1st Time Wedding?

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mantamark

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Yes
Oh dear God.

Just had my dad on the phone, my cousin has decided she is getting married, and its dead short notice, now she doesnt have much money and has asked me, seeing as i have a camera, would i do it.

Now, part of me is jumping with joy, i'm not doing it for money, i'm happy as its something i've always wanted to have a go at.

Problem is, i'm bricking it.

I don't exactly have the best kit, and have little experience in general, i have mostly shot animals & landscape, so doing a wedding as my first human shots, kinda scares me.

What if i cock it up?

Basically, the point of this post is, does anyone have any tips, tricks of the trade or anything like that?

Its going to be set at a registry office, so no grand buildings, but i do know she has a dress, so should look rather pretty, is there anything i can do to improve the pics i will take?

I have already started shooting in Raw, so i can adjust the photos after.

Im hoping for some nice weather, as there is a park with a river near by for some shots afterwards, but if the weather turns bad, is there anything i can do?

Will be shot in Morpeth, Northumberland.

See my sig for gear list, is there anything in there i should rule out for shooting with?

Think there will be around 30-40 people, but im hoping to confirm numbers.

Again, any advice would be much appreciated as i'm now worried about it!

Thanks.

Mark.
 
here we go again............

just say NO - you'll be doing them a BIG favour.
 
Just make sure cousin knows you are not professional. Make sure she is prepared to take the risk that there might not be any decent pictures because you've never done it before and don't have the kit a pro would use. Make sure there will be no come back on you if it all goes wrong. Be aware of your limitations and make sure she is also aware of them.

Then enjoy the day.

You are going to struggle with the indoor shots with your lenses. Best bet is to work inside with the 50mm 1.8 if you can but don 't use it wide open otherwise you'll never get focus fast enough.

Outside - keep an eye on the sun and background so you dont end up with flare or squinting eyes from the B&G.

But if you're still worried about it then you should probably say no.
 
Spend the weekend taking family pictures then show them the results. If they are happy with the quality of your pictures then you can discuss from there. My advice would be to practise, a lot! Also do some research, this has been covered many times.
 
Basically, if i dont do it, they will be using compact cameras, i think i must have the most advanced kit in the family :O

She knows i'm not a pro, but has seen some of my stuff before, there is no way she can afford a pro, new kid on the block(hence the speedy marrige)

I do realise that this will have been covered alot, and i am also searching for threads, just thought i would post my own incase anyone has any specific advice, though after reading some of the threads i'm concerned i will annoy some of the pro's, so fingers crossed i wont start a heated battle.

i'm just after advice, if i was in her shoes, i would have planned a bit more & saved up for a pro(thats what i will be doing when its my turn to take the plunge)

thanks.
 
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 ;)
 
Sorry I can't be much help with the technical aspects, but I would say to visit Morpeth first and suss out a few places if you're going to go to the park.

The garden at the registry office isn't too bad if the weather is fine.

One suggestion for big group shot would be to get everyone together bunched in nice and tight and stand on the wall leading up to the main door so everyone is looking up at you. I know it sounds naff but we had this shot taken (at Morpeth Reg office) and it works really well.

Start practicing. Good luck, enjoy!!
 
I'd say have an idea of which formal groups you want to shoot, and of courswe ask the happy couple of any formal shots they want. I don't shoot weddings, but do a fair bit of stuff with work that can get hairy at times, and my best advice for that is stay frosty, don't flap, and don't let nerves get the better of you. I'm sorry I can't be more help!
 
Thanks for the advice, the more that i think of it, the more i think, what can she expect for free!

I'm going to get down to Morpeth this weekend with the camera & scope it out, thanks for that advice!

Loopy, if you dont mind, could you post, or point me in the direction of some of your shots from the day? i understand if you dont want to though.

Thinking the 50 will be used, will it be worth using the 10-20 for group shots, or would this not be suitable?

Thanks, still reading other threads too!
 
If you have cash pick up a speedlight and stofen, google 'a better bounce card' to get nice pics outside of the ceremony (flash is often frowned upon during).

