First solo wedding
- Thread starter Fidget
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- Pete
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I'm assuming all you'll already be aware of the usual stuff if you've been second shooting, ie backups, insurance, back ups, set list, back ups, plenty of cards and batteries (not forgetting flash batteries), and did i mention back ups 
All that stuff apart the key thing is to have a plan, stay calm, and make sure you are aware of what the B&G want (for example if they want a shot with great aunt flo then you'll need to be aware of that) - and also make sure you've bgot it all in writing as part of your contract
Also if you are shooting without an assistant/second shooter then button hole one of the ushers and ask him nicely to help you put the group shots together - as ushers dont have much to do once the ceremony is over , and you'll need someone who knows what great aunt flo looks like, and who's able to prise grandad bert out of the bar without causing offence , and who can round up the bridesmaids and stop them flirting with the grooms mates long enough to be photographed etc - then you can concentrate on actually getting the shots.
When it comes to candids at the reception etc , repeat the mantra "head in clear space" to yourself before shooting - as that will help avoid people having light fittings growing out of their heads etc
All that stuff apart the key thing is to have a plan, stay calm, and make sure you are aware of what the B&G want (for example if they want a shot with great aunt flo then you'll need to be aware of that) - and also make sure you've bgot it all in writing as part of your contract
Also if you are shooting without an assistant/second shooter then button hole one of the ushers and ask him nicely to help you put the group shots together - as ushers dont have much to do once the ceremony is over , and you'll need someone who knows what great aunt flo looks like, and who's able to prise grandad bert out of the bar without causing offence , and who can round up the bridesmaids and stop them flirting with the grooms mates long enough to be photographed etc - then you can concentrate on actually getting the shots.
When it comes to candids at the reception etc , repeat the mantra "head in clear space" to yourself before shooting - as that will help avoid people having light fittings growing out of their heads etc
- Messages
- 20,964
- Name
- Pete
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Good tips! Thank you.
I won't have an assistant
I do have insurance, but not a contract yet, so will need one written up methinks ASAP!!
Yep you definitely need a contract - its probable that nothing will go wrong on the day, but of the "holy **** somethings gone ostrich shaped" threads we see in the business forum , 99% of them revolve arround mismatched expectations and a lack of written agreement
If you ask in 'business' i'm sure one of the guys will help you put something together but in brief you need to cover
Times you are expected to attend from and too
Shots that you must get (you can't get an exhaustive list into a contract and the set list should be seperate anyway - but if theres anything they especially want)
Payment terms - how much and when to be paid
What you are providing as part of the deal (e.g are you providing a rights released Cd or an album, or nothing - it could all be extra) If you are providing a disc you also need to cover usage rights - usually non exclusive use for personal (ie not comercial) use only - also how many shots they are expecting
Your right to use the shots for self promotion (assuming you want to do that)
Whether or not they will be feeding you
Timescale for delivery of completed images
and any other specifics that have been agreed
In all honesty this should have been signed off when they agreed to book you, but late is better than never.
Well I gave them the details of what I cover for them time wise - the arrival of the groom, and the service, and a few pics afterwards. How they get the pictures (photobook and a CD of low res images) and I said I needed paying before the day 
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