I do

I went into my local camera shop lugging everything, rattling off at the mouth. I have to be at the suite in an hour and I think I need more memory do you think I need more memory? I think I need more memory.

The guy behind the counter smiled in the way of someone who's seen his share of frazzled, pre-shoot memory-seekers. He handed me another 16 GBs and I left the store feeling sufficient. Two hours later, I sent my husband back again. More! AGGGH! More memory more more more! They shoved another card into his hand and said Go, just go. We'll figure it out later. And my husband ran, snuck in behind the procession, slipped the card into my bag just in time for the piper.

It was the first time I've ever shot a wedding as the principal photographer and can I say something? Not one thing. A few things, aside from gratitude for my husband's help, and having an independent, local camera shop that knows how to throw accessories at a moving target and shout "Good Luck!" at the same time.

1) There is no such thing as too much memory. Or batteries. Or extras. As they say in high-angle rope rescue, one is none and two is one.

2) In eleven hours, I shot 2800 photos. After several rounds of finer and finer-still editing and processing -- with a cold and ruthless eye -- the finished set contains 330. Did I shoot too much? I think I shot too much. But I couldn't help it. Everywhere I looked, a surplus of adorable.

3) I walked with a hobble for a week. Flattened! Like running a marathon. I've got processing claw. My eyeballs are all dried up. The last time I ate was breakfast last Tuesday.

4) There are many reasons why, to the bride and groom, photography seems to cost (or should cost, if it's worthy) so much. See #1, #2, and #3. The behind-the-scenes preparation, the gear, the failsafes, the endless processing. The responsibility of capturing something so sacred, so joyous. The richness of the scene, in terms of photographic potential.

I was a one-woman creative shark frenzy. Adrenaline. Then some indigestion. I've already got a substantial volume of notes to inform various next-times on the horizon. Now, finished, I wait for Mr. and Mrs. to return from their honeymoon. We'll sit down and walk through the day, remembering. And I'm hoping with every breath that I've done it justice.

I've never been so humbled. What a task, what an honour. Regardless of being the principal photographer or the second in charge of candids -- or even bringing your camera as an unsolicited extra eye for friends or family -- what have you taken away from the experience of shooting important occasions, parties, or one-time events? What did you learn? Who saved you, advised you, assisted you? What will you do differently next time?

Comments

[Marcie]

Having shot a number of events - bar/bat mitzvahs - I know exactly how you're feeling. Humbled..and overwhelmed - yes..for sure.
I have no images to offer up...just my today's post which - at times - can create the same adrenaline rush. Hurry..hurry - I don't want to miss THIS moment:
http://www.marciescudderphotography.com/home/2011/6/19/a-morning-like-this.html

[camaca]

2800???? wow wow wooow
but congrats.

I never had to shoot important occasions being the principal photographer. But I always always take images in an important occasions, and the if the result worth it, I gift some picts to the main persons of the event.

Here I link the last photo I take at the last wedding day I was. From my best friend. A good period point from her best day.
http://aifonejant.blogspot.com/2011/04/canelobre.html

[vivienne]

I'm heading into my 2nd summer of shooting weddings and am so consumed with the prep right now, so this post seriously resonates. There is SO much behind the scenes preparation, purchasing, rental and planning that goes into this!

[Kate C.]

I'm on my 6th wedding, with 2 more scheduled for fall and I learn something every time. Besides all of the details and big moments of the wedding, I try to make sure I get some photos that show the other people taking part in the big day, little moments, real emotions. I love this one:

http://katechophoto.blogspot.com/2011/06/blog-post.html

As any photographer will tell you, it is hard work being in a wedding! :)

[Jess]

Just three days ago, I second-shot a wedding for the first time. I'm still trying to process everything I learned. Still have to look through all my photos, and I only shot 8 G. My mind is still reeling.

http://flic.kr/p/9ULuPb

[Katie]

I just started shooting family photography. Sooo very much to learn (luckily, I have wonderful friends with lovely family's who are letting me practice.) I take too many pics, for sure. I spend more hours editing than I thought I would. But what has surprised me most is how very in love with the whole process I am.

