How did you do your first wedding shoot?

[renato88]

Trying to find a photographer who would not mind having me as a second shooter/assistant for his wedding shoots. I need to start and learn somewhere. It is not easy to find one, also advertised on Craigslist but no luck so far.
Anyone who wants to go into wedding photography, did a first wedding with no experience? I attended workshops, know my equipment very well, but maybe not patient enough to wait forever for a photographer. I have my website, business cards, lets say my marketing and business plan ready to go but I cannot do anything than wait for a chance.

[digirebelva]

Join a local camera club, get to know some members...
think about it this way..would YOU hire YOU (even for free) without first getting to know you..I'm part of a local photo meetup in my town...and have gotten to know some of the members..it has gotten me into a few second shooter roles...as I am no longer simply somebody coming off of the street..it does make a difference..even in todays digital world personal contacts still greatly matter....

[autofocus]

To me, shooting a wedding is somewhat analogous to learning how to sail. 75-80% of what you need to know can be learned in the classroom, or from reading. It's that 20-25% of those contingent unknowns that differentiates the novice from the expert...and that only comes with time and practice. So, knowing your equipment, and their limitations, and being able to read and use light, whether natural or artificial is a good start. Good planning is always key..you want to limit the chances of surprises. I'd always recommend visiting the location in advance at around the same time that the shoot is planned just so you can get a read on lighting, and possible locations for the posed shots. Timing of required shots and crowd control also are important things to learn. Go to the rehearsals and talk to the all the folks directly involved in the service, tell them how and what your plans are. There's no reason why you can't tell people to pause briefly as they are marching in, or out, thus allowing you that brief moment to grab those key shots without fumbling with lenses or settings. As far as working with the hired photographer as a second shooter..good if you can, but I suspect many pros will not be too willing to do that. I know I said this before in previous posts, just be aware that no one at that wedding has more stress than you, the photographer...and no one will be faced with more work to deal with after it's over. Not sure if I really answered your questions, but just some things to think about.

[renato88]

Originally Posted by digirebelva

Join a local camera club, get to know some members...
think about it this way..would YOU hire YOU (even for free) without first getting to know you..I'm part of a local photo meetup in my town...and have gotten to know some of the members..it has gotten me into a few second shooter roles...as I am no longer simply somebody coming off of the street..it does make a difference..even in todays digital world personal contacts still greatly matter....

That sounds like a good idea. Networking too! BTW, meanwhile I am looking for a new lens for my portraits as well; first 24-70mm f/2.8 or do I get a 70-200mm VR f/2.8. If I could choose just one, which one first?

[digirebelva]

I guess that would depend on your style of portrait shooting, do you prefer to stand back from your clients, or be close to them. the 70-200 is better for perspective, the 24-70 falls in the "magical" 50mm range for portraits. Outside of portraits, what else would you be using the lens for..that should help you decide..

[ARKreations]

Originally Posted by renato88

That sounds like a good idea. Networking too! BTW, meanwhile I am looking for a new lens for my portraits as well; first 24-70mm f/2.8 or do I get a 70-200mm VR f/2.8. If I could choose just one, which one first?

They are both awesome lenses and you will love either one. But as for the first one to get, that would depend a lot on what body you shoot with. A crop body will cause a 70-200 to be very long for indoor portraits unless you shoot in a warehouse. On an FX body, it becomes a lot more usable. However, the 24-70 is my everyday, go-to lens on my D300 and does a great job on portraits in all cases. (But the background compression on long shots is amazing with the 70-200.)

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by ARKreations

They are both awesome lenses and you will love either one. But as for the first one to get, that would depend a lot on what body you shoot with. A crop body will cause a 70-200 to be very long for indoor portraits unless you shoot in a warehouse. On an FX body, it becomes a lot more usable. However, the 24-70 is my everyday, go-to lens on my D300 and does a great job on portraits in all cases. (But the background compression on long shots is amazing with the 70-200.)

First to get would be the 24-70... I have a Tamron 28-75 f2.8 i use for weddings.

[funcrunch]

I actually shot my first wedding with no experience as a second shooter, but plenty of experience shooting other events. Both members of the couple were friends of mine but they did pay for my services (though I charged them far, far less than I would today). The 24-70 f/2.8 is a great lens and the main one on my 5D Mk II, but for portraits I prefer my 85 f/1.8.