GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

My intentions were to attend my friend's traditional Cherokee wedding, enjoy the festivities and learn from it if ever call upon in the future, (doubtful!) Other than a blue skirt changing to white on the bride, I have no idea what is important nor what should happen.

Since first hearing about it, I found out they will not have a photographer since it is semi-informal.

My friend asked if I could take a few shots for them, (free). My questions to everyone here are; what is important, what is a traditional type of shot, is there anything I should really attempt to photograph before, during and after the event? Something I and they could be proud of!

Thanks in advance!

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Ask your friend... He can advise you on whats important...

cactusflower Loc: Lake Havasu, AZ

Lots of information available heren https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=cherokee%20wedding%20traditions

GTinSoCal Loc: Palmdale, CA

Don has good advice, ask your friend what is important to him and the bride.
Also, see if you can speak with the officiant, they will probably have great advice as to what is important, what to expect and (especially) when to stay out of the way :-)

I can't wait to see what you get!

GT

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I am CERTAINLY NOT a wedding photographer; not even a good indoor photographer, but one thing I would suggest...NO FLASH! That could be upsetting to the participants in the ceremony. Keep your ISO down to avoid noise in the images. Try to use a 50mm 1.8 or something that will allow a lot of light in like an 85mm f/2.8. Try not to get "into their faces" during the ceremony.
Try to HAVE FUN & enjoy the occasion.
...and show us some of your images. :thumbup:

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

#1 ask to talk to someone and get an outline of what happens, in what order and esp what "not to do" at each stage. If someone has an album of a past wedding ask to see it and make notes.
#2 make a schedule/check list of the above
#3 ask the officiate about flash etc. what is allowable and what is not
#4 ask and then make a list of what things they esp want pictures of
#5 if they have a list of relatives they want to take pictures with arrange a time and spot for posing those pictures
#6 In other words, plan, plan, plan

What gear are you going to use? You need a lens that will allow you to stand back and not push the camera into people's faces. You will need a wide angle for group shoots. You will need a fairly fast lens for indoors if that applies. If flash is allowed you will need one with diffuser to soften shadows.

I am in a similar situation. This coming Saturday a friend is getting married. It was hinted/requested I bring my camera(s) etc. I don't know if there is a "real" photographer. And I am freaked out about the responsibility of maybe being "the photographer".

The ceremony is outdoors, in the afternoon. My wife and I were married in her garden way back when.(the spot we stood is now the deep end of her swimming pool) I am going to use my 6D with 24-105L, 50mm f1.8 and small fill flash with diffuser. May give my daughter my 7DII in place of her T2i and have her be backup. The local camera shop and I have a good relationship and I will go ask for advice and maybe rent a lens to use if they think it is needed. The pictures will be our wedding present if they come out decently.
I am hoping that a few other friends who do have experience with weddings and other formal events will be there, my nerves will feel better.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

Have an agreement with your friend that if he wants you take pictures and certain shots that all will cooperate with you. I did an East Indian Wedding that I had a list of shots wanted and cooperation was zero. One of the hardest days I spent in my life. - Dave

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Thanks to everyone so far.

As for a flash, I doubt one will be needed since the wedding will be from noon to evening outside in a state park. I just hope no rain!

Questions to the officiant is a good one. As for equipment, I'm well versed in wedding photography, I just don't want to miss something important I didn't know about.

Talking to the bride, she says they'll help me. ("Says", is the prime word. LoL) That help will be on the wedding day. The like will help me prepaid for things.

Thanks again.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

Outdoors noon to evening, could be some harsh light, a fill flash might be needed to kill off those shadows. Shots in the shade might need the boost also. And if evening goes late enough the flash might be needed, period. That flash can also help seperate the subjects from the background when the light gets dim in shade or late.

As for the bride saying they will help. Better to talk to someone else who knows what it going on ahead of time. The bride is a little preoccupied, and it will be worse on the day. At our wedding my wife had her makeup done by a friend who teaches at a cosmetology school and it never occured to them to take any pictures.

jimbo70 Loc: Orange Park, FL.

