1st Time Wedding?

Totally go for it, I agree with Fraggle and as long as they have seen the type of photos that you can produce there should not be a issue. If they are happy and do not want story book albums etc. Then do it
 
AndyB said:
Dont worry about annoying the Pros. Everyone starts somewhere and you learn more from mistakes than lessons so make the most of it.

The real pros are out doing a pro job - not wasting time sniping at beginners in here ;)
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Great post - i asked a similar question a few weeks back and was shocked at the brutal replies. People get what they pay for, they can't expect david bailey results for free....you might do a really good job and they'll be eternally gratefull. Try to get to the venue a week before and do various test shots...see what works and doesn't.

Everyone has to start somewhere and if people didn't agree to do what you're doing there'd be a lot of point & click wedding albums.

Good luck with it all and let us know how you get on :thumbs:
 
I say go for it too I have been asked to do one for my mate next year and in preparation I found some info and keep it in a text file on my pc so I can browse them at leisure...take a look and good luck.

Shots you will want to get.

Bride and her father.
Bride and family.
Bride and bridesmaids
Groom and best man.
Groom and his family.
Groom bricking it before she arrives.
Ceremony shots, couple looking at registrar, ring going on finger kinda stuff.
Outside B&G poses, couple leaving the building, confetti flying if any inc at least one large group shot and one of the two families inc B&G
Cake on it's own, couple by cake, cake being cut, any flower arrangements and or table settings.
Speeches followed by first dance....

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The wedding photography hot list
Our essential guide will ensure that none of the must-have pictures from your big day get forgottenWhile pictures of the newlyweds walking back up the aisle and gliding round the dance floor during their first dance are a must, there are many additional shots you can consider. This list will ensure your wedding album is bursting with fabulous photos of your big day...

Before the ceremony
Bride in dress
Bride with mother
Bride with father
Bride with both parents
Bride with entire family
Bride with chief bridesmaid
Bride with bridesmaids
Bride touching up make-up/hair
Mother and father
At the ceremony

Guests outside church/register office/civil venue
Bride and father getting out of car
Bride and father going into venue
Usher escorting guests
Soloist and organist
Groom and best man at the altar
Bride and father walking down the aisle
Bride and groom exchanging vows
Wide-angle view of service
Ring ceremony
Group shot at signing of register
Bridesmaids coming up aisle
Bride and groom walking up aisle
Bride and groom outside venue
Bride and groom getting into car
Before the reception

Bride
Bride and chief bridesmaid
Bride and bridesmaids
Bride, chief bridesmaid and bridesmaids
Groom
Groom and best man
Groom, best man and ushers
Bride and groom with all attendants
Bride with her parents
Bride with groom's parents
Bride with both mothers
Bride with both fathers
Bride with both sets of parents
Groom with his parents
Groom with bride's parents
Groom with both mothers
Groom with both fathers
Groom with both sets of parents
Bride and groom with bride's parents
Bride and groom with groom's parents
Bride and groom with both mothers
Bride and groom with both fathers
Bride and groom with both sets of parents
Bride and groom with entire wedding party and guests

At the reception

Bride and groom arriving
Bride and groom going into the reception
Receiving line
Group shot of all guests
General room shot
Table shots
Cake table
Bride and groom cutting the cake
Bride and groom toasting each other
Speeches
Musicians
Bride and groom's first dance
Bride and father dancing
Groom and mother dancing
Bride throwing bouquet
Catching of bouquet
Bride and groom getting into car
Rear of car as it drives off
 
Or you could try looking at the wedding instead of at a list ...
 
WeddingHack said:
Or you could try looking at the wedding instead of at a list ...
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I made a list for pics to take at my dads wedding, and I never looked at it. Seriously, how many people take lists and stick to them?

Thats not a dig, I really want to know! :)
 
The list was made for reference before the event it lists lots of different shots to think about and will give a good starting point I just dont see the point of turning up to shoot a wedding without having some idea of what you are likely to be looking to get....no one has said he should take a list and I made it to peruse between now and the 15 months before I do a wedding, at my leisure.
 
Betty said:
I made a list for pics to take at my dads wedding, and I never looked at it. Seriously, how many people take lists and stick to them?

Thats not a dig, I really want to know! :)
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I made a list to do a 60th wedding do and it proved invaluable, especially when you don't know everyone's names.