How long do you have? is it short notice a month or short notice 48 hours?

Get your family and start practicing and playing and experimenting.

Make sure they know that this isn't your thing and their could be teething issues (hence the practicing)
 
Mark,

As jolsterj said , one thing that might help is write/type up a list of shots you think you need (bride, groom, B&G, B+parents, G+parents, B&G + parents, bridesmaids, ushers, (both), Brides family, Grooms family, group, etc). Go to your cousin and see what she thinks and if she wants to add any and have it with you on the day to tick off what you've done. That way you won't be thinking 'did I take the so and so shot?' which mught help you relax a bit.

A good thing to do is appoint someone with the task of rounding everyone up.

I'd also speak to the registry office before hand to see what they will allow as well.

I don't envy you that's for sure. I took photos for my sister-in-law at her youngests Christening last month (she asked halfway through the service!). The Church and Font shots were fine, but I quickly came to the conclusion I can't do portraits or candid shots very well yet (they were snaps at best, but she's happy as it captured the spirit of the day).

Hope you enjoy the day regardless and get the practice in with the family - you never know you may well come out with a few corkers
 
Its next weekend (18th), so short enough!

Speedlight & stofen, will look into that, was thinking about lighting, another bunch of threads to look at ;)

Will get the camera in to work tomorrow & get some shots at lunch time, will be some willing "subjects" there i can practice on.
 
Carol, i will go over & see her one night this week, see what she wants exactly, will be something im sure i will gain alot of experience from, quite looking forward to it now i'm over the initial shock!

Going to ring the Registry Office tomorrow, see if i can speak to someone, and possibly visit to see what they have there.

Is there a general setup people might do, ie during the service, where should i be based, can i move around, or is that normally frowned upon?

Thanks again for all the advice, much appreciated.
 
As for moving around the registrar will tell you what he/she allows.

some are very easy going some are miserable gits ha ha.


Please write list of shots to tick off it does make the time easier.


good luck
 
Hiya
I was in your situation not so long ago, and still learning the technical side of things. But the one thing i can tell you that helped me loads is that the more preparation you do in advance the better. Find out what the bride and Grooms expectations are and the sort of pitures that they want traditional reportage etc. Make your shot lists so if you have a mental block you have a list you can refer to.(there are certain shots you absolutley should not miss)
Go see the venue and speak to the registrar to find out what you can and Can't do and take some practice shots of the venue at a similiar time of the day to the wedding so you have an idea of lighting and photo opportunities. If possible have a mini shoot with the couple first so they can get to know you and Vice versa. And look at lots of different photographers style to find out what sort of shots work and what looks good. Research, research reseach.... Finally, relax a little try to get people laughing on the day (makes for nicer pictures) and remember to breathe.

Best of luck

Jo
 
Shoot as much as you can over the next few days, get as familiar with the camera in your hand as you can. It's very short notice but here goes......

White balance can be a right pain, in your shoes, if mixed lighting is a problem don't get too concerned over the technicalities of custom white balances, leave the camera in AWB and you can adjust in RAW or (sneaky tip time) Convert to B&W

During the ceremony position yourself to shoot towards the Bride, a quick word with the officials should give you a spot where you can shoot from. Read up on the ceremony so you know what are the key moments and make sure you get the vows, ring exchanges and the kissing bit!

Entrances and exits are also mandatory, Bride's arrival too.

It is always worth keeping an eye on other members of the family for those little emotional moments.

Speeches, you will struggle a bit with your kit. You may need to move about a bit with the 50mm, try not to get in the way of the guests too much but get at least one good shot of each speaker.

Don't forget the details, shoes, flowers, order of service, rings, table settings etc.

And drink plenty of water, you are in for a day of hard work.

One that I wish you all the best with :)
 
Thanks Ali, i'm writing all these points down in my notebook & will write them up tomorrow so i have a definitive list of things i need to do, every little bit helps!

Good job i've got a big gob, otherwise i may have bitten off more than i can chew!

