Introduction
Is your photography equipment gathering dust because your creativity is gathering dust? don’t give up! By sticking to a few basics and doing your homework, wedding photography can be a very fun and rewarding hobby. People memoryfilming are getting married all the time, so there are plenty of opportunities for wedding photography – if you want to inject some life into your hobby.
Wedding photography has its challenges!
I’m not crazy enough to suggest marriage is a walk in the park. However, the technical and financial advantages need to be explored. Think of another challenge that excites your senses – climbing a mountain, playing live game, fishing for a 12-pound trout….it’s stimulating and rewarding. And because these tasks require preparation, practice, and quick attention, they require the direct support of your intellect and creativity. Sounds like a serious hobby to me!
So I went to Peru. Hobby-level photography wasn’t cutting the mustard, so by developing my skills, equipment and experience, I could enjoy the hobby I love, but increase its rewards tenfold.
What is a “Pro”?
The term is subject to various interpretations, but “pro pro” has more to do with professional acting than having $20,000 in camera equipment. If you 1) your equipment is reliable, 2) you have backups, 3) you can take good photos, and 4) you maintain a professional demeanor that includes respect for the client. There’s more to it, but there’s no need to get bogged down in mysticism, hype, or elitism—you’ve got the tools. Going to the project is not your real income from photography, it depends on your attitude, intelligence and maturity. So – do you need a full-time or part-time job? Break out your camera and your creativity and start learning.
As always: the basics
The main elements to consider when shooting a wedding are no different than any other subject: lighting, if not digital, film selection, equipment. Wedding preparations should be stressful for obvious reasons, so cover the bases by doing the following:
– Going back to church/church/synagogue/whatever 2 weeks ago and stopping multiple exposures.
– You should have 2 camera bodies on hand, preferably for lenses and flash
– Install new batteries in all devices.
– Make sure you have a memory card or film, not a contract.
– Hire an assistant to reload the film camera if you shoot in these conditions.
– Create a signed contract with the couple outlining the photos you took together and the various benefits (see the links section below).
28-200 or 28-300 zoom/loan/steal/purchase. (You’ll love me for it).
There are many. A wedding is not a formal portrait session, so even if the poses are mixed, remember that not every shot is a keeper.
Baggage
I hope your camera is fine if you read this. If you’re between a consumer and a “summer project,” it’s a good idea to duplicate the hardware. A Mamiya or Hasablad media model with Metz flash won’t fail you, but it’s a full-time product with a lot of $$$ hardware. Your equipment may be cheap but will produce images comparable to more expensive equipment – but lack the lasting power. Any mechanic struggles with what is known as MTBF: Time Before Failure is an engineering term that separates high-quality, well-made equipment from cheap… Don’t argue – I made it first. This principle has been tested in marriage. Please reset all devices.
Clean the camera bodies every year. If you shoot often. Dust and dirt can ruin even the best gear, because every time you change a lens or film, dirt (dust and flying particles are the worst…) finds a home in camera holes and tubes. Expensive high-end cameras made by Nikon and Canon are incredibly resistant to dust and moisture…as long as they’re covered!
I remember times when I got stuck on a photo shoot because I didn’t have full control of the equipment. Whether it’s a manual flash, a forgotten serial number, or faulty hardware at home (like a sync cord!), excuses won’t cut it. If you want to do this, prepare yourself enough to gain knowledge and respect for your inventory: you must master every technical aspect of the equipment.
Did I mention I use zoom?
This is a lifesaver if you are very close to what you want and the officer is bad. You may be 12 feet away, but zoom in on the ring exchange.
