Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

I am not a professional photographer, never have been, and never will be. If I were, the last thing I would shoot would be weddings. I did attend a wedding as a guest last spring and brought along my Nikon S9700 travel zoom camera. While nowhere near worthy of a professional wedding photog, I was surprised how nice some of the shots came out.

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flathead27ford Loc: Colorado, North of Greeley

I have done 3 or 4 weddings in my lifetime. It is not for the feint of heart, or a timid person, that's for sure.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Thank you for posting in this section- not too many folks bother or care because there doesn't seem to be very much interest in wedding photography on any level on this forum- amateur, rookie, or professional. What's worse, is when folks actually post something about wedding photography, here or in the main section, there is usually a lot of negativity. Folks tell their bad experiences with wedding photography, how difficult or onerous it is, "ill never do that or I'll never do that AGAIN"! they exclaim." It's HARD work"!

Well, I can be hard work, long hours, and require lots of patience and people skills as well as photographic savvy. But, it ain't all that difficult if you know what you are doing- just lie in any profession, skill, art, or craft. In fact, it can be fun and very rewarding.

After all, it ain't a riot or a political protest, and you are not operating in a war zone. It's a joyous celebration, it's Romanic, and folks are dressed up and looking good- and celebrating! You can capture family relationships, emotions, funny moments, teats, and cheers. And, if you are a pro, can get paid for doing all of this.

As an amateur, there is no pressure to produce, and can hone your skills as a photojournalist, street shooter, and fashion photographer. What's the big deal about photographing strangers milling about the street when you can create important documents and memories for your own family and friends?

To the OP- you captured some nice moments but, check out the auto-focus on that Coolpix camera- you have some out-of-focus subjects. Next time- at the cake cutting, don't hide the groom behind the bride- show both of them!

Y'all- Most weddings are not chaotic or drunken brawls. They are large well-organized, friendly, casual, or formal events. There is typically a religious or civil ceremony- which is usually somewhat dignified, sacred, or at least "civil"! There can be a planned interlude to make formal/casual portraits and group photos and the rest is party time!

I would never recommend that anyone take on the responsibility of officially or professionally covering a wedding without training, experience, and all the required skill sets. It's not for everyone, but neither is auto mechanics, brain surgery, basketweaving, basketball, fly fishing, or whatever.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Loving the second and third images Shutterbugsailer
Epic pivotal moments... beautifully done...

Thank you for sharing...

Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)

Glad you liked them. If I could get those moments with an outdated point and shoot camera, think how they might have come out with one of my more serious shooters. Maybe I should re-think my earlier statement about going "pro" I am retiring from medicine at the end of this year. Maybe doing a few low budget weddings might be in my future

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

Ed, I always relish in your posts. They are based upon decades of experience.

Sadly, I don't post here anymore, when COVID shut things down: it SHUT THINGS DOWN!

I haven't had my "Wedding Equipment/Set Up" out since October of 2019. Here in Michigan, we were shut down, big time. No weddings allowed. I even missed my best friend's funeral, to allow family members to attend (no more than people allowed, including the funeral director, church organist, etc).

Back to the subject: I always loved shooting weddings. It's a joyous time, celebrating a young couples' beginning journey. The only other time that you get extended family together anymore is for a funeral. I much prefer weddings! Funerals are; well, so final.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Hey Jim!

Thank you for your post.

These days, the is not very much acting in this section. The general population on thsif forum is not really interested in profession wedding photography.

My business still offers wedding coverage but nowadays my main source of business is in commercial and industrial photogahy. The weddg business has changed radically and there are many fols clamoring for work but have no long-term experience and the required skill sets.

Of course, the pandemic has taken its toll on all kinds of social and business functions along with related photography business. Worse, it has taken many lives and disrupted many families with untold tragedies.

I definitely prefer weddings to funerals. In fact, I am not a big fan of funerals under the best of circumstances. Myy great unle was a funeral director and when I was a young me, he invited me to join his business- I gracefully declined his generous offer. The thing is, his descendants own just about every Jewish Funeral Home in the NYC Metropolitan area and are all millionaires. I guess old Uncle Ruby had a good idea- but not for me!

While in the military, sady, I attend many funerals of friends who perished in Vietname.

My current attitude is to be kind to our friends, relatives, and elders while they are alive. Folk attended funerals and made all kinds of uligies and complimentary remarks about the deceased but never bothered to visit them when they were alive- it's crazy!

I keep telling photograhers that there is lots to learn in weddingg photogahy, even if they do not want to make it their profession- they never listen!

Best regards, Ed