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Archive 2009 · HELP!!!

Secondlaw
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p.1 #1 · HELP!!!

I have a bit of a situation here. I've never professionally shot a wedding before but have brought some equipment with me and have taken wedding photos before.

I've seen quite a bit of the work produced by many of you and I'm sorry to say that I simply cannot compare my work with yours. HOWEVER, I think I'd make a fine second shooter or even better yet, an assistant!

I was pretty confident with my work, hell, it wasn't for money, it was all for fun and personal satisfaction. So that's me.

I have a "professional" friend (and I put that in quotes for a reason) whom asked me to help him out with a wedding. I told him many months ago that I've shot weddings for personal pleasure but that was all at the church and reception. I have absolutely ZIPPO pre-wedding experience and wouldn't even offer to do this for somebody. Anyhow, it appears that something came up for this old "pro" and left me an itinerary in my mailbox for TOMORROW! Yes, that is TOMORROW! As it so happens, I will be doing ALL of the PRE-WEDDING stuff ALONE.

In a way, I'm very nervous and in another way I kinda feel that this guy is screwing two party's here (me and the wedding party). I don't even want to do this because this is somebody's special day. I've taken some very nice pictures before but none that someone is actually relying on. So do I go or do I stay home and the wedding party getz zippo.

There is a big difference between myself and a professional wedding photog. I've been to weddings and have taken a bunch of really nice pictures. The difference is that those pictures only mattered for me and not for someone else. I'm sure they will see some nice shots but I'm also sure they aren't going to get the nice shots they're looking for because I have absolutely ZERO experience with this.

So rather than talk negative about the "PRO", I'd prefer to concentrate on how I can turn this into a positive event for everyone. How do I proceed?

My equipment:

D700
D300

Nikon 24-70 2.8
Nikon 80-200 2.8
TOkina 11-16
Nikon 85 1.8
Nikon 60 2.8

SB-800
SB-900

I was thinking of leaving the 24-70 on the D300 and the 80-200 on the D700.

I'd love to hear some of your opinions and please, leave your negative comments behind. I'm not interested in them. I already understand how many of you feel about this and believe me, I feel the same way.

Thanks a bunch.

Nov 14, 2009 at 02:56 AM

Phyl
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p.1 #2 · HELP!!!

You'll do fine. You may not create "art" but you can capture the key moments. Part of that is going to mean directing people, posing them and lighting them. You may not be comfortable here, but do your best.

Did he leave you the list of shots that he would take? That would be a great first step. Then you could practice with some things around the house.

Better this than nothing. Go and do your best. Kick your friend in the arse when you get a chance, but in the mean time don't let on to the bride that you have no experience. She doesn't need that pressure to start her day. Enough will go wrong without you stressing her out.

Better to shoot a million shots than none so don't get paralized by fear of the situation and you'll be fine.

Never let them see you sweat/panic!

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:10 AM

ksmahgrts
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p.1 #3 · HELP!!!

ouch.

if you have a solid understanding of exposure, you can make this work. bounce your flash if you need to use it, check your histogram often and shoot anything and everything that seems important.

scour the forums tonight for inspiration, make yourself a cheat sheet of things you want to remember, and tomorrow (in the words of a mentor) just "press the damn button"

where are you located?

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:11 AM

Phyl
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p.1 #4 · HELP!!!

Oh and I'd put the 24-70 on the 700 and the 80-200 on the 300. You'll want your wide to be wide and your long to be long. Otherwise you'll have a grave overlap and neither of the extremes.

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:12 AM

lindabrowne
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p.1 #5 · HELP!!!

What was his excuse?

What is on the itinerary list that you'll need to cover by yourself? This could make a difference on what lenses might be suggested. When will the "pro" be showing up?

I'd probably be calling him to let him know you are not up to covering this by yourself and that he'd either better be there or hire another photographer to work along with you. Yes, show up & shoot if he doesn't, but maybe the threat would be helpful. Do you have a written contract with him? (people, take notes of important items to have in second shooter contracts)

Get decent coverage, but don't go overboard in taking too much. Good info above.

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:37 AM

jprezant
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p.1 #6 · HELP!!!

