Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

[theMusicMan]

... because today, I said... "Yes" to the question we, as amateur togs, dread on the one hand yet possibly desire to say yes to on the other.

My birthday this year is a double whammy... because in addition to my birthday celebrations - I am, as of 30 mins ago, the official tog at one of Heathers friends Mums wedding - eeeeek!

Am I mad...?

[Zuiko]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

... because today, I said... "Yes" to the question we, as amateur togs, dread on the one hand yet possibly desire to say yes to on the other.

My birthday this year is a double whammy... because in addition to my birthday celebrations - I am, as of 30 mins ago, the official tog at one of Heathers friends Mums wedding - eeeeek!

Am I mad...?

Yes, but I'm sure you'll be O.K.

I've done three in the past, for my sister and two of my best friends (for one I was Best Man as well! ) They were all really pleased with what I did but I didn't enjoy the stress and have vowed "never again." Mind you, that was back in film days when there was more uncertainty and less control.

You'll be fine, John.

[iMac]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Hi John,

I have seen your work that you have posted on here as well as other sites and I don't think you have a thing to worry about. Since the wedding party are friends I think it's normal to feel a little stressed, but try and put a positive spin on it and take advantage of the friendship and make it fun.

[snaarman]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

I am, as of 30 mins ago, the official tog at one of Heathers friends Mums wedding - eeeeek!

Am I mad...?

What? In one word ??


Pete

PS. I'm sure you will be OK

[crimbo]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

yer Mad!
but you'll be okay...

BTW has Ian got a dye sub you could hire for the day....

[snaarman]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Here's an (obvious) trick if you are amongst friends.

If you shoot raw, shoot jpeg as well. During the meal or speeches download the jpegs (or get your assistant to do it) to a laptop. Rotate the portrait shots, weed out the rubbish, leave the laptop on slide show - 2 seconds per picture - where the guests can see it. You then have a backup on disk straight away but you also have a nice little photographic taster.

I've done this a couple of times. It goes down very well

Pete

[Ian]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Good luck John, you are braver than me!

I did photograph my sister's wedding back in 2006 with my E-1, although that was a very low key affair, with a small number of people, so made things easy for me

Ian

[j.baker]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Good luck John.

I have the upmost faith in your abilities.....that said, yep you are mad

[photo_owl]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Know how you feel - April and June for me this year (after saying never again decades ago) .......when's your's?

[Pensionista]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

I did some wedding photography to finance my hobby, back in the film days and I would just offer the following:-

1. Plan your shots in advance and make a crib card. Among friends you can make a joke about it. Apart from ancillary shots (bride and bridesmaids arriving etc), take the main group shots after the ceremony starting with just the couple and gradually adding first immediate family then other family for each side in turn, then combine them, then include friends so you end up with everyone! Check that everyone has been 'rounded up' You don't want a vital relative missed out.

The couple may want particular shots, so obviously you'll want to discuss that beforehand.

2. Visit the scene before hand so you know exactly where you intend to take the group shots and on the day, and can lead the couple into position before the other guests exit the building and scatter all over the available space. Make sure you have the lenses to fit the view.

3. Always be prepared to raise your voice to take command (in a friendly way), They EXPECT you to tell them what you want, but people tend to wander about chattering willy nilly if you don't.

3. It can be helpful to have an assistant who can make sure your message is relayed round and dig out reticent relatives, if it's a large group, or alternatively they can checkout any problems with the shot (drainpipes growing out of heads etc of people looking away when you shoot) if you're preoccupied.

4. If you are tall, stoop slightly to lower your point of view and emphasise their height and importance, not your own.

5. Be prepared if there's a downpour, to shoot at the reception as an alternative, for the groups.

5. Keep smiling and be patient.

Hope this helps.

Dave

[DerekW]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

I would suggest doing step 1 in reverse - ie get all the family together for the big group shot and then peel off the lesser members eventually leaving the bride on her own.

[ndl0071]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Just two words John....'Good Luck' oh just a couple more 'Rather you than me'

[Rod Souter]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

I would suggest doing step 1 in reverse - i.e. get all the guests together for the big group shot and then peel off the lesser members eventually leaving the bride on her own.

+1

A referee's whistle is a good attention grabber to help control the masses

MAD

Rod

[catkins]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

+1

A referee's whistle is a good attention grabber to help control the masses

MAD

Rod

Hang on - if we all agree that he's mad, can't he then start to act up whenever necessary during the shoot and thereby draw all their attention to him?
Oh no, just thought - maybe the worried looks on their faces would rather ruin the resulting photos!

My only advice is give time to the essentials, but don't waste too much time for the guests. Too many weddings are 'ruined' in the guests' eyes by over-fussy, slow photographers, even though the photos are the highlight of the wedding every day thereafter - so ensure a balance of time, smile, ensure a lot of praise is given, and be confident.

Good luck really isn't needed to those who are 'mad'
So

Chris

[E-3]

Re: Please someone, tell me I am not mad!

Why are you mad ? your just doing what you enjoy............................................. ......taking pictures.