Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
I have been asked if I would be able to photograph some weddings for friends and family and don't feel like I can as I only use a bridge camera and I haven't covered a wedding before.
If you have any tips for wedding photography then I would really appreciate it if you could share it please.
Thanks. Thomas!
I'd probably advise saying....
"I'm flattered that you asked, but I'd rather enjoy the wedding as a guest, and let a professional do the job"
I haven't yet done a wedding but would really like to try it.
And the friends that have asked are more family friends than my friends...
I'm really sorry, but there is no real easy way to say this, but...
Looking at your pictures you've uploaded to Facebook, I don't really think you are ready to do a wedding as the main photographer. Sorry, don't mean to be harsh, but there is nothing there that would make me want to employ you, even on a casual basis, and as for a competition to 'win' a photoshoot with you, well.......
I suggest you look at improving your gear, your methodology and your post processing techniques before you consider setting yourself up as a professional photographer, and only put up for consideration the picturtes that are sharp, well exposed and well composed. There is no point in advertising low prices (although the pictures suggest a low level of expertise). Improve, and ask realistic prices for a realistic service.
I'm with Ade here....politely decline to be the main photographer, and just take pics at the event.
Nick
You do seem to have problems with (for example) getting photos in focus, Thomas............ this one for example.
Until you've mastered basics such as that, you should not even dream of doing any sort of paid work. No professional would want out-of-focus images on his/her website. Can I make what is meant as a helpful suggestion? 
Clear out all the photos from your Facebook page and re-shoot. Presumably you can do that without too much difficulty?
Once you have a portfolio of sharp well-exposed photos, then you can start thinking of taking things further. One more suggestion: try and join a stock agency. There is nothing like a disinterested outsider passing commercial judgement on your photos - as opposed to friends telling you how great your pics are! 
HTH
ah - just seen the facebook page....
After much consideration, I'd say....
definitely definitely definitely definitely definitely definitely DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER GOING NEAR A WEDDING.
for everyone's sake - especially your own.
Use this website to learn about photography first
Shooting a wedding isn't about getting 'Tips'.
It's knowing what you're doing and knowing how to shoot a wedding.
Therefore, I would advise that you learn about both photography and wedding shoots then perhaps gain some experience as a second photographer until you're ready to take the job on.
I wish you luck Thomas.
This guy is not a pro or a decent amateur. My 12 year old son takes better images. If he goes out and advertises that he's a pro photographer and hands images over to a married couple, they will sue him for every penny he has. If I were you, take down your internet site to start with. Go on a recognised course for photography and when you have qualified, then go ahead with your business. Don't come on these sites asking people how to take pictures at a wedding, when you say you are a pro, you make yourself look silly.
Hes a young lad, just starting out, give him a break. If you dont want to give advice then fair enough no one has to but please be polite and remember you were all inexperienced and young once.
Having just seen your Facebook page and being honest, at the moment i would not book you to photograph my wedding. However i won't tell someone not to follow there dreams. I would recommend you study your photography skills a bit more, especially the technical aspects of your camera. If you do that i can not see why you can not be a wedding photographer. The hardest part to learning about photography is listening to too many people at the same time. Everyone has there own way of doing things and too many opinions will just be too confusing. keep it simple and take a photography course or take out a 12 month subscription to one of the photography magazines, such as practical photography or photography monthly. over the 12 months they will cover everything you need. The biggest way to improve is to judge yourself and be honest.
there's only one thing that can stop you being a photographer, and thats you. (i would say talent, but theres a few out there making it without any)
Good luck Garreth
Quote: I'd probably advise saying....
"I'm flattered that you asked, but I'd rather enjoy the wedding as a guest, and let a professional do the job"
Top advice, I say something similar when I'm occasionally asked - I have only one camera so if it fails on the day, you have no pictures! If i make mistakes, you have perhaps only a few pictures. I have no insurance, if it goes wrong you have no come back! A real pro (and do check them out) will typically produce great pictures every time, i may produce good picture some of the time
Now that said, some people really are getting married on a shoestring and a "couple" of good amateur photographer friends may well produce perfectly acceptable images and mitigate the 1 camera and mistake risks.
You could see if you are good enough by practising in any poorly lit hall (church), in a park for the romantic style. in the rain in case it rains. then show them these images and see if this is still OK with them.
Quote: I have been asked if I would be able to photograph some weddings for friends and family and don't feel like I can as I only use a bridge camera and I haven't covered a wedding before.
If you have any tips for wedding photography then I would really appreciate it if you could share it please.
Welcome to EPZ Thomas!
Form your comments, it sounds like you have not said yes yet - and I think you are correct to be careful here.
From personal experience, family and friends weddings tend to be the most difficult - I think perhaps that familiarity can stifle the creativity.
My advise is that Weddings are a big responsibility - and if you are not sure you are ready .... then really you are not ready.
I would suggest that you speak to the bride & groom, explain to them that you would be delighted to take your camera along, and take photos, but you are not ready to be the full time professional. The Pro will not be able to be everywhere all the time, so you can be a big help in being a 'second photographer' and get the shots that he/she will miss.
(you can also watch the pro at work, and thats very educational in itself).
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Related Content
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
