Wedding Advice

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I would like some advice and pointers about shooting weddings.

I've been asked to do a wedding at short notice in three days time, they're aware I am an amateur and not experienced in this side of photography but they just needed someone to do the shoot on a very very low budget, locally within 3 days.

I have done a wedding before, and am confident in my abillity to provide decent quality images that capture the day's events and memories,but would like anyone's input/advice/experiences.

The pictures, weather permitting, they want outside on the lake, if not inside the hotel, they're nice venues I'm familiar with and plenty to work with.

As of yet they haven't got back to me about whether they're wanting modern/creative images or more traditional.

Already know what shots we're doing ie. party, party & family, party & friends etc.

Any pointers or advice would be appreciated (y)
 
Unfortunately, on this site, the wedding photographers seem to think that they're the only people on the planet capable of taking photos.

Don't hold your breath.
 
Unfortunately, on this site, the wedding photographers seem to think that they're the only people on the planet capable of taking photos.

Don't hold your breath.

Hardly lightly to encourage us pros to help out. It's not that we think we are the only ones that can do weddings, we just don't want to see inexperienced people getting in over their heads and getting in the ******, it's not good for them and seeing it in the papers isn't good for the industry either.

OP, check out the venues at the same time of day to see what you have to work with and where the lighting is coming from.
Speak to the vicar/priest/registrar before the wedding (on the day) and find out whats allowed and whats not, some will let you take pics during the service, some wont.
If your going to the house first, take a good wooden coat hanger for the wedding dress to hang on (some are on plastic) and it looks better in the pics, also make sure you don't leave your kit behind when you go to the church, I have heard of it happening.
If your working near a lake get someone to watch any children, don't rely on the parents doing it.
Take any back-up kit you have and if you haven't got any borrow some, get plenty of cards and shoot raw, it's more forgiving if you make any errors.
The day before, check you camera gear, set it to full size raw (if it's not already) and take a few test shots to check, charge all your batteries up.
 
Well they're not wanting pictures at the service, only after.

Found out its going to be a very traditional black tie affair, not wanting ANY creative/modern influence they want it very traditional.

I'm familiar with the venue already and am waiting to hear back about family/friend size as well as who doesn't get on with who, as some sides of the family don't get on so I want to make sure that everyone gets a photo they're happy with and no-one gets photos took with people they don't get on with.
 
There are plenty of threads on here, so do a search.
However, threads like this are a bit of a bone of contention, so be prepared.....

Ask the b+g what shots they want, make sure you get them. Put a list together of the groups they want etc.

Visit the venue at about the same time as the photos will be taken prior to the day to have an idea on what light is available.

Make sure you have an usher etc. help you out with organising people.

Some people reckon you should start with the largest group of people first to stop everyone wondering off, I reckon people like to watch the B+G having there photo taken, and to take some themselves.

Make sure your batteries are charged, you have twice as much memory as you think you need, and your lenses are clean.

Get backups of kit if you can - if your body packs up, then your stuffed.

Get an assistant with a camera if you can - 2 togs mean more chances of getting the shots.

Have a flashgun yet? Go and get one, and learn to use it fast.

Have fun, smile and everyone else will relax, making better photos.

Speak to whoever is organising everything so you know when key things like the speaches or the cake cutting is happening.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked...
You're not as fat as you Imagine.

Don't worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum.
The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind.
The kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts, don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy;
Sometimes you're ahead,
Sometimes You're behind.
The race is long, and in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults;
If you Succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your
Life.
The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium.

Be kind to your knees, you'll miss them when they're gone.
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/b/baz_luhrmann/sunscreen.html ]
Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't, maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't, maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.
Whatever you do, don't Congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either.
Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body, Use it every way you can... Don't be afraid of it, or what other people Think of it,
It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own...

Dance... even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Brother and sister together we'll make it through
Someday your spirit will take you and guide you there
I know you've been hurting, but I've been waiting to be there
For you.
And I'll be there, just tell me now, whenever I can.
Everybody's free.

