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Daughter wants so-so amateur dad to take wedding photos
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Apr 11, 2018 08:50:07   #
BobInAustinMN Loc: Austin Minnesota
 
Hire someone and take away the stress. As a father who has experienced the the awesomeness of being the Father of the Bride, don't let the pressure of "getting the shot" take away from this once in a lifetime moment. Sure, bring your camera. Enjoy the moment!

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Apr 11, 2018 08:50:37   #
Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada
 
Just a caution... you don't want your strobe interfering with his strobe system...

Dik

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Apr 11, 2018 09:00:51   #
gmango85
 
Some good advice. There will always be another wedding, but not your Daughter's. Try taking some shots. I started weddings with a Canon F1 and 85mm lens. Best of luck!

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Apr 11, 2018 09:03:38   #
jbk224 Loc: Long Island, NY
 
Last I heard, you are the Dad. Why in the world would you want to spend your time taking pictures of this, hopefully, once in a lifetime special event. Enjoy the wedding. Enjoy your family and guests. Tell your daughter that, while you are flattered that she thinks you can do a great job; you will leave this to the professional so that you can enjoy the day and look on her with dotting eyes..and not through a viewfinder. Have a talk with the photographer if you want any special pics taken.
You will not be a happy camper if you go along with this request.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:09:50   #
Jwshelton Loc: Denver,CO
 
Just say “NO.”

The wedding of your daughter will be stressful enough. You need to enjoy the event. Help her understand what you want fron the day.

If you really want to do it- good luck and do not complain about the results.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:12:08   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
boberic wrote:
I would speak with the pro and ask him if you could be his assistant.



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Apr 11, 2018 09:13:27   #
Picture Taker Loc: Michigan Thumb
 
Let a pro do it.

I won't even take a camera to a wedding.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:17:24   #
bkyser Loc: Fly over country in Indiana
 
For what it's worth, I'm the administrator of the wedding section, and also have been shooting weddings since the early 80's as an assistant, then shot my first "solo" in '84.

That being said, for my daughters' weddings, I hired it done. There's no way I would want to be working, and not part of the festivities.

Before you think I'm just another "leave it all to the pros" I do encourage people that want to get into wedding photography. It's my passion, and I often muse that it's just great to be a "paid wedding crasher" Yes, there can be stress, but if you are a person who loves challenges, and has great people skills, there is no better job in the world. (Just NOT for your own child's wedding) If it is something you are interested in, join a camera club, and get to know some of the wedding photographers, and see if they'll let you tag along as a free "intern." I wouldn't volunteer right off the bat as a paid second shooter, but allowing you to watch the whole thing from behind the scenes, and even taking some of the candid photos can be a great way to learn if it's for you. And, if it isn't... no harm, no foul. If you mess up a wedding, you can be sued. If you mess up your daughter's wedding, well, I'm sure as the father of a girl, you know that is a fate worse than being sued. They can carry grudges for years.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:20:13   #
Idaho
 
Hire a pro with the understanding that you will be taking a certain number of pictures yourself. Shooting next to a pro is typically poor form unless the pro has agreed to it in advance. There are enough pros these days so finding one who will do it your way is not an issue. See that the pro has adequate compensation for his time, of course, so he will be happy with the arrangement.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:23:52   #
PMPPBoss
 
I agree with Boberic see if a local pro be interested in helping as an assistant. You might have to pay him the going assistant rate in your area but it is well worth the cost. Plus ask the assistant for advice it never hurts to learn all you can.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:25:37   #
pamelaj
 
First of all Congratulations to you all! Second, I am jealous of your gear! I can't even make up my mind on my first camera...lol....I have narrowed it down to a Sony or Nikon....I think! Third, I know you want to enjoy this day as well,so try to not miss precious moments through your own eyes and don't forget to get yourself in the pics!..... maybe have someone with you close by to hold your camera when it's time for you to be in them........Relax and take tons of pictures, (maybe make a short list of some fun poses or ask what she would like, Pinterest is full of ideas!) I know there will be some winners in there that your daughter will absolutely cherish.....just because her sweet dad took them. Sorry I am not any help on the "what to take question" I am such a newbie and out of my league here, but I do know daughters, for I happen to be one :D

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Apr 11, 2018 09:29:39   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
If you lack the skills DO NOT DO IT. Remember the wedding day is the most important day for the couple. You do not want to ruin it with images that are not up to standards.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:36:53   #
NBBPH Loc: Indiana
 
It is hard for me to believe the father of the bride would want to take pictures rather than enjoy the experience with family and friends. I think it a mistake for the daughter to even ask the father to take photos. But who am I to criticize? Whatever floats your boat.

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Apr 11, 2018 09:39:47   #
frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.
 
Let the pro do it all, ceremony and reception....you will not have the time.... You could take a few Candids at reception, your Nikon will be good for that (I would like a little wider lens)....a wedding is a once in a lifetime event, and you do not want anything to go wrong...... Explain this to your daughter. You can not enjoy the event from behind a camera...


quenepas wrote:
Dear Fellow Hogs,

As in the past, you’re my first “go-to” advisors on photography matters. This one relates to my daughter asking that I be her wedding photographer. I’m an average amateur plus if things go afoul, the last one you want to complain that her wedding pictures are junk is your daughter.

The wedding takes place at the Coco Cay beach (Caribbean) during a cruise with family and friends. She contracted a photographer from the cruise line. However, she still insists that I take pictures of the wedding. She thinks my shots will be better and more candid. I’m not keen about getting in photographer’s way. That’s a no-no. However, I can take some shots before, during and after the wedding. I’ve never done weddings as a “job”. I’ve taken fashion shots of a granddaughter for a contest. So, whatever advice I get from you folks will be appreciated. Advice requested encompasses, pre-event prep, equipment, use of flash, settings, cameras, poses, and whatever else you believe to be important if I want to make every shot a “keeper”. (Not likely, but good to think positive.)

I have two months to practice.

I have 3 go-to cameras: Nikon D610, Sony a7R, and a Fujifilm X100F. Lenses are somewhat scarce.

My preference is for the Nikon D610 with a Nikon 35mm-70mm 2.8D and Nikon SB-700 Speedlight (image quality, long-lasting battery, versatile lens). As a backup, I would have the Fujifilm X100F (fixed 23mm lens). And that’s it.

I’m not considering the Sony a7R. Nice camera but all I have is a 28-70mm 3.5-5.6 kit lens, and a Samyang 85mm 1.4 all-manual lens. Plus, battery life is shorter than that of a fruit fly. Have no speedlight for this camera.

Due to reduced travel gear, I haven’t considered a tripod nor light reflectors. But I will if your advice is to do so.

The wedding is a day event; before noon. So, light may be ok. Hopefully, no rain.

I’m one of those that’s intimidated by speedlights and TTL or manual adjustments, so I better get some practice in before the wedding.

Well, seems like a lot. Sorry. But would greatly appreciate your insights.

Best to all. Val
Dear Fellow Hogs, br br As in the past, you’re my... (show quote)

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Apr 11, 2018 09:44:28   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
G Brown wrote:
Your Daughter.....so pay for the damned professional and take your camera too...If you are paying he cannot stop you standing on his shoulder
Can't be too many pictures (can there)


I would count on THAT, I've heard of Professional Photographers walking off a job if they feel they are not being treated respectfully or taken seriously. Not everyone is so new at something they need every job including abusive ones. Yes, ask if you can assist or be the official second photographer. But do not mess up his or her shots or waste the pros time.

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