I was just asked to photograph a wedding, I am just starting out in this business, I have done some portraits, but I haven't done too much outdoors.  I'm wondering what kind of light set-up would be good for an outdoor location. Do you use remote flashes or just camera flash + sunlight. That kind of thing.  Also if anyone wants to share some tips on starting in this business.  I really want to make the most of this session.  The weddings not till september, so I have some time to learn.  Oh and I'm thinking of charging 500 for the whole wedding, an extra 100 for the reception, with a dvd slideshow and cd with there images, does this seem reasonable? I've checked some local websites, and the lowest I've seen is 750 for this kind of package, but I'm inexperienced.  Not sure if that's decent or not.  Thanks in advance for your help. :)

Tiffanie

I would suggest finding someone to be a second shooter with before you commit.  That way you can see some lighting techniques in action and know what you are getting into.

If you can second shoot for someone ahead of time - that would be great.  If not, you may want to bring a second shooter with you to relieve some of the pressure, and to provide you backup on the crucial shots.  Depending on where you are, you should be able to get a second shooter to help out pretty cheap ($100-$200).

For lighting, there are different ways to go.  Regardless, you don't want to be learning a new method on a wedding day.  So, get comfortable with outdoor shooting ahead of time.  Odds are you'll be fine with natural light and a good on camera flash.  With some wireless slaves you can do a lot more, and have a lot more flexibility.  But, for a $500 wedding, they're probably thankful that you have a camera with batteries.  ;o)

That's the closest I'm coming to discussing prices!  I'm learning to let go...   :o) 

Thank you both for your responses.  Is that something alot of photographers will allow, to have future competition coming with and learning their trade? I'm going to have to call around, I suppose the worst anyone can say is no. Otherwise, the wedding will be in a park, so I will have the oppourtunity to go practice at the location quite a bit before hand.  Sorry about bringing up price, I hadn't realized what a loaded question that was on this forum. I plan on changing the price once I gain some experience.  thanks again

Good luck with your first wedding. It is alot of pressure, and alot of work. If its a hot day and a large wedding party, then you will certainly lose a couple pounds by running around. A second photographer or even a friend to help run get you things may be of help.

 I would be concerned about someone doing my wedding outside with a photographer who has never shot much outside. so Please practice!

As for a tip, I use natural light whenever possible. When i can't get even light falling on the faces, then I expose my shot for natural light, and then add fill flash on the faces, usually just my sunpak flash or my SB800 on the camera.

I am working on a book that I will be releasing early this spring. It has my favorite wedding shots from 2006, and how I set them up. If you are interested I will let you know when I have it finished.

Thanks for your advice. I have shot quite a bit outside, mostly my children though and always with only natural light, I just wasn't sure if it was common to use additional flash devices or something, in case weather was cloudy or something. And with a wedding you only get one time to get it perfect, so I just want to make sure I'm adequetly prepared.  I'd lovve to see your book, I've been trying to read anything I can get my hands on to improve my work.  Anyways, thanks again.

tiffanie

Well, it sounds like you have the perfect attitude going into this wedding. I am sure you will do great. Another thing I do when I take outdoor photography is to take one shot without the flash, and then one with a fill flash. same setup one with and without flash. Its easy for the wedding party, they are just posing for an extra photograph.

And this gives you the benefit of having both versions back at your computer. Having two different lighting setups of the same photograph could give you different but equally high quality results.

Good luck! 

 

I don't see a problem shooting a wedding like this for your first go around, please just make sure the couple knows you've never done one before.  My first one I actually tried to talk the mob out of hiring me, but she insisted. 

I just think it's very important for them to understand that it's your first one and what they can expect.

You'll do great.  Just remember, have fun, don't be afraid to try something you haven't done before at least a couple of times, and wear comfy shoes.   

I too would be interested in your book, pls email me when available for sale and good luck with it.

 

thanks

That sounds like a pretty good idea> :)  I might have found a place to hire me as an assistant/2nd shooter, on a permanant kind of basis.  I'm starting to think I might do well to get a job doing this with them for a year or two before I really start making this my business. Experience is priceless, plus I should be able to get some better equipment in the meantime.   I'll still be taking on this wedding though, and yes they know I'm inexperienced.  Thanks again.

Tiffanie

torturedpixie:

That sounds like a pretty good idea> :)  I might have found a place to hire me as an assistant/2nd shooter, on a permanant kind of basis.  I'm starting to think I might do well to get a job doing this with them for a year or two before I really start making this my business. Experience is priceless, plus I should be able to get some better equipment in the meantime.   I'll still be taking on this wedding though, and yes they know I'm inexperienced.  Thanks again.

Tiffanie

What a terrific and refreshing attitude!  I can tell you from experience, being a second shooter is an incredible experience!  I have beeing working for two photographers (who are so wonderful and giving of their knowledge and time) on several events and I am sooo glad that I have learned all that I have from them!

I have been approached about doing weddings all on my own, but I am still a bit hesitant.  I want to make sure that when I do it, I do it right.  I do not want my first solo wedding to be my last because of bad word of mouth.  I am happy hiding my reputation behind experienced and skilled proffessionals for now, lol!

Good luck with your learning!  Stick around here and you will learn PLENTY!

Bing