user2071 Loc: New England

I may be a fine one to talk, but consider bowing out now, before it gets worse. From the scenario you just painted, I can pretty much guarantee that it WILL get worse. And worse.

Baboo Loc: Rainier, Oregon

I think you are correct. The Grooms Parents haven't decided to attend or not, Still no list of what photographs they want and when, AND no access to the church yet! I guess they just don't understand that I take pride in what I do (as any Photographer worth their salt) and this is adding up to just a bunch of Dominos that are about to do their thing.......

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

My bigest problem has been that no one relised I was the hired photographer. Normally I wear clothing similar to the colors in the wedding just to look more professional. Maybe I should wear something like a "Press Pass in a hat", sometimes seen in old movies. Then there will be no misunderstandings when I shove my way to the front, elbow pads and all!!!

Some people I like to call, "mini-photographers". They insist on using an area I temporarly pre-setup for MY use. Those phone-camera carrying people insist that I'll ndver mind that they are only there for one shot. That, and an unmeaning "excuse me" will justify everything in their mind. (I have to work on more a photojournalistic approach so a setting isn't necessary.)

Most problems we have to deal with, just come with the territory! Within reason, we just have to deal with it! LoL

Baboo Loc: Rainier, Oregon

Maybe the Photographer should wear an Orange Jumpsuit. A top hat, and also have a badge. Maybe I am just not cut out to photograph this upcoming wedding. I may have to stick to still life, and forest animals. I don't think it's really worth all the grief I am getting!

Just Tami Loc: Long Island

Baboo
I think a talk is in order with the couple. Something like two photographers really aren't needed and I'm am not offended to let (so and so with the new toy)to take your pictures. There is so much involved before,during and after a shoot. That's why two photographers who don't work for the same company don't work together. Different equipment ideas, flashes contridicting each other can spoil the end result. I think it will be better if I just step aside. Sounds good in theory and is really the best option but what you do is ultimately up to you. Been there doing it different from now on.

dirty dave

I have been doing weddings for years. I just do them now to afford the rest of my photo equipment. I done 16 this season and I don't really enjoy them anymore here is some tips. 2 cameras is a must failure can happen at any time, tripod, off camera flash, a bounce screen, sropes or hot lights, and nerves of steel. You MUST take charge of your work shoot with confidence and show no fear. The people are counting on you to show them how to pose and location where your best shots will be taken. You can shoot with natural lighting but there is no guarentee that it will be your best work.When shooting a lite and dark person togather I always added a spot on the darker skin this is not easy but you can do it the same with white and black clothing aim your lighting at the darker color. If you have the time you can also do this in editing program. The last thought I have for you is you are there to take pictures of the wedding or event I let any wedding I do up front that this is Not a family photo event I am there to shoot the event not to do free family photos if you don't let them know this you will be foprever shooting picture instesd of getting to the reception I do all my poses in 20 minutes. Warning wacth out for the brides mother they are motherzillas enstead of bridezillas. If I didn't want the money I would not have ever done my first wedding of course I have been doing them since 1975 seems like I would learn by now. my 2 cents

user2071 Loc: New England

I did weddings for a while. I HATED it. It wasn't the shooting, it was the bride, groom, and both sets of parents. Babies was actually easier, but hated that too. I got out of professional photography and back into professional writing. THEN I could enjoy taking pictures again!

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

With all of the "war stories" floating around, any first timer should just plain do it! After the first time, do it again, then again.

