Ok, hold the laughter ...ME a wedding photographer!???

[ddt0725]

What photo?
It sounds like it went well overall. I know you got some good shots. Looking forward to seeing them.
I have done small rooms like this too and it is very difficult to get the shots you want.
O don't worry about guests with DSLRs. They are always going to be there. I am sure my nieces photographer did not like seeing me show up with my 5D and 580EXII. I do get a bit peeved when they block my shot. I am not always the nicest when I am telling them to get out of my way if they have been really obnoxious.

The first photo posted earlier in this thread on 9/8 is where everyone stood for the ceremony.

I am knee deep in sorting through photos so you won't be hearing much from me for awhile.

Being my first gig, I wasn't sure what to say to all these people with their cameras. I did get pretty rude to people by the lake though that were taking photos in the area that I had planned to use since time was something not on my side.

When we were doing the private portrait shoot in the ceremony room during the reception, I had told the bride days ago when this was setup that I only wanted the people in there that were getting their photos taken at that time, then they can leave and go back to the reception and the next group can come in. Otherwise it is too distracting. Well, the room was packed with people going in and out, standing around, giving instructions to a point that I could not be heard, kids running in between my tripod and the people I am photographing and get this ...a guy stood next to me the entire time with his p&s taking the same photos!

After awhile, sad to say ...due to exhaustion, I think I gave up and my dedication faded to the wayside. It was crazy!

Since I know I wouldn't be able to charge more for awhile (especially to the same family), I don't think I will be doing this again. I will leave it to the pros.

Ok, back to editing. Once I have everything done and posted on my website, I will also post some here. I think some are pretty good & others, I would be ashamed to say I took!! I must say though, my daughter did a fantastic job. I think the only problem she had was keeping the camera in one shot when they were doing the first dances. Otherwise, her lighting & composition was great! Being the first time she ever used a dslr, I am proud of her! Taking photos, holding reflectors, getting me what I needed ...she was awesome!

[rlriii13]

Since I know I wouldn't be able to charge more for awhile (especially to the same family), I don't think I will be doing this again. I will leave it to the pros.

Or you just make it clear that you are charging more for your services. If anyone mentions your previous pricing, just tell them that was your first time. Now you have an idea of what it costs you to do it (gear, effort, physical pain, time to shoot, time to post, profit). If you charge more, you might hurt a little less after the next time.

I hate to break it to you Denise, but after that shoot, you are a pro. It's up to people like me to leave it to people like you.