Newbies & weddings

As a newbie and reading some of the post of people starting to shoot wedding with very little experience is amazing to me. I just could not even fathom doing that yet. Maybe as a second shooter. I've been on other forums and read post of people barley having enough equipment and their doing it...wow

Yup, it happens a lot. I know of more than a few "photographers" who have Rebel kits they bought from Costco who want to do a wedding. I'll admit I did my first wedding with a Rebel but it was my own wedding so it's not like I was going to sue myself if something went wrong.

If it is possible it will happen. Some people don't care who does there wedding photography.

Of course it's the "easy money" part that attracts these "photographers". It's a free country so they can do as they please, common sense be damned.

Sure, we all have to start somewhere. Me? I shot my first wedding with a 5D2, 1D3, a bunch of L lenses, and a few flashes, AFTER I became a decent enough photographer first.

I prefer to think of myself as a good photographer, not just a wedding photographer. You often see pretty good wedding photographers who take absolutely crappy photos outside of that realm. Again, that's perfectly fine...but I don't prefer to be that person.

There is a lot the those people dont know when it comes to doing weddings...... This year I recently started doing weddings solo.... and it will be my last year doing them solo... to much to worry about as a main photographer and for me having a full time job (military) cant handle the stress im going to focus on being a second shooter for a while because its a lot less stress and still just as fun. My first wedding I did for my sister-in-law I shot with a 17-50, 2x 430exII, XSI, 40D, 70-200 f4, 50mm f1.8 (i think) and an 85mm f1.8, She had a hired photographer so I didnt worry to much about what i got she just asked me to help out.

I wouldn't mine being a second a shooter, but there is noway I'd feel comfortable to be the main shooter. I have the equipment and plenty of lighting to do it with, but still don't feel I'm even close to being ready. I've had a few people that have looked at my site and glamour stuff an asked if I'd be interested in shooting there wedding and I said, thanks but no thanks.

Just came across this thread when doing a search and had a question for you guys. How do/did you get started doing weddings/events? I would like to follow a pro just to get experience and learn, but how would I get involved with that without bugging photographers/etc.?

i will not do a wedding.. as a hobbyist.. i know my limits.. and do not want a bridezilla yelling at me cuz i ruined "HER" once in a lifetime event... no way...ill let yall have it

2nd shooter roles/assitant roles

Look for a photographer in your area and email them, let them know your current experiences, gear you own etc etc. See if you come in for a chat. Just holding equipment and helping in general will gain you a lot of experience.

Perhaps make threads on photography forums in your areas. Ask your friends.. Try and connect with others etc etc.. Plenty of ways.

My first wedding was as a primary, for a photographer friend of mine. I refused. He insisted. I caved. I was already a good photographer with the appropriate gear (1D3, 5D2, a bunch of L lenses, flashes, etc.) having shot other events, and music recitals, so it wasn't like I was going in there with a DRebel and a kit lens. After that, I really wanted to get into the genre, so I've second shot many, many times to up my skill level and learn about the business, etc.

The first - nothing to it. It is only one of most important days of peoples lives. You need to be able to quickly recognize and adjust to every type of lighting situation and have full control of ambient vs flash when needed. You have to pay attention to composition, exposure and the toughest part leading people. They look to you for guidance and you need to be creative for the poses, etc. If you blow the ceremony - no problem as they can do it again for you :roll eyes: All this followed by a long day with little time for yourself. There is something always going on. Not much time to think - only react.

I prepared for my first 6 months in advance and I was still no where near any comfort level when the day came. I shot alone and I'm glad it worked out OK. The couple was happy for what I charged.

My wife assisted me with holding gear all day and the formals with the posing stuff. We knew the couple and I got away with it. No one was mad at me Although we are 30 years apart in age the groom and I shoot as a team now.