Tips for wedding photos-- (Page 4): As a wedding photographer, should you decide your going to do this. Let me know and I can create a shooting list to help you through it. I will...

Thruhiseyes

As a wedding photographer, should you decide your going to do this. Let me know and I can create a shooting list to help you through it. I will agree with one of the other persons comment in that your really going to have to be on top of shooting in various lighting settings on a dime. So you may have to be quick and know some of this stuff by memory. Also, your going to have to consider a backup camera, which is a MUST. So if your not going back out then let me know where you want to go with this and I can assist. I have trained a number of people to shoot weddings. Just a thought, where do you live? I will say your going to have to get some hands on experience in some way before taking this on to some degree even little practice assignments to help you. Anyway, if your going forward there is help.

FOTOSTAN Loc: Ca..NYC..Fla.

kathlyndee wrote:

I have been asked to do the pics at my son's weddi... (show quote)

It's your sons wedding, and THEY asked you to shoot it?? How unfair of them. That is the day of happyness for you, and not taking pix of table shots, the services, dancing, etc. YOU, sit back and enjoy ... even at my sons wedding, as a pro photographer, I sat back and enjoyed that special day.. NOT WORK.

photooobill Loc: Long Island NY

Like all others have said It's a special day Enjoy it.And besides How u gong to take the family photos and be in them? If anything you can always watch the pro thats doing his/her job and see what they do. That way if someone else ask you to do a wedding you'll have a better idea. So again Enjoy the day. P.S When I got married my wife told me I was not even allowed to talk to the photographer. But what she didn't know was I was letting him do his job and I was making it easy for him by poseing us also. Good Luck..

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Personally, I think it is unfair to be asked to do double duty by being the photographer at your own child's wedding.
Take the majority of advice and enjoy your memories of the event. Leave the majority of the work and stress to someone else.
If you must take photos, why not be a back-up in between the special parts like the ceremony, cutting of the cake, first dance, etc.? You do not want to miss those. Sorry if I sound blunt, but I think everyone has offered some very realistic and sound advice on behalf of your best interest. Good luck

FOTOSTAN Loc: Ca..NYC..Fla.

I HOPE THERE ARE OTHERS WHO AGREE WITH ME..... How sad it is that a father has to work at shooting his sons wedding, but worry what events to shoot, and how when and where. Rather than being in the wedding party, he is behind the camera..UGH.

mgemstone Loc: Chicago/Cocoa beach/La/NY

So the bride & groom will have wedding pictures without you in them! That's so wrong/ How about a compromise - hire a wedding photographer with the understanding that you will be taking some pictures occassionally and then give them to the photographer to be included in their photo book. That way you can have the best of both possibilities.

steve_stoneblossom Loc: Rhode Island, USA

mgemstone wrote:

So the bride & groom will have wedding pictures without you in them! That's so wrong/ How about a compromise - hire a wedding photographer with the understanding that you will be taking some pictures occassionally and then give them to the photographer to be included in their photo book. That way you can have the best of both possibilities.

Absolutely! Take your gear, and take shots... when you want, not when you have to. Your perspective is invaluable- knowing who is who and what matters most to the family. But enable yourself to enjoy the day. Good wedding phographers have a touch for getting where they need to be to get the right shots without becoming a nuisance.

kimberliswenson Loc: Ridgefield, WA

I would offer to do wedding portraits either before or after the big day and find someone else to take care of the actual wedding pictures. Honestly, you need to enjoy your son's big day...it is a big day for you too and there are so many other things that will need your attention that you will feel completely overwhelmed. Nothing says that you can't take pictures at the wedding, but I think I would put the stress of the ceremony and formals on someone else. By offering to do the special portraits the day before, everyone should have their tuxes and dresses and you can be there to capture that first special moment when they see each other for the first time....and it may be more special to them and relieve some of the stress of the big day for them as well. If they are die hard traditionalist as to not seeing each other before the wedding, doing the portraits the day after can offer more candid and relaxed images, as the stress of the big day is past and they can just be themselves. It may also alleviate the amount of money spent on a pro photographer....they will probably like your pictures better anyway....and you will take better pictures without the stress of knowing it is a one shot deal.

Just my two cents......

kimberliswenson Loc: Ridgefield, WA

This is absolutely true!! You HAVE to be in the pictures!!!

mgemstone wrote:

So the bride & groom will have wedding pictures without you in them! That's so wrong/ How about a compromise - hire a wedding photographer with the understanding that you will be taking some pictures occassionally and then give them to the photographer to be included in their photo book. That way you can have the best of both possibilities.