[Jen]

I can just imagine the pressure to photograph someone's wedding! I have recently shot a baptism which I was super nervous about beforehand, but it ended up going very smoothly. I learned the family really appreciated the candid, natural shots (those photos were my favorites as well) - they loved that I captured their natural expressions and emotions they experienced that day. It was good practice in being bold and standing up front to grab the shot (while being respectful, of course). Here are some of the shots I captured that day:

http://www.jenniferkrafchik.com/2011/04/sneak-peak-olivers-baptism.html

http://www.jenniferkrafchik.com/2011/04/olivers-baptism.html

[whitney]

I'm just breaking into professional photography and have only shot one wedding. It was a short-notice thing, almost like an elopement, and they called me two days before. Still, I can relate.

Before I went to shoot them I had this manic energy about me and I felt sick to stomach in a really great way. I was nervous, felt that same overwhelming/humbling feeling. It's kind of addicting.

Here are a selection of the photos: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.235939713087451.78049.231916956823060

[Tracy]

This is rather timely for me as I just shot a wedding reception. I am most definitely NOT a pro and this was mostly as a favor for a friend who would not have otherwise hired a photographer. If I did it again I would use a different lens for all of the portraits. I used a 17-50 mm 2.8 and I got virtually no shots of the couple with good bokeh. I used my 50 mm 1.8 for some shots of the bride and I wish I would have used that lens for all of the portraits. A good lesson I suppose! Here are a couple of shots:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/5853019948/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31417716@N00/5837875291/in/photostream/

[Winn]

Great post! I've been second-shoot and principal at weddings (with another of each coming up this summer), and there is so much going on that I just don't know yet! Preparation seems to be key. I ran out of memory easily before. I never will again. And it really IS physically taxing, lugging around the equipment, getting into position, finding the right shot (which may be hard on your back)... at the end of the day I'm exhausted! But I love the feeling of finishing shooting a wedding.

But I would rather take too many photos, than not enough and miss something crucial. Thanks for your story. I'm glad I'm not the only tough editor out there. ;)

[Brooke]

Weddings are so stressful. But the you keep on trucking. In the few small weddings I've done (which have mostly been family so expectations were monitored), I ask someone to help me. They may not have a camera but having an extra body, someone with a list so they can tick off what we've captured, a second voice to line up the folks - man, is it helpful!! I've recently taken the leap to offer professional services but plan to focus on portrait work for now. But I'm hoping I can take the leap into weddings in the next couple years. I just need a bit more confidence. And a big lens. :)

[Amy (Papillon Sky Photography)]

Ooohhhh, I could go on and on. Just shot my first wedding on June 29, and then one more each weekend after that. I was a total wreck before the first one, buying more and more memory and batteries, etc., worrying that my camera wasn't good enough, that I wasn't good enough, ugh! I was completely exhausted afterward. The second wedding had me slightly less nervous. By the third, I was hardly thinking about it. But I must add something that made that third wedding a blessing and a curse. My grandma died that morning. It was her granddaughter getting married that afternoon. I watched my cousin and all of my relatives cry as we watched my grandma die. I wondered how she would be able to get married that day, how I would be able to hold myself together to photograph it. Then, I thought of something: If my grandma could will herself to stay alive until that day (and believe me, she did--there was no reason why she should have been living by that point), then I could be strong enough to photograph a wedding. It turned out to be the most beautiful day. My cousin smiled all day. The music at the reception was every song my grandma ever loved (a crazy coincidence). I was crying as I shot photos of everyone dancing, and imagined my grandma dancing right along with them. Because I know she was...
I am so happy I was there to photograph my cousin's special day. To remind her that we were all able to prove to Grandma how strong we were, how we could have fun, smile and laugh until we cried just for her!

