First wedding job.

[KurTz]

My friend gets married on Saturday,and being as I'm a bit of an amatuer photographer he asked me to do the photo's for his wedding.

I thought about it hard and agreed as he's a good friend and they have'nt got much cash to be throwing about.

Problem is this, Initially he told me 20-30 people at the wedding, its now 60. And I've no experience of Portrait photography as I tend to do Scenery and Landscape shots. With this in mind I'm now starting to get nervous. I'm not backing out however cos at this late stage he'll have no-photo's.

Just looking for any tips and pointers that anyone could give to make the Bride and Groom's photo's a little better.

I'll be using a Pana FZ30, not the greatest camera for the job I know, but Ive took some great shots on it and I think it will be up to the task.

 

[Matt]

Here's the most important thing for wedding photography: have a backup camera! If you are the main photographer then don't go with just one camera as it could go very badly wrong.

Are you in a position to be able to borrow a DSLR before the wedding so you can get to know it a bit? or could you hire one? as you'd probably be better off doing that.

Where are you shooting? in a church? outside? big hall? marquee? find that out as you should know so that you can plan. Also what style shots are you aiming to get? The usual group shots, or more candid?

Anyway, find as much out about the venue as you can, and try to think of a style you'd like to go for. Also make sure they know not to expect to much, as you could be under a lot of un-needed pressure otherwise!

Good luck

 

[morgan]

I'll try to be perfectly honest with you. Explain now to your friend of your concearns and make sure he knows, and especially his future wife knows about your concerns. Ensure you are not the only egg in his basket so to speak. Make sure other people are snapping away.

The increase in the number of people is infact a good thing. More opportunity.

What exactly has he asked you to do?

If there is anything I can help you out with on a technical advice side just say. My main advice is to be prepared. Run through the day in your head and on paper and ensure you know the pan inside out. Scenarios, camera settings, the order of the day, who is who, the couples prefrences etc

I think your gear should be ok but ensure you have a backup plan. even borrow a p&s for the day. batteries, CF cards etc.

If you need a cribsheet just ask.

most of all try to relax, enjoy the day and the shots will be fine. The big day is not a day to try out new stuff technically. If you are unsure put the camera in auto mode and snap away.

good luck

 

[SDK^]

A few tips

• An obvious one but worth while mentioning - Ensure your batteries are fully charged and you have some spare.
• If everyone else is taking the same the shot as you then try and make yours individual, think about backgrounds, composition etc
• If you're taking group photos then make sure everyone is looking at you, take a couple of shots for each photo to cover yourself, just in case someone blinks.
• Try and get as many good natural shots as you can. This is very hard as capturing the right moment/expression requires perfect timing.

 

[Jimmy_Lemon]

My dad was a pro wedding photographer for years and I tagged along a fair few times. One big tip I would give you is that if you have been asked to take the photos make it clear to everyone there that you are in charge of any groups shots etc. Don't get pushed to the back and don't be affraid to arrange the shot how you want it. It sounds rude but its the only way!

This is especially important with shots of the happy couple - you dont want to be fighting for possition. What I would recommend is doing the group shots first (Everyone, Brides Family, Grooms Family, Groom and best man/men, Bride and bridesmaids, Groom and parents, bride and parents, bride and groom with both sets of parents....etc) then try and take the bride and groom somewhere - even if it is just 50 yards further away infront of some trees or something - you will find that the some of the group will follow but hopefully the rest will stay where you were and start chatting etc.

The main tip though is make yourself heard and dont be affraid to arrange stuff - if there is a best man befriend him (if you havent already) and get him to gather the different groups you want.

Also all the points above - make sure you have a backup of some sort and dont be affraid to take extra shots to make sure you get some good ones.

Hope that all makes sence

Have fun

P.S Also dont be affraid to control the walking up and down the aisle part (if there is an aisle) can get some nice shots on the aisle normally - though they tend to be better after the wedding as they dont look so scared

Would try and stop them part way down the aisle and try and get a nice shot of them and the church/registery office in the background with all the people either side looking at them. Sometimes works - sometimes looks cheesy as hell .

Also, try and get a shot just after the ring sequence, its normally a time when they both look very happy and are holding hands - if you can get one with them looking at each other there too its a bonus. Again don't be affraid about walking around the side or near the front. Everywhere is use to it - its what wedding photographers do. But obviously have some common sence and dont interupt the service (or step onto the alter or anything religious - keeping to the sides at the front tends to be best)

P.P.S (last one I promise) - I would try and get the confetti shot if you can, its cheesy but looks nice. This though does require you being on the ball though and not letting it happen without you knowing.

Overall remember that these are going to form part of their memories of the day - so dont be affraid to make sure you get the perfect shots. They will soon forget the pushy photographer but the photos they will have forever!