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

kathlyndee wrote:

I have been asked to do the pics at my son's weddi... (show quote)

Tell them you are going to hire a professional for them as a wedding present. Then enjoy yourself. No stress.

FOTOSTAN Loc: Ca..NYC..Fla.

Gidgette wrote:

quote=kathlyndee I have been asked to do the pics... (show quote)

BUT.... it's generally the parents duty to hire the photographer, so that's not the correct answer.

sandylynn Loc: Scappoose, Oregon

kathlyndee wrote:

I have been asked to do the pics at my son's wedding in June. I am the family photographer and do some professional business on the side but have never done anything as extensive as a wedding and am scared to death about it. I really am learning as much as I can all the time but don't feel anywhere near equipped to do something "one shot" as a wedding. It's not like you get a do over.

I have told them maybe they should hire someone but they have assured me they really want me to do the pictures, it would be special to them etc.etc.
Shooting a wedding is a really big Job. If you are going to do this there is some advice I can give you. Mind you I am an Amature and shot my son's Wedding. Photographers ask a arm and a leg for pictures.
Make a list of the usual shots. Take the ones of the Bride alone and with her Wedding party before the Wedding if possible.
Make a total list of the shots you want to take and give one to the Bride so she can make sure they are all there at the right time. Things get a little hectic so this is where you are the boss. You need to tell them what to do.
There is a ton of info on the Web so you can make your list. Always get Bride alone Bride with Mom, Bride with Dad Bride with Mom and Dad, Bride with Maid of honor, Bride with Maid of honor and Bridesmaids Bridemaids alone. Bride with flower girls and ring bearers. Use the maid of honor to fix the Brides dress for photos and this is all after you get the girls and Bride getting ready. Do the same with the Groom. If you can get these done before the Wedding mark them off your list. The ones you can't make sure you get them right after the congratulations are through. Before the Ceremony make sure you get the cake and wine glasses and etc. then run up to the alter and get the groom with the person performing the ceremony. Pre arrange a spot for the Bridal Party to hesitate and look at you while you snap the shots as they proceed to the aisle. There is alot and I have just touched a little. Get the Ceremony with candid shots of crowd and mom and dads the exhanging of vows and rings . The list goes on and on. Everyone is right it does take the whole day. After the Congratulations are done take everyone aside and take the whole Bridal party as well as any special family members the Bride and Groom request. Both Families together with the Bride and Groom. Sometimes the Groom just wants to go and party but be insistant. Because when all is said and done it is then time for just the Bride and Groom. Don't skimp here I have only touched the tip of the iceberg. Like I said you are the organizer so remind her. when it is time to cut the cake, take the first dance and throw the bouguet and this will allow you to be there for those shots. Get the pics of them signing the marriage certificate and their hands with their rings. Good luck. It actually becomes fun after you get started. Take an extra battery and card. Good luck Make Two list just in case and arrange for someone else to be able to shoot when you have to be in the pics. Still wnat to do this? Oh Yea When you take the pictures say one two three so they have their eyes open and ready when you snap. You can ruin their shots with eyes closed and not looking at the camera. I will stop here and hope I helped a little.

Now my question for those of you who have done weddings, what are the best and most important tips. Other than, "It's all about the dress". Please tell me there are some magic guidelines to follow so I don't make some disastrous mistake that will haunt me forever. After all it is my son's wedding. Help!

I have been asked to do the pics at my son's weddi... (show quote)

sandylynn Loc: Scappoose, Oregon

Thruhiseyes wrote:

As a wedding photographer, should you decide your ... (show quote)

I tried to give some advice before I read your thread. They should probably listen to you. I live in Oregon. I would be interested in learning from you too.

FOTOSTAN Loc: Ca..NYC..Fla.

As a wdding photographer.. you know the short comings of shooting a formal wedding. Let the poor guy, sit back and let him enjoy the occasion. OR.. is he to shoot the table shots as others eat and drink... as he "works" ?

Bart Loc: New Jersey

FOTOSTAN, I agree with you 100%. If money is the issue maybe a group of relatives can chip in and hire a pro. The dynamics of shooting a wedding even with a shot list is monumental. We teach wedding photography as well as shoot them. Not something a parent of the groom should do. What happens if they miss any of a number of important shots. No one will say anything but every time they look at the pictures the (I wish we hired a pro will be in there minds.) Take pictures during the event sure. Just not as the primary photographer to much responsibility for a parent on this most important day.