A co-worker is getting married this weekend. She already has a photographer for the wedding and I have never done a wedding before. But I see this as a chance to get out, make some mistakes and learn. I have a Nikon D90 and the kit 18-105mm lens that came with it. I also have a SB-600 external flash.

I know the equipment I have is not what is normally used at wedding, but what do you think my capabilities are for the wedding. What shots will I be able to catch?

The wedding is outside in the afternoon and the reception is inside a hotel ballroom. I am just looking for a little advice or guidance from anyone who is willing to offer it.

Thank you in advance.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/699883/0#6298774

From one wedding photographer noob to another, the best thing you can do is to stay out of the way of the hired photographer. Not to be mean but most photographers don't want someone else trying to shoot while they're working. Having said that, you may be able to grab some shots away from the action that the paid shooter is trying to capture.

Just be respectful of the hired photographer and don't bother him/her while they're trying to do their job. Shooting weddings is stressful enough.

Now, as to equipment and technique. Just shoot with what you have and what you know. Don't try to immulate others just yet. Once the wedding is over and you're back home, load the pics onto your computer and start studying them. Look for shots that didn't work and figure out why they didn't work. Then figure out how to correct the problem.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the advice. I was definitely not planning on getting in the way of the hired photographer. I talked to the bride and she told me I would have access into the ballroom prior to the photographer and guest arriving and also the area where the ceremony would be held.

One of my mistakes is not having fully charged batteries for the flash unit! Make sure you have extra's. When you're wedding is done, post the results, we'de love to see them!

From one wedding photographer noob to another, the best thing you can do is to stay out of the way of the hired photographer.

Noob, pro, or in between, it's a good idea. Keep that in mind.

Thanks for the advice. I was definitely not planning on getting in the way of the hired photographer. I talked to the bride and she told me I would have access into the ballroom prior to the photographer and guest arriving and also the area where the ceremony would be held.

I wonder if the hired photographer knows about this? Just curious.

Why did the bride come to you and tell you this? Did she tell everyone this, or did you ask her about shooting? There's a big blank there.


edited:spellin reealy bad

I wonder if the hired photographer knows about this? Just curious.

Why did the bride come to you and tell you this? Did she tell everyone this, or did you ask her about shooting? There's a big blank there.

+1

Maybe she hired a photog for the formals only? Maybe that's the budget she is on?

No flash during the ceremony even outside and stay in your seat.

jefferies1 wrote:
No flash during the ceremony even outside and stay in your seat.

+1.... STAY IN YOUR SEAT!!!!

Let me also add something.... STAY IN YOUR SEAT!!!!!

With that lens, you can't get anything worth getting without being in the way... unless you're just talking about reception work. TOTALLY easy to take pictures there and never even SEE the hired photographer. I never mind cameras then.

If you can get your hands on a longer lens... and you can hang back a ways, hiding behind trees or whatever... then it might be worth it. That's what I did for my first "try" at weddings before ever getting booked. And the images I took are still on the wall of the bride's house. But she never saw me there.

Tony Hoffer wrote:
jefferies1 wrote:
No flash during the ceremony even outside and stay in your seat.

+1.... STAY IN YOUR SEAT!!!!

Let me also add something.... STAY IN YOUR SEAT!!!!!

but...but...what if they don't offer me a seat!!! Push grandma out of the way and take hers??

I had the very same request from a co-worker. The hired photog did a great job, and they were happy with his work.
I made it a priority to stay the heck out of his way and respect his working space. I didn't piggyback his shots at all. I focused on being where he wasn't, and worked at getting the best candids I could. As my gift, I presented her with the processed images on a disc.
While they were happy with the paid shots, I was thrilled that their favorite shot, the one they chose to enlarge, came from me.
Simple rule..."Do unto others..." If I was the hired shooter, I want room.

T-bone1 wrote:
While they were happy with the paid shots, I was thrilled that their favorite shot, the one they chose to enlarge, came from me.

One of my co-workers had the same sentiment for a photo I took at his wedding a few years back too!

I just want to thank everyone for their advice. I took it and stayed out of the photographers way, that is until he found me. Come to find out, the bride spoke very highly of me to him and he wanted to meet me. Salvadorians are awesome I must say.

At the end of the night he took a look at a few of my shots and told me "Welcome to the game." I am very excited about learning what he has to teach me.

Here are a few of my shots from the wedding.