Yikes! To shoot or not to shoot!

[michelle_e]

Okay, I need some advice here. I have been asked to shoot a wedding. It will be my second wedding (the first one I am still editing the pics from almost 3 weeks ago).

After the first one I wasn't so sure I wanted to do weddings. I don't like the stress. I shot for a second time bride who was VERY informal. I thought this would be good as she was so relaxed. BUT she didn't leave any time between the church and the reception, the father of the bride didn't want to take pics, her wedding party left before we hardly even started with pics, and to top it all off it was freezing cold so many of the pics were indoors and in a church where the ceilings were SO high there was nowhere to bounce a flash. I bought a soft box and that helped but still...not great.

Okay, so here's my conflict. This one will be in June so providing it doesn't rain...weather will be better therefore better lighting. First time bride...will definitely leave a block of time for pictures.

She knows I'm just starting out and that I specialize in children and families but have done ONE teen tiny wedding and wants me to consider hers.

What would you do? I definitely learned some valuable lessons (like be firm...tell the wedding party to stay put! LOL...but seriously the bride was just too nice to do this...and I won't be that nice...I'll simply say..."hate me if you must...but we're taking these pictures!!!!!!") but I'm torn. So so so so torn. I know I will never get better if I don't do more but perhaps I could just stick to what I do best. But the money is good in weddings. <sigh>

Anyone have and advice? Suggestions? Valium? :rolleyes:

TIA (and thanks for reading this far!!! STRESS!)

[Amanda J.]

You are a brave, brave woman. Much more brave than I. I've just done some informal shoots for friends and family. Nothing so big as a wedding. The part that scares me is there is no "do over." And the stress!

One thing that is in your favor is the wedding is far enough away for you to scout locations, get light meter readings, even go as far as to put a daughter or teen in a white dress and do some practice pictures. Then it's just a matter of getting your kit together and going for it.

I just read a wonderful book on b/w wedding photography, Elegant Black & White Wedding Photography by Sara A. Frances. She talks a lot about her kit (4 Hassleblad bodies!!!) and her philosophy on wedding photography. And the pictures are amazing.

I had one last week from the library, The best of wedding photography: techniques and images from the pros by Bill Hurter. That cover picture is glorious. Even my husband looked through that one with me. There is a lot about posing I didn't know in this one. Way beyond classical feminine and masculine portraiture.

One more thing I want to mention is the "Weddings on the Side" forum at www.ilovephotography.com. There is some amazing information there. You have to register to see the free forums. I registered before they made the new rule you had to post once to post anywhere else. That's o.k., because I've never posted there! I just lurk and learn. I especially suggest the sticky, "A collection of helpful hints," at the top of that forum.

Good luck! And whatever you decide to do, it is the right decision.
HTH!

[April]

I got stressed out just reading your post. I hate that kind of pressure.

I think you should do it though. It sounds like you want to and it sounds like the bride really wants you even though you tried to convince her otherwise. All you need is a small percentage of great shots to be successful, right?

[ConnieTameling]

So glad you posted this. My mom's friend is getting married at the end of May and has asked me to do the same thing. YIKES! This is a second wedding for both (both in their mid-60s) and they are being very casual about the whole thing, so I am not stressing too terribly YET. But reading your post got some butterflies swirling!! I'm definitely going to be looking into Amanda's suggested links . . . thanks bunches!

[StephVetne]

Oh wow! I say go for it if you've got time to prepare. I do childrens' portraits and some commercial photography, but I've always said no to weddings because I can't handle the stress. But, if you've done one, feel like you've learned a few things and think this sounds good, go for it!!!

[michelle_e]

Thank you for you input! I have informed the wedding planner who consulted me that if the bride is willing to sign a contract that states she knows I am a beginner and that my pricing reflects that I will be willing to do the wedding.

I am definitley going to look into those links Amanda...thank you!

Connie...my advice for shooting a second wedding is still get them to tell reserve a cetain amount of time to shoot pics between the service and the reception, get a list of the pictures they want...and make it clear between them and you the style of photo's they are looking for. I had more traditional poses in mind for the wedding I just shot and they did not.

I will let you know if the bride agrees...and than the REAL stress begins!!! EEEK! :D

Thanks again!

[ConnieTameling]

Thanks for the advice, Michelle! I definitely plan to have a sit down meeting with the couple in the next few weeks to discuss their expectations, etc. Keep us posted on how this goes for you!

[michelle_e]

Well, the bride is aware...and still wants to go with me sooooooooooo...looks like I'm shooting my second wedding! :eek:

I'll meet with the bride and groom in May to discuss details. He is a musician and apparently pretty dramatic so I may even get to "play" with some fun poses!

I'm excited now...just wait until the day comes closer! I was almost sick with nerves the first time around! Thanks for all the encouragement!

[April]

You are going to be awesome!!! I'm glad you get to do it.

[Kelly]

can't wait to see those pics Michelle! : )
Congrats! :D
-kelly

[shanshanmomof4]

You'll do great Michelle!

[April Foster]

I have a friend that's in the same predicament (Scarlet from last year's HM). Anyway, she's going to shoot it, but made it clear to the bride she's a newbie to weddings -- although I think she's shot 3, maybe. I think she still visits this board, so maybe she'll chime in, too.

I say, shoot away, you have to get experience somewhere.