I am one of those question posters about weddings, and I honestly couldnt agree with you more! In my particular situation, the couple is someone i know and I actually offered their wedding for FREE, knowing that i didnt have experience. They are paying for the extras they asked for but the actual wedding and reception and a CD of images plus several prints are all free of charge. I have been compleltey open, honest and up front about my experience level and i actually suggested that they hire someone more experienced and i would be thier second photographer.
I think your post is a good one, and as i said, i couldnt agree with you more. I am getting married myself this summer and would want someone who is experienced and knows what they are doing. If they arent experienced, I'd rather hear that!
 

Valid concern. First, I should menton that I'm not a professional photographer and have no aspirations of becoming one - at least not for people shoots.

My 2 cts worth would be, there are always two parties to the shoot: the photographer and the client. If it were my important event, I would request to review sample work and possibly get references before hiring the photographer.

Generally amateurs will tell the client that they are "new" - and will charge much less than an experienced event photographer would. Which might be one of the big draws for the client. Follows the motto "you can have it cheaper but not so nice."
Often times it is a friend/family event amateur photographers get to try themselves at. Either way, there is a first time shoot for every photographer. It's pretty much buyers beware.

I'm sure you're right that a lot of folks should not be going out shooting professionally a month after putting down their point and shoot for an SLR. But it's a free country and it has laws to protect people as well as businesses. And a little common sense goes a long way...
 

FYI - Sam's Club sells this camera for $649, that's the cheapest I've seen. By the time you add a decent range of quality glass you're in the $1,500's.

While in the low price range of professional DSLRs, the XTi is perfectly adequate for shooting a wedding - as long as you know how to use it.
 

I agree with you. I think alot of people that buy DSLR's now, alot of times don't even know or take the time to know how to use them. I think alot of them, just put them in full-auto, fly and think they can shoot with the best of them.
 

Wow, I totally agree with this blog and all of the comments on it! I have recently gotten involved with the whole "photography business" and I'm slowly learning all that I can. In the past month, I have had 2 different people approach me about shooting a wedding. And straight up, I told them that I really thought I wasn't ready to do that yet. I'd die if I were to mess up someone's wedding photos!!
To get my experience, I posted a blog and offered free shoots to my friends. They are in no way obligated to buy anything, but they may if they like the photos I do. All I charge them is what it costs me to print them off. Plus I let them chose sizes and everything. All I want is the extra experience, to build a portfolio, and the help of getting my name out there. So far it has been great, I had a huge outpour of comments on it, and everyone has been awesome helping me. Plus, I get the experience of shooting everything... couples, babies, singles. It's been fun!
 

Wedding photography is an art in itself. It is a specialty within the photography business, just as is shooting glam, high fashion, sports, events and photojournalism are all specialties. I started off as a photojournalist and did that for nearly 20 years. That experience does not qualify me to be a glam or wedding shooter, it qualifies me to be a pj. I started doing portraits, models, artistic and events about a year ago. I am just now starting to charge for these type of photos.

I have been in and around this business for more than 20 years. What I've learned is that unethical photographers give the whole business a bad rap.

Great blog.
 

I completely agree with this blog. I have shot one wedding, it was a small wedding with just the major family. It was completely free of charge and all they paid for where their prints at cost. When I heard of this wedding I asked to attend as a secondary photographer. She had seen some of my portrait work and felt comfortable with my being the only photographer. I told her that I would be more comfortable if she were to get a professional photographer as well. She still had the confidence in me to pull through. I completed the shoot with lots of success and she was very happy. I did use the Cannon XTi for the shoot, however I agree in that it would be embarassing showing up at a big bang out wedding with the same equipment as some one in the party shows up with. I do eventually want to persue weddings and events but would never do it until I have several shoots under my belt and the proper equipment. I have taken shots inside churches and they can be very dark and in my opinion one of the hardest places to shoot if not using the proper equipment.
 

