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Gainsford
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p.1 #1 · help please

Hi All,

I have been asked by a friend to do her wedding photos, but i would like to improve on my people photography, would you be for or against if i put this in a local paper or a web page?
Amateur photographer looking to increase portfolio. I am offer free photography sessions. All photos taken will be given to you on DVD to view and order the prints you want and i will give you a free 10 x 8 print as a thank you. Merseyside area only.

Thanks for your c&c

Mike

Oct 08, 2008 at 01:24 AM

ksmahgrts
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p.1 #2 · help please

honestly, i would encourage you to turn down the wedding until after you've mastered your skills.

best of luck with your decision.

Oct 08, 2008 at 01:26 AM

Tony Hoffer
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p.1 #3 · help please

Completely agree. If you need to practice, try family and friends. Giving away free stuff only hurts the industry, which will affect you much more if you ever go pro.

Oct 08, 2008 at 01:28 AM

jcolman
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p.1 #4 · help please

ksmahgrts wrote:
honestly, i would encourage you to turn down the wedding until after you've mastered your skills.

best of luck with your decision.

I can't agree more with this. Shooting people in a casual setting is one thing, working under the pressure of a wedding is quite another. I've only shot one wedding so far but it was one of the most intense 7.5 hours of photography I've ever done....and I've been behind a camera for a long, long time.

Oct 08, 2008 at 01:34 AM

lindabrowne
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p.1 #5 · help please

Hi Mike,

The way I usually suggest improve your photo skills in prep for weddings include shooting school events, dance recitals, flea markets, farmer's markets, charity events, etc. Take a variety of shots. Wide, tight, high, low; try to tell a story. Look for emotion and anything of interest (lighting, details, compositions). You need to be sure of your settings and be getting a high keeper rate. Then will you be ready for shooting a wedding? No, but it'll help!

As for getting people to pose for you, why not offer something like a $25 or $50 sitting fee with 2 free 8x10's included (or 10 4x6, or whatever). Charge decently for any additional prints - don't give them away and don't give away the digital files. Charge for them. If they aren't worth it, no one loses. If they are worth it, no one loses.

Do you have some samples of your photography? When is your friend's wedding?

~ Linda

Oct 08, 2008 at 03:08 AM

jeremy_clay
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p.1 #6 · help please

I've got a last minute couple undecided right now on choosing me or someone in your situation. Too bad you couldn't shoot the rehersal, let her see the shots, then have her decide...!

Seriously, though, do second shooting/assisting for a pro - you'll get better, learn more, and at the expense of nobody's wedding.

Oct 08, 2008 at 03:27 AM

radioblurs
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p.1 #7 · help please

mike,

since the others nicely laid out some awesome answers, i'll go another route-below are some things to consider before jumping in head first-by meeting them, it doesn't ensure you'll be ready but they're good stepping stones toward being a pro

1. do you have backup equipment? two cameras, two flashes, plenty of batteries and memory, etc. (could even include back up lenses in case something breaks)

2. have you ever shot an event where there is pressure to get it right the first (and only) time? and where once in a lifetime moments occur frequently throughout a 6-10 hour day?

3. how are your people skills? do you work well with people? can you think on your feet?

4. how are your business skills? do you know how to entertain and sell a product to clients? do you know how to advertise and generate regular bookings?

5. how are your posing skills? lighting skills? technical camera skills? composition techniques? do you have an artistic vision?

these aren't rhetorical questions and there are others, to be sure-i don't say this to be a jerk or to tell you not to go for it-these are important areas that all make up a chunk of what wedding photographers have to do and know in order to be successful and capture the big day-i'm sure i left something out but hopefully, this will help you think through it a little better and determine how you want to get there-it's rewarding and fun and challenging and tough-but most of us actually like it

daniel

Oct 08, 2008 at 04:22 AM

Manuel Guerrer
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p.1 #8 · help please

+1 all of the above

Oct 08, 2008 at 08:34 PM

weeums
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p.1 #9 · help please

proof again that daniel has the best comments....

a new slogan for Daniel's t-shirt : "no beans about it"

right on...

Travis

Oct 09, 2008 at 06:23 AM


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