I'd flip the lens/camera combo. Id say you'll take more pictures with the
24-70, and you want that lens on the better camera body.

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:44 AM

MarcyJillGood
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p.1 #7 · HELP!!!

Wow - that's really a tough situation, and I know you're anxious to make it work for the bride (and yourself!). I'm not sure which of the pre-wedding elements you'll be covering, and I can't nearly match the great advice you're being given here, but as a consumer (and female) here are a few thoughts:

Make certain to find out 'who is who' in the wedding party and family, and get shots of the people who matter to the bride & groom. That would include the parents, of course, special friends and family from out-of-town and anyone else who will be part of the bride & groom's memories simply because they're there. Even the pet dog & cat. It's easy for a busy bride to forget how sweet great Aunt Charlotte looked when she was in the dressing room, and those pictures will mean a lot (will also be easy to take).

If you have a few minutes with the bride, ask her 'casually' if she's seen any favorite shots in wedding albums that she particularly likes. Don't promise anything, but tell her that helps you get an idea of what she likes. That way, if you get even a few of the things she has in mind, she'll think you're wonderful.

I'm not sure if you're a guy or a girl. If you're a guy - remember to check a few things that 'girls' might notice, such as whether there are awkward folds or wrinkles in the dress while you're shooting it, or her in it, and whether her veil is laying smoothly and gracefully (if it's a staged shot, not the stuff where she's putting it on and it's cute to see the folds). Make certain any stray hairs or make-up clumps are cleared up, and her lipstick is on straight. Same thing with shots of Mom & others - just take a quick look at the little stuff & ask them to straighten things out.

If you're shooting in a hotel room or other interior setting, pay attention to whether there's clutter on a dresser or anything that might appear in a shot but not look quite right. The make-up clutter in the bathroom looks natural and fun (usually), but someone's purse on the dresser might be distracting, or cast a shadow or require extra time in PP that you could avoid.

The advice about looking for great examples and ideas on this site is, of course, perfect. I know you'll be up late tonight doing just that. but if you've been as impressed as I have with the creative concepts here, and if you can take inspiration from them, you are bound to WOW the bride with shots she's never even dreamed of. That will be a winner, for both of you.

Again, these are just thoughts as a consumer & newbie. Good luck! Please let us know how this works out for all concerned! I'm betting you will do great.

Marcy

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:48 AM

alexromo
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p.1 #8 · HELP!!!

you have better gear than a lot of the local wedding photogs i know... dont stress it

ive done last minute stuff before, basically had stuff dropped on my lap the morning of.

Nov 14, 2009 at 03:53 AM

Quan
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p.1 #9 · HELP!!!

why dont you talk to ur "friend" if u think you cant handle it. why did ur "friend" take on this gig and then leave you to shoot it anyways? if it was me i'd stay home and let ur "friend" deal with it, too much stress.

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:06 AM

Secondlaw
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p.1 #10 · HELP!!!

Ok... knock knock... He stopped by a little while after my post and went over a few things as to what type of shots to take.

I will definetely take a few of your suggestions starting with switching the lenses around. My thinking regarind the 70-200 on the 700... I can really bump up the ISO inside the church and not have to worry about getting in the way.

He told me he would be showing up at the church, so all is not lost.

What happened here though? I'm not sure if I understood the story perfectly but it looks like a date got mixed up between him and another client of his. Instead of losing the other client, he figured he'd throw me into the fire and keep everyone happy.

I would have done the wedding for free as a second shooter or even as an assistant but he did offer me a few bux which I'll gladly take. I just didn't expect this. I'm a bit nervous here.

One thing on my side is the work from some of you within this forum. Quite a few of you take some really amazing pictures. I've been browsing them to get some ideas. I'll create a little cheat sheet and keep it in my pocket and when I see a moment, I'll take the shot.

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:21 AM

Secondlaw
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p.1 #11 · HELP!!!

Excellent advice (I'm a guy). I apprpeciate you taking the time out to go through the extra large details that might not be so obvious (purse on a dresser type stuff). EXCELLENT advice. Makeup/lipstick, everything Thank You!

I will hopefully post some winners here on Sunday.

