I am insane.... - DPChallenge Forums

06/25/2007 01:56:03 AM · #1

I have known this girl ever since she was knee-hi-to-a-duck.... she has been my daughter's friend forever.... She is getting married this Saturday...

She originally asked me to shoot her wedding.... I declined for 3 reasons...
1. I have no experience at weddings...
2. I have no back-up camera....
3. I love her like a daughter and I want to be a spectator at her wedding...

Well, come to find out.... she never got a photographer. She got disposable cameras with the intent that the guests take photos of the event. (The family has very little money)

I cant let her get married without photos! So, of course.... I am going to take my camera and shoot the wedding (she doesn't know this yet, I am planning to surprise her) .... it will be my gift to her.... she can purchase whatever prints she wants.

So... this is my insanity! Im reading all the wedding threads now!

Oh, and it will be outdoors under the trees in the evening.... challenging light! *running away screaming now*

Message edited by author 2007-06-25 01:57:55.

crayon

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

06/25/2007 01:57:58 AM · #2

very sweet of you, considering her ciscumstances.
dont worry about it, you'll do just fine.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Sigma 28-105mm f/2.8-4.0 Aspherical for Canon

06/25/2007 01:59:49 AM · #3

The only wedding I ever shot was under similar circumstances. Don't worry. There is no expectation. If you get one good photo, it will be one more than she had otherwise.

You'll be just fine.

...but do go read all those wedding threads.

Rooster

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

06/25/2007 01:59:50 AM · #4

ditto what crayon said plus I just had a peek at your portfolio & seems as tho you'll do more than fine.

Good luck!

klstover

Panasonic DMC-FZ8

06/25/2007 02:00:06 AM · #5

Yeah, what Dr.A said!!

dwterry

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/25/2007 02:00:51 AM · #6

Woohoo... baptism by fire! :-)

Just relax. Don't think too much about it or the stress will kill ya. It really isn't all that bad. I mean, just cuz it's a once-in-a-lifetime event and all. ;-)

No seriously. Do read up on weddings and such ... the types of portraits you need to get, the poses, the lighting, etc. But then relax and have fun.

If all they were expecting was pictures from disposable cameras, then whatever you do will be so far beyond their expectations that they can't help but love it!

Katmystiry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/25/2007 02:01:29 AM · #7

You will do just wonderful at this! Have a good time!!!

06/25/2007 02:02:35 AM · #8

Thanks Ya'll.... I appreciate the encouragement and input!!!
((((group hug)))))

Melethia

Canon EOS-80D

06/25/2007 02:10:56 AM · #9

Good luck and be sure to report back! I'm taking my camera to an indoor wedding in a couple of weeks - I'm the backup guy. The guy she's hired isn't truly a professional either, so I'm hoping between the two of us (and some disposables on the tables) she'll get more than enough. Now if I had lights, and was in Iceland, I'd do what Larus did for the one shot.... :-)

suemack

Canon EOS-20D

06/25/2007 02:24:05 AM · #10

What a wonderful gift that will be for her.

Carl Zeiss 50mm ZE f/1.4 Planar T for Canon

06/25/2007 02:26:46 AM · #11

I'm thinking of renting some good glass for this event... any suggestions on lenses to rent?

yanko

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

06/25/2007 02:29:58 AM · #12

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

But what happens if you don't get that one photo? :P

Good luck Michele. I'm sure you'll be great.

crayon

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

06/25/2007 02:33:18 AM · #13

Originally posted by yanko:

But what happens if you don't get that one photo? :P

blame it on a faulty memory card! :P

06/25/2007 02:36:00 AM · #14

Guess if my camera fails... I have plenty of back-ups with the disposables she'll have on hand :P

Art Roflmao

Canon EOS-6D Mark II

06/25/2007 02:45:26 AM · #15

Originally posted by Sunniee:

Guess if my camera fails... I have plenty of back-ups with the disposables she'll have on hand :P

If I were a fightin' Nikon owner I'd respond with "Just don't get 'em mixed up" - lucky I'm not, huh?

You're not insane - I can't imagine anyone here not doing what you are doing in this situation, but it is brave and sacrificing! My advice would be not to act too professional - be a guest with a camera.

I shot my cousin's wedding at the request of my aunt & uncle - this was some years back when I had a 35mm SLR and used it like a point & shoot. I also had no experience (or skill) in directing wedding or event photo shoots - I just shot what I thought would look good. ...which explains the many, many pics of the gorgeous bridesmaids and one or two of the groomsmen. Doh! Anyway it turned out well - I processed them all that weekend and even did some digital editing for fun and had them printed and put them in a keepsake album as a gift to my aunt & uncle - they loved them.

Good luck!

eta: ...and ENJOY the event!

Message edited by author 2007-06-25 02:46:13.

06/25/2007 02:50:23 AM · #16

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

Originally posted by Sunniee:
Guess if my camera fails... I have plenty of back-ups with the disposables she'll have on hand :P

If I were a fightin' Nikon owner I'd respond with "Just don't get 'em mixed up" - lucky I'm not, huh?

Toooooo funny!!

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

You're not insane - I can't imagine anyone here not doing what you are doing in this situation, but it is brave and sacrificing! My advice would be not to act too professional - be a guest with a camera.

ahhhhh, good advice!

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

I shot my cousin's wedding at the request of my aunt & uncle - this was some years back when I had a 35mm SLR and used it like a point & shoot. I also had no experience (or skill) in directing wedding or event photo shoots - I just shot what I thought would look good. ...which explains the many, many pics of the gorgeous bridesmaids and one or two of the groomsmen. Doh!

Heehee....Wouldnt expect anything less!!

Thx Art :)

seenosun

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

06/25/2007 12:52:59 PM · #17

When my wife and I got married we wanted to keep it low key and non traditional. My Uncle used to be a photographer and decided to shoot the event with his Canon SLR. The photos were his wedding gift. We had no huge expectations of everything being perfect but it was one of the best days of my life. All our friends and family together celebrating our wedding. My Uncle shot the whole thing in a photojournalstic style. No Posed shots. He captured so many moments that we still look at and laugh today. My wife was beautiful (and still is). I had hair (but now thats gone).

My advice would be don't get too caught up in the "Formal" style of wedding photography. Capture the moments and enjoy the wedding. It will mean alot to them that you took the time to do this. They will love these photos forever.

06/25/2007 01:06:01 PM · #18

Thanks.... Im starting to look forward to doing it...

Now, just gotta figure out what lens to rent for the event... I have to order today! (great excuse to play with some L glass :D )

pineapple

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

06/25/2007 01:18:12 PM · #19

One lens is enough along with your 50mm:

24-70L

Message edited by author 2007-06-25 13:18:49.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

06/25/2007 01:56:49 PM · #20

They didnt have the 20-70L in stock...

I ordered... 24-105 f/4L IS and 70-200 f/2 L IS

Cant wait to play with them for 3 days!!!

Message edited by author 2007-06-25 13:58:38.

Natasha

Nikon D50

06/25/2007 02:38:15 PM · #21

Good Luck! You have some lovely people pictures in your portfolio- you will be great!

kevrobertson

Canon EOS-5D Mark III