First Wedding Ever
I am doing my first wedding in May. ( almost 2 months to plan) I usually shoot family portraits and nature for the love of it. My niece's best friend saw some of my shots and asked if I would shoot her wedding because she could not afford the $1800 most photographers charge. (I thought that was low for a wedding package) She would cover my expenses and pay for all the printing for the referral and experience and use of the images to get started in the biz. I am excited and nervous about doing the project but I made it real clear that I have never shot a wedding. Do you think I still need to get a contract.? Also I only have one DSLR camera set up, and I know i should have 2, I am going to contact a local camera shop to see if I can rent one though. I asked the shop if they knew where I could get any experience, and they suggested calling a local photographer and asking to assist, carry bags if I had to. I'm not sure if this will work since I could be competition in the future. any suggestions? I thought about running an ad on craigslist.
OH!, the wedding is about 2 hours away, I am a lil nervous about not knowing the area, church or reception hall. I thought an engagement session would be idea but she said they didn't need them. She also said the priest did NOT allow photography during the ceremony, Should I shoot without a flash or recreate the wedding shots after the ceremony is over? She said she just wants shots of the wedding party afterwards maybe at the boardwalk or beach and shots at the reception. BUT I would like to undersell and over Deliver for future business. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks!:D
OH!, the wedding is about 2 hours away, I am a lil nervous about not knowing the area, church or reception hall. I thought an engagement session would be idea but she said they didn't need them. She also said the priest did NOT allow photography during the ceremony, Should I shoot without a flash or recreate the wedding shots after the ceremony is over? She said she just wants shots of the wedding party afterwards maybe at the boardwalk or beach and shots at the reception. BUT I would like to undersell and over Deliver for future business. Any advise is greatly appreciated. Thanks!:D
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Second, check out the resources HERE
I would say yes. I've learned in this business (the hard way) that a contract can cover your butt....even when it's "friends"
Have you checked out www.borrowlenses.com ? I've found that their rates are generally cheaper than my local camera store rental. And they usually have a greater selection of gear. I know that some other dgrinners have used them and been pleased as well. You mention 1 DSLR...if you let us know what lenses etc. you have, the dgrinners here are pretty good about letting you know what else you may need. For the most part....2 OF EVERYTHING!!
Please make that 2 hour trip before the wedding to check things out. Go about the same time as the ceremony/reception so that you have an idea on lighting situations.
I always encourage my couples to do an engagement session. The wedding I have coming up this next weekend wasn't going to. I usually explain that by doing an engagement session it kind of "breaks the ice" between them and me as the photographer. It gives me an idea of how the couple "acts" in front of the camera. Are they going to be extra stiff? Does someone blink excessively? It usually helps the couple be a bit more "relaxed" and easier to get the shots on the wedding day.
One of the last Catholic churches I shot in, I was told where I could stand (and NOT move from), and when I could and couldn't take pictures. A clause in a contract about house rules affecting the quantity/quality of shots you're able to get comes in handy in these situations. Also, I asked the priest about leaving a camera up on the balcony set by remote. I prefocused where the couple would be, and used my pocket wizards. I was allowed to use that camera even during the moments that he wouldn't allow me to shoot down in the sanctuary. It's worth asking if it's a possibility.
Shots at the beach....if this is what she's wanting, then take someone down there at the same time of day the wedding party will be there.....and practice.
I'm sure some of the others around here will have advice for you as well....but this is a start.
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Engagement photos at the beach this time of year are nice, give you a chance to view the locations also. tell the B&B you want to check the area out and get there views on posing, have a few locations set up. It will make it easier the day of the wedding.
What town is the wedding in?
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