MarcyJillGood wrote:
Wow - that's really a tough situation, and I know you're anxious to make it work for the bride (and yourself!). I'm not sure which of the pre-wedding elements you'll be covering, and I can't nearly match the great advice you're being given here, but as a consumer (and female) here are a few thoughts:

Make certain to find out 'who is who' in the wedding party and family, and get shots of the people who matter to the bride & groom. That would include the parents, of course, special friends and family from out-of-town and anyone else who will be part of the bride & groom's memories simply because they're there. Even the pet dog & cat. It's easy for a busy bride to forget how sweet great Aunt Charlotte looked when she was in the dressing room, and those pictures will mean a lot (will also be easy to take).

If you have a few minutes with the bride, ask her 'casually' if she's seen any favorite shots in wedding albums that she particularly likes. Don't promise anything, but tell her that helps you get an idea of what she likes. That way, if you get even a few of the things she has in mind, she'll think you're wonderful.

I'm not sure if you're a guy or a girl. If you're a guy - remember to check a few things that 'girls' might notice, such as whether there are awkward folds or wrinkles in the dress while you're shooting it, or her in it, and whether her veil is laying smoothly and gracefully (if it's a staged shot, not the stuff where she's putting it on and it's cute to see the folds). Make certain any stray hairs or make-up clumps are cleared up, and her lipstick is on straight. Same thing with shots of Mom & others - just take a quick look at the little stuff & ask them to straighten things out.

If you're shooting in a hotel room or other interior setting, pay attention to whether there's clutter on a dresser or anything that might appear in a shot but not look quite right. The make-up clutter in the bathroom looks natural and fun (usually), but someone's purse on the dresser might be distracting, or cast a shadow or require extra time in PP that you could avoid.

The advice about looking for great examples and ideas on this site is, of course, perfect. I know you'll be up late tonight doing just that. but if you've been as impressed as I have with the creative concepts here, and if you can take inspiration from them, you are bound to WOW the bride with shots she's never even dreamed of. That will be a winner, for both of you.

Again, these are just thoughts as a consumer & newbie. Good luck! Please let us know how this works out for all concerned! I'm betting you will do great.

Marcy

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:24 AM

Secondlaw
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p.1 #12 · HELP!!!

I'll go as far as NJ.

The cheat sheet is in the works! Thank YOU!ksmahgrts wrote:
ouch.

if you have a solid understanding of exposure, you can make this work. bounce your flash if you need to use it, check your histogram often and shoot anything and everything that seems important.

scour the forums tonight for inspiration, make yourself a cheat sheet of things you want to remember, and tomorrow (in the words of a mentor) just "press the damn button"

where are you located?

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:28 AM

lindabrowne
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p.1 #13 · HELP!!!

Watch the light, watch emotions, and if there are any gum chewers, seriously consider having them spit it out. From your previous posts and also this other photographer's faith in you, I'd bet you'll do fine.

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:28 AM

MarcyJillGood
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p.1 #14 · HELP!!!

;-) Glad it was helpful. Can't wait to see what you post - you'll be in my thoughts!

Marcy

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:33 AM

Bryce Deppeler
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p.1 #15 · HELP!!!

shoot wide open and often. get in good with the bride and family and be relaxed. they will relax around you and forget about you being there. Have a cheat sheet on you with those shots you find tonight that you want to take but don't take them all at once. you'll find shots will present themselves to you as you go along.

Maybe there is a pro here you can talk to as well for some advice?? any takers?

here is a good start to get some ideas for shots:- http://www.jasminestarblog.com/

Above all, act professionally and have confidence in what you do. It sounds to me like you can do this and now you get your chance. Just forget about the circumstances. "Take the bull by the horns"

Let us know how you go

Nov 14, 2009 at 04:34 AM

Lucky_Dog
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p.1 #16 · HELP!!!

You probably don't have enough memory... if you can't shoot 2K pictures, get more. That's a lot of pictures, I know, but you need to be prepard.

Nov 14, 2009 at 05:10 AM

Ziffl3
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p.1 #17 · HELP!!!

i will add ... kids can be cool at weddings.
all ways get down on there level unless doing crazy camera angles.