[Misty]

I just know I'll be calling on you. Again. :) I'm sure you did it justice.

[sweetsalty kate]

Oh Amy, that's so amazing. Smiling.

I love hearing all these experiences, and seeing your shots... thank you! Keep it coming... especially any hints. Hungry for hints. I'll share one, for those big occasions - it didn't get to me in time for this wedding, but I've got it now and I think it's going to be useful.

I was really worried about how to safely store all the filled memory cards - imagine losing track of one. Disaster. I didn't want to rely on a pocket, or my bag. So I bought a banjee wrist wallet, which is just a lightweight fabric cuff that looks like a bracelet, kind of. It's zippered, and tight on my arm. I think it'll be great for weddings, for peace-of-mind..... http://ecom1.sno-ski.net/banjees.html

[heather]

I did my Dad's last year and oh did it ever go by so fast!! Since that kind of photography isn't my regular gig, the best advice I got was to pick one lens and stick with it. For the location, that wound up being a 17-55 rental and other lenses for before and afters. lucky, lucky couple to have you shoot their day!

[joey]

I am just a hobby photographer, have never been paid for my work, and haven't done any gigs past family parties and such, but I was asked to document the week at my kids' vacation bible school. It was a lot of pressure. I think a church is one of the hardest places to shoot. I haven't worked that hard in a long, long time, but it was incredible to use my photography to help out! The color is still off in this shot as I had to edit quickly so they could have the images for a slide show on the last day, but this is one of my favorites.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/19379573@N06/5853519748/in/photostream

[Maery Rose]

I can't imagine being "the one" responsible for seizing such a big event. I'm going to a wedding in July and hope to "practice" taking portraits of the attendees and their reactions to the ceremony and the fun at the reception afterwards. I enjoy natural, impromptu photos more than the staged photos but it is trickier. Kind of like a photo safari.

[Littlepurplecow]

Yes, yes. All of that. It wipes me out. And lifts me up. You did it just right.

[Libertad Leal]

I second shoot for my husband and if there is one thing I have to say is this: forget about looking cute in heels. Wear flats!! I made that mistake for our 1st wedding and I paid the price. I had no idea how intense and tiring it would be. I now wear ballerina flats. Live and learn! :)

[Elizabeth Crocker]

SOOOOO glad to know I'm not the only one like this! I read the post & said this is me!!!! Thanks for the validation. I have a GREAT second shooter who loves to stage people & props so all I have to do is shoot. SO nice! I'm about to post a new blog about the latest wedding we did & you will see how great he is in posing the wedding party in a traditional setting so they are still interesting & fresh.
http:/www.thewayiseeitthroughmylens.blogspot.com

[whitney]

I've really loved this post and all the comments. Would any of you wedding photogs be willing to let me pick your brain? I have lots of questions about starting off in this biz and would love to chat over email with someone.

thanks!

[AnnGeeDee]

My husband's boss plays in a makeshift band and they decided to have a small concert for friends and family. I was kindly asked to bring my camera along. I was so nervous, expectations had been set and I was worried I wouldn't measure up. I shot too much. In the end, I had 37 narrowed down. The experience was humbling and gratifying at the same time. I have a lot left to learn but here's my favorite from the night: http://www.flickr.com/photos/anngeedee/5697671760/in/set-72157626544283155/

[Deanna]

Doing these scare the heck out of me so I usually come up with an excuse why I can't but I finally was cornered without and excuse and came out of it with these...which made me think I should give it another try.

http://anewdayadifferentway.blogspot.com/2011/05/portrait-shoot.html

[Sarah Jane]

Beautiful photo & oof, I feel ya. I think one of the biggest thing I've learned (or am trying to get better at really) is to slow down and be deliberate with the photos I take. It's so easy to get super excited & shoot everything, but going through all those photos takes time! (and lots of it!) I try to make the shots I do take count, and resist taking 1,000 extra (definitely done that) just because I was excited- for me those ones don't end up being worth much.
That being said, I've only shot one wedding on my own & second shot a few, but it's something I sure learned quick!
Here's one of my favorites from the last wedding I did-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/definitepossibilities/5302305679/

(Oh, & Dr Scholl shoe inserts are super! they pretty much saved me the last wedding I shot- being on the go for 12 hrs straight certainly takes a toll on ones body!)

