So, been all over the place mentally in the last couple of weeks. Well, in the last year truth be told. I was asked about this time last year to shoot a wedding for someone who’d seen my photos on flickr and liked the look of them. I agreed, but under the understanding that I’d never done a wedding before, didn’t know what I was doing and was only an amateur photographer. It’s often said that technically, once you start accepting payment for jobs, you’re a professional. I’m not too sure about that.
So last weekend I found myself driving toward the brides house, having had a Carlsberg assisted sleep the night before (otherwise I’d never have got to sleep thinking about it). I was so nervous about screwing up the photos I couldn’t eat, think straight or well, even hold my hand steady. I arrived (well, we arrived. Myself and my wonderful assistant) and within 5 minutes I was being driven by pure adrenaline. I can’t describe or explain how incredible it was to be working around a family that are so welcoming, accommodating and downright friendly. I had to constantly remind myself that I was there in an official capacity and wasn’t actually a long lost brother!
The nerves melted away as I shot the process of hair, makeup, champagne, flowers, dresses, decorations, black suits and coloured dresses. Amazing. After that, we raced (is it still a race if you’re in gridlock?) to the church to get there ahead of the brides car. We won. The ceremony commenced and I’m pretty sure I managed to keep out of wedding video, and out of the way of the wedding videographer. On a quick review, I knew I had some decent shots ‘in the bag’ so to speak, and some further ones that would be in the same bag once they were run through photoshop.
Some formal’s outside the church after alot of running around (with horrifically squeaky shoes I might add) and then onto the park beside the hotel for some further formals (and almost a dip in the lake). Raced back to the hotel, couple more formals and a few candids before dinner. Ahh relax. Then some more during the speeches and finally the first dance before backing up the many, many photos I took to my laptop.
So I realised a few things during the course of the evening…
1. The 20D needs to go.
2. A 5D or something like it needs to be acquired.
3. I could do another wedding…
4. I need lucozade
Along with things I’ll never be able to describe, I’ll add my eternal gratitude to that list. Without Mary and John, I may never have gotten a start in wedding photography. I’d been wondering for a while if during my first wedding I’d either have a complete nervous breakdown or develop a taste for more. Like having one pint when you know you can’t have anymore for a while, I’ve now got a taste for more. So thank you, have a wonderful honeymoon and indeed, wonderful lives together. Thanks to your families who were possibly the most pleasant people I’ve ever met. To say the whole thing went smoothly is an understatement. Now to pluck out the good stuff.
Well done on making the leap! Donal texted me the previous night asking for your number so I knew they’d have a good guy taking the photos!
Why are you getting rid of the 20D? I’m thinking of an upgrade myself, but I think I’ll have to leave it for another year, what with rewiring the house, and doing various other bits and pieces it’s going to be an expensive year.
Congratulations Ryan, I’m sure your photographs will blow them away.
I’ve not taken the full leap into weddings yet, I’m just easing my way in via portraits and events. I have felt that rush though and also felt the exhaustion of the come-down. Wedding photographers earn their money that’s for sure.
I have my eye on the 5D too, I think for wedding photography you really need two bodies so you could always have the 20D as your back up.
getting rid of the 20D because of the low light/high iso performance. I’m constantly afraid to go above iso 800. Since getting the 30D the 20 always seems a bit on the slow side too.
Anyway, the 30D is staying cos I love it. The 20D is going to be traded in for a 5D, or if I’m feeling extra wealthy, a 1D Mark3.
Claire, the 20D is my current backup body.. Any luck within the next month or so the 30D will become my backup
Ugh, stay away from the 1 D MkIII, its a bag of problems with autofocus…and those problems are happening in daylight. A few of my ‘colleagues’ have sent theirs back… Canon are aware that theres an issue with it, but seem to be doing bugger all about it. If your taking the plunge, perhaps putting the payment from a job towards it, get a 5D or the 1 Ds MkII…. you wont go wrong. Congrats on doing the wedding, nothing like a bit of pressure to show your true strengths. I still use the 20d here as a backup… but then I only shoot at iso 50 or 100 99% of the time……
Looking forward to seeing the photos Ryan. You looked quite the professional on the day, the fact that John didn’t worry about the photos speaks volumes. Hopefully no dodgy ones from the speeches…
Jesus all you people talking about 5d’s 20d’s and 30d’s I feel pathetic with my 350d, although it has a bigger number so in my head its better.
Anyhow congrats on the whole wedding thing its great to see that you ended up enjoying it and I cant wait to see the pictures when you have em ready.
What I should have added was… by specific request, I won’t be uploading any of the photos. You’ll just have to take my word for it that they’re great!
It’s definately a 5D your getting, the boss says so and fully approves.
As for the wedding, you did a great job that day and i defo was well proud of you. Lucky you getting to boss me around for once.
Well done Ryan! I’m not suprised you’re lusting after the 5D, it’s a mammoth beast. If I had the time I would love to shoot a Wedding, but time is a commodity I’ve none of lately. Here’s hoping it’s your first of many.
To be honest, I refuse weddings….I hate them….with a passion…. wanna buy my 1Ds MkII ryan…lol
@McAWilliams its the person that takes the photographs and has the vision….the camera you use is but a tool….it’ll only do what you ask it to…
@Chris, never a truer word said, but since taking the plunge with the SLR, I do long for a better hand grip
Well done and contrats on the job , I can well belive how nervous you must have been on the day.
Im doing my second payed job this weekend , so reading up and checking everything twice. I dont think ill do weddings on my own but certainly as a backup id do it.
Anyway , well done .
peter
Congrats Ryan! Sorry I’ve been MIA. Don’t have internet at home and well, that’s pretty much it. lol So good to hear I have a contact for a wedding photographer - especially considering the number of people in my life that have gotten engaged recently! Hope you’re keeping well!
Have a look…
http://ricksbreakfastblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/other-john-williams.html
Congratulations on the gig!