Where do I start????

[OchieGirl]

If my goal is to do weddings (and I'm a good two years off from that) what type of photography (candid, portrait) would be good newbie training ground (interms of learning lighting, composition etc)? I will be living in the Carib so I'm guessing most wedding will be outdoors...

[OsmosisStudios]

The best training for weddings is weddings.

Honestly.

See if you cant shoot second-string with a pro.

[RichardTaylor]

What level of photography are you at now?.
eg. Can you shoot an event and get technically good results, no matter the shooting conditions?

[wilswong]

I agree..the best place to learn wedding photography is at the wedding itself.

Perhaps to get you off the block quickly, the next closest thing would be parties. If you can choose parties that will last from late afternoon till night.

Things you should look out for in terms of settings:
- Photographing people in a group
- Action
- Use of flash
- Photojournalistic style (to record what is happening) - this would include candid shots.

Hope the above helps.

[OchieGirl]

I'm a complete newbie so doing a wedding may not be a good idea for me (or the bride). That is one of the most important days in some peoples live and I'm not trying to mess with it. Starting with parties sounds like a good idea (thanks Wil). Now, I'm not so sure how often parties will come up that I can photograph (however when they do I'll be ready camera in hand) so does anyone have any other suggestions?

[OsmosisStudios]

As I said, shoot second string with an established photographer.

[OchieGirl]

maybe I should clarify...I a newbie to photography. really just learning Photography right now (lighting exposure, composition etc) I'm doing a lot of reading..practising and I've joined a local photo club. At this basic level, do you think a pro would actually have me shoot second string? I've contacted a few to shadow, assist whatever and I've had no luck. So in the interim, while I study, practice etc..I'm really just wondering what the best thing to photograph that is sort of in the same stream until I can do that. Not sure I'm explaining myself clearly...

[wilswong]

OK...now we understand.

So really have to start from the basics.

Your key areas with regards to such events photography are mainly
- landscape/environment photography
- macro photography
- Portraiture (candid is a higher level form of portraiture)
- Flash

Start off with a photography group to learn the basics.

[AmberTillman]

These were the steps I took...and I think I am about 6 months to a yr away from being able shooting weddings on my own. I am looking for a person to 2nd shoot for now to get the wedding experience.

1. I started with a class at a local community college. Looking at everyone's pictures, critiqueing them, and having 20-30 ppl critique my own photo was great. I learned so much about composition, lighting, rule of 3rds, all of that. Only cost about 60 bucks for the entire semester.

2. Once I took the class and really knew I wanted to learn more, I joined a bunch of forums and started talking to people. That has been great. I am actually learning more that way then the class (especially the business end), but it was nice to get all of the basics out of the way in one shot.

3. I started wtih a film SLR and learned as much about film as possible. Then, I moved to a small DSLR. Because I understood the aperture.shutter.film stuff, it was much easier to learn ISO and other settings on the digital.

4. I started shooting things, asking people if I could photograph them, etc. Friends and family jumped on the opportunity. That was a huge learning experience. With every difficult light situation, there is so much to learn. I learn more from failing at a shoot than succeeding.

5. When I realized there were things I wanted to shoot but couldn't with my little Rebel XT, (ISO only goes to 1600, not enough custom settings, etc.) I invested in a 50D. Now I have the 50D and I am continuing to learn about white balance and things like that. I continue to shoot whenever I can. For instance, I shot a fashion show two nights ago in some of the worst lighting, and still managed to get some decent shots. I volunteered. It was a student organization at the University where I teach.

It sounds like you are taking great steps in preparing yourself for whatever is to come. I learned abut things in this order:
1. aperture/shutter speed with auto ISO
2. ISO
3. White balance
4. Off camera lighting (Still here, still figuring it out) Because equipment varies... it has been quite challenging)
5. Lenses (same issue as above... sooo many things to drool over. I had kit lenses to begin with. Bought a nifty fifty first. Getting ready to buy a macro lens. INherited a telephoto lens, but it's Nikon and I shoot with Canon, so I have to shoot manually...and let me tell you, that makes you learn really fast

So, now I am just putting myself in different situations so I know I can handle them and I am shooting a lot of engagement sessions so I can practice shooting couples and capturing their feelings for one another. Been a lot of fun scouting locations and meeting couples and stuff.

Good Luck in your quest!!!

[OchieGirl]

Wow Amber! I don't think thank you even covers it..but "Thank You!" for all of this info and guidance. I really appreciate it. Can I just ask, how long ago did you begin the process?