help - first wedding

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raj
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Hi people.

It’s my first time posting so apologies as I know I’m probably posting in the wrong section.

I have been taking pictures at events and family birthdays for just over a year now. Got a call the other day and was asked to take pictures at a wedding. I have been in two minds about it but have now said yes to doing it, the wedding is in 3 weeks. Argh!!!

The couple want a storybook with natural pics and a few poses etc etc. I have got a friend to do it with me so I don’t miss anything. Where do I go from here?? I have no idea about albums and printing etc and what else I need to ask them…need your help?

I have been looking on the net about pricing and albums etc but still thinking argh!! help

Thanks

raj
 
Hi Raj,

The first thing you need is a contract to give to the couple... It doesn't matter if it's your first wedding or your hundredth, you still need to make sure everyone knows the lie of the land. There are plenty of generic versions about on the net if you Google it but if you get stuck, let me know and I'll email you a copy of mine which you can feel free to add to and amend as you think necessary. If you're going to seriously consider doing this on a more permanent basis, you really need to consider Public Liability and Professional Liability insurance... If Aunty Doris trips over your tripod coming out of the wedding venue and she decides to sue, you're on dodgy ground without it!

You need to know exactly what kind of album the couple are thinking of 'cos the prices vary hugely. If they're on a budget, a plain and simple one from Photobox will be more than good enough (I've had couples happy with their results) or you'll need to look at one of the more specialised album suppliers if they want something snazzy. Your final cost to them will be determined by that greatly!

I always ask for a 25% deposit at the time of booking. It's not a necessity but it does show both parties that there's a commitment to this event. I always request that the balance owing is paid one month prior to the event although I appreciate that in your case, this isn't possible! :)

There's a whole host of things to tell you and I could sit here all day and run through my own 'workflow' for a wedding! :D

That'll get you started... the rest of the stuff you need to know will undoubtedly come from others on here. Above all else, you're obviously confident in your abilities or you'd never have said yes (unless you're an idiot :D). Get out there, feed off the adrenaline and the buzz from the whole event and enjoy it... Once you find your feet, you'll love every minute of it even though it's quite stressy.

Regards,
Si
 
Try searching for "First Wedding" on here, there must be an arm full of threads all saying the same thing.

PS Good luck!
 
Print off a list of all the groups you need to get (with help from the couple, obviously) and then have an assistant help you get them ready and tick them off. Will make sure you don't forget any :)
 
Firstly - are you getting paid for it? Secondly have you explained to the couple that you have never done a Wedding before? If they have booked you on the premise that you know what your doing then make sure you don't mess up - you might get a second chance taking group photos etc, but mess up during the ceremony itself and thats it - those moments are lost FOREVER, and that is a massive burden to bear. If your nervous then good, it will keep you on your toes.
Good luck and prepare for the scariest day of your life! :)

Lee
www.sophotogenic.co.uk
 
aligibbs said:
Print off a list of all the groups you need to get (with help from the couple, obviously) and then have an assistant help you get them ready and tick them off. Will make sure you don't forget any :)
Click to expand...

You're welcome to download a sample shot list to go through with your B+G from my site if you wish. Happy to help.
 
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