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

[Steve U]

Right on Mark, +100!!!

[Steve U]

OMG! I am doomed if she does!

No one on this forum can match you for passion and caring Denise, this is what your client sees.
Keep it simple, keep it personal, your client and you will have a blast, with you behind the lens.

[clemmb]

No one on this forum can match you for passion and caring Denise, this is what your client sees.
Keep it simple, keep it personal, your client and you will have a blast, with you behind the lens.

Right on Steve, +100!!!
Hope you don't mind my pladgerism

[ddt0725]

Denise,
When I shot my first two weddings, film, I shot with one camera and 20 rolls of film, 6x4.5, so that was only 300 shots. I had an old TLR(twin lens reflex) as my backup and two strobes on a flash bracket. Since your my age roughly, maybe a little younger, I bet you remember TLRs. I shot weddings this way for a couple of years. Had to pick up my TLR one time because my winder broke on my Bronica. I had so many inquiries for weddings that I was turning them away, only did 6 a year at that time. My only advertisement was word of mouth. People told me thay wanted me because of my passion. I suspect that is why she wants you while knowing its your first time. She sees your passion in your work.
Take the wedding with what you have, just be up front with your customer, which sounds like you are. I think I would opt for the 7D rental mainly because I remember you had to send your 7D in once if I remember right. Otherwise, if you know someone that will loan you a rebel or something. I hate Rebels now but my first digital wedding was on an 8mpix rebel. They can take pro quaility shots in the hands of someone like you
Keep it simple for the first one. Make sure you take your battery charger so half way through you can plug your camera batt in while you continue to shoot. Thats what I did with my first digital wedding.

Um no ...I don't have a clue what a TLR is! I'm not saying I'm too young to remember (although I'd like to use that excuse) but I really didn't know anything about cameras or photography at all until I picked up my rebel 2 years ago. Other than that, I only owned a Kodak that shot the picture out the front and a p&s that I have now. I live a very sheltered life!

I don't remember sending my camera in because of a problem. I only sent my camera in when I had Canon calibrate my lenses to it when I was having a couple lenses I used to own looked at, the camera went along for the ride.

EDIT: Oops, hit "return" before I was done! I do think I need more cards though because I know I have a tendency to get trigger happy. But I did nix the idea of a better lens, I just hope my Siggys don't let me down!

Have you used reflectors much for weddings? I know my daughter would be happier if I didn't buy them probably but I wonder how much help they will provide.

[ddt0725]

No one on this forum can match you for passion and caring Denise, this is what your client sees.
Keep it simple, keep it personal, your client and you will have a blast, with you behind the lens.

Thanks Steve (and Mark)! I just want this day to turn out perfect for them (and me)! I can't mess this up!

[conropl]

...I just want this day to turn out perfect for them (and me)! I can't mess this up!

That statement is why you will do well. You want them to walk away with something special, and you will work hard to make that happen. It is kind of a midwestern trait where you want to be helpful and maybe even get a in a little over your head, which just makes you work harder to make sure you do not leave anyone disipointed. I can not see you not working hard to make your client happy.

I was late to seeing this thread, so I thought I would stay out of the discussion because you needed the good advise of Wedding profesionals, and I did not want to muddy the waters. But I just could not hold back throwing in my support also. You have a lot people who think you can do this... you just need to believe in yourself.

Pat

[Mark Elberson]

Otherwise, if you know someone that will loan you a rebel or something. I hate Rebels now but my first digital wedding was on an 8mpix rebel. They can take pro quaility shots in the hands of someone like you

+1

Keep it simple for the first one. Make sure you take your battery charger so half way through you can plug your camera batt in while you continue to shoot.

+1

[clemmb]

Um no ...I don't have a clue what a TLR is! I'm not saying I'm too young to remember (although I'd like to use that excuse) but I really didn't know anything about cameras or photography at all until I picked up my rebel 2 years ago. Other than that, I only owned a Kodak that shot the picture out the front and a p&s that I have now. I live a very sheltered life!

I don't remember sending my camera in because of a problem. I only sent my camera in when I had Canon calibrate my lenses to it when I was having a couple lenses I used to own looked at, the camera went along for the ride.

EDIT: Oops, hit "return" before I was done! I do think I need more cards though because I know I have a tendency to get trigger happy. But I did nix the idea of a better lens, I just hope my Siggys don't let me down!

Have you used reflectors much for weddings? I know my daughter would be happier if I didn't buy them probably but I wonder how much help they will provide.

Here is what My TLR(Twin Lens Reflex) looks like

I think that is what I am remembering, when you sent it in for calibration. I guess you don't still have your Rebel?
When I started with a Rebel I was using a Sigma 24-70 f2.8. I later swapped it for the Tamron 17-50. Your Siggys I am sure will be fine.
I have never used reflectors at weddings. I rarely use them during any shoot. In south Texas the sun is so bright it usually makes people squint more.

[ddt0725]

The birde-to-be just sent me a quick email. Her fiance and future mother-in-law are ok with having me as the photographer! They do need to stick to a budget of $400 and want package options! I haven't put together any package options on my website (haven't had a need) so I will have to look into what other photographers offer for packages in this price range. Suggestions always welcomed ...hint ...hint! Only other thing she mentioned is they primarily want the ceremony photographed highlighting the key moments and that we will discuss further when we meet.

[HDNitehawk]

$400 which will include your $65 an hour fee? I know you will get good advice here on picking a printing and pricing structure. It sounds like she will not be getting many prints, and perhaps the disk.

Back to one of the comments I gave you early on, you might end up making minimum wage. But your reward will be you get to do your first wedding. If you do this bride a good job, give her some beautiful pictures and the files that if she wants to print off high quality prints ten years from now when she can afford it, you both win. One of two things can happen here, you get a little wedding business going or you find out this isn't your cup of tea. Either way you win. A few dollars one way or the other won't matter in the long run.