I knew the day would come: Let me start by saying I've stated here on the hog that I would never shoot a wedding. Last month my best friend of 30+ years, Jim, told me he had proposed...

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

Let me start by saying I've stated here on the hog that I would never shoot a wedding. Last month my best friend of 30+ years, Jim, told me he had proposed to his girlfriend Valerie. I congratulated him and told him I has happy for them. Well I don't think you need to be Einstein to know where this story is headed. Today was the day that he asked me to shoot their wedding. My initial thought was to say no, I'd rather sit and enjoy your wedding as opposed to work your wedding, but after letting him know I've never shot a wedding before I decided what the hell, let's shoot a wedding. So now I'm shooting a wedding at noon, outdoors in late July. I pray for overcast skies. At least I have lots of time to be overwhelmed by all the info on how to shoot a wedding that can be found on the net.

Racmanaz Loc: Sunny Tucson!

OH boy, that's even more of a responsibility that he is a good friend. You have guts, I would be too reluctant to shoot a wedding for a friend if I have never done one before. Well, at least you have plenty of time to practice and study the subject. I wish you all the luck and best, I'm sure you will do well and the couple will be happy with the work you will do. :)

Rbrylawski Loc: Tampa, FL

Maybe you could find someone you know who is also getting married and ask to shadow the photographer they've hired. It would be a bonus for the couple as you'd offer them additional photos (they pay for processing) and you'd get a practice session in so you have more confidence on the day you'll be the photographer at your friends wedding.

DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

Since you have some time, I have 3 suggestions:
Ask all your married friends if you can look at their wedding pictures. Take notes. You can also take a female friend and visit photographers as a "couple" Take notes.
Second, take pictures at all the events you can. Birthday parties, graduations, football games, anything outdoors. Critique your work, and see what you would change. Then try it on the next event. Plan your pictures, keep a list of what you want to take.
When you are about 2 months out, ask your friend if there are any specific pictures/ people he wants taken. Then practice some more.
Good luck.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

Racmanaz wrote:

OH boy, that's even more of a responsibility that he is a good friend. You have guts, I would be too reluctant to shoot a wedding for a friend if I have never done one before. Well, at least you have plenty of time to practice and study the subject. I wish you all the luck and best, I'm sure you will do well and the couple will be happy with the work you will do. :)

One of the reasons I agreed to do it was because the ceremony will be very informal and done in the brides parents backyard.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

jkm757 wrote:

Let me start by saying I've stated here on the hog... (show quote)

8-) 8-) 8-) Friend of mine is in a similar situation. We discussed her hesitancy and we figured the best way to help her was to insure she had previous experience. She has made a contact in a local photog's club who supplements her income with wedding shoots. My buddy is going to tag along on a few shoots, like a #2 shooter. Could be a great learning experience, and it won't cost her a $. Hey, weddings have lots of free food, so I'm told ... :P :P :P

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

Rbrylawski wrote:

Maybe you could find someone you know who is also getting married and ask to shadow the photographer they've hired. It would be a bonus for the couple as you'd offer them additional photos (they pay for processing) and you'd get a practice session in so you have more confidence on the day you'll be the photographer at your friends wedding.

Thanks for the suggestion Rbrylawski.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

DUMBASS!!!

OH, OH, I mean congratulations on a wonderful learning opportunity!!!!

Rbrylawski Loc: Tampa, FL

jkm757 wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion Rbrylawski.

You're welcome. I'm betting you'll do an incredible job for your friend! And when all their friends ask who took such incredible pictures, you just might have the start of a new career brewing!

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

DrPhrogg wrote:

Since you have some time, I have 3 suggestions: br... (show quote)

DrPhrogg, thank you for the info.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

davidrb wrote:

8-) 8-) 8-) Friend of mine is in a similar situation. We discussed her hesitancy and we figured the best way to help her was to insure she had previous experience. She has made a contact in a local photog's club who supplements her income with wedding shoots. My buddy is going to tag along on a few shoots, like a #2 shooter. Could be a great learning experience, and it won't cost her a $. Hey, weddings have lots of free food, so I'm told ... :P :P :P

I'll be asking the members of my camera club for all the help and advice they can give me

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

You know what? I'm all for it! Nothing like a good old baptism by fire.

Remember my posts I did of the Nazi rally? It paid off in spades. I was testing myself as to my skill level. When I would go to my dentist, I would always take my camera and shoot some photos since it is in a swanky part of town. Lots of cool things. I have posted them. Today I had to go again but I did not have time to shoot any photos. But I noticed something very peculiar. I still looked around to see what was out there but everything looked different and simple things that I passed up before had a new importance to them and I now know that next time I shoot there, my subject matter and composition will be 1000 times better.

What I am saying to you is not to worry and just try to emulate what others have done from what you have learned here and on the net. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

Me.

DrPhrogg Loc: NJ

2 more thoughts. Do lots of candids. Know who the important people are. I was a family member at a wedding where the principle didn't know who Great-grandma was, and didn't know they were going to announce a Papal Blessing. (He was out getting a smoke)
And learn to use fill flash outdoors. It will make a world of difference.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

MT Shooter wrote:

DUMBASS!!!

OH, OH, I mean congratulations on a wonderful learning opportunity!!!!

Thanks MT. I do look at it as a learning opportunity, but definitely not something I plan on making a habit of.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

tainkc wrote:

You know what? I'm all for it! Nothing like a go... (show quote)

Thank you very much for the kind words and encouragement Tom.