You may love it, maybe not but you'll never know that answer unless you take the first step.

mortonfarm Loc: Texas

Hear Hear 5dawgz...I totally agree...If you have been asked to photo a precious event, it doesnt matter if you are professional or rank amatuer...you still have to assume the responsibility of turning out a decent set of pics, which as you say, often requires an understanding that you either be given leeway to raise your voice and take control or they do one....! I am by no means professional, have NEVER set my self up to be, and all who I have "helped" out know that...but I did deliver quite good photos...one time by dragging a chair into the midst of the crowd and standing on it...shocked the phone snappers into backing off..lol..I have also done my share of guest snapping and have always tried to be courteous enough to wait until the proff. got their shots off first...so I know where you are coming from...I also don't like to be touted as setting myself up as a proff. when I am not...That is something I have more integrity to stay away from....I think more of myself than that...Now...you need an IV started...a catheter put in...golden hour of trauma or heart/stroke event treatment then I AM your professional...!!! off my soapbox...sorry to use your post to vent...forgive me...!?! Linda...

:hunf:

user2071 Loc: New England

[/quote]
Hear Hear 5dawgz...I totally agree...If you have been asked to photo a precious event, it doesnt matter if you are professional or rank amatuer...you still have to assume the responsibility of turning out a decent set of pics, which as you say, often requires an understanding that you either be given leeway to raise your voice and take control or they do one....! I am by no means professional, have NEVER set my self up to be, and all who I have "helped" out know that...but I did deliver quite good photos...one time by dragging a chair into the midst of the crowd and standing on it...shocked the phone snappers into backing off..lol..I have also done my share of guest snapping and have always tried to be courteous enough to wait until the proff. got their shots off first...so I know where you are coming from...I also don't like to be touted as setting myself up as a proff. when I am not...That is something I have more integrity to stay away from....I think more of myself than that...Now...you need an IV started...a catheter put in...golden hour of trauma or heart/stroke event treatment then I AM your professional...!!! off my soapbox...sorry to use your post to vent...forgive me...!?! Linda...

:hunf:[/quote]

I just figure I should say no. It solves SO many problems.

mortonfarm Loc: Texas

Hear Hear 5dawgz...I totally agree...If you have been asked to photo a precious event, it doesnt matter if you are professional or rank amatuer...you still have to assume the responsibility of turning out a decent set of pics, which as you say, often requires an understanding that you either be given leeway to raise your voice and take control or they do one....! I am by no means professional, have NEVER set my self up to be, and all who I have "helped" out know that...but I did deliver quite good photos...one time by dragging a chair into the midst of the crowd and standing on it...shocked the phone snappers into backing off..lol..I have also done my share of guest snapping and have always tried to be courteous enough to wait until the proff. got their shots off first...so I know where you are coming from...I also don't like to be touted as setting myself up as a proff. when I am not...That is something I have more integrity to stay away from....I think more of myself than that...Now...you need an IV started...a catheter put in...golden hour of trauma or heart/stroke event treatment then I AM your professional...!!! off my soapbox...sorry to use your post to vent...forgive me...!?! Linda...

:hunf:[/quote]

I just figure I should say no. It solves SO many problems.[/quote]
lol...yeah...it really does...!

Deaconess Loc: New Hampshire

Hi I'm new I have taken pictures for years but always on auto
I got a digital camera Nikon D60 2 years ago I'm starting to use the other icons on the dial. A friend asked me to be her photographer at her wedding, she doesn't have much money, I said yes. I had taken pictures of her sister's party at night time at a restaurant and all during school year. She loved my photos all done on auto. The wedding is next year in Nov. a evening wedding. I am setting up a date to talk about what kind of photos they want, I will be going to some ballroom dancing at night to practice shooting movement and low light pictures the first ones aaaah not so great I used different icons to see what it would look like so far auto and kids worked out great. sport only works with movement during the day only low light its blurry. So will auto and the kids setting work for the event, I do want to practice before their big day. what types of pictures were taken with you standing on the stool??? Tell me all PLEASE.

