everything i need to know about wedding photography

while im still cant make my mind up to do a friend's sister's wedding,

i would love some advice on camera wise! just in case
jols have sent me a check list of things for "the wedding poses" thanks jols x

Questions is.....

do i need a flash ? (dont have one)

what it the best settings? (esp if children cant keep still !)

can i do it handheld? (i hope) lol

I would say you need a nice flash yes... and a tripod even (you might be nervous on the day ), maybe even take an assitant in the form of Kristian, to help carry your gear, set-up stuff etc.

A check list is probably a must, not only for preparing your kit, but for what you need to take photos of on the day.

I have been asked to do 2 weddings, I have declined both. There is no way I would take thousands of pictures of somebody's very special day and risk screwing it up! Its not only the taking, its the editing, resizing, storing, who prints them, who wants what etc.. etc.. and the horror of them saying they are not what they wanted. You have to have spare batteries, many extra cards, GOOD flash guns, super steady tripods, and be able to manage all teh people too and hope you get whats expected of you.

If you take it on, good luck to you, I hope it works out.
Dawn.

I think you should do it Claire, I have so far done 4 weddings, My sister, a Niece-in-law and 2 close friends! Yes its very nerve racking, but once you get into it, its really quite fun. The first 2 were done the old fashioned way with film! that was even harder, but with digital, if looking over your pics and one is not right you have the opportunity to do it again! Best with a flash for indoors and if you have a tripod I would take it. The trick is to take lots of pictures that way you are sure to have lots that will be great, chat to the Bride and Groom to see what they want, but just keep snapping! I have seen your pics on here and you will be fantastic. xx

CL are they having you in place of a pro or are they not having a photographer at all and are hoping you can take some for them?

KK i only spoken to the bride mother yestaday (my next door neibour) they are not having a pro coz it too expensive and they just want to me to take some shots through the day.signing the book, cutting the cake and the whole family !! but when you get married you want the best, dont you !... well i would !! lol

If they wernt having a pro then yeah, go for it! Just make sure you are both clear on any expectations on the day to avoid potential arguments!

Are they gonna pay CL or are you doing it for free?

If free then they can't complain lol, but if they are paying, I would invest that money in kit you will use on the day - such as flash, prime lens etc

So long as they have seen your past work, and they know you are not a pro - I don't see a problem so long as you feel you can do it

dawn! that exactly how im feeling at the mo ! i maybe good at landscapes and flowers but portraits is definally harder coz i cant boss people around lol

eileen thank for thinking i could do it but it is nerve racking !they have only seen one photo of my daughter posted here a while ago and suddenly thinks im good at portraits

yeah im gonna have to have a good talk to them and see what kind of photographs they are expecting and i can always say no if it too much work!

Azz im thinking of doing it free but they just pay for prints if they're happy with my work !

You got nothing to lose then - but you get some good practise out of it, and some photos to add to your portfolio