Earning respect for wedding shooters!

[klynam]

Wow - just did my first "real" wedding as a second/assistant. I was on-site from 1pm to midnight.

The lead shooter was 22 (I'm 42 - lol) and was shooting virtually the entire time. I started lagging a little by 10pm but did my best to keep up. He shoots a lot of light-on-a-pole and I was the pole man. Whew - my arms were hurting the next morning! If I wasn't manning the pole, I was shooting the grooms party and reception.

I gained a lot of knowledge and experience for just one wedding, and most importantly respect for GOOD wedding photographers. You guys earn your keep with those gigs!

One thing I am curious about: This wedding was planned down to the minute. We got all the required "chapel" shots (bride/groom/family/friends) and reception shots (first dance, etc.) but when do you get those really cool shots of the wedding party (meaning the people involved)? It seems those would take at least 20-30min to organize and execute and there literally wasn't 5min to spare on this wedding. Is that typical?

[auroraskye]

Well, the photographer has to be responsible for communicating with the B&G during the planning process to make sure they are aware of how much time it takes to shoot photos.

[Shockey]

Well I can only speak from my own experience.
At least 50 percent of the time the schedule goes out the window and the rest of the day is scrambling to get all the shots.
Either way when you see the time is right, light location and mood. Steal the couple and make it happen.

[klynam]

Yes he did - the lead is a pro (even at 22) and has already shot over 100 weddings in his first three years - and everything was planned out clearly and accurately.

I suppose I was asking more in a general sense if weddings are usually so structured; and if so, when all those cool bridal party shots typically take place? You know, the ones photographers actually use to promote themselves (as opposed to the 47 combinations of relatives standing on stage on either side of the bride/groom.)

[pauleywauley]

It all varies. Some brides are detailed to the minute, other brides have a very general schedule. For the 'cool' shots you are speaking of.. if there is no time you just need to steal them like the other poster suggested, I typically speak with the couple several times to make sure we have time to do some of these shots.. maybe 30 minutes max with entire party & the rest of the time I spend with the bride & groom to nail the fun/artistic portrait shots. Also - feel free to snag the bride & groom here & there throughout the day in differing locations -switch it up :)

http://paulcarlsonstudio.com/

Yes he did - the lead is a pro (even at 22) and has already shot over 100 weddings in his first three years - and everything was planned out clearly and accurately.

I suppose I was asking more in a general sense if weddings are usually so structured; and if so, when all those cool bridal party shots typically take place? You know, the ones photographers actually use to promote themselves (as opposed to the 47 combinations of relatives standing on stage on either side of the bride/groom.)

[SuzyView]

Mostly get the group shots after the ceremony and before the reception. I always tell the B&G I have 30 minutes with them after 30 minutes with the group. I know exactly which group shots to do as I discuss that before we start. It's a 1 hour commitment, which is very doable.

[form]

Lots of times the good shots take a while to prepare and pose, and lots of times the schedule doesn't allow enough time for everything (especially creative posed shots).

[tim]

You have to help the B&G plan their day to get the type of photos they want. I ask the B&G to set aside at least an hour for photos of them and the wedding party.

[bnlearle]

It depends on the photographer. I don't have any shot list from anyone. If a Chapel gave me a list of shots that I was supposed to get? I'd laugh inside and explain to them that I don't work like that. If they had a shot that they wanted that I didn't think was ridiculous AND it didn't take away from the time I need to provide my couple with what they hired me for? Sure, I'd do it. But other than that? I'm payed a fair amount by my client to give them what they see on my site and blog. That doesn't happen by me doing what other people tell to do.

So for me? I have plenty of time because I don't share it like you described ;)

Bobby

[Peacefield]

Well I can only speak from my own experience.
At least 50 percent of the time the schedule goes out the window and the rest of the day is scrambling to get all the shots.

And this usually starts to happen while the bride is dressing and it only goes downhill from there!

[Mrsjperry]

It depends on the photographer. I don't have any shot list from anyone. If a Chapel gave me a list of shots that I was supposed to get? I'd laugh inside and explain to them that I don't work like that. If they had a shot that they wanted that I didn't think was ridiculous AND it didn't take away from the time I need to provide my couple with what they hired me for? Sure, I'd do it. But other than that? I'm payed a fair amount by my client to give them what they see on my site and blog. That doesn't happen by me doing what other people tell to do.

So for me? I have plenty of time because I don't share it like you described ;)

Bobby

Why does the scene from Taxi driver pop in my head...."You talkin to me?"

lol

[bnlearle]

Ha! Because that's how I roll! :p

Bobby

[klynam]

Thanks for the info everyone - still trying to sort out how all this wedding stuff works in the real world. Up until last weekend I pretty much lived in books and online. Things are a blast - in a crazy way - down in the trenches!