- Yes, it is enjoyable. The high I was on after my first wedding was incredible.
- It's extremely tiring. You will be on your feet for 10 hours straight.
- If you find a couple who provide food for you you've done very well
- Yes, I go to the rehearsals where time permits. Strangely, I'm told I'm in the minority, but I need to know where the best angles are prior to the day.
- Vicars are ace. Registrars are Hitlers. Whenever I've done a church wedding the vicars have said 'Do what you like, but don't be a nuisance', however my most recent registrar was 'No photos whatsoever except for exchanging rings'. Registrars will also stop you from photographing the real register under 'The Data Protection Act'. The register is a public document so they're talking sh*t.
- Make things easier for yourself. Get the couple to write a list of 'must have' group shots so you're not guessing who's important. Get them to assign you a groomsman to round up the people.
- Even with 200mm on a crop sensor you're unlikely to hit the ring shot during the ceremony. Angles will be terrible for you. Retake this after the ceremony.
- Cutting the cake shots can easily be done before the actual moment. Borrow the couple and get them to do a practice run
- Same goes for the shoes, dresses and jewellery. Go to the brides house a day or two beforehand and photograph it all when there are no time constraints
- Get to know your couple. The better the rapport you have with them, the more they see you as a friend than an employee then the more willing they will be to do stupid poses for you!
- If you need to retake some shots then just do it. Once everybody's gone home then it's too late. You can always dress it up as 'I've had a superb idea for the ring shot that I'd like to try - can we just go and do it quickly?'
- Remember - the day is about the couple, not you. You're there to get the photos the couple want for their album, not to create intricate masterpieces for your portfolio (unless that's what the couple have asked for)
- Contract. Have one.
- Contract. Have one (yes, it's that important)
- Camera bodies. Have two. Minimum. Ones that work well in low light.
- Lenses. F2.8 minimum. You may scrape it with a constant f4... but I wouldn't want to be you. Yes, primes are nice, but each venue is different and each shooting point is different. There's a reason the 24-70 / 70-200 combo is standard...
- Memory cards. Have plenty.
- Batteries. Spare for everything. Camera, flash, triggers etc.
- Insurance. Get some.
- Manage your couples expectations. If you're new then tell them. Don't go pretending you're Yervant if you've never done a wedding before.
- And do your research. Buy some books, look at the poses and ideas then rip them off and refine them. Go to http://www.oliver-cameron.com and buy the guide to posing.
