First Wedding Photography

DJMorgan

DJMorgan

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Daniel
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Right, A friend of mine has asked me to do photo`s for her sisters wedding, now im all up for doing it BUT I have never actually photographed a wedding before.

I want to do it as iv never done it before but as its a once in a life time thing for the couple in hand I dont want them to come out really horrible..

What can you guys suggest that I could do or any idea`s I could use?

Thanks everyone!

:thumbs:
 
Go to the venue(s) to have a good look before the wedding and work out in advance what shots you'll be taking and where.

Speak to the couple about the kind of photos they want and see if they align with the kind of photos you are capable of doing.

Make sure you know how to use your equipment quickly and accurately. There will be times during the wedding when you don't get time to think.

Most importantly of all, when you speak to the B&G before the wedding make sure you explain to them that they will be getting what they pay for. Don't let them expect the kind of photos they'd get from an experienced pro. If they are happy for you to do it then make sure the risk of you ballsing it up is with them. :thumbs:
 
-Rob- said:
Go to the venue(s) to have a good look before the wedding and work out in advance what shots you'll be taking and where.

Speak to the couple about the kind of photos they want and see if they align with the kind of photos you are capable of doing.

Make sure you know how to use your equipment quickly and accurately. There will be times during the wedding when you don't get time to think.

Most importantly of all, when you speak to the B&G before the wedding make sure you explain to them that they will be getting what they pay for. Don't let them expect the kind of photos they'd get from an experienced pro. If they are happy for you to do it then make sure the risk of you ballsing it up is with them. :thumbs:
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Haha, I`m a Morgan (as my family say) I will mess up haha.. But thank you, iv been asked to assist another photographer local to me with a wedding soon which is also one of my friends.. :) So hopefully that might build my confidence before hand :)
 
My experience if of the photograph receiving end more than taking end so read into my advice what you will...

I agree with the above. Knowing the venue and where people are going to be and when and what equipment you'll need to use for light levels etc as well as knowing the sorts of shots the bride and groom actually want, posed or off the cuff or silly etc.... Knowing what is wanted is half way to a successful outcome. The other half of course being actually taking and processing the shots.

So with that in mind....

If they can't afford a pro photographer and you are a good friend and wish to help out so they have some decent photos of the day, by all means do it but make sure that they are not expecting results similar to those of a pro (even if you're very good, it really will be better to lower their expectations and hopefully surpass them than vice versa). And whatever you do don't charge or you'll be walking into a potentially very messy situation.
 
DJMorgan said:
Haha, I`m a Morgan (as my family say) I will mess up haha.. But thank you, iv been asked to assist another photographer local to me with a wedding soon which is also one of my friends.. :) So hopefully that might build my confidence before hand :)
Click to expand...

This is good news. Definitely do the assist. It'll either put you off for good or give you invaluable insight into what is required.
 
Do the assist, read up on teh net about shot lists etc, agree everything that is & isnt covered with B7G beforehand - there is no going back for a wedding.
 
My concern would be you say it's a friend's sister. This kind of sounds like you haven't met the bride? If this is the case, you need to meet with the bride and find out what her expectations are.

Just make sure they know what the deal is as far as your experience etc. show them your work, and if they are happy for you to do it. So long as you are comfortable with it, it can be a stressful day and a lot of work both shooting and in post.

If you go ahead, it would be a good idea to make a shot list, also ask her to give you a list of any must have shots, some people just expect certain shots even if they say they just want some nice pictures of the day.

Make sure the bride appoints a friend or family member to help with identifying important people and organising group shots, you might not have any idea who is who and spend too much time taking candids of people they barely know and struggling to organise any group shots.

Not sure what the deal is in the UK, but in Australia some venues require the photographer to have public liability insurance. We also need a permit to shoot in certain locations like some beaches, botanical gardens etc. Just look into it, you don't need that kind of thing throwing you for a loop on the day.

Of course make sure you have some back up kit. If something is going to fail, you can be certain it will happen at the worst possible time.

The assist is going to give you a much better idea than anything I can say here I think.

good luck
 
Let them get a pro - you can make images of the stuff they don't get..... You will learn loads and be better prepared for more. As you say they (weddings) are one offs and it takes a lot of guts, skill and not forgetting equipment to be safe doing a wedding
 
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