Get to know your parents, you never know when they'll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings;
They are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on.
Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard;
Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will Philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you.
Maybe you have a trust fund, Maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen...

(Brother and sister together we'll make it through
Someday your spirit will take you and guide you there
I know you've been hurting, but I've been waiting to be there
For you. And I'll be there, just tell me now, whenever I can.
Everybody's free.)
 
A lot of focus on the happy couple, they're wanting the majority of shots to be of them.

We've already agreed on the group shots that we're wanting, also their are a couple of young nieces being flower girls so they're wanting a few of them too.

Everyone's happy with the arrangements, just got to get to the big day now!
 
Well they're not wanting pictures at the service, only after.

Found out its going to be a very traditional black tie affair, not wanting ANY creative/modern influence they want it very traditional.

I'm familiar with the venue already and am waiting to hear back about family/friend size as well as who doesn't get on with who, as some sides of the family don't get on so I want to make sure that everyone gets a photo they're happy with and no-one gets photos took with people they don't get on with.

Then you already have an "issue", after the wedding they should be some photos of them mixed, not 2 totally seperate families. you need to be careful to get near enough the same numbers of images of both sides then, otherwise somebody will whinge.
 
The best advice would be to encourage the B&G to get someone who really knows what they are doing and has the kit and skills to capture their one and only wedding day. Other than that the best general advice I can give is:

1) Visit the venue and talk to the organiser involved and understand their timings.
2a) Go to the rehearsal (will definitely have one if it is in a church - you also get the chance to speak to the vicar, they can be very funny about photography).
2b) Don't use flash during the ceremony, most places ban it but even if they allow it, it's very distracting!
3) Plan all the shots you want for each of the stages (not just the formals) - aim to shoot specifically for the album if they want one.
4) Make sure you have enough time for the shots you want.
5) Hope nothing goes wrong with your camera.
6) Go to the loo before it starts and take pain killers and water in your camera bag along with some form of cereal bar.
7) Change cards between stages of the wedding and back up the images to your laptop and an external hard drive before you leave the venue.
8) Don't take any payment and get what you are doing (along with a clear statement regarding your amateur status) in writing so that if something does go wrong you have something to protect you, it may not fully protect you but it should help if it clearly says you have little experience and you're not getting paid.
9) Slow down and pick your shots carefully, no point getting 6 identical images as that means more work afterwards
10) Make sure your batteries are fully charged, you remember your memory cards.
11) Shoot RAW, it's more fun to play with afterwards

Of course if you do decide to persuade them to get a pro there are probably loads of photographers who are local that are free on the day and who could cover the main parts of the day for them (I can't work out if it is Thursday or Friday).
 
Hardly lightly to encourage us pros to help out. It's not that we think we are the only ones that can do weddings, we just don't want to see inexperienced people getting in over their heads and getting in the ******, it's not good for them and seeing it in the papers isn't good for the industry either.

.


Wouldn't the industry benefit from amature Joe Bloggs turning up without the knowledge, resources and fluffing it?

A perfect example for when to use someone in the industry:shrug:
 
Wouldn't the industry benefit from amature Joe Bloggs turning up without the knowledge, resources and fluffing it?

A perfect example for when to use someone in the industry:shrug:

The headline probably wouldn't say amateur photographer, it'll probably say wedding photographer ruins wedding, that reflects on all the photographers.
 
Wouldn't the industry benefit from amature Joe Bloggs turning up without the knowledge, resources and fluffing it?

A perfect example for when to use someone in the industry:shrug:

The headline probably wouldn't say amateur photographer, it'll probably say wedding photographer ruins wedding, that reflects on all the photographers.

