Ever thought of staging a wedding?

[Jim Poor]

I've been thinking of this for a while.

Get a group of photographers, actors, models, make up artists and possibly retouchers together; rent a church, chapel or whatever; stage a wedding.

Everyone gets to build a portfolio without the stress of "the real deal."

There could be more than one B&G so that the portfolio would have different couples and even potentially an indoor or outdoor ceremony.

Just rambling out loud.

[pjl]

Great idea!
This would work for groups of pixel poppers who need/want to get their feet wet in the wonderful world of wedding photography.
Band together, dress up, play it out...with OUT allllllll the drama and angst of a wedding!
Dry run the drill to get basics covered then add spice to a second/third dry run.

Bring in a bunch of pals to play up the drama:
6 bridal 'friends' all shooting p&s around the hired gun and distracting the wedding party.
2 gals to play up the disagreeing moms of the couple, arguing while the hired gun shoots it all with flair, panache and a big smile...
This list goes on and on and on and...

[TheDarkReaver]

Makes sense to me.

[Kbaby]

Hey Jim,

I've thought of this for some experience, without the pressure of it actually being someones BIG day.
We had even scouted out a few places where we could pull it off and I'm lucky that most of my friends were up for the game. One of my girlfriends (Who is not married) even elected herself the bride and started watching about 6 dresses on Ebay... apparently she wanted ALL of them (God help the poor guy she does end up marrying). Another elected herself 'Flowergirl'... not sure how a 5"4 flowergirl will look but hey, its pretend =)

The plans are still in the pipeline atm as the weathers been so miserable here in Melbourne this Winter but now Springs heading our way we might get a chance.

Goodluck with it, I really think its a great idea =)

[Niresangwa]

I know this was done sometime last year by a group in Madison, WI. Someone I know was a part of it. They did it as a two-part deal. Hired a venue on friday and did the ceremony/reception then met the next afternoon to do bridal/couple portraits. One of the models was in a red wedding dress.

[lputman]

Makes perfectly good sense. Just like people get models for engagement sessions to be able to add to their portfolio.

[Troy_Schwaller]

I gotta say, this is an epic idea! I would love to learn wedding photography but dont want the chance of ruining someones day just to use as a learning experience!

[dawnwithacamera]

I will definately have to file this in my brain box for when the opportunity arises.

[windrider86]

I have wedding gowns that I've purchased at 2nd hand stores just for fake wedding shoots. Love the trash the dress deal.
My biggest problem is finding models in a tiny town

[Saralonde]

I've heard of this being done before. Sounds like a win-win for both aspiring models and photographers. Even better if you can get use of a church.