delahid Loc: Virginia

I am an amatuer just getting back into photography. I've been asked to shoot a birthday party and wedding this month. Trying to get some pointers.

luvmypets Loc: Born & raised Texan living in Fayetteville NC

Hello and welcome!! You will get some great advice here.

PaulG Loc: Western Australia

If you're just getting back into it I would practice as much before those dates as possible. Make sure you understand your camera/lenses/flash (read the manuals) and be aware before hand of the situation(s) that you are going into - time of day, light sources (inside/out), number of guests, location layout.... you can't be too prepared. The birthday party will be a lot more relaxed, candid and enjoyable but a wedding can be quite daunting. Research the basic wedding necessities photographically and have a plan - bride with garter, rings, cake, ceremonies, important people to photograph, flowers, wedding car (if there is one), location shots, and be sneaky too as there will be a wealth of candid opportunities. Capture the bride/groom in their quieter moments. Write out a checklist and work out what will be your best vantage point regarding angles and light. The lists for both can be exhaustive so I'm sure you will get plenty of other advice on here. But, most importantly - ENJOY YOURSELF!

mickelc Loc: Louisville, KY

welcome to uhh, check out Lynda.com they have classes on tons of subjects. To the point they have classes on shooting weddings.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

First of all, I am not trying to be mean here just honest.
If your asking for pointers , save your self and the ones who asked you to shoot the events some heartache and anger by being upfront and honest and tell them your not ready to take on such events .
They may be upset but not near as upset over a botched event ( especially if your being paid, we don't want to see you end up on Judge Judy on TV over it ) in my honest opinion your not ready for this ( yes I was asked to take photos of a freinds daughters wedding once and I replied Thank you but I don't feel confident enough in my skills right now to take on that responsibilty ,to which she replied thanks for being honest with me .
There are no reshoots with a wedding only bad feelings for inferior quality photos.
As far as the birthday party, those can be just as bad as a wedding as some take those very seriously ( childs first birthday, a parents special birthday or a teens sweet 16 party etc.)
Having never seen your work I may be completely wrong, but from your question seeking advice I think you are inviting disaster here.
Please do not take this wrong as I mean no ill will towards you or your photography skills.
Pete

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Welcome to UHH

delahid Loc: Virginia

Thanks everyone for the welcome and advice. dooragdragon I am more of a 2nd photographer for the wedding and I am only charging for pictures that are being purchased for both events.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

No offense was intended, I just offered a honest opinion , no mention of being the 2nd photographer was made and I wish you all the best in your photo shoots.
Thank you for your kindly setting it straight.

Bigdee Loc: Southern California

Welcome to the Ugly Hedgehog

JoeB Loc: Mohawk Valley, NY

Hello and welcome to UHH.

creativ simon Loc: Coulsdon, South London

Welcome and enjoy

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Welcome to UHH delahid. You can learn a lot here but probably not before you have to shoot the wedding. If you are just going to assist the main photographer OK. If you are going to be the main photographer run let hell.
A wedding is a difficult shot. At least two camera bodies, several lens and lighting. Can you handle that? Not trying to be difficult but there is a lot to learn before attempting something like a wedding.
Don

bcheary Loc: Jacksonville, FL

Welcome aboard.

delahid Loc: Virginia

Party and Wedding went well.

delahid Loc: Virginia

I did check out Lynda. Thanks for the information.