Reply To: Weddings?? I think I'm in over my head.

[iliketag]

I will agree with Nesgran on this one. You may be in over your head a little.

You and I are not entirely different in the wedding field. I’ve shot 5 weddings solo since I started, mostly for friends/family. I’ve second shot two. While I love the “glitz and glamour” of a wedding and working with a bride who exudes confidence (and I can help make her feel even MORE stunning than she already is!), even the most well intentioned friend can wind up heartbroken if I miss something or create anything that makes her feel like I messed up her big day! Not just brides, either. Friends of the bride may comment on something, Uncle Bob’s may try and undercut credibility and abilities (which actually happened to me once and I just about burst into tears after the ceremony… He was pretty mean – and, as it turns out, wasn’t even invited!). It is a rough business.

I love weddings. I adore them.
But they are HARD!
I’ve stopped for now, until I can learn OCF and really deliver a product that is up to my standards. Practice is great, but I would recommend second shooting for a while. Get to a point where you can charge over a thousand or two for a wedding. Your time is so, so worthwhile when you deliver something spectacular – and not just the final product, but the experience as well.

I literally just thought of this, but what about grabbing a friend, finding a -decent- dress at Goodwill (I know, it’s super hard!) and practicing? Even if the dress is goofy, it can be a great way to learn how to capture the details of the dress in all sorts of lighting conditions! You can always return or re-donate the dress afterward.

You mentioned earlier that you’re shooting with a t2i, the other thing I would be concerned about is the first impression. While it really stinks, people are innately shallow. We, as average people, jump to conclusions and when we see a little camera, we don’t necessarily think “Professional”. Odds are your happy couples have done some research, and even if they adore your work, a first impression can cause them to be wary or stiff around you. It may cause them to micromanage and it may drive you absolutely crazy! I would get crackin on learning the ins and outs of the 6D so local pros will look at your ambition to work in full frame and you’ll come in higher than many others vying for a second shooter job.