p.7 #3 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
i may get dinged for my comments but consider the followings:
perhaps they really like your work despite of how you think of your skills.
have a discussion with your wife on the pros & cons. you don't want the "boss" to be upset at you! ;-)
do your homework, i.e. research, readings, and if there are still time, contact some local wedding photogs and volunteer to assist at their next shoot, whatever that may be (observe and learn).
Then, if you feel up for the job, make sure you can get (or rent) the appropriate equipments, i.e. lighting, etc... figure out your expenses and the require rate to cover them.
then sit down with the wife's boss and set a clear expectation of the deliverables along with the pricing! I'm sure there'll be a bridal session and possible a dinner shoot for you to feel comfortable before the actual wedding.
If you cannot obtain the necessary equipments to complete the shoot, then decline the job.
p.7 #5 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
Ballistics many of the answers you have gotten could have EASILY, EASILY been found on previous FM forum posts and instead of doing a few minute search, you chose to skip it and go here. I somewhat understand, and yes some of us may be stern because the industry is full of students and mom's with cameras and uncle bob's , but that is because more and more people don't respect the hard working pro's and this job in the industry. No we aren't doctors, or lawyers, engineers or architects (though you would be astonished how many of us formerly practiced in those different fields), but we take pride in what we do and the pathway we took to get there.
What I am saying is that if you truly respected the industry, you would walk away from this or at the least read other posts relating to this SAME topic. I would have different advice if you were truly interested in becoming a wedding photographer, but you aren't. You want to make some quick cash, don't care to do much extended research, need enough info to get by, and didn't come to the discussion at least prepared enough in the beginning to ask some solid, concise and to the point questions we could address.
What you may not understand is that we who do this for a living run into this situation constantly, and I mean CONSTANTLY. People who have no experience with weddings, don't care to do this for a living, but just want enough to get by to make a few bucks. It's a slap in the face, and yes it does take away from the industry. It gets old, and admitantly makes us cynical. We all had to start out yes, but most of us had intentions of doing it for a living or at least part time in the extended future. I believe you didn't think of it in this light, but I hope you can step back and say yes, I can understand your point. I'm not trying to start a debate, so you don't need to respond to this post - I'm just stating the impression you gave and the tone you set from the beginning. You are talented I can see by your work, and I can see why you would be asked to shoot a wedding. You eventually got some great questions out there, though I think you would have been better served to have started off with those in the beginning rather than the generic, what do I do to shoot a wedding question. I don't know you in person and you may more than likely be a very nice and easy to talk to individual, but it doesn't come across like that on here at all. Unfortunately, if you joke around a lot and have dry humor, typing doesn't convey the small nuances of verbal conversation- so it's best to play conservatively on any internet forum. My recommendation is stop typing so much and start reading. Just take some time to do research. read one of the other hundreds of posts on this EXACT SAME TOPIC. Here's to page 7.
p.7 #6 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
tntcorp wrote:
i may get dinged for my comments but consider the followings:
perhaps they really like your work despite of how you think of your skills.
have a discussion with your wife on the pros & cons. you don't want the "boss" to be upset at you! ;-)
do your homework, i.e. research, readings, and if there are still time, contact some local wedding photogs and volunteer to assist at their next shoot, whatever that may be (observe and learn).
Then, if you feel up for the job, make sure you can get (or rent) the appropriate equipments, i.e. lighting, etc... figure out your expenses and the require rate to cover them.
then sit down with the wife's boss and set a clear expectation of the deliverables along with the pricing! I'm sure there'll be a bridal session and possible a dinner shoot for you to feel comfortable before the actual wedding.
If you cannot obtain the necessary equipments to complete the shoot, then decline the job.
p.7 #8 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
Guari wrote:
I tried to read this whole thread... And just gave up...
Ballistic, if you so want to go shoot a wedding, just go. And be done with it.
But boy, what an attitude you have. You should learn some decency and humillity. You make for a great internet cowboy. Or Quixote.
Hopefully, I'll never get the chance to meet you..
Nothing about my responses lack decency or humility.
In fact, point me to the indecent and arrogant/egotistical posts that make you so afraid to meet me in person because
frankly, if you really read the thread and see me in this light, you either misread or you read with some sort of bias.
In fact, I've never heard anyone ever say that about me in person. I'm known to be level headed and grounded, just like my replies. Straight to the point but non inflammatory for those that disapprove and gracious/appreciative to those that helped
p.7 #10 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
I'm so confused as to why someone would come here and act like they're all in a quandary about what to do about this, but it turns out they're not really conflicted at all... More like expecting everyone to just jump up and say "omg! Do it! I'm sure you'll do great!".
p.7 #11 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
ckhagen wrote:
I'm so confused as to why someone would come here and act like they're all in a quandary about what to do about this, but it turns out they're not really conflicted at all... More like expecting everyone to just jump up and say "omg! Do it! I'm sure you'll do great!".
Again, I think some people need to go back and re-read. This wasn't a "validate my decision" thread. Nothing I say perpetuates that. There are too many people trying to fill in blanks that just aren't there.
p.7 #15 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
Ballistics wrote:
Nothing about my responses lack decency or humility.
In fact, point me to the indecent and arrogant/egotistical posts that make you so afraid to meet me in person because
frankly, if you really read the thread and see me in this light, you either misread or you read with some sort of bias.
In fact, I've never heard anyone ever say that about me in person. I'm known to be level headed and grounded, just like my replies. Straight to the point but non inflammatory for those that disapprove and gracious/appreciative to those that helped
To give you the benefit of the doubt, I finished reading the 2 pages I originally decided to skip over. It just reassures me my first impression.
You come to a house, which is not yours, and you decide to take a piss on the middle of the living room. That is the way I see you because that is the attitude that your posts transpire.
I said I hope our paths don't get to cross because I do not enjoy the company of people who have an arrogant attitude. Do get off the Napoleonic horse you are riding, as I never said I didn't want to meet you because I fear you.
I just can't stand people who feel it is their divine right to "put people in their place".. That is exactly what I meant with humillity.
Whatever... Go shoot the wedding and post up some pictures after it's all been said and done.. Don't make such a big deal out of it. I am not a wedding photographer but I have shot two weddings, for friends and family. After having done that, I feel a lot of respect for these guys who are true craftsmen of their trade, who have decided to make this thir bread and butter...
p.7 #17 · Being asked to shoot a wedding when you aren't a wedding photographer
Guari wrote:
To give you the benefit of the doubt, I finished reading the 2 pages I originally decided to skip over. It just reassures me my first impression.
You come to a house, which is not yours, and you decide to take a piss on the middle of the living room. That is the way I see you because that is the attitude that your posts transpire.
I said I hope our paths don't get to cross because I do not enjoy the company of people who have an arrogant attitude. Do get off the Napoleonic horse you are riding, as I never said I didn't want to meet you because I fear you.
I just can't stand people who feel it is their divine right to "put people in their place".. That is exactly what I meant with humillity.
Whatever... Go shoot the wedding and post up some pictures after it's all been said and done..
