Yay or nay?

Hi, I have been reading up on POTN for a few months already trying to soak up as much of the knowledge as I can from the many talented photogs on here. I have had a DSLR for about a year, and have the kit lens, nifty fifty, and 70-200 f4. Ok, that was my background now for my question.

A friend of my parents asked me to shoot his wedding. I polietly declined the three times he asked me. I am in no way a pro, or ready for a wedding and I know that and didn't want to screw up his wedding. He asked again recently and I asked him why he thought of me. He responded telling me that he had seen my Flickr (www.flickr.com/people/​jaythanv) and liked what he saw. Now, I have not captured one image that I can say that I really like. I just do family events, candids, and pretty much just pictures for my personal use and memories. My family keeps on encouraging me to do it to gain experience and I tell them that I can do so by being a second shooter for my cousin who is a wedding photographer but at the time not available. Another thing is that the wedding is about a four hour drive away and if I wasn't going to shoot his wedding, we wouldn't go.

I was started to muster up the courage and told him I would need to rent a lens(17-55 f2.8 IS), and he agreed to it, but I haven't told him for sure I would do it. He keeps on telling me that he just wants someone there taking pictures nothing professional. I do eventually want to do weddings on my own, but want to get the gear and experience before.

With that said, do you think I should do it?

Hey, alot of those pics are quite nice! I think if you want to do weddings on your own, you should do it for the experience. I turned a couple friends/family away for the same reasons and now I regret it because nobody else is getting married and it would have been the perfect opportunity for me to get my feet wet and learn. Def. rent another lens though and an external flash.

If the B&G understand that you don't have any wedding experience, and are wanting you to do it anyway....Go for it! It will get them photographs of the day and give you some experience. Just make sure that they fully understand that you are not guaranteeing them anything.

And get a good flash

Kathy

Agree with Kathy, take them up on the offer, buy, borrow or rent some appropriate gear and go for it! As long as everyone has clear expectations, you could exceed them!
Best of luck!

Jon

If they agree that there are no expectations and also agree to rent a second body, a flash or two, a 17-55IS, and a 70-200 2.8IS, then I'd do it. I know this will sound weird, but I'd put together a contract or agreement that clearly delineates all the terms and expectations for each party. That way you will remain friends.

Hey Photo-hobby, I tend to agree with the others. Although even with clear, concise communtication about yours vs. their expectations things can still be misunderstood.

But that is life in general...no guarantees.

I've read well respected posters here mention that their first time shooting a wedding was preceded by a statement like "look, I'll do it, but if I forget to take the lens cap off don't complain!"...If they don't laugh (or if they laugh nervously) at that kind of comment...well...then they do have expectations and should come forward with them.

Point is, a statement like that is a starting point. It's mildly ridiculous, but it can flesh out if they are REALLY willing to stand behind the whole "Hey...no problem...we have no expectations" statement.
If you do it, then I'd follow other peoples advise too on renting/borrowing a flash, lens or even better, another body.
Good luck!

Seeing as I'm a poor college student , I think I am going to look for a used flash, and have them rent the lens. They are on a tight budget as well, so this is also a sort of favor for them, and I don't think they could afford to rent me another body.

Seems as though everyone thinks I should do it as long as they know it will be my first. Thanks all.

Look in the forum for the thread on what to do before a wedding shoot, like charge batteries, take stock of your gear, etc. I would definitely make a schedule of where the events will be and what the B&G expect from you. You don't want to be guessing on your first wedding.

I dont have much to add to this except let them know that the formals (there will be formals, it is a must) will probably take a little longer to get through considering your experience and they need to plan accordingly. Study the process of the wedding before you go and see if you can at the minimum assist (preferably second shoot) in a wedding to get the feel of the pace, correct angles etc. You might be surprised by some of it.

You should also attend the rehearsal to get the feel of their ceremony and find vantage points from which you can shoot.