Claire

It is not something I would like to undertake either, If something goes wrong you not only loose a friend but as you say next door neighbour, well say no more. For such an important day in their lives and for something they can look back on in old age I cannot understand why they don't ask a professional photographer to do the shoot with you as a second shooter.

The worst scenario I can think of is the pictures don't come out as good as they expect and you are not covered insurance wise.

However should you agree to do the shoot which not only would be nervious for you but exciting and gain experience, then you should seriously think about getting some sort of agreement in writing as to your expenses and fee together with a getout clause just incase.

Preparation is everything

Would you be asked to photo at the hairdressers, brides home readyness? would you be asked to photo bride leaving home as you won't be able to cover the groom as well?

Photo the groom and best man before the service in the church or where ever, how do you do that whilst at the brides house?. Get to the church before the bride to shoot as getting out of car . The service,signing the book, leaving the church the pre reception shoots and location etc etc. The list is endless, that is not including the editing and photo pressentation.

I think you would have your work cut out on the day which definately would be a long one anyway, and the very worst thing of all you won't be able to join in the celebrations
IE drink as your equipment is too valuable to put at risk, especially if the wedding pics are in it.

I would suggest if you did go ahead that you still charged a substantial fee for the work you put in somewhere around a minimum of £500 and more depending on what they want.

That would be a considerable saving on a professional photographers fee from looking on the net at what they charge.

DON'T DO IT FOR NOTHING ,REMEMBER ITS YOU THAT WANTS BETTER CAMERA GEAR AND YOU WON'T GET IT DOING THINGS FOR FREE.

Bazza

When you are just starting out, sometimes you working for free makes sense, as not only do you get a portfolio piece, but if they like what you did you get lots of free advertising.

Azz

Fair comment, but would the couple appreciate the wedding photos as much if got for nothing? If you have to pay for something you are more likely to treasure and keep it better.

Surely the amount of pre wedding day work and your expenses should be charged for or else you could be seriously out of pocket.

Now if you were invited to go with them on honeymoon all expenses paid that would be another matter entirely.

Oh forgot to add any fees would be subject to income tax.

Bazza

When I did my first wedding I did it purely for the cost of the prints.

It was the experience I was after and to see if I could cut it.

It was a blast and I loved it.

Jols

How interesting, why not write on here about the experience, will give other members some first hand knowledge on what you did, expected to do and how it went.

Bazza

I would not know how or what to write.

Hi folks

I did the photography for a friends wedding back in december because they didn't want a pro to do it because of their budget. It was probably the most nerve wracking thing I have ever done but my god it was a huge confidence boost and extremely rewarding.

I had my D40 with the kit lens on it and an SB400 flash. I took plenty of spare memory cards, a spare battery and batteries for the flash, and my good little Casio exilim compact as a back up in case the nikon broke.

As far as photos, they wanted a relaxed wedding and lots of shots of people having fun. I took photos as the guests arrived, through the ceremony, the formal family shots (including a few group photos - of about 70 people...) and then afterwards at the reception. It was hard work organising everyone but as I relaxed it got easier and I had lots of fun in the end and my friends were really happy about how I did it all and how unintrusive I was.

Processing all the images took AGES and then I used photobox to make an album, which also turned out great and exactly what they wanted.

All in all it was a fantastic experience and I had a lot of people say what a good job I did, especially the bride and groom which is the main thing

Hope my little write up helps and good luck if you decide to do it!

Amanda
x

thanks for that Amanda, i think CL needs a little confindence booster.

I am sure she can do it and lets hope she does

Suppose I always am on the side of caution when undertaking something new. Weighing up the pros and cons together with how confident one is of their capabilities dictates wether to undertake such a project. Guess that knowing the people involved helps and would remove some of the worries. At the end of the day if the shoot is successful then I can see,as others have said, a great booster to ones abilities.

Bazza

How well do you know them Claire?, you can always do it as their wedding gift, make up an album and frame a few of the really good ones!