So I got an email from my sister's friend's sister (I'll let you map that out in your head for a minute!) asking me if I wanted to do her wedding! She wanted to know a) if I wanted to do it (the answer to which YES of course!), and b) how much it would cost. She has also seen some of the photos from shoots I've done with a cupcake business (which appeared in a magazine!). She said she's looked through the photos on my website and really likes my style! (I've never met her though.)
I think the wedding is a year from now.
Now... here are the things to consider:
1. I've never done a wedding before. Ever ever ever. Ever. I have done paid shoots before, involving people and products/things, and I have done a few (unpaid) events (parties, fundraisers, etc). But no weddings.
2. I am *somewhat* confident I could handle a wedding - like I think I have the skills to produce some nice photos, and I can keep up and capture spontaneous moments fairly well, I think. What I don't have is the experience in such a stressful and high-stakes situation as a wedding, or the know-how in terms of what to do if things go wrong. And did I mention I've never done a wedding before?
So, my questions are:
1. How much, if anything, should I charge? I've been doing paid shoots for a little while now, but, it'd be my FIRST WEDDING.
2. What equipment? I already have a 500D body BUT I have access to a 5D Mk II, as well as a 600D body. So two bodies I'll have on hand. As for lenses, I have my trusty 50mm f/1.4 and am meaning to purchase a more versatile 24-70mm f/2.8 - definitely want that one in hand before I even think about shooting weddings. And I have access to a 70-300mm zoom. And I also have a 430 EX II flash. And I know I'll need spares of everything - including camera batteries, flash batteries, memory cards... Any other lenses/equipment you guys might suggest?
I feel bad cos she emailed me like 9 days ago and I've spent the entire time panicking about it/reading countless articles on the web trying to figure out what to do, and haven't even replied yet!
I am with @grizzlysghost ! If I had to shoot a wedding, I would be a mess! I love the suggestions from digital photography that Aaron posted and bookmarked just in case I ever do a wedding!
I think you will do a wonderful job!! It already seems you are doing the research and preparation you will need for the wedding day!! Congrats!
I feel your stress, my cousin recently asked me to be her photographer for her wedding...which is next week! Its a pretty small, low-key family event, so she's not expecting me to be like some super professional photographer, but its still quite a stressful thing to think about! I've been reading up on it a lot, but I just feel like my equipment is so limited (I can't afford new lenses and such), and I basically just have to do the best with what I have. They like my photos though, and I'm just going to take a million different shots, ranging from traditional portraits to some fun quirky stuff so they have a nice variety.
Good luck! And don't stress, your work is so awesome :)
Also, thanks to @grizzlysghost for the link, definitely going to read up on that one as well :)
As KWind said, write her back! And be honest. Tell her you've never done a wedding before, but that you're game and allow her the out if that makes her nervous. I've shot a few weddings, but I made it clear that they were gonna just get what I could do with the limited equipment I had. Granted they had NO money for a photographer, so they were just happy to have pics!LOL Actually, they were thrilled. But I'd feel out her expectations, before giving a solid yes.
I always shot free of charge photos of wedding but in my daughter's Beauty and Spa shop, I presented a big big Album for the customers of Bridal makeups .......which she shows for engaging a bridal makeup.....yesterday she kept all the photos for her another shop in another district....But I know that if God gives me money I will purchase another good Camera and can do some business......I am a bird watcher and enough for me......
I also took so many interviews of Celebrities here in India in different States......and took photos and they published in different newspapers and magazines....and they paid for write-ups ......
I just shot my first wedding a couple of weeks ago. That 50mm is gonna be your best friend for most of it. I also had a zoom on hand (70-300) for close up shots like the kiss that i couldnt get close up for. My best advice to you would be, don't be scared. If you have the skills to make a proper exposure, the rest comes easy. If you're really that nervous, ask a friend to come a long as a second shooter.
Use the 5D, hire a 70-200 F2.8 lens as you will need it, get some remote triggers for your lights.