Check these links out, and do use flash. If you haven't had any experience doing weddings flash is your best friend.
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2014/08/05/9-pro-tips-for-first-time-wedding-photographers/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/04/26/free-wedding-photography-cheat-sheet/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2010/08/25/wedding-photography-tips-10-steps-to-pro-quality-pictures/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/07/03/17-posing-tips-and-in-camera-slimming-tricks-for-shooting-curvy-models/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/07/16/19-stellar-posing-tips-and-camera-tricks-for-flattering-pictures-of-older-people/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2013/07/31/10-wedding-photography-mistakes-every-beginner-will-make-and-why-its-ok/
http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2014/11/18/wedding-portraits-tutorial-how-to-shoot-your-best-ever-images/

mickeybob Loc: Harrisville, NH

I find that the bride always knows what she wants! ask her!
are there children involved, or elders? Make sure it is ok to shoot everybody, get the ceremony, vows, kisses, the parents, follow the event, ask what is the schedule, find out what is important to them. interview. know where everything is happening and then be candid as well, look for the laughs and the tears! have fun! keep your camera with a full battery and lots of scan disc, check that you are in focus and good lighting. a good opportunity!

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I understand the shooter's nerves, but I am still envious of the opportunity you have both been given. I wish you both good luck - adrenalin will take over in situ.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

Find out from the bride or someone she refers you to, what are the traditional customs that are to be included in this particular ceremony and if any shots/times are considered inappropriate to photograph.

We have many Choctaw friends, attend functions on reservation and I am often asked to take pictures. Not all weddings are traditional, some are very mainstream but may be more casual than the typical wedding. But in some traditional weddings, the most important moments may be when the groom must chase and catch the bride - a Choctaw tradition that goes back to pre-contact. This can be a very serious race. Different tribes have different customs some of which may be interwoven into a modern ceremony. You would want to be ready for such things.

MontanaTrace

About a dozen years ago, a friends asked me to officiate at his wedding. Looking for a theme, I discussed this with friends that included a Lakota/Sioux/Blackfoot and a Cherokee Elder, here in Montana. It was decided to make a wedding union be one that was respectful of Wakan Tanka, The Great Spirit or Great Mystery, the sun, the earth and the moon. Both of my Indian friends provided references to online information. I was given a peace pipe to use in the ceremonial calling of good spirits from the east, the west, the south and the north. (Google Indian Four Directions. Good words for the ceremony). We burned sage and sweet grass to smudge the area, making the place and the people pure. Speak of the smudge. Go online and search those key words I've just mentioned throughout, especially Cherokee wedding. There is much to learn.

I asked my Indian friends if this was disrespectful since they were not Indian. Both, tribal leaders, said no, if done with respect. My good Cherokee friend, Standing in Blue Water, said it was good PR. "We need all the good PR we can get."

We also had a local Pastor friend who liked the mix. I think mostly, because he got to say the last words.

The couple were in their 50's.

The words were mostly of Cherokee theme but some Lakota, Sioux and Blackfoot too. You'll find lots of references online. The ceremony was held outdoors. Good weather. Plenty of light. Photos were of the event. Nothing unique.

I think the use of the peace pipe, when addressing the "Magic Four" made the ceremony special. Look on all Indian bead work, the four is well represented: four directions, four seasons, four winds, four times of life, (birth, youth, adult, death), four grandparents. When calling to each of the four spirits, hold the peace pipe in that direction and speak the words you will have learned. The words of the Cherokee wedding followed. You can modify that published ceremony to your people, land, spirits and moment.

Make it respectful and fun. It's a happy time when you call to the spirits for purity, peace and union. My Indian friends were excited to hear of the ceremony. It was an honor bestowed. Neither could attend except in spirit. They and the spirits smiled.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

Thank you very much. This is wonderful information. ...and yes, I will enjoy the event!

Although I am not Cherokee, "their smiles" will have great meaning.