Big Daddy Loc: Near Cleveland

I believe you need to be the take charge person. I have done 3 weddings for family. after doing these I decided when someone offers me a wedding now, I take charge and ask the fee I should be getting. I now know what is involved and all the headaches. I don't offer a "deal" anymore. If your going to be "official" then be official. I have learned when you charge them the proper amount they take you and your job seriously. They will tell people, "Hey this guy is our photographer" and they will get out of the way. Also you are now doing a job and can tell people to move. I also do a major pre-interview. Talk to the bride and groom and ask what "they" want. My biggest problem has always been the mother of the bride! Sometimes the mother will be paying for the photography and she will tell you what "she" wants. I tell the bride and groom what she said and always see what "they" want. I go to the church or place where it will happen. I also talk to the minister or priest. I talk to anybody at the church I can, even the maintenance people. I take shots in all the rooms we will be in. Most churches the lighting is different from room to room. The last "family favor" wedding I did I talked to the minister he said I could take whatever shots I wanted. Right before the ceremony he told me I couldnt use flash! That changed everything and as I soon found out all my pictures were coming out orange! So some quick setting changes and all was well but that could have been a disaster. If its outdoors go there a few days ahead of time "At the actual event time" and see what light is availble and where it is pointing. Dont be afraid to be prepared. If you dont have the proper equipment and knowledge tell them that in advance so they are not expecting the impossible. Dont be afraid to say, "no" if you are not comfortable with all parties involved. Just my two cents!

user2071 Loc: New England

For reasons that are not comprehensible to me (or maybe anyone), NOT paying you will not make them less demanding. They will STILL expect the same level of quality and service that they would expect from a professional, only for free.

Things you need to make sure you undersatnd:

Prints: I'm talking here the real thing, not eletronic. How many are included at what price? Do you have a lab to work with? No joke, this is REALLY important! There is quite a substantial expense involved AND you need a lab who works with pros and knows the ropes. Without one? Do not pass GO!

Books: Yup, those "Bridal Memory" books that you have to give to the bride and groom AND each set of parents. Comes with the territory. What do they want? You need sample to show them so they can tell YOU what they want and expect.

TRIPOD: Buy one if you don't have one. A good, sturdy one. There's no ifs or buts about it. You WILL need one.

Auxilliary Flash: The one build into the camera is not going to do the job. It's not meant for this kind of use. Isn't strong enough or flexible enough.

Extra batteries: For cameras AND flash.

Extra memory cards: For both cameras.

Second Camera: Don't leave home without one. Cameras fail. Rarely, but when they do, it will always be at exactly the worst possible moment. There's a Murphy's law about that!

An Assistant: You'll need someone to help you shlep equipment and set up shots, round up the usual suspects. For this, a not too sullen teenage relative can do the job.

CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD TO DO THIS? Think long and hard. You are going to have to put out a substantial amount of money for equipment. You are also going to have to do some serious studying. Wedding photography has its own parameters. There will be a steep learning curve before you know what to do, what shots are a "MUST" at a wedding, how to handle unruly family members. Some of them may be drunk, others just annoying. For that matter, the immediate family who requested your services, how ready are they to take the time so you can get the shots?

They are only going to have one wedding (presumably). If you screw it up, or the family makes it impossible to it right, and the pictures aren't good ... well ... the bad feelings from this can last down through the years. Strangers? Well, at least you'll probably never see them again, but family? Oy vay. I have seen it. I have lived it. It is awful.

Think, really think. This is NOT something to undertake without recognizing that it is a serious commitment for you AND them ... and for free? I don't think so.

It sounds to me like you are way too inexperienced to be doing anyone's wedding. If you've never even gone beyond Scene modes and automatic, you're very likely to fall on your face. Weddings are tough, even for seasoned pros ... you'll get squashed like the proverbial bug.

Offer to be one of \many family members taking SNAPSHOTS at the wedding, but do NOT accept responsibility for doing the whole event. You aren't ready, you don't know your equipment well enough, you don't even own all the stuff you need. Not even close.

It will be bad. Really bad. And the real nightmare won't even start until after the event is over and you are alone with the camera and have no idea what to do next. It's not just taking pictures. It's a lot more and you don't sound even close to where you need to be.

mortonfarm Loc: Texas

Deaconess...I will private message you today...want to make some notes first..and I don't mind sharing the little and I mean very little...that I do know works...!