Will get everything cleaned / charged / checked tomorrow & look into getting an off camera flash asap.

Thanks.
 
mantamark said:
Thanks Ali, i'm writing all these points down in my notebook & will write them up tomorrow so i have a definitive list of things i need to do, every little bit helps!

Good job i've got a big gob, otherwise i may have bitten off more than i can chew!

Will get everything cleaned / charged / checked tomorrow & look into getting an off camera flash asap.

Thanks.
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Try and visit the venue before hand so see what you are up against.
 
Careful with the 10-20 Mark. You could end up with some artistic looking but distorted people at the edges :)
 
awp said:
here we go again............

just say NO - you'll be doing them a BIG favour.
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I can see by your gear you're obviously a pro,But that's some terrible advice,I recently shot a wedding for my mum re-marrying and i'm only 17.They were not gonna' fork out more money for a photographer when they knew i could take photos,I explained my gear wasn't the best and the photo's won't be perfect but 3 days later,we've print 50 and framed 5 or 6 of them,Now i'm really pleased i did it.So some of the pics are noisy,Some are soft due to cheap sigma glass but at the end of the day i took photos i'm happy with and now i feel more confident about the whole wedding thing,It's a tough hurdle to get over but once you've got one out the way it opens a whole new door way of possibilities,I for one will not be doing another for a while till i've got some better kit,Then i'll be doing work experience with other wedding photographers and hopefully soon I'll be doing my own

Mark,If i were you go for it,Check out the location before hand,Bring all the gear needed and just keep snapping,Loads of the wedding bit loads at the meal after the first dance etc and cutting the cake and most of all enojoy

It sounds like if you say no they'll be no one doing it,other than friends with compacts so do them a favour and yourself one and say yes



Edit:
Just seen your gear,I spent alot of time using a 50mm f/1.8 and a sigma 20-40 so you've got the 50 f/.18 and a 10-20 which will be great for group shots,Also borrow/hire a flash gun and bounce where possible :)
 
Yep would agree, shot a few pic at a wedding last week and found a good flash essential, used an 18-105 to good result, also a 50mm prime, Good luck enjoy yourself
 
Good luck

I would enlist the help of the Best Man and Ushers to round people up for the set photos, so you only have to worry about the shot and not finding people, write out a list of the shots you want.
 
It CAN be done!

My first wedding I did completely alone.... and it was in a medieval castle!! up a narrow dark stone spiral staircase when the bride arrived she was about 100 yards away and I managed to get all shots needed!!

They were so pleased they ordered WAY more than their inclusive shots..............then 2 months later ordered the whole lot again in black and white!

As it is family you have the added bonus of being able to say.. "just a mo please.. let me take one more" if things arent going right!

Good luck... I have another solo one next Friday. :thumbs:
 
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.
 
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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Indeed, although the bannings that resulted in recent wedding threads may be a contributing factor. ;)

Mark, I hope this goes really well for you. As said, preparation is the key. I am doing my first wedding this summer and I have met with the Bride and groom and have been to the church and chatted with the vicar as well as visiting the reception venue. I have also given them a comprehensive list of wedding shots and asked them to tick the ones that they would like as well as adding any that aren't on there. I will be attending the rehearsal as well and will have the list with me so that I can carefully plan the required shots. Definitely get someone to co-ordinate the formal shots so that you only have to worry about taking them. I'm taking an assistant (the missus!). If all this is done before the day then the day should run smoothly. Well that's the theory anyway. ;)

It all sounds like a lot but I really do believe the pros when they say that a wedding is hard work and, when I told the couple that I would do it, I said that it would be done properly. It's too important not to.
 
As above I would advise you to say no to this, its a bit like taking a driving test without taking any lessons but in this instance its at the cost of your cousin and her fiance.

Best thing to do is to get an experienced tog to do it on the cheap and shadow him or be a snap-shot tog on the day. This is the best way for them to get the photos they want and for you to get the experience you need.

