Wedding Photogs - I don't know how you do it!

So on Saturday I shot my first (and if I can help it, last) wedding. I did it as a favor to my wife's cousin (whose mom helps take care of our kids during the week). At first I declined, urging them to hire a pro with a solid portfolio. That advice was taken the wrong way and eventually I wound up saying OK.

So the big day comes around - outside wedding, 4:30PM ceremony, 88-90 degree weather. I did alright, for having never actually photographed a wedding (I took some photos at my own cousin's wedding a couple years ago but wasn't tasked with actually covering it). My lack of experience had me stressing over when and what to photograph, etc etc. No amount of planning can take the place of actual experience, imo. All in all though I'm happy with most of the photos though I wish I'd been more consistent (and thought to tilt my camera in another direction besides counter clockwise!!) I think or at least hope the family will be happy - it was done at no cost, afterall

One last thing... between nerves and nearly sweating to death, I really didn't eat much after noon. I got home around 10PM, weighed myself and I came in 6 POUNDS under from the week before.

To be perfectly honest, you couldn't pay me enough to do another event like this!!! I admire the folks who do it for a living and especially those who do it VERY well. It's a hard earned dollar, if you ask me.

Here are a few that I've processed so far...

#1

You forgot to mention the amazing help you had. =P They look good man.

I was going to mention that... kid was giving me a hard time, forced to type fast. So yea, I REALLY don't know how anyone does it solo. I'd have lost my mind and left half my gear behind without the awesome assistance I had. I haven't seen his output yet, so I'll reserve judgment on that front until later

Very nice considering it is your first job and the pressure! A few things . . . YES, I would clone out that black spot. I also don't understand the long, black shadow that is taking up half of picture #2. Your B&W conversion if fine, but I don't like the last one. Just not my style, but the B&G might love it. Overall, they HAVE to be thrilled! FREE?!

(I agree, weddings are very hard work and stress -- like you said, money well earned. I couldn't do them either.)

Most people that does it for a living they LOVE doing it and do not consider it as a chore as you and I do perhaps.

Good looking pictures though. That shadow on her had got to go though, IMHO!

Great photos! Doesn't look like it's one of your first weddings at all!

I also loose weight after every wedding...haha... Yes I get tired after them, but it's happy tired if you know what I mean. I'm charged emotionally from the happy couple and the guests, I love the speeches and this past weekend I almost cried watching the groom and his mom's dance. I wouldn't do it for free though as there's a lot hard work involved but I would love to be shooting weddings full time. They are just too much fun!

Thanks, all.

YankeeMom wrote in post #8473668
I also don't understand the long, black shadow that is taking up half of picture #2.

That would be the groom's leg... I sorta like how it frames the kid but at the same time wish it was more obvious as to what it actually was...

I love the lady's face in #2. LOL
GREAT job!!!!

I think you did a great job.

I like 2 the best... leg and all. I had no problem knowing it was a leg. I assumed groom. I win! I always get a pic of the kids down low between legs like that... good album shots. Mom, almost had an upskirt. #6... i dunno about that.

as for shooting weddings... Love it! It can be stressful and things will be forgotten but it is one of the best times to get raw emotion out of people. Just recently finished up the largest one we have done yet. We made a few mistakes because we got a little rushed and were completely terrified of the bride's mom being dissapointed in the family formals but turns out they booked us for the next kid's wedding!!! Feel free to stay away from wedding photography... more business for the rest of us.

great job for first time.

whiskaz wrote in post #8473667
I was going to mention that... kid was giving me a hard time, forced to type fast. So yea, I REALLY don't know how anyone does it solo. I'd have lost my mind and left half my gear behind without the awesome assistance I had. I haven't seen his output yet, so I'll reserve judgment on that front until later

I think I'm going to throw up not.
Wedding today. Solo.

Good job man. Love the one with the little boy running away and the lady's expression.

petedam wrote in post #8473848
Most people that does it for a living they LOVE doing it and do not consider it as a chore as you and I do perhaps.

Quite right. I've never met a wedding ceremony I didn't like, and to this day I get a bit choked up at key moments. Plus, what's not to like? Everyone's feeling good, looking good, smelling good. So much joy to go around, and if you capture excellent images while at the same time removing stress from the day instead of being one of those Little Hitler wedding photographers, you'll be constantly employed.

It didn't hurt that I came up in photojournalism, with all the pressure to perform on a deadline that implies. I don't feel any pressure photographing a wedding, just a lot of joy in helping everyone celebrate and document a most special day, and that kind of intense satisfaction that comes sometimes in any kind of photography when you feel the groove and slot yourself deep into it.

I'll tell you, there aren't many wedding professionals who work harder or longer days than the wedding-day photographer. Wedding planner, perhaps. But I started yesterday's wedding at 10 a.m. and finished at 10 p.m., and the only time I sat down was to eat at the reception. That's about average for the full-day package, and in this case there was no travel involved, which can extend the day by many hours. So far I've shot all my weddings solo.

Man, my legs ache!

And Jeremy, I wanted to add that I think the photographs posted are very good. Not just for a "first timer," but very good period. Nits have been mentioned. Nice stuff!

The pictures look OK for your first time considering your circumstances. Definitely fix the shadow on her hand. I know how you feel as this was my first year doing weddings. Now on my 10th for the year and things are different in terms of stress level and schedule. I actually eat and rest when I need to and know where I need to be when it is that time. Doing weddings for free (for family, etc) can be draining and less rewarding, but if you love the work and have fun with it...weddings arent so bad in the end. Good job and stick with it if you choose to pursue it.