I would practice in low light situation where people will be making speeches, dancing and all sorts of stuff. I find everything that is not in a dark room easy and I know you will to. The hard part is the dark rooms and areas that you come across.
Fast lens are the key and the zoom allows you to stay away from the action but still capture it.
As for the price, as a starting point I would charge them $600 per set (ie, reception, before shots, couples, group shots, etc) it should come out at around $3500 and then give them a very once only discount of what you feel is good
I have shot a few, always for friends and always FOC...I really have started to understand why wedding photographers as SOOOO expensive. Remember you are at the venue for quite considerable time (does the bride want getting ready shots and reception shots?) I was basically shooting for 12 hours at the last one I did. So there's that bundle of time and seriously don't forget then the time it takes to edit the photos afterwards. When this thing isn't your main job, you realise how much time it takes to sort through (I took 3000 shots!) and then edit the 50 or so ones that are OK!! I guess it all depends on whether you want to feel like you've been paid or whether it's a getting some experience kind of thing for you. From a stress level point of view make sure you are fully prepared with all the bride's "must have" list of shots and that you have a good usher to help you get people from the groups in place...then ordering of that series of photos is essential, once you've shot some people they have a nasty habit of wandering off to find champagne and food!! I'm sure you'll have a ball, whilst demanding it's a joy to see the brides face when she see the shots for the first time :o)
I would also suggest to hire the 70-200 2.8 IS. This will give you lovely compression of the background and will work well everywhere except indoors close up. Good luck and maybe consider taking along a second shooter - you are unlikely to get all the shots you need all day and it is also a bit of insurance just in case....
Go for it ,I have my first wedding after xmas Try tagging along with someone who has done it before. Take your own pics and compare them to the official photographers...you can offer the bride and groom them as a thank you....It has helped me to streemline what I am good at and what I am not, plus the amount of publicity you get is absolutely worth a few free shoots.......I agree with juliette someone to help usher people around is esentual best man or bridesmaids are great for this. Take as many shots as you can and reduce them down to 50 or so .....Good luck.
I have photographed a couple of weddings without being the official photographer and the bride and groom in both cases preferred my shots. I think that is because they weren't paying attention to me and weren't posing. I had the 5D markII and the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. As Brendan suggests, the hardest shots to get are the ones in dark places so I'd follow his advice. You will do a fabulous job. Don't be intimidated :)
I did my first one this Sunday and say go for it! It is very stressful and now I have a tonne of work to get through before I finish the editing and processing, but the experience was invaluable! I hired a 24-70 lens from Picture Hire Australia for a very reasonable $80ish and am determined to get one of these into my kit as soon as I can. The main thing that I learn't was how specific you need to be with your direction, but you have done so many shoots with people in the past, that I'm sure you would have no trouble with this aspect. The other thing, bring spare memory cards! I shot over 20gb on Sunday and it was a small wedding (I shoot both raw and jpeg). Its such an honour to be asked and I hope you accept the offer!
Thank you all for all your help and input! :) I wrote her back this afternoon - saying yes I'd love to do it and explaining that it'd be my first time shooting a wedding - and that a pricing estimate would have to wait based on what she wants me to do, etc (and would also of course take into account the fact that it's my first wedding shoot!).
Yes I will definitely definitely be getting spare memory cards, batteries, etc :) The 24-70 f/2.8 has been on my list for a while, but I'd never even considered the 70-200 f/2.8 until now - definitely another one for me to get my hands on! I hope to upgrade my body to a 5D too... I honestly don't think my current set of equipment is completely terrible though!
I will also have another photographer there with me, to help organise people and capture moments I might miss :)
Gosh I hope she says yes... I am so keen and I've learned so much and I am so ready to use all this knowledge! (... In a year's time. xD)
@peterdegraaff lol! Yes yes very funny... I actually had that thought myself once I'd posted it xD
Wow, how exciting is this?! Of course you would say yes, and glad you did it! This must really be stressful to you - the first steps are always hard, but I'm sure you'll do your best in this whole year ahead to learn everything. I can suggest you a website of a photographer I like: http://www.jasmine-star.com/http://www.jasminestarblog.com/
I hope this helps somehow! :) I always enjoy looking at her photos, there are many amazing shots of her!