Not to mention that it would be another couple let down on their big day. As for it being good, look at how the reputation of trades like builders, plumbers and electricians have suffered because of boggits and cowboys. :(

However, to the OP, already some good advice posted by Simon and Wayne, to which I can't really add much more, other than wishing you good luck with sounds like it might be a tricky day due to the family 'issues'
 
The pictures, weather permitting, they want outside on the lake, if not inside the hotel, they're nice venues I'm familiar with and plenty to work with.
:

most of the critical points are already covered but just a point on this - you've said what you'll do if the weather is nice - which it will be in 3 days if the weather holds (touch wood) , but what is the contigency plan if the weather troll decides to pee on you ?

apart from that the only other thing i'd add is that a good way to bump your profits on picture sales is to get there early and do couple shots of any or all guess that want them - this also helps you warm up your couple shot mojo for the B&G
 
I can't offer any "pro" advice as such, this is strictly a hobby for me but....

I covered my nieces Hena event (asian wedding side event for the bride to be) recently, she didn't want the expense of a pro. I struggled with some of the group shots because my main lens 24-105mm on a crop body just wasn't wide enough, and there wasn't a lot of room to step back.

Depending on location you will need a wide lens in the 17mm range.

Good luck.(y)
 
There are two room reserved at the venue for the wedding itself, ideally they want pictures outside at the lake, weather permitting, if not they have the two rooms reserved at the venue where the wedding is being held.

As per people quoting about ending up in the papers, "wedding photograhper ruins big day" I'm completely capable of getting some good pictures and I've done a wedding from the start.

I have been completely honest from the start that I am NOT a professional, but an amateur looking to expand my portfolio

They KNOW that my expperience with these events is limited but they've seen my work and they're happy I can produce the quality of images they would like, they knew they weren't going to get a professional togger, on their budget of less than £50 and with three days notice

the money they're giving me will only just cover my travel expenses etc. and it was either I do it for them, or no-one does, because all the other "wedding photographers" guffawed at their £50 budget and were chocking back their tears at the 3 days notice.
 
The only advice I will offer is to try and take the 'creative' shots that would actually be of some use to your portfolio. I don't think a bunch of 'traditional' group portraits are going to be much use to you unless you intend on doing that type of work. It's hardly surprising that other 'wedding photographers' guffawed at an offer like that, I'm pretty sure some snapshots in a passport photobooth would cost more.

You are basically doing the job for nothing, that's fine but unless its for a close relative you should be getting something out of it, and that could be some images that you would want for your portfolio at the very least.
 
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I'm with graham on this one - i'm not a wedding pro either ( like you I fall into the amateur who knows what they are doing category) but i wouldnt charge less than 200 notes for a day of my time.

if you are essentially working for nothing you need to derive some benefit - so i would suggest taking creative shots for portfolio as well as the trad shots they want - you dont have to show hem the creative ones if you are sure they wont like them (tho bear in mind that the B&G and imediate family might only want trad, but that other guests might buy more creative shots) I'm presuming that print sales are extra to your 50 notes as you'd be making a loss otherwise.
 
.

As per people quoting about ending up in the papers, "wedding photograhper ruins big day" I'm completely capable of getting some good pictures and I've done a wedding from the start.

.

also with regard to this i'd note that its not just amateurs who stuff up from time to time - when my mate James got married he paid a pro over 800 notes for wedding photos and the silly **** managed to loose the CF card with most of the shots on it (like you do).

A swift threat of bad publicity and small claims got the money back but that left James and Emma without any wedding photos (and their matrimonial bliss temporarily in ruins over who had decided to use that tog etc) - fortunately both our other mate Ben and myself as keen amateurs had taken our DSLRs to the service and had between us got most of the group shots (fortunately there werent very many we were both in) , and Ben then took Emma into a studio for a day and reshot the beautiful bride in dress type pics to complete the portfolio as a belated wedding gift.

I agree that people who dont know what they are doing shouldnt shoot weddings, and that an amateur who doesnt feel confident should resist pressure from family or freinds to do their weddings on the cheap - but theres also no reason why an amateur who does know what they are doing shouldnt shoot weddings so long as they are confident in their ability to deliver.
 
