"But you have such nice gear..."

So, a friend of mine says she got engaged, and we were talking particulars, and then we talked about photography. She wanted me to shoot her wedding. Now, mind you, I have NEVER, EVER shot a wedding in my life, and don't think I'd ever want to, seems way too difficult for me.

So I tell her I am not experienced enough and didn't want to do it.

So her reply was "Well, your photography gear looks so professional..."

Has anyone ever ran into this? I would classify myself as an experienced amateur at best, but I guess because I have a lot of good gear I "must" be a pro.

Just kinda funny...

I get this a lot. Spend ~5 minutes explaining how DSLRs are stupid, and it's up to the photog to drive.

Mention how nice gear does not guarantee creativity, or perfect technicals, or unique perspectives, or awesome light, or good communication, or well-handled post processing. You don't want to make yourself look bad, so suggest you're "really a bird photographer...." or whatever type you are. Offer to assist her in picking out a photog to shoot their wedding.

Don't let your gear (and ego) write checks your skills can't cash...

Sorry for the Top Gun reference but it's entirely ok to tell someone you're not comfortable with shooting their wedding.

Ask her if her gynecologist has nice equipment... then ask if she would want him to perform brain surgery.

You need to use analogies like this to explain how specialized photography can be. It's not all bad - I get high school senior portrait clients because they've seen my shots of local architecture at the office. Go figure.

Yes , I have sat infront of my computer looking at the shots I was pushed into taking and was almost sick to my stomach, I had borrowed a 24-70L from my pro friend to shoot the wedding as well, The kiss was focused tack sharp on the priest NoT the bride and groom, my poses sucked , I had shot everything in raw and struggled with conversion, I had no skills for working in cs5 when it came to people and skin color, My 430 flash settings were dragging the shutter on the reception shots and struggled with that and the list went on.

I am better now but this was a few years ago .

I suggest that if you can make it work in all the situations that you will be in when shooting a wedding go ahead but if don't feel up to it then don't take it.

Funny how a budget minded bride will forget the things she said to get you to do it when she sees a few bad pics..

Heh! Yeah this type of thing comes up pretty regularly!

Let her know that you don't have wedding photography skills and so for you to photograph her wedding would likely be like "Uncle Al" photographing it! Suggest she hire a pro.

But, a great many people can't afford a pro, and that's likely why she's asking you. That's certainly a consideration, and as long as she is totally clear on the "no expectations" end of things, well, you could consider it as a "casual shooting" favor for a friend, but don't stress yourself out trying to do a "professional" job!

Run like hell.
Turn off your land line and throw your cell away.
Go into the Witness Protection Program.
All of the above.

Never let your gear write checks that your skills can't cash.

I did it once because it was an emergency and a favor to an old friend, who's son I'd known since he was a baby and was getting married double-quick time...never again.

I don't remember that phrase being exactly like that...oh yeah, you're paraphrasing aren't ya?

^I knew I saw it somewhere :p...nevertheless, it still applies!

And I still think the OP should run like hell...

Lol.. Thanks for the replies.

I IMMEDIATELY said no, but I told her I would take pictures as a guest.

I totally respect wedding photographers, I think it'd be a LONG time before I'd trust my ability on such a special day. She was cool with my decision, and I probably will help her pick one.

Thanks again!!

If I were you I'd take that challenge.

kenjancef wrote in post #13157595
So, a friend of mine says she got engaged, and we were talking particulars, and then we talked about photography. She wanted me to shoot her wedding. Now, mind you, I have NEVER, EVER shot a wedding in my life, and don't think I'd ever want to, seems way too difficult for me.

So I tell her I am not experienced enough and didn't want to do it.

So her reply was "Well, your photography gear looks so professional..."

Has anyone ever ran into this? I would classify myself as an experienced amateur at best, but I guess because I have a lot of good gear I "must" be a pro.

Just kinda funny...

My gut feeling on weddings is that the technical aspects of the photography and the candids wouldn't be that hard for someone with decent skills and gear. I think the people skills and lighting needed to do the more formal group shots properly would be a much bigger challenge. Wouldn't do it without an absolutely clear understanding of the expectations and would borrow or rent a backup body if I did do it.

When brides come in my door they want to look at images I have shot and albums I have made. Never had one ask to see the camera I used.
Wedding photography is not about the equipment.
Ask her if in her search for a photographer what key strengths is she going to look for. My guess is equipment will not be in her top three.

Then buy her a really nice pen. One of them $100+ models and ask her to write you a beautiful poem.

A photograph is about light, composition and subject matter. The equipment used are only the tools to get you there. Shooting a wedding well means being able to accomplish creating a nice photograph under stressful less than ideal conditions.

you could just shoot the wedding and see what happens?

orena wrote in post #13160295
you could just shoot the wedding and see what happens?

Which is absolutely fine if she's got another photographer or no expectations; if not the problem is that they may be expecting things on a day that cannot be repeated that you fail to deliver.