I would suggest if you have the chance, you look through some wedding photos' settings, like iso, focal length, shutter speed, etc. - just to know for sure what you'll need regarding the lenses. I would definitely choose the 5D body. My wedding was shot with a 5D II Mark and I think the lens was 24 -105 mm, which is also from the L-series. I love it!!!
I cannot give you an advise about the price, as I am living in a different part of the world :) But my advise is to suggest a bit lower price than other wedding photographers, cause it's your first wedding. And the girl would say yes! :) Keeping my fingers crossed! Wow, I got excited, cause one day I want to upgrade my current equipment and try shoot some events, too! :) And I can imagine the emotions you feel right now! :x
So exciting! You will do an amazing job! I shot weddings years ago. And I loved it! Everyone has given you wonderful advice.
The only other advice I would give is to possibly reach out to a couple of wedding photographers in your area. Talking with someone in person might be helpful. And you could ask to tag along to a wedding or two just to observe or assist. I used to assist weddings also. That way you can observe the lead photographer and take some shots yourself. And then you can experience a wedding 'behind the scenes'. It is so much fun!
These are some things that helped me before I shot my first wedding: 1) I made it a mission to shoot as many weddings as a second shooter before my first solo gig. This helped me out tremendously. 2) Make sure and go to the rehearsal dinner as this will help you get the timeline of events and if you need to be aware of any problems with logistics of getting the shot of bride coming down aisle, etc. 3) Find out if the church allows flash photography during the ceremony. Some don't and if this is true, you will definitely need the 70-200 (I would rent this) 3) Extra camera in case your main one decides to malfunction, spare batteries, lots of memory cards, snacks (you will get hungry), and water. And yes, let the bride know that this will be your first wedding 4) Maybe take another photographer friend that can help you get the detail shots and other behind the scene shots. It will take a little pressure off of you! I hope this helps! It looks like you have lots of great advice already.
You sound like you have the kit to do it, or can get your hands on the pieces that would make it easier on you.
I got forced into digital a month before a wedding because they wanted to buy the camera for me rather than pay that same amount or more to a photog (gotta love family) I spent a month cramming and learning a completely new camera. I didn't have half the kit you had and I managed to make it work, so I know you'll be fine.
To fine tune (my two cents) somethings said above: Marks idea of tagging along as a second shooter and gifting a few photos to the bride and groom as a thank you is a great idea. Normally I'm not one to back giving your work away but one or two shots in exchange for the experience is worth it, IMO. They and the photog might be more apt to say yes if you are contributing back to the clients.
Definitely go to the venue(s) ahead of time and scout out locations and pathways to get around. If I hadn't, I would have been locked out of the building trying to take a route from behind the stage to the back of the room! They made sure the doors I needed were unlocked.
If you can't be a second shooter, definitely at least pick a few pro's brains about details.
Know where they are going to enter the reception, where you can stand for the cake cutting, etc. This will help you predict what and where things will happen and you will be there for the shot.
Lay out what your second shooter is going to focus on. Are you going to get the candids and details and they are getting the posed shots? Vice versa? I read about a prominent wedding photog (cannot remember her name) that had a second shooter do all the staged shots she shot details, candids and whatever else caught her eye.....apparently she is loved for those shots.
Consider doing the posed shots (if they want them) ahead of the ceremony. I know the whole groom not seeing the bride in her dress thing, but after the ceremony is over, it will be like herding cats because everyone wants to get to the party. Plus if it's in the evening, you can get some great sunlight shots before things happen!
My two cents turned out to be more like a dollar but just wanted to pass along some advice I didn't see mentioned above!
