was my g/f at the time) just had to come be with me then complained I wasn't around her enough. I told her I had a job to do then she got pissy and slept in my Jeep. I should have known then. Oh well.

[ImagesByInku]

I think it's one thing to be new to wedding photography, but to be new to photography AND trying to shoot a wedding? I didn't attempt to shoot my first wedding until I knew how to work my camera and understood the basics of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. I practiced and read and then practiced some more. I worked on composition. I so desperately did NOT want to be one of those guys that took "snapshots" with an expensive camera. Everytime I look at a horrible picture, I wonder if my pictures look like that in other people's eyes. I hate myself and my work. I crawl into bed, get into the fetal position and keep telling myself that it'll be ok.

[mattograph]

YIKES!!!

Come in off the ledge, Inku!!!!

:)

[_aravena]

I think it's one thing to be new to wedding photography, but to be new to photography AND trying to shoot a wedding? I didn't attempt to shoot my first wedding until I knew how to work my camera and understood the basics of aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. I practiced and read and then practiced some more. I worked on composition. I so desperately did NOT want to be one of those guys that took "snapshots" with an expensive camera. Everytime I look at a horrible picture, I wonder if my pictures look like that in other people's eyes. I hate myself and my work. I crawl into bed, get into the fetal position and keep telling myself that it'll be ok.

I can't help but wonder that too and I did my first wedding. It's weird, but even knowing and studying can't always help. I knew how to shoot and compose a shot. I had been doing portraits for almost 2 years by then and shot quite a few concerts but weddings is a whole other ball field.

[RandyMN]

I was riding the bus last week when I heard someone telling about the wedding they were attending this weekend.

She stated the photographer was charging 3500.00 and was the best of the best, She also had a schedule of who needed to be where at what time for each set of photo's to be taken.

I was impressed at the organization of timing, but somewhat mixed on how I feel about the whole situation.

My idea of successful wedding photography means allow the event to unfold while treating it in a photojournalistic approach but still taking time for some great posed shots! I hate to make a wedding way more work for everyone involved and feel the event should be enjoyable...

But what really perked my ears up is when the person mentioned they had two family members with cameras that could have done the event??? And they would not have charged!

So, welcome to the wedding photography business to all who chose to venture that direction. I personally love photographing weddings, but I do very few. I have full time work so I just like to shoot what I enoy and when wedding come up I am more than happy to shoot them providing the event also has something for me to enjoy also.

Public opinion of photographers has really changed when anyone with a camera knows how to shoot a wedding.

[ImagesByInku]

...anyone with a camera knows how to shoot a wedding.

But do they really?

[tim]

But do they really?

How hard could it possibly be?!

[form]

Oh it's not hard at all, and it requires only the most fundamental knowledge and entry level camera equipment to do a top-notch job.