[Darlene]

Wonderful post! I can totally relate. Weddings are the one event that you can't say "opps, it's raining , lets reschedule or oh, I just previewed the images I just shot and could you please do your vows again!" You have to get it right the first time. Period. And you can't forget anything. At all! It's physically and mentally stressful, but so exhilerating and rewarding. I have a few weddings scheduled this summer/fall. I just did a beautiful family/maternity session. It's more casual than a wedding, by far, but an event that you really can't duplicate if you don't get it right the first time.

http://www.whimsicalyearsphotography.com/blog/2011/06/derilyns-family-and-maternity-session/

[Amy (Papillon Sky Photography)]

Okay, hints... I had an assistant at the second wedding that was really good at posing everyone. I didn't have her at the first or third wedding and wished I would have. She was a good friend and only charged me $10 an hour and it was worth every penny! She also held my shot list and kept me in line so I didn't forget anything important.
And I might add, make sure you include some sort of clause about being the exclusive photographer, especially for the posed shots that you spend so much time setting up. Had a little mishap at one of the weddings where the bride asked another photographer to come (they were doing a trade). The photographer stood in the back and took pictures of all of the shots I posed and then went put them up for sale on her website. I never anticipated that one! Also, when you are doing group shots and Uncle Al is standing behind you trying to take the picture too, ask him to leave--or wait until you're done and then step aside and let him get the shot. Otherwise people are all looking in different directions..
Wish I could offer more, but I'm still learning. I look forward to seeing what others have to say!!

[Chantal]

never really did an occasion like that, so no ideas...

[michelle]

i've been asked to capture a family friends wedding in october & i started getting nervous months ago its so great to hear all your posts, i don't feel so alone now & your tips are great, think i might buy a 50mm 1.8 now, i don't have one of those.

[kristin]

great post.

i second shot a wedding.
my advice
WEAR PANTS! (i was originally thinking cute skirt, dress, shoes. ummm NO. you will be rolling around in grass and rocks up and down on your knees on your belly maybe your back. i swear. like a triathlon of photography a wedding is)
BRING WATER! (i sweated like a pig.. and would have dehydrated myslef form nerves and sweat and sun. seriously)

and then trust your eye and heart. do not over think your gear it will only burn you.

[Naomi]

I took some shots at my brother's wedding a couple of years ago. I wasn't the principle photographer or second in charge of candids or anything like that - I was just asked to take my camera and get whatever shots I could. I learnt that those candid shots really do capture a lot of love at a wedding.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomesthenome/sets/72157622866587590/

[Saun]

I did a wedding reception and that had me going crazy. Thank God I borrowed a friend's camera so I would have two. I took one and my husband used the other. Very stressful making sure you've got all the right shots. It turned out great but I'm not sure I want to do it again. Love your pics

[Denise Balyoz]

Hi Kate, I've done a number of client portrait sessions, but am preparing for my first wedding in August. I chuckled at your post and am suddenly thinking I need more memory. Eeek! Can't wait to meet you at Camp and swap stories... :)

[kristin]

I started doing mostly Senior photographs and family portraits about 5 years ago, and thought that I would never do weddings due to the stress, processing, organizing, billing and appointments involved with weddings. Then I shot my first wedding for a special family and I was hooked. Now I love it! But it is sooOOoo time consuming and stressful And the photographers earn every last penny of those session fees.

Here is one of my most recent favorites . . . just wish I could bottle up the enthusiams of these darling couples. I'd make a fortune :D

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkleinrn/5819524198/in/set-72157626807449219/

Kristin
pickledpepperphotography.com