I was approached the other day for a quote to do a wedding. I replied saying that I was only just trying to get into the photography business and building up my portfolio, experience and confidence and as such had no experience with weddings and so not best placed to provide a quote or the service. I thought it best to be honest and I did offer some advice on how to look for a wedding photographer and if any more advice/information was needed they were to feel free to ask me. The guy (I used to go to school with him) was grateful for my reply and said that if I changed my mind to let them know as the wedding isn't until 2013. This got me wondering about those that are in the wedding photography business; how much in advance do you take bookings and how do you know the quote you are giving is indicative of the time.
I know that at the moment I don't have the confidence, equipment, know how etc to do a wedding and god forbid I ruined someones memories of their special day by taking on such a request but who knows where I will be by 2013 and wedding photography is something that so many people have suggested I look into doing and I may well look into that avenue of photography.
If you are really interested I would ask around to some local wedding photographers to see if they take apprentices and go learn with a pro. See if you even like it- I know it sounds very like a fantastic avenue, but you may hate it. There certainly isn't any rush to book that wedding now, or give a quote.
I haven't worked as a professional but I read in one of the tips to offer your services as a second photographer. So there'll be a main professional photographer and you can be the second photographer. Start taking projects like birthday parties and small get-togethers before jumping into wedding photography. and ofcourse as Rebbecca said try to take an apprenticeship with a professional. Good luck!
I was asked to do a wedding for a colleague at work, and it's my first proper wedding shoot. I quoted a third of what a pro would charge because I knew it would help my portfolio. I also made it clear that they may not get as wide a choice of quality photos that a pro would provide because I'm inexperienced at shooting weddings, and because there's no rush to provide the images by a deadline or provide extras like albums, and so on.
i've been asked by a friend to play second fiddle to the main photographer at her wedding,fortunately money hasn't been mentioned as i wouldn't have aclue what to say,another friend tried to pay me for pics of her daughters birthday party but i refused, my plan is to just mooch around and get the instaged shots of the guests and make sure i get night do shots as they are usually missed.
good luck
I just did a wedding for an acquaintance, and oh what an experience! I had offered my services as a second shooter to several local photographer friends, but it never panned out so I was on my own. I checked out a bunch of books from the library and pored over wedding magazines and blogs just to see what was already out there. I also charged less than a third for m services, which was enough to cover my equipment rentals (highly recommended if you don't already have a selection of lenses to choose from). I was on my feet for seven hours and have many dozens of hours of editing ahead of me. I am certain that I made mistakes and missed moments, but I think that's the way you learn. I am fortunate that my bride and groom are super laid-back people who were fully aware of my lack of experience and were willing to take a gamble.
If you go into it purely for the experience and not for the money (the first time around, at least) I don't think you will be disappointed. Everyone has a first time, and I can tell by your photos that you definitely have technical strengths. My biggest issue was dealing with all the wedding guests that were in my way trying to capture every moment with their camera phones! I wasn't anticipating having to tactfully deal with wedding guests. This was a great article I read yesterday that you might find interesting: http://offbeatbride.com/2011/06/unplugged-wedding
Let me just tell you that wedding photographers, generally, are one the highest paid type of photographer, mainly because of everything, from the lenses, to the people or assistants to your effort too... i am as well, afraid of saying yes to a wedding on August... i don't know anything about wedding photography just yet... can they move the wedding on 2013 instead? :)
I do a written contract detaling exactly what will be provided, including how long I'll stay at the reception. Of course, little things can change, but if big things get changed on you, you're well within your rights to invoice for the extras (include that caveat in your contract). I take bookings up to about one year in advance (average is probably 8 months), so I always look forward with my pricing and quote accordingly. I currently charge a $3k minimum, and from that I can expect to walk away with a net profit of about $2k, which isn't all that much for the 150-or-so hours of work involved.
I think, if you're keen to do weddings, you could easily be ready by 2013. I do think it would be almost impossible to quote for it, however, because you'll be worth a lot more by then but they'll only consider what your time is worth right now. I think you did the right thing. If they haven't booked anyone by this time next year, consider quoting then - you'll have a better idea of what you are worth and you'll have evidence to back it up.
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good luck
If you go into it purely for the experience and not for the money (the first time around, at least) I don't think you will be disappointed. Everyone has a first time, and I can tell by your photos that you definitely have technical strengths. My biggest issue was dealing with all the wedding guests that were in my way trying to capture every moment with their camera phones! I wasn't anticipating having to tactfully deal with wedding guests. This was a great article I read yesterday that you might find interesting: http://offbeatbride.com/2011/06/unplugged-wedding
I think, if you're keen to do weddings, you could easily be ready by 2013. I do think it would be almost impossible to quote for it, however, because you'll be worth a lot more by then but they'll only consider what your time is worth right now. I think you did the right thing. If they haven't booked anyone by this time next year, consider quoting then - you'll have a better idea of what you are worth and you'll have evidence to back it up.