Your one best tip to wedding photographers..

[csm328]

My number one tip: never ask the B&G how to turn your camera on.
My number two tip: Never look at the digital display of your camera, in front of the family at a wedding, and then either burst out laughing or vomit on your shoes.

[LeesaB]

Ok, how funny is that..but #2, does have some viability to it...When I do look down, I find about 20 people around me wanting to see it....so, very true...don't look....

[Wedding Shooter]

Originally Posted by csm328

My number one tip: never ask the B&G how to turn your camera on.
My number two tip: Never look at the digital display of your camera, in front of the family at a wedding, and then either burst out laughing or vomit on your shoes.

LOL - that is really aussie humour

[sapearl]

Originally Posted by csm328

.......
My number two tip: Never look at the digital display of your camera, in front of the family at a wedding, and then either burst out laughing or vomit on your shoes.

....hmmmm... note to self "Start packing barf bags in camera kit...."

[bcap]

FYI: those interested in the school vs experience discussion we went off on a tangent with, i started a thread on the topic in the "Business of Photography" forum.

Link here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...82#post2801482

[sapearl]

Good idea bcap

[emilymegan]

Have a consultation with your bride before the wedding and establish a detailed timeline along with street addresses, directions and phone numbers where everyone will be. I always do this, thankfully. At one of my 2006 weddings, I got to the groom's location and there was no one there. They had switched locations that morning and forgot to call me. However, I had phone numbers for everyone (including mom's and best man's cell numbers). I got there in time

Bring a little cooler with indivdual bottles of water. You will need them, especially in the summer. It's also a good idea to pack some granola bars, etc. Avoid softdrinks. They will make you thirstier in the long run.

Have some medications handy - Gravol for an upset stomach; Immodium for ....well, you know. Advil, etc. 'cause you never know.

Bring a little emergency pack. Sewing kit, safety pins, hair pins, hairspray, Tide pen (I got some pen marks all over my jacket just before a ceremony......Tide pen took them right out). Good in case the bride needs something too. It's not expected of you, but it's nice if it's there.

Smile, be relaxed. A lot of my brides said it was easy to smile into the camera, when there was someone behind it smiling back.

Enjoy yourself. I really enjoy weddings. And it shows in my photos.

Dress professionally. A local photographer was known to go to weddings in a SWEATSUIT !!! Can you imagine?? I get compliments on my dress and how well I mix in with the guests.

Pay attention to your hair, makeup, and nails (depending on the gender). Look nice.

Wear comfortable shoes. Don't wear something that will make your feet hurt after an hour. You'll pay for it later that night.

Bring some umbrellas. For yourself and the couple. If it rains, they might not have thought of them, but you will have.

Backups of your equipment. Can't stress this enough.

Ask if there are any scent sensitivities. I like to wear my perfume when I go out, but I won't if there are objections.

Other than these and what's already been mentioned, I can't think of anymore. If I do, I'll come back and post.

Tracy

[JWright]

Originally Posted by Jason-H

Don't do it

I agree... Find another line of work, or at least a different type of photography to take up professionally.

[Eoseni]

Originally Posted by JWright

I agree... Find another line of work, or at least a different type of photography to take up professionally.

What happened that brought you to this conclusion?

[bcap]

emilymegan, your suggestions are great! i especially like the shoes one!

[NBEast]

Originally Posted by Rakefet

Ok, how funny is that..but #2, does have some viability to it...When I do look down, I find about 20 people around me wanting to see it....so, very true...don't look....

I've been finding looking down a nice trick. They've never asked to see it, but some curious eyes say they want to. So; if they're stiff and I get a great shot (that "ooooh" feeling inside) I look to confirm, then show them the chimp.

They immediately relax and want more! Children are positively gitty over seeing their photo immediately.

At yesterday's wedding; I saw a little girl in grampa's arms and positioned myself for the shot. I'd shot the girl earlier and she positively loved it. When she looked up I saw she had been crying, but a smile started to squeek out for the camera. After 2 more I knew it was good and showed her. She was ear to ear grinning. Then (holding the camera for saftey) I let her take shots of gramma. What amazing loving smiles they were.

Chimping then barfing, yeah, bad call! LOL

[jessiper]

Originally Posted by emilymegan

Ask if there are any scent sensitivities. I like to wear my perfume when I go out, but I won't if there are objections.

Tracy

Good tips, Tracy. I don't wear perfume to weddings, the bride and bridal party wear enough scents as it is, so I don't want to add to it and make people gag. I've walked into a room where they were getting ready and literally got light-headed from all the perfume and lotions.

[Jubilee32]

I think the key is your own personal enthusiasm over the event. I am not a wedding photographer. But, as I watch others do it - and I do watch - I see they have connected with the event and the people there. They have met with the bride - and others - discussed what is to happen and have mutually agreed upon the day's strategy. THEN, they seem to disappear only to show up a few weeks later with tons of great shots. The canned shots are done quickly and flawlessly - but the candids are usually viewed with - "I didn't even know you were there!"

Wedding photographers sometimes have assistants which is very good. One of the best tips I ever heard was to have someone available that knows the family. Someone that can help line up the people needed for the shots and can let you know when favorite "Uncle Buddy" is close by.

[JWright]

Originally Posted by Tim Wee

What happened that brought you to this conclusion?

Way too many "bridezillas" and I didn't want the hassle and stress of trying to run my own business. I found it much simpler to work for somebody else in a completly different industry. After shooting weddings for a couple of years I went back to aerospace...

[turaund1]

every bride shows you something new learn from it