SportsMom Loc: Texas

A friend of mine from work would like for me to do his wedding pics. I am no fool and I realize that he wants me to do them because he wants them free. At the same time I have only ever done one other wedding (under similar circumstances) and I realized after taking on the project that I had bitten off more than I could chew!! It was a night wedding with candel light if that means anything to you fellow photographers out there...

I have been upfront and honest in telling him that I have not had enough experience to feel fully professional yet, and he still wants me to do it.

Please chime in and make me consider everything that I havn't already considered. I would appreciate any feedback.

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

In one word, dont!
Go with your gut feeling that its not a good idea.
They may thank you the day after, but a year or so later when perhaps someone comments on a less
than perfect wall hanging enlargement, they will have forgotten a friend did it for free and blame the photographer.
As you found out, weddings are a testing ground at the best of time for professional photographers.

Wedding photos, of all the different events we can photograph, are the ones that are looked at time and
time again. Wives, especially, bring them out to show friends and children years after the event.
They wont remember you well if their portfolio is less than a beautiful reminder of their big day.

Someone once said to me
"the decision is yours to make and it doesnt matter what decision you make.
As long as it's the right one.

:)

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

Tell us what equipment you have available to perform the task and any particulars about the wedding setting itself.

I am a bit confused about the night wedding with candles, as you refer to it in the past tense. Were you describing the other wedding you did prior?... or is that the setting for the upcoming wedding?

Can you post some examples of the wedding you did?

edit: sorry, I reread the post and I see you were referring to the first wedding in your description

bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana

If he understands, then either "go for it, and do your best" or tell him that the day is too important for him to try to "get off cheap" and you don't want to lose his friendship over it.

If you do take it on, get to know the location, try to go there in advance and take some light readings, or test shots. Get a book of wedding shots and actually take it with you if needed, to get ideas for poses. Trust me, I remember my first few, and even after apprenticing for over a year, those first few, I couldn't remember ANYTHING when I was on my own.

One of the best things we ever started doing was to always have a "specified" wrangler for both sides of the family. Our "wranglers" are responsible for rounding up people that need to be in certain shots. Also, either have an assistant, or get the maid of honor to help you with adjusting the bride's dress. Every time she moves, the dress has to be re-arranged.

Lastly, even if it is a point and shoot, have a back up camera. Best thing to do is rent an extra camera and lens, and have the groom at least pay for that. If you don't have a backup, your camera will break. There is no doubt. (Murphy's Law) If you have an old film camera, you could always take several rolls and use that as a back up, but you'd better know your exposures are right.

Good luck
bk

Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

He realizes your not a pro but he still wants you to do it...then do it. As long as you have a camera that handles low light, I wouldn't worry too much about it, after all, your not charging anything. You can start a portfolio from this experience and start charging later on. Good luck, let us know how everything works out. BTW, what camera would you be using?

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Mom, what does candlelight mean? Does it mean during the ceremony only? Does it mean no lights at all, all night, except candles? What about the reception? Can you use flash during the candle part or ONLY existing light?
If only candles, can you bring some larger, extra candles for more light.
The bride/groom need to understand that photography is not magic and needs at least some light to happen without movement /blur.
Mom, you may have to break out the old manual 50mm f.95, or at least scare the bejeebies out of'em by showing them what serious noise looks like! Good luck

1066 Loc: England

If you are still going to do this despite varying replies, simply search Youtube with "how to photograph a wedding" and you'll be amazed at the amount of free information by Professional wedding photographers. There's one guy called Dave Nunn here in the UK who has put together videos relating to each step of the wedding day, he takes some wonderful pictures which just might give you some inspiration,here's a link to his first video:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=9yBzbZ_a9GE&feature=endscreen

1066 Loc: England

Here's some "posing" tips:-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldrbq1LNf_A

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

The most important thing you need to do is go to the Wedding as the Photographer. Make it clear in advance that if they want pictures the MUST work with you. I always have a "helper" from each side that will round up people and boss them around to get them where they should be to take the pictures. Recently a ugly hog person had a tale of woe because no one would cooperate with him and other folks pushed him out of the way so they could get there pictures. Stop this nonsense before it starts. The other thing is go over the Wedding before hand and plan what pictures are needed and when they are going to be taken. Don't feel bad if you miss a few. Most Pro contracts state "that because of the unpredictable nature of Weddings that specific shots can not be guaranteed. The actual Wedding Ceremony is slow you will have time to take your shots and check them in the monitor. Not a worry. Use the photo skills you have and don't try new things or new equipment. People that say they will never do a Wedding make it sound a lot harder than it is. I would take a Wedding any day other than a 100 yd dash or a bull rider. - Dave

dubach

shoot in raw, use a flash on program mode, take two shots of everything and dont do it for free, get your money in advance.

breck Loc: Derbyshire UK

Definitely get a list of photos the bride and groom want, then get some one to get the relevant people togeather for the photos you will have way to much to worry about and end up missing someone important.
Second do not use on camera flash unless you bounce it of walls and cielings
Third talk to whomever is marrying the couple and find out his/her thoughts on you taking photos during the service
Very good luck believe me it is a nightmare

Normanc Loc: Manchester UK

Hi Sports mom,
As a, now, retired professional Photographer, with over 100 Weddings under my belt, The best advice that I or anyone else can give you is "DON'T DO IT", With the best of intentions, inexperience can have catastrophic results, and believe me, You will get the blame!. There are so many things that can prove challenging, even for the most experienced! and, unless you a totally competent, not just with your equipment, but with handling changing conditions, dealing with unhelpful guests, poor weather ( no-one is guaranteed sunshine). It can be a 'minefield'.
Your colleague wants his photographs for free, don't let him burden you with that sort of responsibility. Just politely refuse and say that you are not yet experienced enough to take on such a challenging responsibility. I'm sure he will find someone less concientious who will be happy to do it!.
Best of Luck for the future, Norman

dubach

Nah, do it because you will get good shots even if you screw up some and its the only way you'll know if you really like weddings or not and take a second shooter also, use a wide to normal lens. dont worry about telephoto shots.

Normanc Loc: Manchester UK

I don't think that I have ever heard such absolute drivell in all my life.
Dubach is passing the sort of comments that only the uninitiated, uneducated morons would pass. I cannot believe that he has the gall to pass that rubbish on as advice !!!!!. Normanc

dubach

sure dont even try. just wimp out like Normac says. maybe she'll learn from it mac.