Help wanted for Involuntary Wedding Photographer
Mar 8, 2020 23:15:26 #
Did Weddings for 30+ yrs and a couple of things. If you are going to be the photographer they must respect you. When it is time to take pictures you are the boss. You should make a list of the shots wanted before the Wedding and work from it. If you have someone to help you pose it will be a big help. There is no need to take thousands of pictures, Work to make e4ach oner a "Keeper" My basic Wedding plan was for 40 Pictures (I cheated and took 36) and all were ones they wanted to keep. Spend the time you have looking at Wedding pictures and thinking how you would takr them. Godd Luck Brave Soul - Dave
Mar 8, 2020 23:21:14 #
Thanks. I went to a wedding last year and of course I was watching the photographers. They had lists of names and they called family members up and people showed up when called. They were very businesslike. I see that you have to be the authority. I'm good with that . Everything is perception
Mar 8, 2020 23:22:27 #
zumarose wrote:
No. Somebody didn't have to say it. I don't know your culture or environment but sometimes people fall in love and want to marry and they don't have money. I'm happy to make my wedding gift to them to be a few months of study or a new lens and that might eventually mean more to them than a set of steaknives
Use the "Quote Reply" option to respond to a specific post.
I said it because someone always does here.
It was meant partly to be tongue-in-cheek, but just know that it can be a stresser especially if you've never done one.
I fully understand people's budgets or lack thereof.
That's why I'm trying to help.
Honestly, I don't know where our own wedding album is, but the kids will want to see it someday.
Get someone who knows everyone to help get groups together.
Mar 8, 2020 23:41:33 #
Oh. I get it. Not meaning to diss you. I hired a pro photographer who was shit. I tried to get out of it. Bottom line. I'm a decent hobbyist photographer and the bride loves my work. I'm focused and intentional enough that I can do enough work and study to deliver a decent product. I'm never happy with my finished products because I know what I wanted to achieve and I'm critical when I fell short. But they see what they see. If it matches their internal vision they're happy.
Mar 9, 2020 05:50:35 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
I have shot hundreds of weddings in the UK and most of the advice you will get is total rubbish.
Stick the 18-200 ( repaired) on your best camera and the wide angle on the other. Use small flash on the shoe and only shoot landscape when you use flash or you will get terrible side shadows. Crop later. Shoot at f8 auto iso 200-3200 min speed 1/60. Forget reflectors and other junk your brain has too much to do to bother with them. If you dont have a loud voice get a megaphone. Always put your subjects in the shade but if not possible in full sun.
You can look here (40,000 wedding pics) www.1and1photography.co.uk and use obama@hotmail.com to get into the client area
Stick the 18-200 ( repaired) on your best camera and the wide angle on the other. Use small flash on the shoe and only shoot landscape when you use flash or you will get terrible side shadows. Crop later. Shoot at f8 auto iso 200-3200 min speed 1/60. Forget reflectors and other junk your brain has too much to do to bother with them. If you dont have a loud voice get a megaphone. Always put your subjects in the shade but if not possible in full sun.
You can look here (40,000 wedding pics) www.1and1photography.co.uk and use obama@hotmail.com to get into the client area
Mar 9, 2020 06:42:43 #
Resqu2
Loc: SW Va
Years ago I had a similar situation with a lady that worked for me, her daughter was getting married in a very very low budget wedding. All I had was a Canon Rebel and two kit lens. It was either do it or they would only have some flip phone camera phots. It was a beautiful outdoor area and the lighting was perfect. They were beyond happy with the photos in the end. I just went and had fun doing it. I was very young then and had no idea what I was doing and I think that really helped me in the end.
Mar 9, 2020 06:51:52 #
Nddave01
Loc: Bismarck, ND
This person and her fiance are very dear to me and I'd like to step up for them. Thanks to all.[/quote]
I have been in position several times. The most stressful was back before digital cameras were available and I has to wait several days before the proofs were developed and available to look at. Much less stress the last couple of times shooting digital.
Suggestions: Makes sure you have back-up batteries and use a check list as you pack your gear. Talk with the couple a few weeks before the wedding find out what shots they have in mind (do some research and show them some posed pictures to get them thinking - i.e. pictures of the bride and groom hands with their wedding rings against a backdrop) Have them commit to a block of time just before the wedding and after to get photos. Ask them who they want in photos. Ask if they want some candid shots at the rehearsal dinner, etc. As a photographer i am always looking for the picture that captures that special moment, but sometimes what the bride and groom want is to record the people who shared this special moment. Hope these help you.
I have been in position several times. The most stressful was back before digital cameras were available and I has to wait several days before the proofs were developed and available to look at. Much less stress the last couple of times shooting digital.
