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Photoragher - Are We Crazy?

Jen_S
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Dbld78

Dbld78

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Originally Posted by COFPhoto View Post
Ok, example. We meet the B&G at their hotel prior to the wedding to shoot photos of them getting ready, and then formal photos of the B/Bridesmaids and G/Groomsmen outside before everyone leaves for the wedding location.

Who's in charge of telling them when it's ok to come down for formal photos, and making sure that the Groom doesn't see the Bride?

After the wedding is over, who's in charge of organizing all of the people who are supposed to be in the formal photos? Do we just tell the B/G "Ok, time for group pictures, you get everyone together and we'll just stand here and wait for them".

Heck, 90% of the B/G that we've photographed don't even know what to do when it's time to cut the cake - and they ask us "what do we do, where do we stand?"

If we want to be sure to get a good angle and a good photo of the boquet toss, don't we coordinate with the DJ to make sure that we're in position when it happens, or do we just hope that we get the shot from wherever we happen to be at the time?

I think most people want direction on their wedding day, at least to some degree. The whole thing is so overwhelming and it goes by so fast, everything is a blur.

Again this is more true for big, all day weddings than the small destination beach type of wedding where everything is done in one hour and there are only 25 people.

The OP was asking if they should hire a friend's Son who "has taken a few classes in photography". While I don't doubt his abilty to take a decent picture, I think people should be aware that there is much more to wedding photography than just pushing a button on a camera.
Agreed as well, I have often said to a bride, "Oh don't worry, I double as the wedding coordinator too...". They most certainly look to you for direction. I am a very hands off photographer when shooting and giving direction in everything other than family formals but someone has to move things along and usually falls on the photographer shoulders if there isn't a coordinator.
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Nic Dragomire

Nic Dragomire

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I am a very hands off photographer when shooting and giving direction in everything other than family formals but someone has to move things along and usually falls on the photographer shoulders if there isn't a coordinator.
Yes, I can agree with that statement. I guess the whole idea of the photographer telling the bride and groom what to do all day is just so wrong to me.

Yes, of course if the day needs moving along, or if the bride and groom need help cutting the cake, or simple solutions to timing issues then yes Im more than happy to help out. But Im not going to be in charge of "uncle bob" or go chasing him down at the bar to remind him about the formals. I ask the bride and groom to tell the family where to meet after the ceremony for the formal photos and to nominate a person in the family who knows everyone and can round everyone up.

And since I ask for a time line before the wedding, I know roughly when the bouquet is going to happen. So Im anticipating it, and since Im keeping an eye on the bride and groom there's not much chance Im gonna miss it. By the time the bouquet is tossed the reception has been going on for what at least a couple of hours? Hopefully you have found a good angle to capture it by then

Back to your regularly scheduled post about hiring a friend... I think if money is not an issue, you should hire a pro... your wedding is only gonna happen once =)
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Dbld78

Dbld78

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I agree if it's not a matter of money... then what's the issue? I would defintly hire a professional if that's the case. Why take the chance? If he's a guest invite him to take some of his own images as well that way he can see how it works and there is no pressure on him to get "the shots".

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FYB87

FYB87

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I agree with Opice34 about having him look at other wedding photography. I am actually doing this with my brother. He is actually a photographer, but not a wedding photog. So I told him to sign up on here and told him which links to go to for reference photos and for the slideshow. If there are specific photos that you know you must have I would have him do practice shots. Once you see those you can make your final decision. But, honestly everyone has to start somewhere. No one is born a professional wedding photographer!! Good luck!

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Jen_S

Jen_S

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Well I have narrowed our search down and tonight we are going to pick who we like and see what happens I told him Monday I am booking someone. For some reason he wants to give him a chance he's too nice. I agree he does really nice work but I want to see people shots. I will let you know!!

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Dbld78

Dbld78

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Originally Posted by jkcz0702 View Post
Well I have narrowed our search down and tonight we are going to pick who we like and see what happens I told him Monday I am booking someone. For some reason he wants to give him a chance he's too nice. I agree he does really nice work but I want to see people shots. I will let you know!!
I think you are making a really wise decision... you won't regret it! Did you not see any people shots or portraits? Is everything abstract and fine art? If so then you are REALLY making the right decision.

To address a previous comment. Yes everyone needs to start somewhere and you while you might not be born a photographer you also aren't born a doctor, you develop the craft over YEARS of training, studying and practice. And if it's weddings you want to specialize in then you train as an assistant for other well established photographers and pick their brains, just like a doctor would do residency....

You can be born with the talent of having "the eye" but you MUST learn ALL the technicals of the camera, lighting, posing, and NUMEROUS other things that you wouldn't even realize goes into being a PROFESSIONAL photographer! One thing that sucks about being a photographer is ANYONE can call themselves that.... and they may only work as a mall photographer . Unfortunately there is no required certification that you must have to hold the title.
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Bryan Valiant

Bryan Valiant

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It is totally up to you... I shot my first wedding exactly 20 years ago straight out of HS. Just tell him to relax and take his time. It is sunny there in NJ now so he needs to practice taking pics in full sun with flash and learn to shoot in backlight situations... there is plenty of time and if he is serious you should have no problem. Best of luck. wink.gif

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