My friend/co-worker hired me for his wedding phtographer, How do I get the right shots & everything?

Question

This will be my first time shotting at a wedding

my dad taught me photography back in around 2000. He gave me his old camera for Christmas. I love photography. I now have a digital camera

Answer 1

See these tutorials on wedding photography: http://www.net-art.it/photomonitor/html/teoria_tecnica/ripresa-tecniche/matrimonio-cerimonia-e.shtml
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Answer 2

How much time do you have before the wedding to crash through wedding photography? Best bet to me would be to get to a bookstore like Barnes and Noble, or Borders, and buy a book on the subject, and then cram like you have finals in 20 minutes and you slept through most of the classes. Then go on-line and find wedding photographer websites and see what they're doing. Then try to develop a list of photos you want to take, maybe even discuss this with the bride and groom. Try to show some kind of style to your photography. Record the event, but also create some kind of art to the occasion. Don't forget to get a few shots of the chapel, and maybe some of it's architecture. I hope they're not expecting miracles. Wedding photography is a developed art, that takes a lot of practice and skill. The first time out might not be your best work. If your dad did a good job of teaching you the basics of photography, you could do an OK job. Just make sure they understand that this is your first effort, of course you'll do your best, but your experience level is zero.
One quick read I could recommend is "Professional Techniques for the Wedding Photographer" Revised edition by George Schaub only 140 pages, but has some good ideas
Good luck.

Answer 3

Go to www.photo.net and search the wedding and social event forum for newbie and first timer threads. You will have enough stuff to read to keep you busy a while.
Then get a backup camera and flash. Know how to use both cameras. If you can't do manual settings on the fly, use the program mode. For the ceremony, you won't have time to bracket many shots. Restage some events afterwards if you have time and didn't get the shot during. (It's actually common to restage the ring shots and the unity candle.)
Practice as much as you can. If possible, check out the venue before the event. Get a tripod if you don't already have one, most ceremonies don't allow flash.
You say hired...If I were you, I would refuse any money for this, and present the photos to the couple as a present. Or at least, only charge for your cost. If any money exchanges hands, I would have a contract. If your pictures are crappy, (or even if they think they are) they can sue, so I would CYA.
Good luck.

Answer 4

Okay, now. First of all, I understand where everyone above me who says to get a real pro to do the job is coming from and I'd agree with that - if the family can afford it.

I remember the early, lean years, though, and I did a few weddings myself. I took the photos and then gave the couple one seet of prints and a set of negatives. This way, when they could afford it, at least they could have some nicer prints made and get an album. I couldn't afford a present either, so it worked out for all concerned.

Having said that, I checked out the link in David's answer above me and it's a good place to start!

As long as everyone concerned understands that they are NOT going to get (or give) a _true_ professional job, it's fine to try photographing a wedding. Hey. Even the best professional wedding photographer had to start somewhere...

Answer 5

Awww, I love weddings =)
Well, during the ceremony you want to be up front taking pictures- make sure you get the basics like everyone coming down the aisle, dad giving bride away, the kiss, etc.
You'd also want to have a bit of a photoshoot in between the ceremony and party- with the bride, any of her family, groom, his family, and the wedding party. This usually takes place in a park nearby, maybe the couple have a special place in mind for this.
At the party, go to each table and get a picture while they're all seated. Focus on the bride and groom for the most part, but get lots of guest shots, too.
Hope you have fun =)
Oh, and at the party, make sure your flash is just right. Take things like the ceilings and walls into account, as they can help to reflect the light. =)

Answer 6

If you dont want to lose them as friends, back out. I have done hundreds of weddings, and iy is NOT something you learn to do the right way with a few tips. He may be ok with mediocre shots, the bride wont be, that comes from experience.

If you must, use an 80-200 f2.8 lens or something similar. Buy or rent a flash bracket that places the flash above the camera, and you will need a soft box for that flash. Buy Professional film if using film. Bracket every shot at least once up and once down to ensure proper exposure, you will only have one chance for many of the shots. If you are not advanced in your skills, use the apropriate program mode, but still adjust the exposure for each shot once up and once down. Exrta batteries, second camera, a helper if you can get one. You getting the point yet?

Answer 7

well okay...you got to make the camera at the right angle and have to try and make the pic look PERFECT cuz you DO NOT wanna mess up AT ALL! He'll get mad if you do. So if you want the BEST shots and know what you are looking at, use a Digital Camera...its better! Cuz you can look at the screen on the camera while pointing it. Just make it look beautiful and remember to NOT mess up!

Answer 8

I'm sure they hired you for a reason, they must think you can do a good job...why don't you just ask them what combinations they would like? Thats what my dad did for his wedding, he made a list of the photographs he wanted and gave it to his friend who was doing the pictures...just ask the bride and groom, its their wedding.

Answer 9

Most couples want original, romantic, creative poses. So, don't just line folks up and snap pictures. Be creative with the positioning, the backgrounds, and the poses. People love candid, pretty poses, so just try to capture pictures that represent the mood of the day.

Answer 10

If you aren't familiar how to take and stage wedding photos then you should not be doing it. Why did you agree to do it? Did you tell them you knew how? Gee...it's only the most important day of their lives. Hope you don't screw it up.