Suggestions: Makes sure you have back-up batteries and use a check list as you pack your gear. Talk with the couple a few weeks before the wedding find out what shots they have in mind (do some research and show them some posed pictures to get them thinking - i.e. pictures of the bride and groom hands with their wedding rings against a backdrop) Have them commit to a block of time just before the wedding and after to get photos. Ask them who they want in photos. Ask if they want some candid shots at the rehearsal dinner, etc. As a photographer i am always looking for the picture that captures that special moment, but sometimes what the bride and groom want is to record the people who shared this special moment. Hope these help you.
Mar 9, 2020 07:35:33 #
steve49
Loc: massachusetts
A back up flash is definitely valuable.
Groups within the family are key shots.... It takes time and cooperation to be sure you get them right.
Pre select the location for the group photos.
Good luck with the project. I am sure that they will love the photos!
Groups within the family are key shots.... It takes time and cooperation to be sure you get them right.
Pre select the location for the group photos.
Good luck with the project. I am sure that they will love the photos!
Mar 9, 2020 07:36:28 #
zumarose wrote:
I'm a hobbyist photographer. My friends ask me fro... (show quote)
There are times when; NO is an answer. I think this is one of those times.
Mar 9, 2020 08:14:52 #
Mar 9, 2020 08:18:52 #
I understand your dilemma. I have the same back ground as you and feel the same way about weddings. When asked to take photos of an event and how much would I charge I mention that I have been given donations and give the money to my favorite Charity. I do use a flash outdoors at times. I purchased a $20 tripod with mount for flash and umbrella on amazon. Then got a Chinese flash and radio trigger. Operate the flash power in manual for desired result. I took a family portrait and the flash at low power made a huge difference in bringing out color. Received a generous donation that went to charity.
Mar 9, 2020 08:43:44 #
18/200 , even in manual focus [ that is all i do ] would do it .the beauty of digital , you can see the shot right now , and redo it if necessary , no option on film .at the event , it is not the time to experiment , shoot the way you are comfortable with .always have a back up camera of some kind , just in case .[ a descent pocket camera , or even a I phone would do ] using a flash if you are not used to it can be risky .photo shop will be your friend there .have fun .
Mar 9, 2020 09:08:16 #
Reminds me of my friend's wedding: hilltop wedding in Marin County... rained and super-windy: would have been nearly impossible to photograph without subjecting your gear to some pretty harsh conditions.
Just a reminder to prepare for inclement weather (Norcal summer is no guarantee of sunny skies).
Just a reminder to prepare for inclement weather (Norcal summer is no guarantee of sunny skies).
Mar 9, 2020 09:11:13 #
I feel your pain! Back when I was young (Jesus was just a boy, then) I did weddings. Nothing more stressful. The money was never enough to allow me to enjoy the job. There was always a family member who complained about the blood-shot eyes or hung-over look of the Groomsmen (they were). I have shot pro sports for newspapers. I did Hockey from the penalty box (NHL) and NBA basketball from under the basket, no sweat 😓. Football, Gymnastics the same; no fear was ever experienced, but weddings always a different story. Miserable. I think it was why I stopped shooting for many years. Imagine my shock and horror to be asked to shoot my brother in laws wedding and, by my wife, talked into it! It worked out, the pictures were good, but I needed extra deodorant that day!
I know you are “in” and there is no way out. You are a kind person to do it and I respect that. Regarding equipment, lots of people will advise you, I’ll let them do it. The most important piece of equipment for me was always the extra deodorant.
Good luck. I wish you good fortune.
I know you are “in” and there is no way out. You are a kind person to do it and I respect that. Regarding equipment, lots of people will advise you, I’ll let them do it. The most important piece of equipment for me was always the extra deodorant.
Good luck. I wish you good fortune.
Mar 9, 2020 09:12:31 #
I had many broke friends none of whom's parents would pay for their weddings, and they didn't have jobs. Of course, they asked me to shoot their weddings, (and they would even pay for the film!) You have plenty of lenses don't buy more or go to full frame over this! Most of the weddings I shot on a shoestring were with one lens; a 50 f2 H lens on a Nikon FM. That 35 1.8 is the equivalent. If you can't get the 18-200 fixed, leave it at home. Make sure you've got at least a 64gb sd card and a back-up card and battery. Don't mess with a bunch of extraneous lighting junk. Your built-in flash will be fine for fill, just make it minus 1 stop. The 90 might be handy for portraits or from the back of the venue during vows. The 11-16 inside the reception tent.
As an aside, the most valuable part of shooting a wedding I did for my friends, was to go to the rehearsal. That way, I could see what their plan was, and make suggestions in a stress-free venue as to what would be best for the photos, when to shoot what, and where I would be positioning myself for what shot. That way, it was much easier to get the right shots on the actual day.
As an aside, the most valuable part of shooting a wedding I did for my friends, was to go to the rehearsal. That way, I could see what their plan was, and make suggestions in a stress-free venue as to what would be best for the photos, when to shoot what, and where I would be positioning myself for what shot. That way, it was much easier to get the right shots on the actual day.
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