Comments on: Wedding Photography – 21 Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers

By: Imagine

Imagine — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 18:20:27 +0000

I have shot about 10 wedding, and have about 15 booked for the year so far. I have taken classes, bought decent equipment, and study each photograph individually while I’m editing them. I by nbo means consider myself a professional, yet just an ameture still eager to learn new things. I have been doing this for about 2 years now. I find it important to know your clients, get to know them, what they like, etc. The consensious I have is that most people, will appreciate your work, espically if you are saving them tons of money vs. a PROFESSOINAL who finds it necessary to charge thousands of dollars, which I find repulsice actually. I have never had one complaint and plenty repeat customers. Her’s my opionion, the PROS are jealsous that we can work just has hard, have just as much high quality photographs, and make a little money doing it, even when it’s just a “hobby”. Ametures don’t rip couples off, we are reliable, and produce timely quality photographs. I have worked very very hard over the last 2 years building my business, and find it insulting for someone that may have a little more expensive equipment than I do, to say I have no business doing weddings. I feel everyone deserves quality work, espeically the blue collar workers or the less fortunate. Not everyone can spend their life savings on pictures. I suggest to all you ametures out there, keep practicing, keep working hard, and good luck!

By: Matrimonial

Matrimonial — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:54:17 +0000

I run few wedding services websites in India, this article is very helpful for understandin the wedding photography.

Keep posting such nice articles.

thanks
Ganesh

By: Bill Luton

Bill Luton — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:23:53 +0000

I just want to thank you for your articles and news letters. I am a landscape photographer and I refuse to do weddings (bitches – but good money). I have been forced by a friend to do his, so where does one go for the best tips and suggestions? OK, if you need a hint just email me back.

By: irfan satria

irfan satria — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:18:06 +0000

1. The idea of having disposable camera simply rocks!!! I’ve attended a friend’s wedding, the bride & groom purchased half a dozen of polariod mini cameras and assigned it to the ‘assistants’ (their relatives). The assistants roamed around the hall and shot the guests in the ceremony. And since it’s a polariod, the guests get the photos as memorabilias. How cool is that? :D

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:42:13 +0000

Well, I have a couple of things to say about this. Every Bride, every wedding, every BUDGET is different. While some professionals do a great job, others are complete wastes of money.

The photographer for my wedding was absolutely horrible. We paid $800 for a basic set of prints and for her to be there for 2 hours. She didn’t even hang out long enough to get the cake or the dances. Oh yeah, and even though we gave her complete lists of family and shots to get, she missed my Grandfather (who walked me down the aisle) and my step-father is not in one single photo. Her portfolios, however, were fabulous! And the 5 or 6 times I met with her beforehand she was kind and professional. How do you choose based on those first few impressions and a folder of only a photographer’s best work? You choose–and then you hold them to their work! I was too nice and didn’t want the drama, so I just let it go.

On the other hand, my cousin–an amateur–took some wonderful photos of whole day! So at least we had some good ones from her.

I have helped plan at least 10 other weddings since I got married in 2002. My advise to them–how important are pictures to you? If they’re pretty important, then skimp somewhere else and pay a pro. If they’re not the most important thing, then sure, find a friend and see what you get. Some had amateur photographers that were working as a wedding present or for under $300 and some had professional photographers that were working for $800 all the way up to $2000. Just like Darren says in tip numbers 5 and 20, it’s important that couples know what to expect from their photographer and it’s also important to expect the unexpected! All the couples that I’ve worked with KNOW what to expect–whether it be mediocre pics from a college kid that tried real hard and exist only to provide proof that wedding occurred, or exceptional pictures that truly capture the day but were worth their weight in gold.

The most important thing? If you’ve asked someone to do it for free then you can’t (and shouldn’t) expect $2000 perfect pics–that’s not fair to either of you! If you’ve hired someone and are paying for pics, you better make yourself heard and let them know you expect some darn good pics from them. If they’re truly a good professional photographer, they won’t mind (and will even applaud) your quest for perfection!!!

By: Framed photographs

Framed photographs — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:17:47 +0000

Gr8 tips for taking wedding photographs. Even though I am not a professional photographer, i feel i can become one by these tips. Have to learn more on lens exposure details for effectively executing these tips.

By: Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer Willa Kveta

Santa Barbara Wedding Photographer Willa Kveta — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:58:17 +0000

When I began photographing weddings, I would have died for a list like this! I think it is great that you helping out those who are starting out! I am a total believer in that there is enough work for those who truly want it and are willing to work hard for it! I am also a true believer in leaving a trail of knowledge behind us, as professional Photographers, as I was extremely blessed to have amazing mentors who were so open and honest with me, when I was embarking on this journey. Thanks for your ‘list’! It made me happy to come across it!

~Willa
http://www.willakveta.com

By: Darcy

Darcy — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:08:35 +0000

Prepare, prepare, prepare!!! Batteries, cards, cameras, flashes, etc….have everything prepared. Make a shot list!!! Visit the site(s) before hand, preferably during the times you’ll be shooting. Look at other websites. have ideas ready in case of bad weather. GO WITH THE FLOW if anything unexpected happens. Remember, above all else, never lose your style! That’s why they hired you!

By: liv lualua

liv lualua — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:57:45 +0000

lmaoooooo!!! gees pauly, ease up mate!! but yeah, agree with kenny and pauly…we will be better than u one day, you should see my just point and shoot random pix,….they’re pretty alrritteeee…but weddings will be the true test for me…so cams up, stress levels up & here we come baby!! lol…

By: Paul Saulnier

Paul Saulnier — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:55:35 +0000

i agree with Jeremy …not all pros are pros …and not all amatures are amatures ….and as for MY SPELLING …im french so forgive me …i never took english in school ….so boo hoo if i cant spell …at least i try …ok!….and this is a site is for so called trying to be good photographers one day …i think weddings are cheesy …but the pics dont have to be ….so move over you over paid think they know it all photographers …theres always someone better than you out there ….better than me for sure ….dont think your all that …if you do …you will see your over priced …cheezy photoshoped crap out of date sooner than you think …organic is here stronger than ever ….you will be out of work faster than you think