Freebie Wedding

[Kronie]

So, I have been asked to shoot my father in laws wedding. Not because I have ever done a wedding but because I have a lots of camera gear. This would be a freebie for them, as a favor or wedding gift or whatever, and good practice for me I guess.

There should be maybe two hundred people there tops and having never done a wedding, I figure I would use the 17-55 for most shots with the 70-200 maybe for portraits and tight groups? I have a 430 EX, lots of CF cards and other camera junk.

Besides the ceremony shots, bride/groom shots and shots of the reception, are there any must have shots to get? Just capture the event as best I can?

[Pete]

Simple answer: The bride/groom will need to decide on the "must" shots. Go through the process of the ceremony with them and note down what they want from each stage.

Also be open to the idea that the official performing the ceremony might not want you to take photos at a particular point (or locations).

[Mike]

Yeah, like Pete says, ask the B&G what shots they want, that way you're not going to try and get 25 different group shots if they only really want 5.

Here's some useful reading for wedding stuff: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5999915&postcount=2

There's no "definitive" must have list of shots. There's the ceremony, group shots, cake cutting, confetti throwing etc, but also try and record the details - cake decorations, flowers, little things that the B&G would like to remember but may not notice on the day.

[tim]

Wedding FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=255604).

[Kronie]

I did ask the bride that when they approached me originally and the answer was "just whatever" I think they would be happy with anything I showed them but for ME on a professional level, I want it to look be a nice package.

[Pete]

I did ask the bride that when they approached me originally and the answer was "just whatever" I think they would be happy with anything I showed them but for ME on a professional level, I want it to look be a nice package.

Hehe.. In cases like this, ask the Bride's mother... :D

They usually have a good idea what they'd like to see in an album.

Also, weddings are sometimes a rare opportunity for distant relatives to meet, so it's a good time to get photos of people together.

[Kronie]

Boy talk about a "location wedding" they met at this little gas station. Guess where the I do's are happening? At this grimy gas station parking lot amidst the gas pumps!!

AND they only want me to shoot the reception? They said that they wanted me to be able to enjoy the ceremony......I would rather shoot the ceremony and enjoy the reception!!