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I've done one wedding a while ago and had the same problem. bride was aware that I'm not professional photographer and never done wedding before. I've had some punks laughing and criticising me when I asked here for some tips but thanks god, there is still lots of people here willing to help and support.
guess what?
I've really enjoyed the wedding and what's most important, bride, groom and friends+family were very happy with photos!
I'm sure you'll enjoy and everything will be OK!
Main things I've learned:
always shoot in RAW, use spot metering, meter for bride's dress, avoid slow shutter speed(make best use of ISO), dont worry about WB(you're shooting RAW). it's been mentioned before but its very important: see the venue before the wedding, so that you'll know what sort of lighting you should expect.
good luck and enjoy!
 
As I said, I'm not getting paid for it, just my travel expenses covered, but What I get out of it is, as suggessted above, the experience of shooting the wedding and the images to use in my portfolio.

To be honest, if anything, I will be at a loss, they're covering my petrol there and back on the day, but I plan to visit the venue a couple of times before in different weather situations, as much as the short time frame will allow, so in reallity I'm doing the wedding at a loss and the only thing I'll be getting out of it will be the experience and the use of the images for my portfolio
 
As I said, I'm not getting paid for it, just my travel expenses covered, but What I get out of it is, as suggessted above, the experience of shooting the wedding and the images to use in my portfolio.


I apreciate that - and i guess LF does too - what I was saying is make sure that you get the shots that you need for your portfolio, not just a bunch of trad shots that will add very little value (unless of course you want to specialise in trad weddings)

I'd also suggest that unless you've specifically agreed to include a CD of all images that you limit the number of images provided and sell the rest directly to guests through an online ordering service (there are sites that will do everything foryou including the printing and despatch - all you dois upload the pics and set prices)
 
some great tips here!!

I've got my nieces wedding coming up - gonna be reading up on all this

still need to come up with a sony wide lens
 
some great tips here!!

I've got my nieces wedding coming up - gonna be reading up on all this

still need to come up with a sony wide lens

Do sigma do the 10-20 in sony fit ? - Ive got it in canon and its a gem of a WA and not that pricey.

alternately you can probably get a manual focus minolta wide angle for not very much moola - and wedding photography group shots is one time when MF isnt going to be a problem as you can take your time and everything is posed.
 
do the old film style ones work as well on the dslr's? seen quite a few of them on ebay
 
do the old film style ones work as well on the dslr's? seen quite a few of them on ebay

I dont know much about minolta but i think so - so long as they are the same lens mount. Obviously older lenses dont all have AF, and really old ones might not have TTL metering (the former doesnt matter for portraits , the latter does)

My advice is take your camera along when you buy or buy from somewhere like T4/mifsuds/camtech etc where they know what they are talking about.
 
gothgirl, which part of the country are you in? You may get a volunteer second if you wanted one?
 
I've done a couple of weddings under exactly the same circumstances as you have. Both were done a budget of about £2.50 and a packet of crisps. On both occasions I found that, after going through an agreed list of photos the bride or groom would say 'Oh, can you just take one of us and .....'.
One thing I did was to sort through the list of photos and organise it so that I minimised the amount of people I moved in and out each time
eg
Bride & Groom
Bride, Groom and Bride's parents
Bride, Groom, Bride's parents and Groom's Parents
Bride, Groom and Groom's Parents.

Makes the flow easier and speeds up changes.

Good luck and enjoy it.
 
Go search photos from the best wedding photographers, not crap ones ;P and try to gain some "eye".
 
The wedding's over and done, went really well, they're thrilled with the pics and are letting me use any I want for my portfolio! :)

Overall a success!
 
Show us then. :)

Newmillerdam.jpg
 
I wouldnt be very happy with that,there appears to be an invisible lizard crawling over the front of your lens. :bonk:
 
no no its someone smoking and they've managed to get the smoke to look like a lizard. LOTR/gandalf thing.

a bit too much head space but otherwise its nice :)
 
the lake isnt level - its running out of the right hand side, and the slightly out of focus ducks to the right and rock to the left could probably stand to be cloned out, plus maybe a tighter crop

but that's us picky photographers - so long as the happy couple like it that the main thing.
 
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