My first photography job - help!

[Neville Bailey]

I've been asked to be the official photographer at a wedding, and I am both excited and terrified!

What should I do? I have no idea how to prepare for something like this and I am scared that I might botch it up and ruin the bridal couple's special day. On the other hand, I feel honoured and excited to take on the challenge.

I've been asked to give them a quote, but I have no idea how much I should charge, if at all.

I've made it clear that I have not done anything like this before.

Any tips or advice to this novice?

[AndyD]

Congratulations on your first professional photography job, it was only a matter of time me thinks.

If you need any help setting up a new photography company profile in Pastel I'm only a PM away

As for advice on the job, with weddings it would be a good idea to go with two of everything, two cameras, two sets of lighting etc etc. I'd also take an assistant with you, it's a high workload. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[adrianh]

The best is probably to phone a couple of wedding photograpers and tell them that you need to find out what it would cost....you are very excited about your daughters upcoming wedding...then you can probe them on their charges etc. Most of them charge a flat Event rate and then cost per photograph produces. They never give the client the res images so that the client is able to reproduce the images themselves. I read somewhere that there are a couple of things that you should do, have a battery grip or at least a couple of spare batteries, take exposure bracketed photograps i.e. Program the camera to automatically take one pic with exposure -1 stop, 0 stop and +1 stop so that you can choose from the three photographs.

There are some things that many photographers do that really annoy me, they pitch up in dirty jeans and have no regard for the context of the event, they put light anywhere without thinking about the guests and they position themselves anywhere and everywhere. I think the trick is to photograph the event in such a way that your presence doesn't annoy the guests too much. A way to do this is to use telephoto lenses and off camera flashes.

You could also get to the venue an hour or two before the wedding camera and laptop in hand. You could then take sample photographs at the various expected positions at the venue, download them and check them and note down on a notepad what the best camera setups are for each spot (camera settings, lenses, lighting etc). Then you dont have to fiddle with the camera trying to set it up in real time. I think that going through this procedure will also calm the nerves because you will feel comfortable that your pics will come out great because you proved it by doing the tests.

[Dave S]

Congrats on your first pro-job Neville, lots more to come I'm sure.

[KimH]

Congrats indeed!
I am sure you will do a superb job on the day

[Mike C]

Very good advice from Andy D

it would be a good idea to go with two of everything

As well as from AdrianH

I think the trick is to photograph the event in such a way that your presence doesn't annoy the guests too much.

When you arrive at the church, talk to the officiating minister/priest/pastor and ask what is and is not allowed in the church. It is very embarrassing to get chewed out in the middle of the service because you have taken a photo at the wrong time or got in the way.

Best shots for in church (if allowed) Bridal entrance - Father kissing bride - Vows - Rings - Blessing by minister - signing of register (best to let everyone sign first, and then you can pose them for shots with a small bouquet on the register - both hands on the table) - confetti (or whatever) as they come out of the church.

Visit a few websites for ideas. Try www.nielendk.co.za - she has the amazing ability of capturing the bride and groom just before or after the "pose". Makes for a much more natural look.

[Mike C]

My wife has also added that it is a good idea to ask the bride if she has any specific shots that she wants. Eg - some specifically want bride with the grannies - or bride with sisters - or something like that.

[Citizen X]

I think that you will do just fine!

[Neville Bailey]

Thanks to everyone who has offered advice and support, and I am humbled by the general vote of confidence expressed in my ability to carry off this job.

However, my initial excitement has given way to absolute terror, and I am inclined to not do it after all.

I also posted my original post on a photography forum to which I belong, and the almost unanimous response is that I should not even contemplate something like this, without having done at least a few stints as an assistant photographer to a pro.

The last thing I want to do is not meet the expectations of the bridal couple, in spite of their pleading that I will be ok.

I'm not sure if any of you have picked up that I don't take many pictures of people - perhaps that is an indication that this kind of photography is not my strength?

[pmbguy]

Hi Neville

Perhaps you should find a Wedding photographer who does not have a job scheduled that day and secure them as a professional assistant for the wedding. You could split the profit. Having the other photographer there will put you at ease and you will have a perfect opportunity to learn, at one go, how to do weddings.

In any event, I wish you luck I know you will do well. I am always impressed by your photos

[Mike C]

If the bride and groom know you, then they have a pretty good idea of what you can do.

You could get a feel for it by asking them to have an informal shoot one weekend which you could give to them as a wedding present. Take them to a park and pose them for a few photos. Have him on his knees with an engagement ring ... them leaning against a tree ... her messing his hair ... a loving kiss ...

If they come out well you might feel more confident. If you are not happy, then you know where you stand.

[wynn]

If you can't turn around fast enough get your assistant to take a photo of the Groom as the Bride enters the aisle of the Church and he gets his first view of her, PRICELESS!!!

[Zesty App Services]

I like Nivelle's idea! I used to DJ at big weddings and know that there is a level stress involved in getting things done just right as many couples take there wedding day very seriously. My tips would be also to get an assistant, be there very early for the event and to have backup equipment just in case something brakes.

Good luck!

[Dave A]

I also posted my original post on a photography forum to which I belong, and the almost unanimous response is that I should not even contemplate something like this, without having done at least a few stints as an assistant photographer to a pro.

The last thing I want to do is not meet the expectations of the bridal couple, in spite of their pleading that I will be ok.

I'm not sure if any of you have picked up that I don't take many pictures of people - perhaps that is an indication that this kind of photography is not my strength?

I've chewed over that a bit, and would point out that you tend to be pretty diligent in your approach - so there is a flip side to their point. However, given your current portfolio, the point is well made.

So my answer would be (if the opportunity to be a pro's assistant before the event doesn't arise), research, practice and experiment, just as you have up to now.

The challenges would be flash positioning, filler flash settings, soft skin settings (particularly for close-ups), dealing with challenging light conditions (both indoor and outdoor), and paying close attention not only to the primary object, but also the background (in its entirety).

There's also that challenge of getting people to smile naturally, and getting group photos with everyone's eyes open and looking the right way at the same time

When it comes to the candid shots, I'm sure you'll do well. You've already displayed the instincts before.

[wynn]

Just go for it, remember FISH (f^@k it s#!t happens) be prepared, also it may be a good idea to attend the rehearsal and take as many piccies as you would but remember the light may be different because rehearsals are usually in the evenings.
By checking out the rehearsal pictures you will get pretty much a good idea of where you need to be and what you need to do to get the best in the church, obviously you are pretty much OK with outdoor pictures but you will need to follow the Bride from mid morning, beauty parlor, getting dressed, driving to the church etc. don't forget the Bride and Grooms mothers then the reception with the cake, garter and bouquet and finally the departure.
It will be a long day, hope your sugar levels stay normal.