My friend asked me to take pics at her wedding, where do I begin?

Question

I am an aspiring photographer and my best friend is getting married in October. I know a bit about photography and I am actually investing in a new camera (possibly a Canon Rebel??). I want to take the best pics that I can for her. I am also doing the bridal shoot in September. Does anyone know any websites that are specifically wedding photography help? I really need like an "Idiots guide" or "... for Dummies" Thanks so much

The thing is.. that its her third marriage. Shes not going all traditional. Shes actually getting married before hand via justice of the peace and just having the entire ceremony done by friends. We are all taking part in her happy day. She said that it would mean the world for me to take the pictures. She doesnt expect for them to be professional. She is actually expecting snapshots. I just want to surprise her with better ones

Answer 1

Hi,

Shooting for a wedding seems to be so simple, and you said she jus want some snapshots of her happy moments. Believe my words, it’s not that much easier and not very tuff too.

Let me explain about what most of the photographers do when they have an assignment on wedding. They set the camera aperture to a good high number (means you have less opening to allow light), this is to increase depth. Because, you may not in a position to shift focus every time you take a shot. It’s better to have a good depth of field so that your camera may act as a simple point and shoot camera. But another thing, how can you manage light with small aperture, there comes the use of flash. (If you couldn’t find a flash device, please drop the above idea).

About the creative-side, you have to be very careful at the moment happening around. You are not supposed to miss out any thing that is supposed to be captured. When everyone is posing then its fine and you can have your time. If you are organizing the people together, and taking the shots that too great. But unfortunately, both the things a photographer can’t expect at wedding. Take two shots of best happenings, both with different technicalities (think you must be fast or pre-planned about the things to make your technical changes in a rapid way, coz a matter a time matters a lot in photography, and you can’t get the event back. Select your shots, give emphasis on good moments.

Candid shots would be great (most candid shots are roughly taken like no proper focus and not even good framing. Thank god!! Light-controls were in-built in modern cameras). But make it fine men; you can do it overcoming all these silly things (you may call it so after a couple of ‘couple’ shoots, ha!).

Plan your shots; think about the technical aspects you are using on every shot. Think upon the output. Make proper exposures, coz exposure gives life to the photographs. Hope you know that!! What I say is, take it light but not too light!! Fine!!!

Take care! All the very best!!

Bye!!

Answer 2

A wedding may be a bad time for on-the-job training. How about you (since you have a keen eye as a budding photographer) pick out, and recommend a professional photographer. In the process of picking one out, you can ask all sorts of questions. Maybe you and the pro can work together and they will share some tips.

I think your friend would (in time) appreciate you handing the task to a pro. Wedding pics are forever and ever, so you really don't want to mess them up. Those pictures may be the last remaining image or evidence of them to a far distant great, great, great grandchild.

Answer 3

The best advice I could give you is - DON'T do it. No matter how good friends you think that you are now this is guaranteed to ruin your friendship forever. If you insist on taking pictures for her, be sure you have a backup- you are really taking a risk if yours will be the only pictures being taken.

Your best friend's wedding is NOT the place to try out being a wedding photographer!

Answer 4

Tell her to hire a professional. I did wedding photography for a while, but got out of it because it's too stressful. If you have new equipment, this is not the way to break it in. She really needs somebody with experience.

Answer 5

I have been involved with alot of photography projects in my community and as part of my job and I have found that the best shots are the candid shots or shots taken at unexpected angles. Black and whites are always beautiful but if you want to do shots in color you need to make the colors pop. Have lots of film on hand and have your camera ready at all times or you may miss the best shots. If there is anything specific you want to ask about photography such as techniches, styles, tips, feel free to e-mail me and I will answer as best I can.

Answer 6

Wow... believe it or not, 5 years from now, your friend will regret going to a professional. This isn't a put-down on you, but I've heard that from so many brides who figure a quick wedding means less traditional photos.

So, as a professional, let me suggest the following books to you:

http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=W

http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=L

http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=B

As, I'm away from my office and I don't have too much time, feel free to email me and I'll be more than happy to help you out: [e-mail]

Answer 7

one of the best wedding ideas I have heard of is to put disposable cameras at each table, that way you get pictures of everyone. That would help make you job easier.

I am sure that Borders would have plenty of Photography how to books.

Answer 8

I think this would be a great time for you to start your photography futere. talk with couple and see what kind oif pix they want, search the net to look at photos and get busy. A canon rebel is great, I own 2.

Answer 9

Sounds like a good way to lose a friend

Answer 10

there face of cores