mickelc Loc: Louisville, KY

In a world where if it can go wrong it will, I am getting back into photography, I don't know diddly as I have said before. My g/f walks up to me and says guess what my aunt is getting married. I felt that sinking feeling of despair. Then I heard it......"Honey can you take some pictures?" hmmmm what to do. I took the smart way out. yes I will take some pictures but I will not be the wedding photographer. Have her talk to me and I can explain to her that just because I equipment it doesnt mean I can shoot wedding. But you just have to see that coming don't you. lmbo

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

:lol: :lol:
Have her sign a contract that says you were "FORCED" into taking the pictures and there is "NOTHING GUARANTEED" as far as the results!!

tramsey Loc: Texas

You are going to be sweet talked like you have never been sweet talked before. I have two suggestions:
First when ever she takes a breath say 'No, thank you" and smile.
Second suggestion: RUN

mickelc Loc: Louisville, KY

Actually thinking of having a couple of shots and i don't drink. lol actually its funny just thinking about it is both terrifying and exciting. I love shooting people and what better place than at a wedding. But omg. not THE guy.

tusketwedge Loc: Nova Scotia Canada

Got talked into the same thing once and never again.Most humiliating thing that ever happened to me while sober.Never,never,never,never,never again. If I go to weddings now the camera stays in the car or better yet at home.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

That my friend is the smartest words to ever come out of your mouth when you stop and think about it.
Bravo to you for being big enough to admit it .

ROCKY JA Loc: Living in Burnsville, Minnesota

LOL ...Tell them that there's no charge for doing the wedding, because you're not sure that you can do it as well as a Professional Wedding Photographer. and you might just mess it up.Say, you'd rather not have that responsibility then have them get upset. No you have covered your assets. :-D

Good Luck...
Rocky

ronwande Loc: Hendersonville NC

Had a grand niece get married a couple of weeks ago. Our nephew invited us to take some pics pre wedding while the hired pro took his. Low light, High ISO and the pro kept getting in the way :-)

Good excuse if a hired photographer is at work. Talk them into hiring a pro and say you will take some as well. You have an excuse :-)

You might do very well taking candids at a reception.

TNmike Loc: NW TN

Go shoot the wedding. What is the worst that can happen? The worst--everyone will be PO'd and you will never be asked to shoot a wedding again and this issue will be ended. You can show them the pics for proof. Hire a pro not a pretend one. TNmike

SqBear Loc: Kansas, (South Central)

All, this has happened to me several times and really, I did not have the problems that is being replied to here....???
The couples I took photos for has never said anything to me about the quality of the photos, and the last couple I helped was about 3 years ago. They are still my friends, we talk, sometimes meet at parties etc., where I take lots of photos and still nothing was said. The wedding was small and only relatives and very close friends attended.

The last couple I took about 400 photos, pre, wedding and reception. I knew that there were several that would not turn out and before I gave them the disks I removed the bad ones and did some post processing but not a lot, because then I did not know what I know now about PP.
I did however, miss the shot of his father coming down the isle, but I did not know he was there either!

Please mickel, post a few of the photos here. Perhaps there is something that I am missing. By NO means am I or even consider myself a pro at photography as I see displayed here either!

Boy, I hope I didn't open my mouth and put my foot in with this reply!
Dave

floridamet

!st Look at a good pro wedding photographers work
2nd make list (group shots}
3rd find out the rules of the ceremony (stay in the rules)
4th If you have no experience, SHOOT Heavy
5th Be sure you take full length, three-quarter and close-up. Family, bridal party, bride, groom, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, etc
6th use diffuse light as much as possible
7th use reflector for fill light
8th if using speedlights take off the hot shoe
9th have a backup
10th don't be nervous
11 you might like it
12 if you have any questions
Floridamet

Brent Rowlett Loc: Atlanta, GA

If you have a high end camera, put it on automatic, learn how to focus, and photograph everything costing more than $20. Piece of cake. Get a basic wedding shot list, be prepared for the kiss, cutting the cake, garter and bouquet throw, the exit, and the vehicle exit and you have it. High end idiot proof cameras are putting wedding photographers out of business every day. Just shoot plenty of images to get some keepers.

SoftLights Loc: New Orleans, LA

Excellent advice. We've all been involved in at least one of these in our lives. My first was at one of my best friends wedding. He and I took a fishing trip a year or so before so he new I "had a camera". The real wedding photographer didn't show up so ran home and got my camera and a hand fun of film (yes film, which also raised the pucker factor) and was able to at least get them a decent album.

I would add to this very good list to have the bride choose an assistant to make wardrobe adjustments, arrange groups, etc. as well as hold reflectors. That will take some of the responsibility off you. I did this and I think it made a huge difference. If it's outside you'll also need a large defuser and someone to hold it. Also make sure you have plenty batteries and memory.

With a little preparation this could be fun. Oh, and I wound up dating the assistant.

Bobbee

Ok, I see alot of people here telling you to run. I guess if everyone did that there would end up being no more wedding photographers, they would die off and no one would replace them. So, without all the worry, ask your self, would you like to you it or not. And I stress the 'you', not them, or me, or anyone else. Just 'you'!!
There is alot of positive advice here about getting ready. there is also a repeated comment about preparing the bride and groom for your work. That is sound. Also, do get that in writing, people tend to hav amnesia.
I hope you have photo editing software. I don't think I have ever seen, or heard of anyone taking a perfect shot, that is unless it was of a white bedsheet or pitch black room, Even then the Grey or Blue has to be adjusted. If you like to take pictures, you want to progress, weddings can be fun. Go to this site and read the comments. they are helpful.

http://digital-photography-school.com/wedding-photography-21-tips-for-for-amateur-wedding-photographers

floridamet

Never put the camera on AUTO. Use aperture mode or manual.
Using auto your white balance and skin tones will be all over the place.
In days of old (FILM) everything we did was manual. Such as focusing, using light meters and ASA (ISO you set your meter once to that ASA and take reading during the day)
If shooting outdoors you will see what I mean.
The reason I didn't mention a second person. In the old days I had a light person.
If using speedlights on Nikon you can set it in the custom menu.

Floridamet