friend's wedding, do? or do not?

First off, I have read, and fully appreciate how stressful wedding photography can be. You guys definitely EARN it.

I've got a good friend, and she and fiance are in pretty tight budget bind with their wedding, and while I have continuously told her that I will NOT be her wedding photographer, because I do not want to screw up capturing her big day, the bottom line is, the budget is just not adding up. she's now interviewing photographers who are shooting with some really entry level gear, and their portfolio is looking much more like snap-shots. I'm now getting torn internally on if I should do this or not, because I'm pretty damn sure I can get better shots than this latest batch of photographers she's interviewing. I mean, I know a skilled photographer can do wonders with an XTi, 50 f/1.8, a kit lens, and a 430 flash, but THESE guys' portfolios do not inspire confidence, and they are shooting with no backup cameras, which is just insane to me!

I think I have a decent spectrum of gear (see below) to be able to cover her wedding, but the reality is, I shoot as a hobby - motorsports, and wildlife. I have a so-so eye for lighting, but basically, it's available light, and making the best of what I've got. I shoot in Av or Tv priority mostly, and rarely do any "creative" work with my 430ex / lightsphere.

The wedding isn't until March 2012, so I would have lots of time to practice if I'm to take this on, but i'm still uncomfortable with it, and still hoping that they can sort out the funding to hire a real pro by then, but I just hate seeing my friend stressing day in and day out over this.

what would you do, if you were in my position?

Well, decide why this bothers you, and you have your own answer. If you are being competitive with the pros, then go do it. If you want to help your friend, you have two options. One, help her pick a pro and tell her why you are doing that. Two, take the gig and then go learn how to shoot the event.

Several points to look at....it is almost a year away....you do have some nice stuff....and they are friends.... Do you have decide today? Do you ever WANT to be a wedding photog? If you do, take some shots compared to portfolio sample you saw, if you are satisfied and she is satisfied...go for it. I think you can rent a couple lens if you want to try some of the stuff you see on here.

Now if weddings is not what you even dare to think you might want to do....don't.

That's a tough call. As a good friend, you want to help. But as a photographer with ZERO wedding photography experience, you have a dilemma on your hands b/c as you mentioned, you know better than to take this lightly.

I pretty much agree with what Sam said.

S.Horton wrote in post #12299026
Well, decide why this bothers you, and you have your own answer. If you are being competitive with the pros, then go do it. If you want to help your friend, you have two options. One, help her pick a pro and tell her why you are doing that. Two, take the gig and then go learn how to shoot the event.

the reason, honestly, is that I believe with more (i've already been doing a fair amount of reading on wedding photography, and looking at people's examples) studying, and a lot more practice (which I have time to do), I believe I can do better than all the photographers she's CURRENTLY interviewing. She had some in the first pass who were in the 4-5k range who were true pros who had a real gift for lighting, and the gear that says "this is not a hobby, this is how I make my living".

it also happens that I've been trying to turn photography from a pure hobby, to more of a supplemental income, though, admittedly, that's been 100% on the motorsport end. When she and I first spoke of her wedding photography a couple months ago, I had simply wanted to be a backup to whoever she hired, to try my hand at it.

As it happens, apparently this is a big wedding year for my friends. and I'll have 3 other weddings to practice at (don't worry, I have read/seen the thread on the a-hole "friend" photographer who butts into the pro's frame.. i will definitely NOT be that guy).

I think my biggest hurdle is the flash. I know how to use it to light family gathering photos and stuff, but I'm really not to the level where I can bend the light to my will like the pro wedding photographers can.

If she's a real friend help her find a photographer, leave the gear at home, have some cocktails and truly enjoy her wedding as a guest. Thats my advice.

If it was me, and I do not shoot weddings, and it was a good friend of mine....I would find them a photog and make that my wedding gift to them. I would also hit up my other friends to help pay if I needed to. This is a special moment and I would hate myself if I blew it for them by trying to do something I have no experience doing. Sure, I could 'figure it out' but it would be a lot less stressful to just get them an experienced photog. You have a year to save up the money. Just tell them 'you have it under control'.

Not sure that helps you, but that is the route I would probably take.

TGrundvig wrote in post #12299132
If it was me, and I do not shoot weddings, and it was a good friend of mine....I would find them a photog and make that my wedding gift to them.

that's a good point. I'll give that more thought.. I don't think I can afford a few k either though..

The wedding isn't until March 2012 - More than enough time for them to put aside money each month and hire a professional.

fivegallon wrote in post #12299164
The wedding isn't until March 2012 - More than enough time for them to put aside money each month and hire a professional.

well, let me put it this way. I'd do it for family, but not for a friend.. just the honest truth.. if i can find enough friends to split it amongst like 10-15 people, then sure.

I'd pay down my mortgage if I had 5k to spare..

oredith wrote in post #12299143
that's a good point. I'll give that more thought.. I don't think I can afford a few k either though..

Well, if it is a good friend, just do what you can. I spent $4k to go to my best friend's wedding in Jamaica. I was the best man, so I didn't have a choice, but you find a way for the special people in your life.

fivegallon wrote in post #12299164
The wedding isn't until March 2012 - More than enough time for them to put aside money each month and hire a professional.

oops.. misread..

they're on a fixed income right now. the fiance is out of work, and the job market in California can be described as "DISMAL" if you want to put a cheerful spin on things.

Don't lose the memory card

You might be concerned about your abilities but if they hire somebody really cheap they can get bad stuff, a no-show or (worst) a show who never surrenders the pictures, or holds them hostage with new financial demands.

If you want to do it you should go as second shooter to screw up I mean to help with some other wedding in the meantime. You won't hate it the first time

Recruit some photo enthusiast from her friend's circle to help. Pick somebody who can pose people if you are unsure. If you are a geek the latter is the hardest part, so get some bubbly chick or whatever to boss people around.

oredith wrote in post #12299207
oops.. misread..

they're on a fixed income right now. the fiance is out of work, and the job market in California can be described as "DISMAL" if you want to put a cheerful spin on things.

Maybe they should reconsider getting married during this financial hardship?
or
Maybe get someone to bake/make the cake instead and put the cake money towards a photographer? The cake will be eaten by mostly a bunch of drunks who won't care how it tastes, the pictures however will be expected to last the best part of a lifetime...
Cake money plus a few friends chipping in for a lifetime of memories
You don't want to be looking back and everyone saying, hey, why weren't you at the wedding...

fivegallon wrote in post #12299578
Maybe they should reconsider getting married during this financial hardship?
or
Maybe get someone to bake/make the cake instead and put the cake money towards a photographer? The cake will be eaten by mostly a bunch of drunks who won't care how it tastes, the pictures however will be expected to last the best part of a lifetime...
Cake money plus a few friends chipping in for a lifetime of memories
You don't want to be looking back and everyone saying, hey, why weren't you at the wedding...

i'm pretty used to never having any pictures of myself already..

and i think there's a slippery slope with not getting married during financial hardship. in some ways, maybe it means more to make it happen when you are under tight financial constraints, to show how much it means to you.