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Shooting a wedding with zero experience
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Sep 9, 2018 06:28:38   #
Haydon
 
Sounds like a great opportunity being disowned :)

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Sep 9, 2018 06:49:52   #
johneccles Loc: Leyland UK
 
I wouldn't do it without explaining your reasons, if these are acceptable the wedding group go ahead. If you get a chance call into another wedding and watch what the photographer doess.

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Sep 9, 2018 07:14:58   #
Jimmy T Loc: Virginia
 
What could (will) possibly go wrong???. . . . Now multiply that "Seventy times seventy", and run as fast as you can. Remember; apprentice, practice, and then perform. . . If you insist on this insanity seek help from the experts in the Wedding Photography section of the UHH forum. Good luck to you on this new photographic journey and be sure to post your best shots. JimmyT sends. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-118-1.html
aly1235 wrote:
One of my family members asked me to shoot their wedding after firing 2 photographers due to price. I told them I was unsure due to the fact I’m not even close to a professional and I basically shoot in auto most of the time (I know, I’m working on it). I took a few pictures of their dogs playing before and based on those pictures they decided I was a great photographer (see pics below). Anyway, I told them if they really needed me I would do my best but I could not promise anything and they said that was fine and they’d pay me a little too. So I’m asking those with experience for tips and tricks. I only have a canon t6, an 18-55 mm lens, a 75-300 mm lens, 0.43x wide angle lens 55mm and 2.2 x telephoto lens 52 mm. I wanted to buy an off camera flash but that is not an option for me right now due to money. I know I’m very limited on equipment but what lenses would be best for the ceremoney, reception, group shots, etc. Also, what settings should I have my camera on? I read on a few sites that aperture priority is best for weddings. Opinions? Thank you!!
One of my family members asked me to shoot their w... (show quote)



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Sep 9, 2018 07:16:09   #
traderjohn Loc: New York City
 
aly1235 wrote:
One of my family members asked me to shoot their wedding after firing 2 photographers due to price. I told them I was unsure due to the fact I’m not even close to a professional and I basically shoot in auto most of the time (I know, I’m working on it). I took a few pictures of their dogs playing before and based on those pictures they decided I was a great photographer (see pics below). Anyway, I told them if they really needed me I would do my best but I could not promise anything and they said that was fine and they’d pay me a little too. So I’m asking those with experience for tips and tricks. I only have a canon t6, an 18-55 mm lens, a 75-300 mm lens, 0.43x wide angle lens 55mm and 2.2 x telephoto lens 52 mm. I wanted to buy an off camera flash but that is not an option for me right now due to money. I know I’m very limited on equipment but what lenses would be best for the ceremoney, reception, group shots, etc. Also, what settings should I have my camera on? I read on a few sites that aperture priority is best for weddings. Opinions? Thank you!!
One of my family members asked me to shoot their w... (show quote)


Okay.... here is what you do. To that person you see in the mirror, shout out and say F...NO!!!!!!!

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Sep 9, 2018 07:31:13   #
billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
 
aly1235 wrote:
One of my family members asked me to shoot their wedding after firing 2 photographers due to price. I told them I was unsure due to the fact I’m not even close to a professional and I basically shoot in auto most of the time (I know, I’m working on it). I took a few pictures of their dogs playing before and based on those pictures they decided I was a great photographer (see pics below). Anyway, I told them if they really needed me I would do my best but I could not promise anything and they said that was fine and they’d pay me a little too. So I’m asking those with experience for tips and tricks. I only have a canon t6, an 18-55 mm lens, a 75-300 mm lens, 0.43x wide angle lens 55mm and 2.2 x telephoto lens 52 mm. I wanted to buy an off camera flash but that is not an option for me right now due to money. I know I’m very limited on equipment but what lenses would be best for the ceremoney, reception, group shots, etc. Also, what settings should I have my camera on? I read on a few sites that aperture priority is best for weddings. Opinions? Thank you!!
One of my family members asked me to shoot their w... (show quote)


Weddings are FAMILY events. Ask the bride and GROOM what family shots they would like, favorite uncle, grandparents, brothers, sisters. Have the bride and groom compile a list. Advise them that these family shots are best shot at the church where the distractions of a receptions are kept to a minimum. Ask them to to have the priest/official to announce that all family should stay at the church for photo's. Check with the church on timing, make sure you will have about an hour for this session. Make sure to attend the rehearsal so that everyone in the bridal party knows you and check with priest/official on wedding shots and church protocol.

