Weddings

Having a website seems to have brought a sudden and unexpected interest/confidence in my apparent ability to take a reasonable photo.

If I can take a decent landscape then I must obviously be skilled enough to take on this simple but slightly more important marital challenge. Maybe so, but what do we amateurs charge to do a wedding? We obviously want to be cheaper than a pro but, presumably, not undervalue ourselves.

I read with interest the recent post about not getting High Street labs involved in the printing process. Whilst I can see the profit potential of retaining the original files, my thoughts are that I would just provide a DVD and leave the printing to the happy couple... now with a couple of caveats thanks to the advice here.

That just leaves a charge for the day then!

Regards

Geoff

I assume this is somewhat tongue in cheek as;

Having the requisite technical competence is a given
Having the relevant equipment is a given
Having the relevant backup gear is a given
Having insurance is a given
Having the knowledge and skill to produce a treasured album is a given
Having the balls to take on a one off opportunity to ruin someone's wedding is a given
Having the skill to herd cats is a given

The last two are most important of all IMO as anyone can buy gear and learn the technical skills

What is your web site - you don't seem to list it.

As I said I assume this was tongue in cheek.

Mike

Soon as you charge you are a pro....

"We obviously want to be cheaper than a pro but..."

This really makes my blood boil. Mikew makes some very good points particularly the one about 'tongue in cheek'.

I'll have to assume your post was written in jest.

errr...who says so?
yeah I can paint a wall with some dulux...qualifies me to do the Sistine Chapel
..never undersell yourself
haha now we are getting there...
sensible idea...your idea of a decent set of photo's might be different to theirs...they might like a photobook better than an album....great thinking
which are?
I am not advising you just making honest obervations
as Del Boy would say....the world is your lobster Rodney

To be honest I have photographed family weddings....it's slightly easier than doing a complete strangers wedding, at least you know some if not all the people there and that helps.
You will need people skills....you will need to be able to control an unruly mob with all the diplomatic skills of Henry Kissinger...you will need enough energy to power the National Grid for a fortnight...you will need the patience of a saint and above all you will need (invariably) to keep the bride's mother from wishing to kill you.
Simple really.
If you have a desire to enter the market why not shadow a pro. I followed one at a wedding I went to and he was brilliant. He had all the people skills you could want and he even showed Aunty Vera how to get the good shots on her snappy snaps disposable film camera.
It can be done but think hard....I would love to do it..I think I can do it but do I want another nervous breakdown or heart attack ...no...once was enough in both cases.
Sorry if I seem harsh but it's about being realistic.

All you need is for someone to state on a website that:
"Your the best wedding photographer in the world today"
and they'll all come flocking to you

Well it works with photographers and lenses!

just adding to what Spinno said. If it's a portrait you can always arrange a re-sit. You only get one go at a wedding.
Portraits, I've had more success than failure, weddings, one failure, I don't do them any more, too stressful and I too have already had one heart attack.