Cool! I know that feeling. My fist wedding report (from 08:00 till 21:00) I just asked €250 for, because it also was my first paid shoot. Later I didn't do any marketing, even not on my website, but there came friends, friends from friends etc. A telelens is nice, but not necessary, because you will only use it for a small number of shots. You better should get close than make long distance shots. So the 50mm and a normal zoom is perfect, especially the 2.8 (I only have a 4.0L and works fine). In church and during ceremony I still use flash for better result, but with the 5D mark II I combine it with about 1600ISO in dark situation to get the full room well lit.
Make a checklist of things not to forget, have an eye for details. During ceremony also check expressions in the public. And like Scott Kelby said in one of his books: "drink when you can, pee when you can". Always have water and candy bars in your car.
I only shoot with one camera, two is too heavy and clumsy; just switch lenses. The second camera ofcourse is in my bagage.
Stay close to the couple and don't forget to have fun! Enjoy and good luck!
I tagged along with a wedding photog in August. She had particular rules, like me not shooting the bride and groom together, as to not to disturb the intimate mojo (which was fine) but I was able to do some bridal portraits, the ceremony and lots of candids. I did not charge, but gifted the photos to the bride and groom. It was very valuable experience which I now know what to expect. Maybe before you do a paid wedding someone will let you tag along for the day and take a few shots. Also renting some equipment for the day if you don't have it seems like a good idea!
I've done three weddings so far. The biggest tip I've come away with so far is this: Read up all you can/want - you get nifty tips from everywhere - but ALWAYS trust you own abilities first! The first wedding I tried follow all the tips and how-to's - and I feel I messed up royally... I wasn't strung up afterwards, though, so I must have done something right. ;-p
The one thing no body is mentioning and is most important is a contract. Get a contract in writing so you cover your ass. I have read stories where people have shot a friends wedding and something happened and they messed up the pictures and got sued for the cost of the entire wedding to redo pictures with another photographer. This is rare but does happen. So get a contract no matter who you are shooting for. There are lots of free ones on the internet for a starting point. 2 camera bodies are a must not even an option. A wedding happens once so you cant redo them if something breaks. Also dont do it for free. You are investing your time and equipment so get paid. If you do a full day shoot plus 30 or 40 hours of post production then figure out what you need to get paid an hour and use that as a base so that your not working for free.
info I read somewhere was very pratical, written by a woman wedding photog. Wear flat shoes, you'll be on your feet for hours. Wear trousers to protect your own modesty, just in case when you are half way up the stairs and leaning over bannisters or such like to get that shot there is someone below you looking up. Wear something plain, nothing that would have people looking at you rather than the bride. Take a change of clothes in case you get soaked. Take a kit of useful things like safety pins, tissues, you'll make yourself indespensible, people will remember how good helpful and prepared you were. Definitely a contract. Take a stack of your business cards with you.
someone has already suggested that you check out the venues in advance. Absolutely do this.. not only to identify access points - but also, to allow you to take some sample shots - so you get a feel for the lighting etc. This advance prep will take some of the jitters out of the day.
I agree about wearing trousers and flat shoes, but I would wear a really nice smart jacket, just to show that you are at a wedding and you respect that everyone else has made a big effort to dress up. My niece's official photog (I was shooting candids) wore a lovely long embroidered coat so she fitted in better with the crowd. Enjoy!!
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I think you will do a wonderful job!! It already seems you are doing the research and preparation you will need for the wedding day!! Congrats!
Good luck! And don't stress, your work is so awesome :)
Also, thanks to @grizzlysghost for the link, definitely going to read up on that one as well :)
OH! And bring extra memory cards!! :)
I would practice in low light situation where people will be making speeches, dancing and all sorts of stuff. I find everything that is not in a dark room easy and I know you will to. The hard part is the dark rooms and areas that you come across.
Fast lens are the key and the zoom allows you to stay away from the action but still capture it.
