Could you do some seconding work for a local photographer?
You would be awesome at the candid stuff

I dont think there is snobbery in event photography - well not that iv come across at any rate. Concern, yes (in that anyone with a a camera is now a pro) but no snobbery. As Azz has already pointed out, good quality equipment is an important factor - ok it doesn't produce BETTER IMAGES but they do produce images in a far SUPERIOR QUALITY. Thats the difference.

For me, iv always enjoyed the business aspect as well as the photography side. Theres nothing more thrilling knowing that people enjoy your work and a prepared to pay for it. The hard work that is put in is so rewarding in the final output. OK so sometimes there is the mundane - but you get that in ALL aspects of everyday life and to back out of something you excell at and enjoy for the odd times, to me doesnt make sense.

Running a business has its ups and downs but hopefully if you do it well, the ups outnumber the downs x

I think wedding photography depends on what people want. It's clear there are folks who just want a set of standard pictures, run of the mill, all the typical poses and probably all around 7x5. I'm sure that's fine for many people, simple church or registry weddings, the package wedding holidays,...something for the mantle piece. You could easy do that on a simple DSLR and glass probably won't make much difference.

I'm sure many of us here though are thinking about some of the more artistic stuff, low light, shallow DoF, fantastic PP, close ups of the shoes, the rings, the cake etc. Then i agree you need somebody good and good equipment.

Ultimately though it is about the couple, what they want, what they are paying for, a special day, can't be missed or allow mistakes, and they do deserve a professional attitude and apprioach to the day from the tog.

It's weird, I am fairly confident with camera, I do take photos professionally as part of my job (not arty or commercial sales though), i am a qualifuied trainer and used to people yet weddings leave me feeling 'it's not me'. A friend thinks i could do it. Thasns for your vote of confidence!

Thats exactly it. The wedding that that I attended recently to shoot was purely candid and generic - this is comparison to an upcoming wedding this Saturday is on the flip side as the couple want more stylized fun captures which requires a completely different set of skills and lenses. And like you say, BOTH weddings expect my best work, good quality and professional service.

I hate the build up to doing weddings, but when i am there i really enjoy myself and enjoy the pressure of it.

My style is a mix of candid and set up shots, and my price reflects the fact that not only am i at the wedding for 9 hours of my day (one wedding i was there for 10 hours) it is also the editing time after, and i also have to cover the costs of my insurance (which to be honest isn't much each year) and my travel too and from the wedding.

No matter whether i am taking photos for a friend, or a stranger, free or paid, i always try to produce my best work... you are only as good as your last job and in this business, a lot of work comes by word of mouth.

My best tip would be... preparation preparation preparation. Visit the venue long before the wedding date, speak to the owners or managers of the venue to see if you can have access to get prime photo spots and envision them before the day. Ask to see previous photographers work as it can sometimes give you a different perspective of things. My best tip in the prep of the event... make sure you have empty memory cards, charged batteries and backups and clean equipment!!

I have done 5 weddings now so am very new to it all, and taking a bit of a break from things this year. Will have to see what the next year holds in store for me and my photography.

I am also in a position now though of seeing things from the clients point of view and have booked my wedding photographer for our wedding next year. I am not one for posey shots and hate having photos taken of me posing, so have gone for a photojournalist style and after researching many photographers, we have entrusted our photos to a wonderful husband and wife team. http://www.earthyphotography.co.uk/index.htm

Thanks for everyones input, it has been fun to read and it proves we are all different.

And also proves photography is a hobby for all sorts of people and a business for some.