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Sep 9, 2018 07:39:31   #
jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida
 
aly1235 wrote:
One of my family members asked me to shoot their wedding after firing 2 photographers due to price. I told them I was unsure due to the fact I’m not even close to a professional and I basically shoot in auto most of the time (I know, I’m working on it). I took a few pictures of their dogs playing before and based on those pictures they decided I was a great photographer (see pics below). Anyway, I told them if they really needed me I would do my best but I could not promise anything and they said that was fine and they’d pay me a little too. So I’m asking those with experience for tips and tricks. I only have a canon t6, an 18-55 mm lens, a 75-300 mm lens, 0.43x wide angle lens 55mm and 2.2 x telephoto lens 52 mm. I wanted to buy an off camera flash but that is not an option for me right now due to money. I know I’m very limited on equipment but what lenses would be best for the ceremoney, reception, group shots, etc. Also, what settings should I have my camera on? I read on a few sites that aperture priority is best for weddings. Opinions? Thank you!!
One of my family members asked me to shoot their w... (show quote)


I’d tell them $10,000 but I’d tell them I’d not only shoot pictures but Tell camers Video shoot as well. Then hire a professional company.

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Sep 9, 2018 07:41:15   #
Feiertag Loc: British Columbia, Canada
 
You got to start somewhere. Do the best you can. If you have a friend that is into photography, bring them along as a backup/assistant. Cheers.

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Sep 9, 2018 07:49:56   #
ELNikkor
 
swim away! swim away!

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Sep 9, 2018 07:50:32   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
"My opinion: just say "NO.""

I am entirely in agreement. You do not have the experience to shoot a wedding and you do not have the lenses that will make the job easier. Flash is an important part of the gear needed to do weddings.
Regardless of what they say a wedding is an important event, it could be the most important day for the couple. If you ruin that day with poor or mediocre quality images I am sure they are not going to be very happy even when they say it is OK now.
DO NOT DO IT.

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Sep 9, 2018 07:52:08   #
Alb Loc: Lehigh Valley area, Pennsylvania
 
As a minister with over 500 weddings of experience, DON’T agree to do the shoot.

A. You don’t have the experience. What’s going to happen when your photos, no matter how good they may be, aren’t “perfect?” Based on what little info you’ve given about the couple, they are going to be difficult to please. I think this may well create a wide spread family “situation,” with family members beyond the bridal couple getting involved.

B. I always advise a couple to plan their budget with the photographer being hired first. That is the ONE thing that will last past the wedding day, except hopefully, the marriage.

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Sep 9, 2018 08:13:27   #
mgoldfield
 
via the lens wrote:
My opinion: just say "NO."


Ditto!



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Sep 9, 2018 08:23:48   #
davyboy Loc: Anoka Mn.
 
aly1235 wrote:
One of my family members asked me to shoot their wedding after firing 2 photographers due to price. I told them I was unsure due to the fact I’m not even close to a professional and I basically shoot in auto most of the time (I know, I’m working on it). I took a few pictures of their dogs playing before and based on those pictures they decided I was a great photographer (see pics below). Anyway, I told them if they really needed me I would do my best but I could not promise anything and they said that was fine and they’d pay me a little too. So I’m asking those with experience for tips and tricks. I only have a canon t6, an 18-55 mm lens, a 75-300 mm lens, 0.43x wide angle lens 55mm and 2.2 x telephoto lens 52 mm. I wanted to buy an off camera flash but that is not an option for me right now due to money. I know I’m very limited on equipment but what lenses would be best for the ceremoney, reception, group shots, etc. Also, what settings should I have my camera on? I read on a few sites that aperture priority is best for weddings. Opinions? Thank you!!
One of my family members asked me to shoot their w... (show quote)

I did the same as you years ago and the family just said do the best you can. Some pics turned out some not so much but the family was thankful!
If it’s just a fun wedding for family do it

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Sep 9, 2018 08:24:58   #
wteffey Loc: Ocala, FL USA
 
I was in the same situation a few years ago. Although I had the equipment, I just did not want the responsibility. I offered to lead what is now called a "crowd fund" to pay for a pro but the couple thanked me for my efforts and declined the offer. Just before the wedding began I realized that they did not have a professional photographer (due to the expense) and I set up my equipment and vowed to do the best I could. As did two other amateurs at the wedding. Between the three of us we accumulated a rather nice photo set and enjoyed the friendly competition to product the most keepers.

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Sep 9, 2018 08:27:03   #
Nikon1201
 
I would say no . I’m sure you had heard horror stories of displeased brides and their photos. Even doing it for free it is her day and the photos aren’t perfect guess who is going to catch hell , YOU, don’t do it.

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Sep 9, 2018 08:34:46   #
BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan
 
TriX wrote:
I think the appropriate setting is to place your camera back in the bag and decline. ...

Amen! I've taken some decent photos myself but never a wedding, and I wouldn't know where to start so I would never - I don't have money to buy the lights, I don't yet have intuitive knowledge of settings, I want to stay friends with my family. How many not-so-good photos did you take to get the good ones? For a wedding you need to get excellent ones in a hurry.

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