RE: [Leica] 1st Wedding assignment --- should I ?

[Randy Jensen <randy@jamzcheer.com>]

My 2 cents...

I would definitely NOT undertake a "big" wedding by yourself if you haven't
done a couple before.  I was very lucky starting out, but I knew my
equipment very well and didn't have any problems.  One of the most common is
flash sync issues.  My medium format camera has leaf shutters so this isn't
an issue.

Also, even though I've shot MANY MANY weddings, the ASA issue is always
there.  I always shoot 400 ASA now (400 b/w Kodak C41 stuff and Portra 400).
I used to shoot 160 for studio shots and outside and 400 for everything
else, but the 400 looks so good, and it's such a pain to keep checking that
stuff that I've gone to 400 only.

Also, you can't LET yourself get stressed.  Tell yourself there's more time
than you think there is.  There are polite ways to let your clients know
that if you don't get these shots now they may not happen - they'll come
around.  It's all in your personality.  Firm but nice.

Another thing is, I would HATE to do a wedding without an assistant.  My
wife assists me and keeps track of what shots have been taken, and what's
left.  This leaves me with the technical aspects and lighting, composition,
etc.  It would be a real pain without her, and the client loves the idea
that two people are shooting the wedding, not just one.  It's SOOOOOO nice
to be changing a roll and you don't have to rush because your assistant is
bsing with the bride and groom and posing them.

Randy

- -----Original Message-----
From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
[mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Ted Grant
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2002 7:11 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: Re: [Leica] 1st Wedding assignment --- should I ?



Henry Ting wrote

 > Great advice Ted !!!!!
> While I quietly want to undertake the challenge, but
> your straight talk really wise me up.
> Perhaps I should try to delegate myself as a backup
> photographer.....even that thought cause a lump in my
> throat.<<<<

Henry,
that's your best bet, go as the back-up or the guy doing the fun behind the
scenes casual things, then you don't have any pressure, keeps you involved
and shooting and having fun all at the same time. I mean, we as
photographers are doing this to have fun, Right?

Well any shoot where you're building great pressure on yourself while
shooting, mental stress of doing it right or concerns of failure sure as
heck isn't fun. The simple answer for the first one is, go as the back-up
fun guy and you'll come away with neat photos, a smile on your face, a calm
stomach and sleep well the night of the wedding. :-)

Otherwise you're asking for the wrath of the devil, "the brides mother" if
you screw-up! That me son is not worth receiving, as she'll haunt your
sleepless nights forever. ;-)
ted



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