First time shooting a wedding...

[Dylan777]

The clock is ticking down....2hrs away. I'm excited and nervous at the same time, since this is my 1st time shooting a wedding.

I have been asked by a co-worker to photograph his wedding. I'll be the primary photographer and more likely the only one there.

Gear I packed:
1. 5D III + 1DX + dual BR strap
2. 16-35 f4 IS, 24-70 f2.8 II, 85L II, and of course 70-200 f2.8 IS II
3. 600EX-RT(x3) + ST-E3-RT, 20plus spare AA batteries
4. Umbrella + stand

Wish me luck guys

 

[Click]

Break a leg my friend.

 

[RustyTheGeek]

Kick it in the ass!!

Take your time, relax and try to enjoy the shoot.

Put the 24-70 and 70-200 on each camera and relax. Don't forget to set each camera to Silent Shutter mode.

Share some pics with us later and tell us your war story!!

 

[Valvebounce]

Hi Dylan.
Your probably well underway by the time I read your post, but just in case, good luck my friend.

Cheers, Graham.

 

[Dylan777]

Kick it in the ass!!

Take your time, relax and try to enjoy the shoot.

Put the 24-70 and 70-200 on each camera and relax. Don't forget to set each camera to Silent Shutter mode.

Share some pics with us later and tell us your war story!!

Thanks guys. I made it.... ;D
I prefer NOT to do this for living.

 

[DominoDude]

Kick it in the ass!!

Take your time, relax and try to enjoy the shoot.

Put the 24-70 and 70-200 on each camera and relax. Don't forget to set each camera to Silent Shutter mode.

Share some pics with us later and tell us your war story!!

Thanks guys. I made it.... ;D

We had no doubts about that. Well done, Dylan!

 

[RustyTheGeek]

Great! Super! If the happy couple doesn't mind, post a link to the images when you get them processed.

Yes, IMHO, Weddings are possibly the most stressful of all photography. You, the "photography professional master expert" are tasked with capturing images of a lifetime for a bride who is counting on you to make the most important day of her life look beautiful and magical. No second chances and if you're like me, you really want to deliver not just for your own pride but also to provide your best for your friends/family. Hitting a home run is the ONLY option.

So BRAVO! to you for stepping into that challenge! I can't wait to see your images.

Question: How many friends/relatives came up to you and commented on how good the pictures will probably look due to you using all that expensive photography equipment? (Implying of course that with all that badass gear, there's no way the pictures won't come out spectacular.) ;D

 

[Eldar]

Well done Dylan! We´er looking forward to see more. When you´ve done it once, you´ll do it again! The stress is a bit addictive

 

[Click]

Congrats on a job well done!

Great job Dylan

 

[KeithBreazeal]

Congrats! Now you have walked through fire. Everything else is a piece of cake. My son got married in May and hired a photographer so I could enjoy the moment. I shot some anyway with permission of the photographer. Could not resist! The camera was in the car during the ceremony.

 

[RustyTheGeek]

Question 2: Did you have any "competition" from other shooters? You know, relatives with phones, Rebels or otherwise? And (LOL) any aggressive "videographers"?

 

[SPL]

Kick it in the ass!!

Take your time, relax and try to enjoy the shoot.

Put the 24-70 and 70-200 on each camera and relax. Don't forget to set each camera to Silent Shutter mode.

Share some pics with us later and tell us your war story!!
[/quote
+1!
Remember, have fun!
Good luck!

 

[cellomaster27]

Woot! Nice shot Dylan!

I shot for a wedding reception per request of the married couple.. stressful? yes!! but I learned so much. I'll take that.

 

[Dylan777]

Thanks guys.

Let's me run through the couple about sharing their photos. If they ok, I'll post a link. It might take some time for me to go through these photos.

@ RustyTheGeek: I was the only one with DSLR. Others were using cell phones. They didn't running around at all.

@ RustyTheGeek: "Question: How many friends/relatives came up to you and commented on how good the pictures will probably look due to you using all that expensive photography equipment? (Implying of course that with all that badass gear, there's no way the pictures won't come out spectacular.)" ==> I don't shoot flash often, I do have bad shots too.... ;D

 

[jdramirez]

I was contacted this weekend to do a simple wedding ceremony, and I said no because I don't do weddings. .. so I told the lady I would ask my local contacts and no one wants to do it for $200 for two-ish hours. So now I feel bad so I might say, sure, I'll do it despite my better judgement.

