Shot first wedding...some thoughts and thanks

Shot my first wedding yesterday and here are some thoughts and thanks.

- Glad I stopped by the church before all the action started because I would have no time to get some exteriors and wide angles of the locations

- Thanks to the POTNers who gave last minute advice like, bring some snacks, waters, gum, etc. It all came in very, very handy.

- I debated whether or not to use a tripod and umbrella's for the formals. Glad I didn't. The second 580ex worked just fine, though umbrella's could have worked nicely too. The only thing was that it was much easier packing up and preparing for the entrance of the wedding party because all I had to do was put away the second 580ex instead of packing umblrellas.

- I took all of my gear except for the 400mm and 50-500mm sig. I didn't need it all. I basically used my 24-70, 70-200 and my 10-22. I could have used the 50mm or the 85mm, but the 24-70 produced the results I'm was looking for.

- I can't believe how many people want shots of their friends, kids, relatives, etc. People that DID NOT PAY ME. However, being the nice guy I did, I took the shots. I figured that these were people the B&G invited so they must have been important to them.

- I was very cognizant to pay attention to which side of the family I was shooting for. I wanted to make sure I got the right balance. (Thanks POTN)

- The bride wanted gum at one point...who was there to the rescue? Me...thanks POTN.

- Getting to know the DJ and making sure the events happened when you really want them to happen, i.e the cake, is clutch. You can get ready, set the scene and shoot away. Having the DJ as your wing man really helps.

- There was a point where there were so many other people trying to take pics that they were getting in my way. I'm not a rude guy, but I didn't care. I stepped right in front of people to get my shot. The good thing is, is that the B&G knew to look at me 99% of the time.

- What an opportunity to make other business. I gave out ton of business cards.

- Having comfortable cloths and shoes on is a must.

- Lastly, what a friggin work out. I work up this morning sore as all hell. I'd be in better shape if I shot more weddings!!!

Anyways...I have 1,400+ shots to process. I'll post some to this thread and create others when I get the chance. Thanks to all that gave advice and those that contribute to POTN for some fantastic content. It's like a
"how to" book for shooting weddings the right way.

Awesome! I can't wait to see your results. Sounds like everything went well!

KP

yep...went very well. early indications in PP tell me that I "killed it," hip hop term for "you did well." Now, lets just hope the B&G are as satisfied as I am.

Congratulations on your successful weekend!! I'm really looking forward to seeing some of your shots!

It would seem to make sense to take these shots. Photons are phree and it might lead to more engagements (you make a potential client happy, they remember you) and/or you get increased print sales. A win-win position.

So, what did you do. Just introduce yourself and talk him up a bit? Take his picture and promise him some free 8x10s?

You where lucky the B&G had it that much on the ball that they were looking in you direction most of the time. Good on you and good on them for that!

Yeah, more sales!!

sageone wrote in post #2351180
- Getting to know the DJ and making sure the events happened when you really want them to happen, i.e the cake, is clutch. You can get ready, set the scene and shoot away. Having the DJ as your wing man really helps.

Yes, I usually end up storing my bags under their table, and sometimes eat w/them.

Glad we could help! Looking forward to seeing some pics.

Scott_Quier wrote in post #2351370
So, what did you do. Just introduce yourself and talk him up a bit? Take his picture and promise him some free 8x10s?

They're usually eager to swap business cards as well, probably because they know photog's are booked before them. I've met some really nice DJ's.

Congrats on a successful first Don!

jessiper wrote in post #2351935
They're usually eager to swap business cards as well, probably because they know photog's are booked before them. I've met some really nice DJ's.

My last DJ was female so I flirted. She set up each "event" for me perfectly, and gave me heads up time before each one so I could book over there befor she made the announcement. Worked out really well.

Note: it's best to flirt with the opposite sex. I don't think flirting with a male DJ woulda worked, although you never know!

cdi-ink.com wrote in post #2351960
My last DJ was female so I flirted. She set up each "event" for me perfectly, and gave me heads up time before each one so I could book over there befor she made the announcement. Worked out really well.

Note: it's best to flirt with the opposite sex. I don't think flirting with a male DJ woulda worked, although you never know!

Maybe that's why they're so nice to me. Although, I'm married so I don't flirt back, but just being nice and interested goes a long way! They'll usually tell me when things are going to happen, too, which is nice.

Interesting post! Can't wait to see some pictures after you are done with PP.

sageone wrote in post #2351180
I can't believe how many people want shots of their friends, kids, relatives, etc. People that DID NOT PAY ME. However, being the nice guy I did, I took the shots. I figured that these were people the B&G invited so they must have been important to them.

I love these, because they usually buy prints. I have a minimum print order of about US$35, so they often buy enlargements and a few other shots to bring it up to the minimum value. Do a half dozen during the day, you've made around $200 that took you basically no time or effort.

tim wrote in post #2352762
I love these, because they usually buy prints. I have a minimum print order of about US$35, so they often buy enlargements and a few other shots to bring it up to the minimum value. Do a half dozen during the day, you've made around $200 that took you basically no time or effort.

Do you give your digital images to the couple as part of the wedding package?

Quote:
Originally Posted by sageone
- Getting to know the DJ and making sure the events happened when you really want them to happen, i.e the cake, is clutch. You can get ready, set the scene and shoot away. Having the DJ as your wing man really helps.

So, what did you do. Just introduce yourself and talk him up a bit? Take his picture and promise him some free 8x10s?

Coming from the DJ world for the past 15 yrs, the DJ is your BEST FRIEND at the reception. He makes sure the bridal party is gathered and you are informed when things are going to happen.

During the reception I kept my eye on 3 - 4 people the whole night: Bride & Groom, photog and videog.

The B&G may have consulted a wedding planner before the event, but during the reception, a good DJ IS the reception coordinator.

JMW-Photo wrote in post #2355183
The B&G may have consulted a wedding planner before the event, but during the reception, a good DJ IS the reception coordinator.

Exactly.

Congrats, Don! I'm so glad to hear that all went well.

JMW-Photo wrote in post #2355183
Quote:

Coming from the DJ world for the past 15 yrs, the DJ is your BEST FRIEND at the reception. He makes sure the bridal party is gathered and you are informed when things are going to happen.

During the reception I kept my eye on 3 - 4 people the whole night: Bride & Groom, photog and videog.

The B&G may have consulted a wedding planner before the event, but during the reception, a good DJ IS the reception coordinator.

Just when I think I know it all (yeah, like that's ever gonna happen:rolleyes, I come here and learn something new. This thread has been a gold-mine of useful information. Thanks all, I really appreciate it.