My first wedding!

Dan_H

Dan_H

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Now this is slightly different to the usual wedding threads on here.

I just turned down my first wedding haha.

Had a call from a friend as he knows I'm just starting out in business as a photographer and his friends wedding is on the 16th sept so he wanted to know of I was interested. Their brother in law is doing it at the moment but he suggested me which was nice.

While I eventually want to get into weddings I'm nowhere near ready even if it is for someone that says they aren't fussed about photos.

I certainly don't have the right gear for shooting a wedding so it's a non starter for me until I can afford to upgrade and get better glass.

I'm also my own worst critic so would probably be able to get a few decent shots but not enough I would be happy with.

If there is anyone in Norfolk area that has started out doing weddings and wants the experience either free or cheap then let me know and I can pass on details. It's in sprowston somewhere.

Dan
 
MWHCVT said:
:clap: Well Done Dan :clap: if you don't feel ready and don't have the kit then you've done exactly the right thing :thumbs:

Matt
MWHCVT
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This was my thinking. I was very tempted when I heard that the brother in law was doing it but common sense prevailed and there will be plenty of opportunity in the future to balls up someone's wedding photos haha
 
i wish i had turned down my first wedding coming up in 3 weeks
but the guy is a photographer, and he said he liked my style, he said i shoot like a girl, not sure how to take that
lol

but sure had to say yes some time
 
I'v been asked twice and declined both times. I enjoy my photography and would feel obligated to produce great images therefore putting me under pressure so wouldn't enjoy it. Best left to the pro's :thumbs:
 
Silver- I have no idea how someone can shoot like a girl unless they are talking about shooting rifles (I've seen some shocking weapons handling by girls at work, but it's usually down to their size and strength)

Someday I plan to shoot weddings (with a camera though) but will do some second shooting and assisting before hand as well as more training.
 
Well you'll need 2 bodies, insurance, 10 years of experience, contracts.... oh wait, hang on..... :naughty:

Seriously though, certainly no shame in saying no and waiting until you have more experience and feel comfortable doing it :thumbs:
 
I was invited to a friend's wedding in July past and she said she had no photographer, I volunteered to bring my SLR and get her a few decent snaps.. as time went on I got a bit obsessed with making a decent job of it and as it turned out I ended up taking over 1000 pics and produced and album for her with over 300 shots in it. I got it printed on blurb and gave it to her as a late present. Funny thing was she'd asked someone she knew who was a hobbyist to take the official pics and they turned up with a bridge camera and only took a small handful of posed shots, although mine were all candids they really captured the atmosphere and I felt kinda smug to be honest! It was a great experience as there was no pressure on me to do anything 'proper' so maybe it's an idea for anyone starting out in wedding photography to bring their SLR along and take an unofficial set just to get the feel of the job. I certainly wouldn't be afraid of doing it again now I've dipped my toe in the water :)
 
If you didn't feel up to it then you've done the right thing by refusing the job. But remember to take your camera still and take plenty of shots as it will give you some practice without the pressure.

I've taken shots at 2 weddings, neither as official or second official, but I got some good shots and the couple from the second wedding now have a 36" canvas print up on their wall in the living room that I took while the pics from the officials are tucked away in albums which gives a good feeling.

Like you though, I don't feel ready to have a serious crack at it although I have got some great gear to shoot with. I don't want to spoil a hobby by making it a business though. I prefer the fun I get from it.
 
i do feel up to it, but just nerves really, he is a photographer too
 
Sorry to bring this up, do I need to wear a jacket or would a waistcoat do? I feel rest restricted in a jacket
 
You did the right thing. But, thing is, you've got to get over that first one sometime. If you plan to do them in future.

You can always rent gear, an extra body and a couple of lenses. You'll be at a loss if you're doing it for cheap, or free, but you'll gain the experience.

I shot my sister's wedding last year as a gift, saved her a bundle. I was nervous at first, but as soon as I started to shoot it all fell into place. I had read and read and watched numerous tutorials beforehand. It turned out not to be near as frightening as people suggested it might be. It was exhausting though, felt like I needed to be everywhere at once, I can see why the pros use assistants.
 
I did my first and only wedding a few months back.
It was a favour for a friend who had been let down. I didn't charge them (well a few quid for expenses) and told them I didn't do weddings normally but would give it a go.

It was all a bit rushed, I only did the ceremony and reception but the ceremony part happened very quickly and I wasn't allowed up the front so had to use my 200mm to get the shots.

The reception was a laugh, I took the standard pix of the first dance and all that and then attacked the bar and got tipsy... oddly from then on my pix looked more like a fashion show as I sort of focused on the cool dresses and outfits and the girls there knew I did "model stuff" (mostly as the friend who asked me to do it was one of my models lol)...

The bride and groom were happy with the pix, I was mixed... some good some bad, enough good ones to get away with it I think.
However, it confirmed to me that I'm not a wedding photographer... I just don't like it, I'd do another if it was something different or quirky, but it's really not for me :)
 
Why not see if you can go along as a 2nd/ assistant.
That way you get to have a go, but not have all the pressure on yourself.
 
Bringing a second shooter with me who has done a good few weddings, she has gave massive of tips feeling better about it. She is going to the brides and I'm going to his then il do the formal shots

Looking forward to it now
 
Hope it goes well Stephen. Bringing a second shooter with some experience is a good idea.
 
Thanks very much, much just need to get suited and booted and a big clean of the equipment and il be all ready
 
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