What you describe is what I'm getting from most "beginners" at pro photography. In exchange for experience they will work for little to no money - and that is the draw for a lot of clients. Most beginners I know don't have the confidence to do shoots such as weddings and are often being talked into doing it.

As for the embarressment and prestige factor, one should start worrying about appearances when charging like a pro.

I doubt that at the average wedding, half of the guests will show up with $1,500 + worth of camera gear. If they are upper class, they will want to pay a pro - possibly a team if it is a large reception.

As long as the photographer is honest and forth-coming about their level of experience and can provide sample work taken with the same equipment, I don't see the problem. At that point it's the client's choice.

I have no interest in wedding photography but if I did, I would insist on a 2nd photographer just to cover my behind :) - pro or otherwise.
 

The problem is the word "Professional" you are very right that there are way too many people out there purchasing a "real" camera and automatically think that the licence to shoot comes with the camera.. like a toy in a box of Cracker Jacks. Some subjects are left to the proven and weddings are highest among these topics. I personally know a gal who got into weddings because "she read the instruction booklet for her first Minolta DSLR." How many Pros show up to a wedding with one camera, for instance??? No back up? It was a disaster but she pursued and managed to get a few good shots, by luck.
I truly feel sorry for that bride and groom who has to withstand the added stress level of dealing with someone who doesn't know what they are doing at their wedding and the final product ends up with two heads in a bridal gown. My suggestion is bail out as a "so called Professional Wedding Shooter" until you have at least 10 years behind the viewfinder, take lessons learn everything and tested every gadget on your camera and all pieces of gear ahead of time. And as you do with any fined tuned instrument... Practice Practice Practice before jumping into the uncharted waters.
In the mean time be honest with your potential clients for their sake. It's not fair to them that you are truly practicing. Embarrassment on your part is the least of your problems.
 

Oh, boy, I absolutely agree with this.

Last fall I was asked, by a notary-public acquaintance, to do an informal wedding shoot.

After a great deal of thought, I decided that I would NEVER, NEVER do it again, even though the pictures came out surprisingly great for a first-time effort, and none of the involved parties were disappointed by the result!

I am a strict amateur, with a good eye, but that doesn't make me a professional, OR a wedding photog. One good wedding was enough for me. So I stopped there.

I would be really crushed if I did a wedding and it came out like shit. I would probably feel worse than the bride and groom, because I would know that their special day wasn't captured to the fullest of its potential, and I would have had a hand in that.

Wedding shoots really aren't a great venue for amateurs. If you get invited to a wedding, it's better to stay a little farther back and experiment on your own, with the periperheral action at a wedding, well out of the way of The Professional Photographer, Incorporated.....LOL!!

Although, on the flip side of that......how do you KNOW whether you're going to be cut out FOR wedding photography until you TRY it?
 

I totally agree with your concerns with the integrity of some beginner wedding photographers. However, I would have to say in retort, that if wedding photo journalism is something as photographer you feel lead to become apart of, don't let being a beginner detour you.

If you're a beginning in the wedding photography field, as I consider myself, these are a few tips I've gone by;

1. You don't have start big. If you've got talent and the passion for good images, start by building a portfolio based on what you do know. Shoot friends to start, and those willing to be your subject, regardless of pay. You'd be surprised at the kind of feedback you'll get in return, and you may even score your first Bride and Groom. However, don't expect large compensation for your first wedding. My husband and I shot our first wedding, for another photographers brother, for 350$. The pay off wasn't huge, but those are some of the best shots in our portfolio today. Not only is there less stress for the beginner to live up to big bucks, but you'll be profiting more so in the future by having a first reference. Because we shot a photographers sibling, we were able to gain more weddings from his referrals‘, which were invaluable.

2. Know you're equipment; just because you use a highly sophisticated DSLR doesn't mean you know anything about it's mechanics. Try shooting in manual mode a few frames, and then you'll see what you really know about exposure, lighting, shutter speed and aperture. Built in light meters are incredibly sophisticated, but they don't always meter the scene the way you may want it to look. By knowing as much as you possibly can about what you have in your hand, you'll be better prepared in all situations. This will set your images apart from those just trying to be pro-with their equipment.

dripbook.com/shortstoryphoto
 

I'm about 50/50 on this blog. I don't get too much into blogs just because I am not a "professional" and just stay with it to get input and experience, but I do have something to say about this blog.

