Forget for a minute that you want to do this and think about the perception of your potential clients. I'm thinking if too many of them see it, you may be needing it to hold up liquor stores and banks to have an income. Being robbed of your gear may be a "cost of doing business" in your area, but what if you have NO business? A lot of people just wouldn't hire you. Do you really think potential customers are interested in paying for background checks on you to see if you are stable and trained? Don't think so...send in the next photographer please.
Most people are not going to carry a weapon to a wedding or reception, while some are. No one is going to talk you out of it now that you have decided, but announcing on a forum, welll is that a good idea?
If I hired you for a photo job and I saw that you were armed (seems like the weapon has to be within easy reach to be worthwhile so it can't in your glove box or tucked into your camera bag )I would probably feel uncomfortable, as I don;t know you, I don't know why you have a gun at my wedding and hope that you don;t decide that you need to use it. But that's just me others will have a different opinion.
Good luck and if you do get to shoot someone, be sure don't just wing 'em. Otherwise the legal bills will kill ya!
I don't have a need to carry. If I know I'm gonna be in a sketchy area, I just hire Evan to sit in an upper perch or somewhere within 1800 yards to cover me.
I recently signed up for a five day defensive handgun course. They require you to bring or buy 800 rounds. At the end of the course I will have a CCW good for 30 states.
I have experience with various weapons and am comfortable with my mental state. I have reasons for wanting a CCW, and if I am going to get a CCW and carry a weapon for any reason I am going to get the best training I can find. A two hour classroom session and firing 5 rounds isn't going to do it.
Read Evens post. A lot of good common sense.
As for carrying a concealed weapon to a wedding shoot................I can not envision a wedding scenario where I would do this. I can't image a need and you really do need take your clients into consideration.
Just because you can carry doesn't mean you should. Use discretion and common sense.
When it comes to owning and carrying guns I really believe the most important factor is the gun owner. You really must be honest with yourself. If your a angry person with a quick temper, don't buy a gun. No good can come of it. Other wise get the best training you can and practice on a regular basis.
Here's a female opinion. If I found out, through either through spotting it myself or one of my guests spotting it, I would be spreading the word to everyone I know and NOT in a good way. I would be irate if I found out my photographer had a gun at my wedding. You wouldn't get one positive referral from me.
Yes you have a right. So does the bride. No bride wants to think that there's a gun at her perfect special day. Kiss your referral business good bye if you actually carry that concealed weapon.
I also think Evan made a good point about guns not being permitted inestablishments where alcohol is served (whether you are partaking or not).
What is the message that you carrying a firearm sends to your clients? Do you think your clients will be more comfortable or less with you carrying a firearm around while working?
We can't tell you how to live your life or behave (and it seems like you've already made up your mind), what we can do is suggest that it might not send the best message to your clients.
I've carried nearly daily for close to two decades.
Having said that, I would NOT carry while professionally representing my photography company. That's just dumb really. There is no need. This is what insurance and your brain is for.
Having said THAT, it is always in my car as security to and from any gig, meeting, etc.
Some background though... many of my family members carry "professionally" (if you get my drift) and I've been a member of my FOP for years. My range is 500 yds from my back door. I just chose a life of shooting through glass instead of a barrel.