The list actually helped me to organise the event too, sort of as a plan to build the group up ie Couple, add children, add grandchildren add friends then take away from there. Just so people weren't wandering off when they were needed.
 
Some work better with a list - some better without. Nothing wrong with either.
 
dfrear said:
Well, this is the most positive "omg first wedding" thread I've ever seen on TP! Nice to see a diversion from the usual overwhelming amount of posts completely against even trying.
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surely thats how it should be !

there's some good advice in this thread :)
 
Thanks very much for the pleasant replies, i'm taking everything on board, apart from people telling me not to do it, as i have already said, its me, or nothing.

The list thing is cool, gives me a good idea of what i need to do.

have spoken to the registry office today, going down tomorrow to have a look around & take some test shots.

Have given my cousin the list of photos, and other bits, and asked her to read through & add any if she wants.

Now, next thing, i know about lenses for hire, is there something i should be thinking about getting from them? is there a lens that will make my life easier?

Also, is there anywhere that i can loan a flashgun from? I do intend to buy one, but i dont have the cash at the moment, too much going on to allow it.
 
Just a thought but do you have any where to go to take photos if the weather is poor (it is spring you know lol)
I know this sounds an odd idea, but the railway station at Morpeth is quite old fashioned, it might make for interesting shots.
It's a while since I've been there so it might be a total poop idea, but it could be worth popping in if you're passing.
 
The OP has already stated several times that it's him or nothing.

A pro is not losing any business at all by him shooting this wedding.

He has made it quite clear that he has limited kit but is looking at adding to it ASAP.

Personally I'd much rather see him get some good advice and go into a long hard day with some idea of what he is doing and a bit of confidence than tell him he should not be doing it at all. The result of which would be no decent wedding pics at all anyway!
 
Good plan, not really thought about it.

I know we are going to the Queens Hotel afterwards, had a word and there seems to be some nice rooms we can use there, and a very nice sounding antique fireplace.

Going to have a good scout about Morpeth tomorrow when i'm there.
 
Mark

have spoken to the registry office today, going down tomorrow to have a look around & take some test shots.
Have given my cousin the list of photos, and other bits, and asked her to read through & add any if she wants.
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Everybody is behind you go for and enjoy
looks like your already getting started by going to the registy office maybe there could be a wedding on and get some test shots
:clap:
 
WeddingHack said:
Or you could try looking at the wedding instead of at a list ...
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:agree: I don't bother with lists either :D

If you can view the venue beforehand that's a bonus - however use your photo instinct & shoot the darker bits with your 50mm wide open, and the rest with your 18-55

If you are shooting in raw and have a flashgun, shoot everything in WB set to flash & in aperture priority auto - then batch process them later (assuming you have a calibrated monitor)

For any awkward lighting bits (i.e. a mix of tungsten, ambient and maybe needing a touch of flash) - process them all as B&W !!!

Main thing though, try and have fun and shoot loads of images - aim for more than 1,000 and they'll be plenty of good-uns in there

I shot my first Wedding as a... you do it or there will be no photos at all... at the tender age of 15 - with a budget for just 3 rolls of 36 exp film, and that still made for a 30 page album - so you'll be fine IF you try to enjoy yourself :)

Good luck

DD
 
Been down to the Regisrty office today, it wasnt really what i was expecting, its just a small room with 40 chairs, a desk & some nice decorations.

Don't know what i was expecting, but it wasnt that.

Was able to take a few test shots, will upload them later so you can see what i'm working with, took a variety of shots with different lenses, the 50 may be too close for the size of the room, i will have to try and work out distances & get some experiments set up. the 10-20 gets the whole room in the shot, but may have some distortion, may be of use for a couple of shots, just so it has everyone in who is there. the standard lens may come into play a fair bit too.

Outside is quite nice, from the carpark there is a pathway that leads to the door, so i can get people when they are walking up, also a small garden area.

Should i think about hiring a lens from lensesforhire? a nice fast lens perhaps? or should i manage with what i have?

Also looking to buy a speedlite, not sure on the models, so will have to look into it, thinking the 420ex may be ok?

Thanks again for all the help, much appreciated.

Mark.
 
Personally I'd have a list in your pocket. It serves two purposes.

First: it is a point to return to should you find things are getting on top of you - just take it out, tick off what you have and decide on what's next (you will have enough on your mind without worrying about forgotten things!).