 

[Dylan777]

I was contacted this weekend to do a simple wedding ceremony, and I said no because I don't do weddings. .. so I told the lady I would ask my local contacts and no one wants to do it for $200 for two-ish hours. So now I feel bad so I might say, sure, I'll do it despite my better judgement.

You'll be fine JD, make sure to bring 2nd body + flashes. I was able to shoot the wedding with just 24-70 & 70-200.

I agree with Eldar "When you´ve done it once, you´ll do it again! The stress is a bit addictive"

 

[AcutancePhotography]

I was contacted this weekend to do a simple wedding ceremony, and I said no because I don't do weddings. .. so I told the lady I would ask my local contacts and no one wants to do it for $200 for two-ish hours. So now I feel bad so I might say, sure, I'll do it despite my better judgement.

Don't let anyone push you into doing something you are not comfortable with. Especially if you are friends with this lady.

Have her contract with some other amature. That way she won't be bitchin at you when something does not turn out perfect.

 

[jdramirez]

I have my daughter's sl1as a backup, but other than maybe a time lapse at iso 100. I've seen enough photographers being bad and I don't want to be a part of that. Flash going of every 8 seconds. .. moving behind the alert to get the shoot. ... it all seems quite daunting because just looking at the bride and from from behind doesn't seem compelling.

I visualize my shots in advance, and this is a tough nut to Crack.

I was contacted this weekend to do a simple wedding ceremony, and I said no because I don't do weddings. .. so I told the lady I would ask my local contacts and no one wants to do it for $200 for two-ish hours. So now I feel bad so I might say, sure, I'll do it despite my better judgement.

You'll be fine JD, make sure to bring 2nd body + flashes. I was able to shoot the wedding with just 24-70 & 70-200.

I agree with Eldar "When you´ve done it once, you´ll do it again! The stress is a bit addictive"

 

[RustyTheGeek]

I have my daughter's sl1as a backup, but other than maybe a time lapse at iso 100. I've seen enough photographers being bad and I don't want to be a part of that. Flash going of every 8 seconds. .. moving behind the alert to get the shoot. ... it all seems quite daunting because just looking at the bride and from from behind doesn't seem compelling.

I visualize my shots in advance, and this is a tough nut to Crack.

I was contacted this weekend to do a simple wedding ceremony, and I said no because I don't do weddings. .. so I told the lady I would ask my local contacts and no one wants to do it for $200 for two-ish hours. So now I feel bad so I might say, sure, I'll do it despite my better judgement.

You'll be fine JD, make sure to bring 2nd body + flashes. I was able to shoot the wedding with just 24-70 & 70-200.

I agree with Eldar "When you´ve done it once, you´ll do it again! The stress is a bit addictive"

I totally agree JD. I am a bit averse to the Wedding Stress shoot. But I've been asked a few times and I've done it a few times. Visit the venue at least once several days before the event at about the same time of day. Take a friend (or the bride herself!) if possible and shoot some practice shots for evaluation. Also, make sure the venue will allow you to be in the sanctuary, etc. Some churches prohibit ANY photography in the sanctuary and others prohibit flash. Oh, and if you know a pro that would tag along and help, that might also put your mind at ease knowing there will be another set of images that might cover something you miss or can't get a good shot of.

With enough preparation, I think you'll do fine. If it helps, rent something that will help you get what you need the way you think you need to get it. I've always liked to have two bodies covering different FLs in these type of events. Once you've done your homework and the event arrives, try to relax and enjoy it. And if you're really stressed, have a quick beer (but just one!) before the shoot and loosen up.

 

[jdramirez]

I'm not being bullied into anything. When I talked to the woman, she said they were considering buying a camera and having a family friend do it... and that annoys me.

But I figured one person would step up to the plate just for some paid practice. I go and shoot sporting events for practice...

I know the cost hurts the market value of photogs, but there wasa discount photog who did my wedding, so I guess I have a good deal of empathy for their situation.

I was contacted this weekend to do a simple wedding ceremony, and I said no because I don't do weddings. .. so I told the lady I would ask my local contacts and no one wants to do it for $200 for two-ish hours. So now I feel bad so I might say, sure, I'll do it despite my better judgement.

Don't let anyone push you into doing something you are not comfortable with. Especially if you are friends with this lady.

Have her contract with some other amature. That way she won't be bitchin at you when something does not turn out perfect.