jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

Wow, nice reply!

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

Anyone undertaking something like a wedding, especially a family event where failure can have long term personal consequences, had better have a backup camera and a good understanding of what a wedding photographer is supposed to do. It would take some forgiving if you screw up the key event shots....

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

I didnt read the whole thread but maybe you should volunteer to co shoot with him.
Its fun when its someone elses responsibility to get it right. Plus between the two of you, your sure to get some great shots.
Plus you'll both learn a LOT..

I was scared to death just thinking about my first wedding, then I posted messages on a local photography site and found a co shooter. someone who worked for free for the experience and to build his portfolio . It worked out GREAT.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I don't see what all the horror is about. While the experience of a pro in the field that they are shooting is worth their cost (and I would always suggest that a pro is the best way to go),there is no reason that everyone can't be thrilled with the results of the photographer as long as the expectations are set up front.

As a non-wedding shooter, I have done a couple of weddings that turned out great and resulted in additional inquiries for my services by other couples. I refused because it wasn't my forte and I found it more stressful than I wanted to deal with. All the suggestions offered - redundant equipment, shot lists, planning at the venue before the event - are all extremely important but the biggest thing will be to manage the expectations of the bride/groom and family. Some people find the actual marriage to be more important than the flowers or food or the photography! That was the case when I got married. To this day my mother's favorite picture is one that a relative took with a Polaroid - poorly framed and unsharp focus - but it reminds her of the event ! The pro didn't take the shot because they didn't know she would value it and it was a casual photo that touches something for my mom.

Instead of belittling the skills of this amateur that none here know, make the helpful suggestions as many have and help guide the photographer so they can be a success. Most importantly, making sure the brother talks to the bride/families and does the planning should prevent 95% of the preventable disappointment that everyone is so scared of. I would expect that if the families placed such a high importance on the photography as some here, they would sacrifice something else for the expense of a pro. I would also suggest that if the shooter doesn't think they need backup gear, it could be a really nice gesture to make sure the OP brings his gear as backup if he is really concerned.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

He will have "two laborers" as he jokingly calls them, to assist him in not being bombarded, and to arrange the crowd. He wouldn't survive without them. IMO

appealnow Loc: Dallas, Texas

I was asked to photograph my brother's wedding and the wedding of two nieces. Just check out the equipment before. Make sure he has an extra, charged battery in the camera, new batteries in the Speedlight, and several camera cards. Switch camera cards so all the shots are not on one in case something untoward occurs. The 18-55 will be all he needs. Depending on the lighting, he may find that he doesn't need the flash for many shots, that available light gives better pics.

StaneeRae Loc: Lincroft, NJ USA

Check the rules of the church. Some ministers do not allow photos during the ceremony (Methodist is an example). Others make the photographer stay at the back of the church. Many do not allow flash. One photographer I know had to photograph the procession from the lobby, only showing the backs of bride & father.

Check with the reception venue also. Some require photographers to show proof of insurance.

gary robertson Loc: Now living in Sandpont Idaho, from So. Cal

I did the same thing for my sons wedding with the same camera and lens. No problem with equipment with the kit that he has. There are many books out there that he should reference for suggestions and help. Biggest thing to remember is stay out of view as much as possible and take loooooots of pictures. You can always filter afterward.
Some people just cannot afford professionals! He should ask any photo friends for help/advise and maybe get one to take pictures along with him on their own. I had a friend take a lot of background picts with excellent results. Keep it simple and it will work.

BebuLamar

My wife asked her friend to take pictures at our wedding. She was happy with that. The pictures were not very good but she was happy. For me I wouldn't care less if there was any picture at all. So it depends on the bride.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

[quote=LoneRangeFinder]Knowing the equipment and having the right equipment is perhaps a quarter of what he needs to know. Does he have a back-up? A shot list? Has he posed groups before? Is he prepared to forego the experience of attending his sister's wedding? He has to know- he's there as an employee- not as family


Great post. I have heard so many horror stories of "Uncle Bob" doing the wedding photos. Not saying he cannot do it (we all started somewhere). If he can get some time with pro/friend to help him prep...would be a huge help.

aellman Loc: Boston MA

Shooting a wedding is different from any other type of photography. The lenses are not the issue. His lack of experience may be. >Alan

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

I have done 3 weddings two for nieces and one for a nephew. They had no money. Food was all done by the families. The minister in one case was my father who was the grandfather of the bride and the other two were by priests that were family friends. For each wedding, the total bill was less than $200.

The first one was in 1997 for my sister's daughter. I had no idea that they didn't have a photographer. My sister asked me if I had a camera with me. Of course, I did. I sent my nephew over to Walmart to buy 4 or 5 rolls of film, some batteries for my flash(no eneloops then), and a tripod. And I started taking pictures. I only had a 50mm F1.2 lens with me. I don't know how they were left behind. I did good. I took pictures during the ceremony. And then later we all discussed what other posed ones to take. It was fun. The other two had some actual planning and I had multiple camera bodies, all my lenses, several charged camera batteries, and eneloops for my flashes. I even had some modifiers for the flashes. I was almost like a real wedding photographer. Even in the last two, I was not able to be there until about two hours before the weddings.

In none of these cases were the expectations of the wedding party high, and for sure not the first. But I knew my equipment and my limitations. I didn't get in a hurry and I knew I was doing as well as I could and so did they. That's the key.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

Doing 3 Weddings for less than $200 each, is indeed remarkable.

alandg46 Loc: Boerne, Texas

They did not have a lot of money. What they had they saved to buy houses. Remarkably wise decisions.

1Feathercrest Loc: NEPA

A "loan" is an object, like money for a mortgage. What you want to do is "lend" the lenses (an activity}. The lenses themselves are the loan.