Second: having it in your pocket may well give you more confidence on the day, knowing that if you get stuck you can go back to just following a plan.

There's an astonishing amount fo good advice, and good-natured advice, in this thread but until you're there on the day you've no idea how hassled you might be. Planning is always good, although that goes alongside not being worried that nothing is going to plan!! :D
 
it's alive said:
Planning is always good, although that goes alongside not being worried that nothing is going to plan!! :D
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And always remember the 6 P's:

Prior Preparation Prevents **** Poor Performance
 
I've just done my first wedding, i did it for free. i didn't even bother asking for advice on here because i could already imagine the responses, so well done for posting. I just found being as organised as possible and being a little forcful when it comes to group pics. I made a list, but never used it, but it gave me confidence that i was organised. If you know how to take pictures and are well prepared you should come away with some perfectly decent shots.
The bride and groom from my wedding were really happy with my results even though i thought they just looked like a load of snapshots. They got it for free though so shouldn't complain.

I think some of the pros are a little harsh sometimes, i don't see what their problem is really, i'm sure they weren't born professional photographers and i'm also sure that some of them have offered their services for free somewhere along the line either as a photographer or an assistant. In the current economic climate i think that more people will be turning family and friends to do their weddings and if pros are annoyed at that then maybe they should start reducing their prices a little. The couple that i shot for only spent £700 on their entire wedding and the cheapest quote they got for a photographer was £780, i wonder why they didn't hire one :thinking:!

Good luck and enjoy it.
 
daz103 said:
I think some of the pros are a little harsh sometimes, i don't see what their problem is really, i'm sure they weren't born professional photographers and i'm also sure that some of them have offered their services for free somewhere along the line either as a photographer or an assistant.
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TAKE COVER!!!!!!!

Brave man Dave :lol: But you're right of course!
 
Brave, but you may have ruined the well mannered thread i had going :lol:

No worries, thanks for the help matey, i'm actually starting to look forward to it, new challange & all that.

Keep the advice & banter coming guys, everything is helpful!
 
"Crowd control"

Take the group photo with everyone in it first, then take away the parts you dont want and let them wander off. If you start with the B&G its much more difficult to find the groups to add to the photo, they will have wandered off, and many will be saying "oh you dont want me in this", and it will be a nightmare!
 
Dave P, thats a great idea, i never thought about doing it that way, could save alot of time.

Will be keeping the list in my pocket just incase i need it.

Looking at the Canon 420EX Flash, just need to find one at a decent price :)
 
Have you though about hiring in a lens for the day. A 24-70 f2.8 would be a great all purpose lens for the day. Might be worth looking into you will have a lot more flexibility.

Good luck mate. Remember if needs be, ramp up your iso. You can always convert to black and white, which the grain will add to the pic (makes up for slower glass).

I never get people with the don't do it attitude. It is you or nothing, as you have said, and therefore go for it, you have nothing to lose, and they have everything to gain.

I have to admit I turned down doing a friends wedding this summer, but they are spending a lot of money on it and would not be worth my while with my limited kit, and if it went wrong it would be a nightmare. In your case I am sure they will be delighted.

My tip is remember, most people don't care about the occasional blown highlight, bit of soft focus or not perfect angle. They just will be happy to see a pic that is better than they can take with their compact, and a memory of their big day.

Look forward to seeing the pics. If you post your test shots I am sure more advice will come your way. This whole thread makes me glad I joined this forum!
 
Ding, i have thought about hiring glass, but i wasnt sure what would be best for what i need?

will look into the 24-70 thanks.

May have to get some more memory for the day too, i have a 1gb,2gb & 4gb cards, if shooting in raw that means i have around 700 shots, thinking another 4gb should cover me?

Will be taking my two compacts aswell, just in case, i know its not the perfect backup, but its something!

Will get the test shots up after tea time when im home again.

Thanks for the help.
 
Seems cheap!

Will look into it, thanks for the heads up.
 
Out of stock, sods law :lol:
 
If batteries aren't mentioned then get a couple of spares. Plus if you get a speedlight, get some more batteries :lol:

Scout out the area, to see if there is a nice place for photos, or at least a pleasant background. When I got married we were fortunate to have a really nice garden and park behind the registery office and all the photos were taken there.

