in a bit of a pickle....

gazedd

gazedd

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Gary Eddleston
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So I have been asked to shoot 2 weddings recently, 1 is my dads and the other is my fiancee's friend.

My dad just wants me as a second shooter through out the evening which I dont mind.

But

Our freind wants me to be a main shooter, She is on one of these budget things and just wants a few pictures for the day "No presure" is the general gist of what she's saying but I cannot think that way and would not want to spoil her wedding memorys by failing on the day.
I have initailly said no, But its bugging me now - I do want to try it, I do want to give it a go and see if I can handle the presure.

The biggest thing I'm facing is that I only have 1 lens what would be "OK" to shoot a wedding with and thats the trusty Nifty Fifty...
I cannot afford to buy a lens especially for this occasion as I am saving up for a car and wedding of my own...


Would you pass an oppertunity like this?
I see it as a free lesson, But in such a big event, I really wouldn't want to let them down.
 
Well, I would be open with your friend if your not 100%! But I'm sure you would do fine! Is your dads wedding first? If so, seing that you are "back up" (if I may put it that way;)) you could use it for the experience and to get better shots...?

I would do it if I was given the chance, but I would tell the lucky couple first about it not neceserily being the same quality as a few-grand pro wedding tog (although I am in no way doubting your photographic excellence:D)

Besides, as many others have pointed out on here, some people just want a few nice pics to remind them of the day!

I would take the job if I were you, ive been a "back up, back up" wedding photographer at my cousin's wedding (my other cousin and his girlfriend were the main photographers, but I had to get the shots of them dancing, and a few others. It was amazing fun!

Hope you find a happy solution to your predicament:)
 
tough call mate. If they are on a budget and are making it clear to you that they are not expecting too much, then maybe you should go for it, you may surprise youself and as you say, its a learning thing. However, usual caveat, make sure they are very clear about what they will get quality wise, and make any agreements about prints, cd's etc beforehand, wouldnt want a great friendship ruined over an arguments about pictures.
 
Oh, an there is the possibility of renting a lens for the day. Cheaper than buying one, the kind you would need would cost probably around £30 for a day. Lots of places that do it, calumet is the most known I think:

http://www.calumetphoto.co.uk/rental
 
I'm not sure which order they are in, Renting a lens could be an option but I'd be having to do a lot of Photoshopping with the images too as I'm shooting with a Canon 400D - probally not the best camera in low light etc.

Things are stacked against me, but Its something that I think I want to do


Oooo the annoyance!
 
the short of it is if you want to do it and they're fully aware of the fact it may go tits up then do it :)

but i'd definately suggest hiring a decent useful lens

the 400d isn't going to be a problem because if the photos are for free they're going to appreciate them anyhow and they'll have to live with a bit of grain...

i.e it's best to get the shot rather than not because of some grain....hell that's why god invented black and white :P
 
You could ask if there are any TP members close buy who would be willing to lend you a lens. Have seen a few replies in other threads offering to lend lenses to another member.
 
Yv, Thank you

I think I'll see exactly what they are expecting. If I can deliver it then I guess I cannot say no... But If its a struggle, then I will do them a favour and probably suggest someone else.
 
Alexkidd, Yes B+W I guess can save shots! Or "Make them look grainy"

I'd look into the cost of hiring a lens Or Do as Foggy4ever has suggested and maybe charm locals to borrow glass.
 
yeah it's not something to rely on but it has it's uses.

oh and if they ask for selective colouring kick them in the shin repeatedly.. :P
 
My Fiancee has just updated me and said they litterally have £1K for the wedding excluding her dress and his suit.

This means they are going to want a free or maybe a few quid's worth of a photographer.

I might just change my offer to them. If I explain as previosuly stated that It might be a shambles but I cannot be held responsible then I guess they cannot moan?

Plus I could even do it as a wedding present! (winner!)
 
lol, sod it! Grab life by the balls and do it!

you won't regret it (most probably!), i'm sure things will come together!
 
I did my brothers because they weren't having a photographer at all anyway.

It was however on the strict understanding that they may be absolutely pitiful and as such I was free and it was their wedding present.:D

Turned out that I learned a hell of a lot but there is a lot of pressure (this was with just bride, groom and only 5 guests) so even though you are free and you have told them you may suck, you will still feel massive amounts of pressure to do a good job. I also had to contend with awful light in the marriage room and a 3.5-4.5 lens because that's all I had at the time and I didn't want to use flash while the ceremony was going on.

They didn't turn out too bad IMHO mainly due to the piper also being an expert in setting up poses.:lol: I can post some examples if you want but don't want to hijack your thread.
 
Its a brilliant opportunity, a potential trap but you should be fine :D

I would say give it a go, as I have just had to turn down an amazing opportunity to put my degree first which I am not happy about :S
 
Just go for it, hire a 17-55 2.8 IS off lensesforhire and have a good time, I did my first wedding last year for a work colleague, was crapping my pants about making a mess of things but it turned out ok.

p.s. I'd definatley recommend to shoot in raw, just in case of any mishaps :)
 
Hey thanks for the further replys, please post your examples, I would love to see your first shots.
 
Here you go, my pick of the bunch. Not the best shots in the world but compared to my normal standard they're not bad. Just use my philosophy of take hundreds and 1 is bound to be good.:p

All taken on an A100 with a mixture of the minolta 24-10mm f3.5-4.5 D and the 50mm f1.7. Some with an F42 flash.









 
A friend asked me to be the main photographer for there wedding last year.

Thay weren't after anything special, just some pics of the day.

I only had a D40 at the time, but done it anyway.

The couple were very happy with the photos.


Go for it :thumbs:
 
I've done several and all with film. Now that we use digital cameras, we can see our results straight away and 90% of the pressure is gone.
 
If you can't get a flash I can lend you an EX 580 II that I am going to sell. Just drop me a line and I'll get it to you.

Since I'll be posting it I'll know where to come if it doesn't come back ;):lol:
 
So much advice and offers, this is insane - I think I need to find out the date of this wedding and see what sort of photographer they need.

THANK YOU EVERYONE!
 
I'd say go for it. If they're not paying you then they shouldn't expect too much especially if you play their expectations down.

I suspect you'll be fine with a 400D, but I'd second the hiring of a EF-S 17-55 f/2.8. It's a fantastic wedding lens for a cropped sensor body. I've got some shots of a friends wedding I took a few shots at with a 40D + EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 on my Flickr photostream.

Have you consider asking around for a second shooter to help provide some form of back-up? Presumably, you don't have any redundant kit in case any of yours breaks on the day?

Another important thing would be to speak to the couple and find out the schedule for the day so you can plan your shots.
 
Well the wedding is in August and I have had so many PM's regarding this topic offering advice and gear i'm overwlemed!

I think I cannot say no with the amount of kit That could be borrwed to me. I have a Friend who has a 450D who I'm sure wont mind lending me as a back up camera I could even use the two toghether hehe.

I've had the offer of an L lens also which was completely out of the blue and I will deffiantly be asking for this If/when I do shoot this.


Once again thanks for the positive comments, I know wedding topics can drag on.
 
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