However, if they insist that you do it. I would say that with the exception of your 50mm and 28mm all the other lenses may prove to be a bit slow. In which case you may need to invest in/borrow a flash and a monopod. Study wedding photos manically between now and the day and try to work out how others do it. Visit the venue beforehand and see what lighting conditions you will have to tackle. You may want to take a few test shots to see what you get. Also, you will need to know what is happening where and when so you can plan in advance and be in the right place at the right time.

If you're shooting jpegs I would say about 12Gb-20Gb would be enough, but RAW will obviously need a lot more. Bring loads of spare batteries especially if you use the flash. A small step ladder was incredibly useful when I shot my last wedding, but it can be a pain to carry around. Settings wise, I tend to shoot a lot in either manual or aperture priority but for moments where you have no time to fiddle around go with program mode. In fact it may be best for you to use this mode for most of your shots.

Anyway, I hope this helps and best of luck!
 
SuperCNJ said:
Best thing to do is to get an experienced tog to do it on the cheap and shadow him or be a snap-shot tog on the day. This is the best way for them to get the photos they want and for you to get the experience you need.
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What?? Are you serious? What pro tog in their right mind would do this job, "on the cheap" with less than two weeks notice?

Back to the original question, I say do it, and bloody good luck too!

I am sure Ive said this before, but Ill say it again. Everyone has to start somewhere. My first, (albeit only wedding so far) was done for a friends niece, they had very little money as well, and I really wanted the experience, so I said yes.

My kit on the day was the 400D and kit lens, and the 30D with 50mm. No flash gun. I was very pleased with the images, as were the brides :)

Cant wait to see the images :thumbs:
 
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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Here here! It makes a refreshing change to have a 'please advise and everyone stays nice thread'. That's why I've offered suggestions along with everyone else.

Betty said:
Back to the original question, I say do it, and bloody good luck too!

<snip!>

Cant wait to see the images :thumbs:
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Good luck Mark, but free free to trudge through everyone's Wedding shots, here, there and everywhere to get some other ideas.

Look forward to seeing a few when you're ready to show them.


:thumbs:
 
Betty said:
What?? Are you serious? What pro tog in their right mind would do this job, "on the cheap" with less than two weeks notice?
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Yep serious. Btw, I didn't say pro tog, I said experienced tog. Well, I'd never say never, its really down to who you know or who your mates know etc. We managed to get a mate of a mate to take some snap shots at our wedding and help out the main photographer who did a fantastic job. He didn't even charge us but we fed him well! lol...
 
I would honestly advise you to say no. Even knowing you haven't done one before people will still have expectations, if your pics are not "up to scratch" you'll probably get it in the neck.
That said if your going ahead get half a dozen mates, go to the reg office same time of day and have a practice first, you'll find out what works and what doesn't. While your there stick around for an hour or so and watch the pros working there, see what they are doing and how they do it.
Good luck. Wayne
 
Another vote for the do it I say :thumbs:

As long as <the important bit>the main parties involved undertstand the deal and are happy with the full situation</end important bit>, I honestly don't see what the problem is.

Everyone wins - you get the experience and they get photos for nothing, some of which no doubt will be great. Mrs Dangleman and my favourite shot from our wedding was taken on a 10 bob throw away cam.
 
fabs said:
Indeed, although the bannings that resulted in recent wedding threads may be a contributing factor. ;)
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Ah I was not aware people got banned for it, it's a shame it got that far.
 
I say do it!

and I have done it before!

It is stressful but ultimately fulfilling.
I stipulated that they may not get a single photograph from me and they still had to be my friends afterwards... they agreed to this :)

I prepared by taking a load of photos of people and by buying a couple of books on wedding photography and posing.

I wrote out some notes on what shots I wanted and thought a bit about what to shout at the crowd to make them behave :) and though I never looked at those notes during the day it gave me a bit of piece of mind that if everything went too crazy I could refer to them to get some perspective.

It all seemed to go well and everyone was complimentary about my pics... though I die inside whenever I see them! The tortured artist I think ;)

If nothing else it gives me a massively increased appreciation of the wedding photos I see posted here and in other places around the net.
 
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