Nov 14, 2009 at 08:24 AM

elikag
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p.1 #18 · HELP!!!

Good solid advice here.

And, don't give away any photo until you discuss new payment arrangements with the "friend" tog. Effectively, he made you to raise your fees.

Eli

Nov 14, 2009 at 08:55 AM

Secondlaw
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p.1 #19 · HELP!!!

Any suggestions through-out this event as when NOT to use a flash?

Nov 14, 2009 at 01:13 PM

ksmahgrts
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p.1 #20 · HELP!!!

Secondlaw wrote:
Any suggestions through-out this event as when NOT to use a flash?

whenever you don't need it, don't use it

unless you're proficient in off-camera flash use.

Nov 14, 2009 at 02:06 PM

dennisyvette
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p.1 #21 · HELP!!!

This thread was started on Friday. So, today I'm assuming he is already shooting. The part that scares me about this situation other than of course the bride having no one to shoot pictures is that this guy has not relationship with the bride.
She didn't hire him, nor do you have a contract with her. The "professional" should have contacted another professional to do the event for him. I would also assume that you are not insured since you do this more as a hobby. Not knowing about the professional photographer, but he may not have the insurance that covers you. What if something seriously goes wrong? You don't just throw someone out to do a wedding for you. If the "professional" did not have the time to find another professional to do the work, he should have contacted the bride and let her find someone. Ok FM people...Am I by myself on this one? Yvette

Nov 14, 2009 at 06:59 PM

elikag
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p.1 #22 · HELP!!!

dennisyvette wrote:
This thread was started on Friday. So, today I'm assuming he is already shooting. The part that scares me about this situation other than of course the bride having no one to shoot pictures is that this guy has not relationship with the bride.
She didn't hire him, nor do you have a contract with her. The "professional" should have contacted another professional to do the event for him. I would also assume that you are not insured since you do this more as a hobby. Not knowing about the professional photographer, but he may not have the insurance that covers you. What if something seriously goes wrong? You don't just throw someone out to do a wedding for you. If the "professional" did not have the time to find another professional to do the work, he should have contacted the bride and let her find someone. Ok FM people...Am I by myself on this one? Yvette

Nope

Nov 14, 2009 at 08:09 PM

ksmahgrts
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p.1 #23 · HELP!!!

dennisyvette wrote:
Ok FM people...Am I by myself on this one? Yvette

nope. you're not alone. but the OP was well aware that this was a 100% miserable situation he was put into by the "pro" so i didn't feel the need to beat him over the head with it. (and i have been known to carry a beat-me stick every now and again)

Nov 14, 2009 at 08:35 PM

dennisyvette
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p.1 #24 · HELP!!!

ksmahgrts wrote:
dennisyvette wrote:
Ok FM people...Am I by myself on this one? Yvette

nope. you're not alone. but the OP was well aware that this was a 100% miserable situation he was put into by the "pro" so i didn't feel the need to beat him over the head with it. (and i have been known to carry a beat-me stick every now and again)

Nov 14, 2009 at 10:50 PM

MarcyJillGood
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p.1 #25 · HELP!!!

dennisyvette wrote:
ksmahgrts wrote:
dennisyvette wrote:
Ok FM people...Am I by myself on this one? Yvette

nope. you're not alone. but the OP was well aware that this was a 100% miserable situation he was put into by the "pro" so i didn't feel the need to beat him over the head with it. (and i have been known to carry a beat-me stick every now and again)

You're right...The OP was aware of everything. However, sometimes I think people want to shoot so bad that they put themselves and the bride at risk. I really hope the OP does an outstanding job. I wish him all the best as he's probably shooting at this very moment. I certainly don't mean to beat him up, but there was another choice. The choice is to tell them no, and let the bride find someone herself if the pro couldn't do it. In my humble opinion, it doesn't make the pro much of a pro. It makes him greedy. Yvette

My impression is that he was stuck in an awkward situation because the 'pro' was also a friend. It's understandable for someone to feel they're letting a friend down if they don't help out, but they're stuck in a bad situation if they do. As with others, I am wishing him well today.

Nov 15, 2009 at 12:18 AM


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