Need tips to photograph a wedding... when I have no experience or equipment

[Dæmonia]

Here's the situation. I've never shoot a weeding before, and never been interested in doing it. I have almost no experience in shooting people (I mostly do wildlife and fireworks) and I don't really get along with my new camera - even less with the two lenses I got to go with (I have a D3000 with a Nikkor 18-105mm DX VR lens and a Nikon 75-300mm f/4.5-5.6 without auto-focus, and problems focusing manually). To top it all, it's in a church that I've never been to and have no way to go before the big day, and the couple is very far from being top models.

But it's my aunt, she's getting married and there's absolutely no way to make her understand that I don't want to do the official pictures, even (especially) if she pays me. And pretty much all the rest of the family decided that they don't need to take pictures at all since I'll be there for it!

Since there's no getting out, I'm trying to bargain it that way: I'll do it, but only if they pay for a rented (or new) lens/body. But even then it will only help for the material part of the problem.

So, here's my questions:

1. What lenses/body should I rent/buy? It'll have to be a very budget one. I don't think she was going to pay me more than 100$, but I'll bargain for (a lot) more if needed. I'd be glad for a new lens/body, but I'd be happier if I can get some good pictures from this disaster.

2. What are the best resources to photograph a wedding, when you have absolutely no experience - and are not very interested in doing it?

3. What are you best tricks to photograph a mismatch and not very favored by nature couple? (My aunt it very very large and her husband-to-be very small)


I'll be there only the day before and I have a graduation to photograph the same day, right before, so preparation time will be very limited.


Here's a last question, for the sake of discussion: have you ever been in a situation when you had to do a work that you'd have preferred to avoid at all cost? How did you dealt with it?

Thanks for your suggestions

[candidrachel]

Just say NO!! It's small word but means alot! If they have a hissy fit so what. Don't let them bully you into doing something that you have no interest in doing. Become a broken record and repeat again and again "I'm not photographing your wedding".

If they really are like a dog with a bone here are some DPS tips:

Wedding Photography – 21 Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers

[MeAgain]

Oh this is bad. I'm going to point to the smart lady above me and say "What she said"

No matter how many times you tell the bride you are not qualified and have no experience or equipment, when her wedding photos are FUBAR'd, and let’s face it, the most experienced of photographers have a hard time with Brides, she will go Epic on your A$$. Oh, and if you "I told you so!" her, well, I'll send flowers to your memorial service.

Just say no. The pain will be much less.

That is the only useful advice I have for you.

[tikal]

i was asked to do a couple weddings, i told them a wedding in "theory" only happens once and i like you dont have experience nor do i have the proper equiptment. i do not want to mess up on a day that cant be recreated....plus one girl wanted over 500 photos and only wanted to pay $400.00 us dollars/ six brides maids and 6 grooms men.

i did however offer to walk around and take candids all day for a fee

[BryanC]

This is either a joke post, or it should be. Seriously. If it's the case that it isn't a joke, then carefully re-read what you are saying and asking and see if it doesn't sound like a joke to you. Seriously.

[candidrachel]

I wondered if it was a joke too but thought well it COULD be just so silly that its true iykwim.

[BryanC]

It might not be a joke, but it's sort of my way of stating my opinion to the situation. I mean, the only thing missing from the scenario is, "Oh yeah, and there will be rabid spider monkeys running loose during the ceremony."

[MrJones]

you are in for a disaster.
there is NO way you can pull it off.
I've been shooting people and smaller events for a few years now and just now I'm starting to contact wedding photographers to work with as a SECOND photographer.
I have all of the equipment, plus a backup and I'm still terrified at the idea of shooting a wedding on my own.
sit with your aunt and explain that while you are concidered a good photographer in the family, you have no idea how to take photos at this kind of scene and you can assure her that the photos will look like crap.
sorry for the harsh words but you seriously in need of a wake up call!

[MrJones]

Originally Posted by BryanC

there will be rabid spider monkeys running loose during the ceremony.

I just hate it when that happens!!!!

[BuddhaPi]

Originally Posted by Dæmonia

Here's a last question, for the sake of discussion: have you ever been in a situation when you had to do a work that you'd have preferred to avoid at all cost? How did you dealt with it?

ummm I generally say....NO pretty simple word to spell and say, suggest to your aunt to go buy a bunch of cheap disposalables, one for each table, let the guest snap images at the reception..as for the church ( shrug....just say NO