First Wedding Ever

photoaliphotoali Registered Users Posts: 1 Beginner grinner
edited March 28, 2009 in Weddings
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

Comments

  • ShudderzShudderz Registered Users Posts: 346 Major grins
    edited March 16, 2009
    First off, welcome to DGRIN.

    Second, check out the resources HERE
    photoali wrote:
    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.?

    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"
    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.

    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!!
    OH!, the wedding is about 2 hours away, I am a lil nervous about not knowing the area, church or reception hall.

    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 thought an engagement session would be idea but she said they didn't need them.
    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.
    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?

    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.
    She said she just wants shots of the wedding party afterwards maybe at the boardwalk or beach and shots at the reception.

    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.
    Heather
    www.heatherdunnphotography.com
    My Blog My Facebook Page
    GIVING BACK - How will you give?
    "I look at life outside of the lens and capture the world through it." -Thomas Robinson
  • time2smiletime2smile Registered Users Posts: 835 Major grins
    edited March 28, 2009
    If its not direct family get a contract deal.gif

    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?
    Ted....
    It's not what you look at that matters: Its what you see!
    Nikon
    http://www.time2smile.smugmug.com
  • katiesheridanphotographykatiesheridanphotography Registered Users Posts: 83 Big grins
    edited March 28, 2009
    Where in NJ do you live? I am a wedding photographer in DE and would actually be wiling to let you come shadow me for a few weddings to get you started in the biz. I had a great mentor who allowed me to do this same thing and it really helped me get my portfolio started! E-mail me if this is something you'd be interested in or if you have any other questions. ksheridanphoto@aol.com. p.s. I would def do a contract! Just do a google search for "wedding contracts" and you should get tons of examples! Good luck!

    Katie

    www.katiesheridanphotography.com
    photoali wrote:
    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
Sign In or Register to comment.