Back in April I posted a topic looking for input/feedback on a wedding I had (reluctantly) agreed to do for one of my wife's nephews. It occurred this past Sunday, in Santa Barbara, CA. Here's an update on that experience:
I have a new found respect for all wedding photographers! I really had no idea how much work was involved in shooting a wedding! While it was an exhilarating experience, it was absolutely exhausting! Granted, I was going through a learning curve, however, standing on my feet (at age 77) for 10 hours (with one 20 minute break for dinner) did take a toll at the end of the night. I took 560 pictures, and after a first pass have done an initial culling down to 310 pictures. I edited 5 pictures of the ceremony today and sent them off to the bride and groom, and they loved them! So, I can now relax a little and go through the process of editing the entire set. I'll probably send them 200-250 pictures when I'm done.
If you might recall, I was told that there would be about 40 people at the wedding and reception...there were 105 people! I did go to the home where the wedding and reception was to be held the day before at the same time as the ceremony the next day, which really helped with me understanding the lighting and places to take the formal pictures, etc. All the family members who said they would help coordinate family members for group pictures...didn't! Thank God for my wonderful wife, who was my assistant and really saved the day!
After taking my first set of formal pictures, my on camera Nissin flash mysteriously stopped working. I totally freaked out into a cold sweat. I changed batteries, but it still wouldn't work. Then I remembered my old adage "when in doubt, re-boot." I turned my camera off, then back on and everything worked fine after that!
Am I satisfied with all the pictures I took...no. In reviewing all of the pictures on my laptop, I saw obvious composition issues I wish I not not made, but fortunately I took enough pictures so I could discard the ones I didn't like. I found myself running around like a maniac to get certain shots. Once the bride and groom kissed, they immediately started walking back up the aisle, and I had to literally quickly run up the aisle in front of them and quickly turn around to get one shot, which fortunately came out pretty good.
The last three hours (8pm-11pm) of the reception was in the dark outside, and the on camera Nissin flash on my Fuji X-T2 and the in camera flash on my Fuji X100V worked surprisingly well. I had very little experience with doing flash photography, so I'm glad that worked out. For all you Fuji shooters out there, I did shoot jpeg and RAW, and used the Pro Neg HI film simulation mode for my jpegs, which I thought came out pretty good.
Two of my wife's cousins approached me during the reception about doing their daughter's upcoming weddings, and I politely but affirmatively said "no." I will leave that to the younger wedding pros!
To all of you who initially responded back in April, thank you again! Your input really did help me!
Once I'm done editing, I'll post a couple of the wedding photos in the Wedding Discussion group.

Dear Friends

I attached a few pics (bad selfies...and a face made for radio) of the Op Tech "Reporter's Strap" that I use when hiking. The camera hanging system works perfectly for me. It is attached to the Mindshift Rotation backpack. I can carry my camera at the ready on very long hikes. I can detach the camera when needed but can shoot with the camera attached to my backpack straps. I generally do not keep a cap on the lens because I want to be able to shoot quickly when opportunity presents itself. I have no interest in Op Tech...just passing along the info.

I realize this system may not be for everyone, but fyi only.

Happy shooting and hiking.

We're already to September, where do you stand?

Did you change from JPEG+RAW to just RAW? Jpeg to save time and space.
Did you sell the equipment you didn't even use in 2019? Too attached to sell.
Did you keyword all your legacy images? I use date then description for folders..individual keywords sounds like Overkill but would make sense for LR users..
Did you replace that flimsy tripod? My tripods are solid so far.
Did you watch at least 5 training videos for the software you bought? This needs work, It is always good to learn.
Did you create a back-up of your images? Yes, but will be thinking of better methods, currently 2 external drives.
Did you start culling more aggressively? Definitely.
Did you share more images on social media? Am negligent here.
Did you shoot off of auto? Usually shoot manual.
Did you change to mirrorless? Am happy with current gear.
Did you use that prime lens?ost shots are with old Nikon primes. Love them.
Did you buy some film? Nope, and I need to shoot the film I got before it degrades.
These were good questions.

Just lately the kids gave me a snorkeling mask. Now I am discovering another place to shoot!
Here are the questions:
1. Get a case for my DSLR (Nikon D7000, 18-105). I don't want to use the D750. If you recommend a case, how good are they? Safe to protect the camera? Have you actually used it? (Actual experience is preferred). It is for snorkeling.
2. Is it better to go with a camera? Which do you recommend? (NOT going to buy professional level camera). To those who help looking at specs and recommend equipment, that help is much appreciated.
3. Since waters here in South Florida is not always that transparent, should I get a light?
4. How do you recommend I tell the wife? ( Most difficult question and best asked in another forum.

Looking forward to replies. Thank you

Sometimes an image simply “works”. When it does, take it. For this image, I literally sat for 25 minutes waiting for sun to drop into the right position. My most successful image in terms of competitions (Five best in shows; wins at local, state, national levels) and sales (my best selling image; large framed print sells for $1K+).

As to what you’re missing ... possibly nothing. Some people simply don’t find some subject matter interesting. I, for example, have no interest in portraits or photographing people. The key point, however, is one’s attitude toward other photographers who do find those subjects interesting. Maybe they have an ability or insight that you don’t! You may not be the type of photographer who would even venture into the area where this image was taken. You might not have been willing to do the wait needed to get the shot. You might not have even recognized the potential shot had you been there!