I am not saying I am offended nor do I think this is a bad blog. Infact, if I am reading everything the way it is intended, there are alot of good points, just harshly put in my opinion.

I am a new photographer out there and I have started in the Wedding field. Although, I was concerned about messing up, I mustered up the confidence and took on some Weddings. I have a "starter" camera as some of you call it (Sony A100) but have since bought more equipment to extend it. I am not an amature, but I am not a professional.

Here is my imput plain and simple.

It's the word 'professional' that bothers me. I always admit that I am new to this, but I take on Weddings without any hesitation. I am NOT in it for the money what so ever! I charge under $500 for 6 hours and that alone should tell people that I am not a professional, but I am serious.

Just remember, people have to start somewhere. If you have done 100 Weddings, and now you are ready to charge, people are going to wonder why all those 100 Weddings were done free. They won't want to be the first paying customer. I would hire an amature to do my Wedding or my daughter's Wedding, because some people just can't afford to hire a professional. As long as you don't misrepresent yourself, who cares what you are shooting with and what you charge, just be honest.
 

Photography by Erika, your comment was awesome! I read this enitre blog and you just had to write one sentence "as long as you don't misrepresent yourself, who cares what you are shooting with and what you charge, just be honest". JUST BE HONEST! That is all that matters! Whether you charge or not...as long as you are honest you should enjoy your wedding event! For newcomers and "pro". As long as you make it CLEAR to the CLIENT what you are and what your level of professionalism is, you should be fine. They should want to see your portfolio and get references...and after doing so, THEY, the CLIENT gets to choose if they want you or not. AS long as you are honest, you should shoot away! Money is a completely different category as far as any newbie or learning pro...I personally think those concerned with money for shooting right away are not in it for the right reason. Get your experience and feel out your passion...make sure wedding photog is right for you...then proceed! And the bottom line is have fun with it! As long as you are still enjoying it have the passion for it, then you will succeed! Don't ever get on a high horse about how "pro" you are....just have fun and enjoy your clients and their special moments in life! Those become your special moments as well.
 

Well said Erika!!!
 

I totally understand this blog. I'm just getting started, and would LOVE to do weddings....one day.. I was asked earlier this month to shoot a wedding for an old friend of mine, and had to pass. I know I dont have the confidence or abilities to do a wedding yet. What I want to do is to just go to a few weddings as a guest, and start experimenting. I would hate to be the 'professional' photog and end up ruining the shots. I have been on the recieving end of that and certainly dont want to be the one giving 'so-so' pics to the bride and groom. I still look back at the pics of MY wedding and wish that we hadn't gone with a 'budget' photographer, just because he worked with my mom and convienced her he could do it :(
 

I have done weddings, I'm just getting back into the business with digital, I would like to pose this question, how is it that a photographer breaks back into, or even into, everyone needs to shoot their first wedding sometime, right? How else will they get the experience, how else will they grow? I recently went to a wedding and shot as a friend the hired one, well to be nice, I couldn't get close enough to see the camera, but I could see she wasn't using lager then maybe a max 50 lens, THE WHOLE TIME, shooting the couple with a door in the back, shooting up their noses, it was AWFUL! I was so happy I was there and was able to get a few nice shots for them, but the photographer snapped my head off and said " NO MORE FROM YOU!" I thought How rude! As a married woman, I hired a photographer with 2 people, two cameras going at all angles, its the best way to make sure its shot right. Its a hard genera to shoot yes, and I prefer parties, but the weddings are my most wanted to do list after seeing so much really bad shots out there.

So again the question, when is one experienced, and how do hey get experience if they are beginners? Is it really the one who is pushy and sells them on their photography, whether it be bad or good?