E.L.. Shapiro wrote:
I love to be "helpful" but help includes telling folks the possible ramifications of doing work they are not qualified for. I have seen a number of well-meaning, generous and altruistic folks end up on the nasty end of a lawsuit as a result of venturing into wedding photography without knowing exactly what they are doing.
What's worse, is that some of the suggestions in this and similar threads are inaccurate, and obviously not actually based on time-honored practices and experience. Some of it is sour advice based on the writer's bad experiences caused bt inept approaches.
Hopefully, the aforementioned hard luck will no befall our OP and she will emerg vicariously and intact. I feel, however, it is irresponsible to encourage anyone to do something that may falter without pointing out the risks.
As I have previously mentioned, I have been at this for a very long time and have trained many talented wedding photographers. Before I advise anyone to go out and do a solo shoot at any wedding, regardless of the size or budget of the affair, they have trained as an assistant and/or second shooter for at least a year and many are already competent professionals or advanced amateurs in other photographic specialties. For me, just telling someone bit's and pieces like bringing spare equipment, what lenses to buy, rent or use, or a few lighting tips and avoiding mothers-in-law, just doesn't cut it.
I have nothing against amateur photographers and I have taught and trained many of them to be stellar wedding shooters and successful professionals.
I have seen the classic scenario many times where the bride and groom say they ain't fussy and don't expect anything perfect but after the fact, if they are not satisfied, they become critical aficionados of
fine photography and all hell breaks loose!
I can only advise or suggest- I can't insist and won't argue endlessly! The OP is an adult and will make up her own mind!
I love to be "helpful" but help includes... (
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I remember you' You were the guy that said Weddings could not be done with 35mm cameras. Then Bill Stockwell came along and showed us how to take 150 to 200 shots of the Weddings and the "Weekend Shooters" followed his advice and took your business away. I am sure this OP can do the Wedding and get pics that will be loved. He is willing to decide which hints will help and those that wont. So down with the sour grapes already. - Dave