Thank you all for all your help and input! :) I wrote her back this afternoon - saying yes I'd love to do it and explaining that it'd be my first time shooting a wedding - and that a pricing estimate would have to wait based on what she wants me to do, etc (and would also of course take into account the fact that it's my first wedding shoot!).
Yes I will definitely definitely be getting spare memory cards, batteries, etc :) The 24-70 f/2.8 has been on my list for a while, but I'd never even considered the 70-200 f/2.8 until now - definitely another one for me to get my hands on! I hope to upgrade my body to a 5D too... I honestly don't think my current set of equipment is completely terrible though!
I will also have another photographer there with me, to help organise people and capture moments I might miss :)
Gosh I hope she says yes... I am so keen and I've learned so much and I am so ready to use all this knowledge! (... In a year's time. xD)
@peterdegraaff lol! Yes yes very funny... I actually had that thought myself once I'd posted it xD
I hope this helps somehow! :) I always enjoy looking at her photos, there are many amazing shots of her!
I would suggest if you have the chance, you look through some wedding photos' settings, like iso, focal length, shutter speed, etc. - just to know for sure what you'll need regarding the lenses. I would definitely choose the 5D body. My wedding was shot with a 5D II Mark and I think the lens was 24 -105 mm, which is also from the L-series. I love it!!!
I cannot give you an advise about the price, as I am living in a different part of the world :) But my advise is to suggest a bit lower price than other wedding photographers, cause it's your first wedding. And the girl would say yes! :) Keeping my fingers crossed! Wow, I got excited, cause one day I want to upgrade my current equipment and try shoot some events, too! :) And I can imagine the emotions you feel right now! :x
The only other advice I would give is to possibly reach out to a couple of wedding photographers in your area. Talking with someone in person might be helpful. And you could ask to tag along to a wedding or two just to observe or assist. I used to assist weddings also. That way you can observe the lead photographer and take some shots yourself. And then you can experience a wedding 'behind the scenes'. It is so much fun!
I got forced into digital a month before a wedding because they wanted to buy the camera for me rather than pay that same amount or more to a photog (gotta love family) I spent a month cramming and learning a completely new camera. I didn't have half the kit you had and I managed to make it work, so I know you'll be fine.
To fine tune (my two cents) somethings said above: Marks idea of tagging along as a second shooter and gifting a few photos to the bride and groom as a thank you is a great idea. Normally I'm not one to back giving your work away but one or two shots in exchange for the experience is worth it, IMO. They and the photog might be more apt to say yes if you are contributing back to the clients.
Definitely go to the venue(s) ahead of time and scout out locations and pathways to get around. If I hadn't, I would have been locked out of the building trying to take a route from behind the stage to the back of the room! They made sure the doors I needed were unlocked.
If you can't be a second shooter, definitely at least pick a few pro's brains about details.
Know where they are going to enter the reception, where you can stand for the cake cutting, etc. This will help you predict what and where things will happen and you will be there for the shot.
Lay out what your second shooter is going to focus on. Are you going to get the candids and details and they are getting the posed shots? Vice versa? I read about a prominent wedding photog (cannot remember her name) that had a second shooter do all the staged shots she shot details, candids and whatever else caught her eye.....apparently she is loved for those shots.
Consider doing the posed shots (if they want them) ahead of the ceremony. I know the whole groom not seeing the bride in her dress thing, but after the ceremony is over, it will be like herding cats because everyone wants to get to the party. Plus if it's in the evening, you can get some great sunlight shots before things happen!
My two cents turned out to be more like a dollar but just wanted to pass along some advice I didn't see mentioned above!
Make a checklist of things not to forget, have an eye for details. During ceremony also check expressions in the public. And like Scott Kelby said in one of his books: "drink when you can, pee when you can". Always have water and candy bars in your car.
I only shoot with one camera, two is too heavy and clumsy; just switch lenses. The second camera ofcourse is in my bagage.
Stay close to the couple and don't forget to have fun! Enjoy and good luck!