Wedding photography.

[- Paul -]

Hello chaps,

I have my first wedding shoot to do in just over a month. I'm meeting the couple this weekend and was wondering if you had any advice for me re what to ask etc. I have already looked into what they will probably ask me and have prepared for that.

Is there anything I need to specifically ask them?

[rodi]

ooh, that's a tough one.

[rodi]

ask them what kind of shots they like. what other photographer's work (that they couldn't afford) they like. ask them how important their photos are versus the food, the cake, the decor, the dress.

treat it like a first date. ask them non-photography stuff.

[- Paul -]

Originally Posted by rodi

ask them how important their photos are versus the food, the cake, the decor, the dress.

treat it like a first date. ask them non-photography stuff.

- like it.

[rodi]

i make it a requirement to go out for drinks with my clients a couple weeks before the wedding. unless they're out of state.

[BillLee]

I'm in the same position. Just found out yesterday that i'm shooting my first wedding THIS Saturday! and i'm going to be the only photographer.

[rodi]

oh boy.

[BillLee]

Originally Posted by rodi

oh boy.

that's what i said. I've always wanted to shoot a wedding but damn i didn't want my first time to be the main/only photographer. gotta start off somewhere, right?

[- Paul -]

Originally Posted by BillLee

that's what i said. I've always wanted to shoot a wedding but damn i didn't want my first time to be the main/only photographer. gotta start off somewhere, right?

Same as me - in at the deep end!

[TL]

Originally Posted by BillLee

I'm in the same position. Just found out yesterday that i'm shooting my first wedding THIS Saturday! and i'm going to be the only photographer.

that's a tough one to be doing it on your own. try to get another photog friend to join you like a girl to take shots of the bride getting ready
-triple check all your gear the night before
-make a list of all the shots you want
-bring lots of batteries for your flash & camera
-bring backup camera
-bring some power bars or energy snacks

[TL]

on top of what Ryan mention, you can offer to do an engagement photo shoot with the couple so they can get a sense of how you are as a photog

[The1]

Originally Posted by rodi

ask them what kind of shots they like. what other photographer's work (that they couldn't afford)

This in my opinion is pretty important. Maybe even ask them to provide some samples. It's a day for them to remember forever (or as long as they can) so it's up to you to make it picture perfect (sorry for the pun)

But remember to stay relaxed. It's easy to get ahead of yourself.

Like TL said, double check everything, spare batteries for everything (including camera) bring chargers with you. If you have spare flashes, bring them, same with camera. You can't depend on your equipment to work.

Remember to empty your cards before you go, perhaps bring a laptop with you on which you can back pictures up onto while you're there.

Figure out what the expected dress code is. If you don't have to wear a suit jacket, that can help. They are restricting. But at the same time, you need to appear respectful.

Talk to the person performing the service beforehand, they might be able to help you out and let you know how close you can get without being distracting.

Bring some buckets or some crates for people to sit on when doing family shots. Perhaps a ladder as well so you can get higher and more people in pictures.

find a spare shooter if you can. more angles and more perspective, as well as someone covering one area so you don't have to run around like a chicken with their head cut off.

But again, relax, and show up properly prepared, and you'll see how smoothly it can go.

[JRobes]

what other photographer's work (that they couldn't afford) they like. ask them how important their photos are versus the food, the cake, the decor, the dress.