Wedding photography tips?

Question

I just got a Canon eos rebel t1i and am trying to start a business with my mom (she's good at poses). A friend of my families is having a wedding soon and they don't have a photographer yet and said I might be able to.
Anyways I have already figured out how the camera works pretty well, I just need some tips or ideas.
The bride is very artsy.
I have a tripod and a 2x macro lens and that's all the equipment I have. I've been taking pictures of my sister, myself, my pets, and nature for a while but I've never really taken any of some I don't know well besides my mom's cousin's daughter. Please help, the wedding is June 16th!
Thank you! :)

Answer 1

Which side does the bride go on in group shots?

How are you going to pose all 8 of the wedding party, and all 20 in the groom's extended family?

What shot list are you working from?

What time should you start?

How do you use the ambient light, or your flash to retain the detail in the bust area, without it being super bright?

What are the 10 most important shots at the reception?

What are the church rules for flash photography?

Where should you be when the bride and her dad enter on the processional?

What is your payment policy?

Do you have a credit card machine?

Do you have an established business with a name that is registered, and tax forms on file with the state?

Do you have a CPA? Or, do you need one?

What are you going to do when the brides mom tells you she doesn't want to be in any photos with the brides dad (her ex) but the bride wants her in the photos?

What are you going to do when the couple file for divorce a couple weeks after the wedding, and want all their money back?





If you can't answer at least half of these questions, you need to learn them prior to shooting a paying job. You also need:

1. backup camera

2. wide angle lens.

3. Telephoto lens.

4. Back up flash, and any cords your use (battery/pc/triggering/etc)

5. Contract

6. Model releases

7. liability insurance

8. You also need the mid-set that if you are not making at least $800 per wedding in one year, that you need to quit.

9. do you have the "workflow" worked out? What happens after you get home with the images? DON"T just put them on a CD and give them to the client. If they go to the local drug store and get crappy prints, your name and reputation will be associated with those images.You can kill your business in short order.

10 Do you have a photo editing software that you are proficient at using? How about Adobe Lightroom? That is what most wedding photographers use.



Call a local wedding photographer and let them know that you want to learn from them, and that you will assist them for free. You will do yourself and lots of brides a huge service.

Answer 2

I am glad to see that you realize this as "something of great importance", as it truly is, but what concerns me is that you are putting this couples most cherished wedding memories at great risk. Don't do it! The job of a wedding photographer should not be taken lightly. It takes a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to be able to deliver a quality job. Unlike portrait or engagement photography, you do not get the chance to redo it if the images do not come out...there is only one opportunity to get these images right and it takes a tremendous amount of knowledge and coordination on the photographers part to make it happen. It is my opinion that no one should ever take on a wedding job until they have been a second shooter at a few weddings to gain experience and become familiar with the flow of the day as well as any issues that may arise. If you are looking to break into the industry you should consider joining one of the wedding photography forums. I know the DWF has a mentoring forum where you can learn from your peers. I really do hope that you reconsider or at least tell the couple your concerns and perhaps offer to shoot the wedding for free to gain experience, that is, if they are willing. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm going to be honest here.



You have a low line camera, no decent lenses, no backup camera, no lighting, no reflectors, no flashguns, no experience, and the list goes on and on.



You WILL ruin you friends wedding day.



What are you going to do if the camera stops working half way though the day, what are you going to do if the subject is too dark, how you going to get rid of those shadows on the brides face, YOU CANNOT DO IT.



I was going to start doing wedding photography, i only have a Rebel XS, and then i realised, i am not good enough to photographs the brides most important day of her life, i not only didnt have the right equipment but i didnt have the guts.



I think it's such a bad idea, you're going to ruin her day, and you name is going to get tarnished as a photographer.



Dont Do It. You'll be Sorry.

Answer 4

What if I were to say: "I just bought a used Chevy Impalla. Its my first car, and I plan on racing it in NASCAR this summer."



Would you think that is a good idea?



No?



Well I think that is exactly what you are suggesting here. You have a bottom of the line camera, no experience, no lenses, and no back up gear.





I am 100% confident that you will ruin your friend's wedding.





My tip: Politely admit to your friend that you lack the equipment and know-how to photograph a wedding, and apologize for offering to do it. Then suggest she try to find a different photographer.





Since I am relatively certain that you will ignore my advice and shoot it anyways, you should have the couple sign a contract stating that you make no warranty as to the quality of the images and in now way are you responsible for any amount above and beyond the service fee. That way you won't get sued for thousands of dollars.

Answer 5

I did a practicum in the EEG lab last summer and did a behavioral analysis thesis on the suggested neurology of cell phone behaviors which was published in the International Journal of Business and Social Science.



I think I'll crack open that skull o' yo' grandpa and see why he keeps calling you :Cindy Sue. And I'll find out exactly what "Cut me a switch" means while I'm in there.





Really, I have no idea how to cut open a head and do anything to a brain. I am relativity celebrated in my academic circles but there is no way I do anything but write papers. Just because you own a new camera and your mom knows about posing does not mean you can perform as a professional photographer. Professional doesn't mean quality nor money. It means you will deliver a consistent product on demand. Weddings are not something to eff around with. Just as you don't want me making your grandpa to sing Moonglow everytime a door slams, People don't want pop flashed, awkward pictures of their wedding.

Answer 6

I was recently invited to shoot a coworker's wedding after he had seen some of own work. I mentioned that I had 1) Never shot a wedding, and 2) wasn't a professional photographer. I suggested that he keep his hired professional, but offered to take a secondary set of shots for free, as a way to increase my portfolio and my experience.



In the end, I took the more, candid shots, of the wedding, and stayed out of the professionals way of getting the "typical" wedding photographs. After comparing the two sets, he and his new mother-in-law both spoke quite highly of my own work, and he offered to recommend me to anyone who got married at his church.



Sometimes starting off isn't about making the money, its about learning, getting your name out there, and knowing what you can and cannot do right off the bat.

Answer 7

K.I.S.S. is the best advice. Better to have lots of "safe" images than a bunch of shots where you attempted to get "artistic" and failed. Believe me I have been there and done that. Nothing is more heartbreaking than having the bride's joyous face turn to tears upon seeing your "artistic" images. So, I suggest getting the standard formally posed images AND then if you have the time get some "artsy" images also. That way everyone will be happy. Remember, not only does the bride need to be "picture happy" so does her mother! HAPPY WEDDING TO THEM :)

Answer 8

Hi,



You need to start to taking the photography from pre marriage to post marriage session and try to capture all the good moments for best memories. Focus on quality rather than quantity.



Thanks,

Asad Farooq Photography