skidooman Loc: Minnesota

A word of caution here, both B&G have to be ok with your limitations.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

Agree with both of these statements. I've been shooting weddings since about 1960 and I still get nervous . . . why? . . . because even with decades of experience, the very best of equipment all backed up, an experienced 2nd shooter with me and over a thousand weddings under my belt . . . there are still lots of opportunities to screw up and no second chances.

When you get a comment for a question like you have asked like "Good Luck" . . . don't take it seriously . . . "Good Luck" has nothing to do with it.

Just my 3 cents worth . . .

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

You are echoing my concerns posted earlier N0 ONE on this Forum should be encourgeing this person to proceed with this endeavor unless it is a Lark as Cap has noted. I am all for people trying new things but this would be a failure on all fronts. People skillis aside the end product, images of someones special day is what it is all about.

Artic 1 Loc: Nottingham

Hi, i have done 3 weddings, all as a friend to help out,i am not in any way a professional photographer,and neither did i charge,i told them i would do it and if they didn't turn out there can be no come back, they were happy to accept this condition,which put me at ease,i was lucky enough to be able to take the photo's outside the church which saved me a load of lighting problem's, all i used was a Canon 450d a 75/300mm lense and a sturdy tripod with remote shutter release, i took the photos, then downloaded onto there Pc's and it was up to them to do the rest, order extra prints ect,luckily all 3 weddings turned out really well,but be very carefull you explain the situation to all concerned,otherwise you could be in a right mess when it goes wrong

Treepusher Loc: Kingston, Massachusetts

I think it all depends on the circumstances. If you're charging them, then that's one thing, and maybe you're not ready for that.

If, on the other hand, this is being done as a favor or a gift--with clear understanding you're not a professional, then that's another.

My own wedding many years ago was done by a close friend as a wedding gift to us. We had little money, and none at all for a 'pro' photographer. The photos were done on a point-and-shoot, and we treasure them to this day, even with less than perfect lighting, composition, focus, and exposure.

They evoke great memories, and no one has ever criticized them for being less than professional caliber, least of all, us. All we see is a young couple in love, people having a wonderful time all around. We were delighted with them then, we're happy with them now, and that friend gave us a great gift.

Of course, that was then and this is now. People are fussier these days and more willing to blow megabucks on a wedding. So it depends on what your friends expect. If they're financially embarrassed like we were, then by all means, shoot that wedding and do your best to give them a gift they'll cherish all their lives.

If they're paying for and expecting professional quality shots, then maybe you should pass this one up.

Either way, have fun!

JoAnn

Thanks to all who has given advise. I do know this couple very well and I have told them I've never done weddings before. Getting a professional photographer is also not an option for them. I'm the next best thing for them. They planned this wedding very fast so I won't even be able to take test shots.

For those of you that gave me smart remarks poo on you. I thought this site was suppose to help people out when they needed it not put them DOWN!!

sidney Loc: London.Eng.

I do not think people were putting you down I think
they and myself were trying to give you some good advice.which you have to decide to take or not.most
of us are here to help.not put them down. OK

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

You probably should have said this to begin with and you would not have received so much "POO".

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

I did a little inquiring to try and find out more info regarding your post, and then PM'ed you to offer my help. I'm guessing by this post and the fact you never responded to my offer,,,,I'm being POO'ed on. Good luck.

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

After reading this thread, I will add some concerns that have not been addressed from a pastor that officiates weddings. When officiating a wedding I appreciate when the photog asks what and where. I have already informed the B&G that if the ceremony is inside no flash is allowed because it will distract from the B&G. There also may be spots that the photog may not be allowed to be during the ceremony. It is important you get this information before the ceremony.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Yeah - you give no PERTINENT information and then don't like the answers. All of which were 100% correct, by the way. The answers were not "smart" they addressed your post perfectly.

Far as I know, nobody here is a mind reader.

So now that you decide to tell us what you should have told us in the FIRST post...God help you. There is no way in the world a forum such as this can give you the help you will need.
As has been posted here, a wedding is one of the MOST difficult types of photography there is. Like it or not, people were trying to help - they were telling you that by what you asked you are not up to the task. However, under the circumstances, I guess whatever you get will be more than they would have without you. Go to the library and get a few books on wedding photography and memorize them.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

If they are unhappy with the images, or your equipment acts up, or you miss an expected shot, or the weather changes and you are not prepared, or etc., etc., the fact that they did not pay you will be unimportant.

In all business transactiuons, schedule and costs, memories of the delays and costs quickly fade, but the quality is remembered forever.

jjestar Loc: Savannah GA

YEAH, I do Weddings for a living and would have offered some assistace but now I am POOING on You, have fun.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Well JoAnn, assuming you have hung in here this long after all our well-intentioned but probably discouraging advice, and if you are still going to proceed, consider getting someone to help you. Going it alone can be daunting if you do not have experience.
Most of us started wedding photography as someone's assistant and honed our skills on the job over time.

I suggest reading the following short article. It may give you some ideas and better prepare you.
http://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/second-shooter-tips-to-be-a-great-assistant-photographer/

Best wishes for a great wedding ceremony.
(And post an image or two just to show us how well you did).

zneb240 Loc: New South Wales - Australia

JoAnn. You should have mentioned a few of these important issues in your original post - gives others a better idea of what you're facing. If there is no alternative but for you to do the photos, then I guess that the best advice from me would be:

Camera Stuff
1. Set to auto and leave it up to the camera. This 'one size fits all' approach is arguably best for your situation. Unless you're confident, don't start swiching to Tv - Av etc.
2. Set to the highest possible quality.
3. Set your white balance to auto (correct white balance is critical when shooting JPEGs).
4. Take sufficient memory cards formatted with your camera even if they're new!! - at minimum 12-16 GB. You'll be amazed how many shots you'll take.
5. Use several smaller capacity cards rather than one high capacity card, eg four x 4GB is safer than one x 16 GB. That way, in the event of a failure, all your eggs are not in one basket.
5. Ensure the battery is fully charged and have a fully charged back-up if possible.
6. Safe-guard the cards as you use them.
7. Start practicing with your camera today!!

Other stuff
1. Check the celebrant for what can and can't be done on his/her patch.
2. Be polite but don't be backward in coming forward on the day. Avoid shooting over other's shoulder - position yourself to where you feel will be best for each shot.
3. Move in close - tighter shots very often look better than more distant 'snap shots'.
4. If possible, have someone prepared to help gather the gang together for the all important group shots. Note: Do this immediatly after the couple walk out of the venue - on the steps is often best. Once everyone disperses, it's impossible to re-muster them. Brief your helper of this in advance, don't just grab them on the spot.
5. Arrive at least 1 hour early to check direction of light, best position both in the venue and outside.
6. If possible, be relaxed and treat it as just taking lots of photos for a friend.
7. Go on-line for a weather forecast but be aware the weather may change. Should the weather be other than bright sunny, no wind, be prepared. Some really beautiful photos have been done in less than ideal conditions.
8. Google up some wedding photog sites for inspiration/ideas - particularly for unexpected weather situations as described above.

The above is by no means a complete list of advice, but probably as much as you need at this stage

JoAnn, hope you find this helpful. I'm not a Canon user however the foregoing is fundamental regardless of camera brand. Perhaps you could refer to a competent Canon user or your user manual if necessary. I offer this advice on a blog site in response to your enquiry, free of charge and in a well intentioned spirit. With respect, I can't accept responsibility should things not work out.

Finally I wish you all the best and I too would love to see some of your pics on this site. Go well. :-D