Rudolf with your lens so bright, won't you shoot my wedding tonight.....
Aug 6, 2012 14:39:09 #
A good friend of mine popped the question today. She wasn't on one knee and there wasn't a ring involved. Well there is a ring, but I won't be wearing it.
She is getting married soon and is looking for someone to shoot the wedding. Its been years since someone asked me, so it was happy that someone thought enough of my skills to even consider me.
She started the conversation with you take great pictures; would you ever consider shooting a wedding?
I told her that it is a big responsibility. I would happily follow a real photographer around and shoot candids. I would stick to my one prime lens and shoot reaction shots like there is no tomorrow.
I told her that Id be happy to shoot the bride and groom at a park or perhaps the bride by herself after the wedding. But never ever ever a wedding as the main photog.
That is perhaps the best wedding present I could have given her.
There is, of course, a small part of me that would like to think that I could do it. But I'm having that part removed tomorrow.
She is getting married soon and is looking for someone to shoot the wedding. Its been years since someone asked me, so it was happy that someone thought enough of my skills to even consider me.
She started the conversation with you take great pictures; would you ever consider shooting a wedding?
I told her that it is a big responsibility. I would happily follow a real photographer around and shoot candids. I would stick to my one prime lens and shoot reaction shots like there is no tomorrow.
I told her that Id be happy to shoot the bride and groom at a park or perhaps the bride by herself after the wedding. But never ever ever a wedding as the main photog.
That is perhaps the best wedding present I could have given her.
There is, of course, a small part of me that would like to think that I could do it. But I'm having that part removed tomorrow.
Aug 6, 2012 14:49:50 #
I'm with you, buddy! So much less pressure to be the "backup". I've done so many weddings back in the day, I'm happy to be done with that. At my age, I don't deserve that kind of pressure!
Aug 6, 2012 15:29:02 #
You not only made the right decison, you made the best decision.
I speak from decades of experience.
Don't second guess yourself.
I speak from decades of experience.
Don't second guess yourself.
Aug 7, 2012 07:46:50 #
Danilo wrote:
I'm with you, buddy! So much less pressure to be the "backup". I've done so many weddings back in the day, I'm happy to be done with that. At my age, I don't deserve that kind of pressure!
Amen
Aug 7, 2012 08:03:33 #
I just shot for the first time as a second shooter two weekends ago...no way in heck that I would want to be the primary shooter...you made the right call.
Aug 7, 2012 08:06:59 #
Wow..finally someone who's got some sense!
You made a good decision my friend...enjoy and have fun shooting candids.
You made a good decision my friend...enjoy and have fun shooting candids.
Aug 7, 2012 10:16:23 #
yes , go to enjoy , not as a job ! That's much more enjoyment and you'll probably find your self having fun taking more pictures.
Aug 7, 2012 10:46:41 #
Aug 7, 2012 13:17:58 #
I agree as well. I was SOOOO happy that when my niece got married a few months ago, I was asked by my brother and my niece if I was bringing my camera to the wedding, because they liked my photos, especially the ones I made at the son's wedding a few years ago. I told them I am not now, and I have never been a 'Wedding Photographer', but would love to take a bunch of photos. When my brother said the groom has a friend that is a Wedding Photog. I felt so relieved it was like a huge weight being lifted off my head. With far less skill and a much lesser camera than I have now, I did the same thing at my nephews weddings, and everyone loved the photos I did. Meanwhile, I had a great time at the weddings, had no pressure and enjoyed giving them a few good shots, while the real guy did all the heavy lifting and stood all the pressure!
Aug 7, 2012 18:32:30 #
Don't do it! My best friend asked me to take her wedding photos and I told her the same thing - I don't mind being the "extra" but I did not want the responsibility of being the only photographer. Well, after many pleadings I finally gave in. I took great photos and she got a beautiful album BUT - I ran my butt off for 3 days photographing the rehearsal, the flower making, the wedding - I didn't get to socialize with any of my friends that were there, I never got to eat and stressed myself out so much I got shingles. Sure, it's the best present to give someone but it's not worth all the hassles that go along with being the only photographer. Stick to your guns, be a secondary photographer and take fun pictures. For a gift you can make her a nice little album. (Check out the good deals you can get on Photo Books on Groupon.)
Aug 7, 2012 18:38:08 #
Don't worry, I am not backing down on this one.
I know a few photogs who get paid for this sort of thing. I'll point her in their direction if she asks again.
I stopped her in her tracks so I never found out if she was willing to pay me or if I'd be doing it pro bono. That conversation could have been a friendship ender.
I know a few photogs who get paid for this sort of thing. I'll point her in their direction if she asks again.
I stopped her in her tracks so I never found out if she was willing to pay me or if I'd be doing it pro bono. That conversation could have been a friendship ender.
Aug 7, 2012 19:07:32 #
Good call. I was in that situation a year or so ago. A lovely young couple and good friends of mine asked me to do the deed. I offered to do their engagement pictures for them as my wedding present to the couple. Awesome. I got some great shots which were prominently displayed at the reception and, even better, I got to enjoy the whole celebration in a stress free way.
Aug 7, 2012 19:18:12 #
I had someone ask me to shoot their wedding years ago. It was going to be on the beach and I would have shot it with my Z10.
We argued for days until she finally decided to get someone else.
Funny thing is that if I wasn't going as a photographer, I wasn't invited at all.
We argued for days until she finally decided to get someone else.
Funny thing is that if I wasn't going as a photographer, I wasn't invited at all.
Aug 7, 2012 19:21:24 #
Good choice! I have never shot a wedding, but have played music at them a lot. Having witnessed every kind of photog go at it, and hanging out with them "backstage" at weddings, I always had the feeling they were generally working lots harder than I was, and were often really sweaty and really stressed out. I always thought that shooting weddings must be a lot like playing at them, in that they can be awfully fun, or awfully awful. I've played a couple hundred wedding gigs, and 2 of them were a blast!
Aug 7, 2012 19:57:51 #
GrandmaJoy
Loc: North Carolina
jazzplayer wrote:
Good choice! I have never shot a wedding, but have... (show quote)
This is to jazzplayer. Your cat moved and caused me to think I was losing my mind. lol
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