If its registery office then all liklihood you will only be able to get the bride entering, a shot from the back of the room, a mock up of the signing of the register. It is likely that you won't be able to take during the service except from the back without flash.

Make sure you get some of the groom and usher/best man before the bride arrives and perhaps some of the guests.

After the service you will obviously have a bit more time to shoot the guests informally.

Do the largest group first and make your way down to the B&G. If you can, tell the guests to goto the pub and take the B&G away for some private photo time.

Bring sweets to bribe the kiddies. Bring a white brolly or two for the bride in case it rains - also good if strong sunlight.

Make the guests laugh, have fun yourself and the photos will improve no end!

Sorry if I have repeated stuff, but best of luck :)
 
I have 3 batteries, hope that should be enough!

Been to the office, they will let me stand in the corner of the room, infront of the seated guests & alongside (all be it the other side of the room) the bride & groom, so thats pretty good, the staff were amazingly helpfull, even told me the air con controlls were right next to me, so i can adjust it to suit me :lol:

Didnt think about brollies, will have a look around town over the weekend for some nice white ones, fingers crossed we dont need them!

Thanks :)
 
My tip is remember, most people don't care about the occasional blown highlight, bit of soft focus or not perfect angle. They just will be happy to see a pic that is better than they can take with their compact, and a memory of their big day.
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Aint that the truth! Whilst pros (quite rightly) aim for a very high standard at high prices, not everyone wants or can afford that service, and will be happy with much less. On some occassions I think pros try and sell what they want to offer rather than what the public want to buy........Theres room for everyone in this market, including in this case someone who is prepared to have a go!!!
 
Here are some quick shots from the registry...

Standing in the position i have been given for the ceremony...
10-20mm
IMG_0006.jpg


Shot of where the happy couple will be...
18-55
IMG_0008.jpg


Closer...
18-55
IMG_0010.jpg


Outside, i will be standing at the top of the path in pic, facing camera...
IMG_0012.jpg


Looking down the path as they arrive, may move a bit furth down so i dont get the building in shot...
IMG_0013.jpg


Plan on standing on top of the wall, having people below me for group shots and stuff...
IMG_0015.jpg


Small garden area to take some pics if the weather is up to it...
IMG_0017.jpg


Ideas?

Please bear in mind, these shots were quickly taken, not taken for quality, just to show what i'm up against.

Thanks.
 
Interior shots should be fine, outdoors, people management and getting the right expressions will see you through with an acceptable set of pics, looking good!
 
yes, I would agree, its nice to find some positive notes. I am doing the same and have even less eqpt than yourself. D80 and nikon 55-300 lens. Again, family, and they wouldnt have a photo if I didnt. I am also not technical in the slightest. have decided to do as someone suggested though and am thinking of buying the speedlight, at least SB600 -SB900 is a tad expensive.. but good luck. will look forward to see if you post any pics of the wedding. can follow the advice myself!:gag:
 
I've got my 1st wedding coming up in Oct. Although the b&g are not expecting good shots as they know it's just a hobbie for me but I'm still bricking it. I met them outside a pub, when I was waiting for my girlfriend, I started shooting their dog, we got chatting and they asked whether I would shoot their wedding lol.

I'm going to be using a 30mm 1.4, 50-150mm 2.8 (with 1.4 TC if needed) and a 10-20. D300 as main camera and D40 as my backup. Don't expect to take more than 700 shots, so about 6gb should be fine. Going to either buy or rent a SB600 too, I want this way before the wedding though as I want to practice quite abit. Getting it on hire a day before the wedding I would be a little lost with it.

Good look with yours, can't wait to see some pictures.
 
Interior wise.......hmmmm. The main problem I can see is the pic of the Queen. It's pretty much right in your shooting line and the reflections are not brilliant either. If you can take a step to the right it could avoid that and the light to the right. The white balance should be not too difficult to deal with. Shoot everything in RAW and put the WB on flash.

It might seem like a daft thing to do but there is sound rationale behind it. If you leave the camera in AWB it will make it's best guess and you will end up having to white balance each image individually. Shoot the lot in flash and they will all be wrong..... but by the same amount..... so you can batch process them all to the right WB. Saves ages!

Outside, try to get them away from all the handrails and other rather ugly furniture and get some more natural backrdops. There are some decent leylandii there and if you shoot quite tight you should be able to get some decent stuff, light allowing.
 
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