So about a year some friends from work (my non-photographic day job) got engaged. I offered to do their engagement photos as an engagement present. Well, they ended up liking them so much that they asked if I would shoot their wedding....I reluctantly accepted after urging them to hire a professional, and warming them up to the possibility that I could muck the whole thing up...after a long talk about what they expected, and what I could actually provide, they still wanted to have me do it....

They didn't pay me aside from minor expenses, and some gas money, probably cost them $200 in the end.

Anyway the wedding was last weekend, and I spent all this past week processing the photos, and I'm pretty happy with the results. Granted they aren't the work of a true wedding pro, but all things considered....

The set up I used...

Pre-Game - K20D with AF540 and 16-45,50/1.4, 50-135 assorted

Ceremony - Dual body, K10D no flash with 50-135, and K20D with 16-45 and 540FGZ mounted on a stroboframe quickflip (firing direct for most of the outdoor shots).

Reception - K20D with 540FGZ and Demb Pro Diffuser on Stroboframe, and K10D w/360FGZ and a Sto-fen omnibounce (assorted lenses on both).

I welcome C+C from those who know better than I... I think this is something I'd like to get into as a weekend warrior type job.

Here's what I ended up with:


1.


2.


3.


4.


5.


6.


7.


8.


9.


10.


11.


12.


13.


14.


15.

[reknelb]

Boy did they get a bargain or what? If the rest of your shots look that good they should be sending you a check in the mail. Nice mix of traditional posing and photojournalistic shots. Dont sell yourself short next time, bump your price way up.

[Douglas_of_Sweden]

Real nice work, especially the BW. The first of the first walz-photos is the best in my eyes. It is a great photo all categories, not just as a wedding photo.

[Ash]

Fantastic present Ben.

You've done a great job here, and I'm sure they will love your work - good way to go also at the start of your venture. You're sure to get a lot of word of mouth referrals from this - so it'll soon be time to think about how much you should charge for your service...

Being no pro, I haven't much in the way of productive C&C for you, rather praise:
#8's my fave of the couple - love the desaturated and vignetted effect, and their pose is classic. I'd love to see it a little more tightly cropped, but hey, it still works well for me.
#11's my next favourite - a stunning and creative shot - love the angle and setup.
#14's just brilliant - love the way you used the lighting to isolate the FOTB and the bride. Well done.
#5's a great candid shot and well captured at the right time!

In fact, they're all fantastic!

[bigben91682]

I appreciate everyone's kind words, it was quite an adventure that was a culmination of about 8 months of research into technique and what-not. The last thing I wanted to do was screw it up. It's funny you should say I should jack up the price, and for anybody off the street I will, but they are good friends of mine and even if I was a pro I would have done it for them for the same price....I really didn't want any money for this one, just didn't want to disappoint (and potentially lose) 2 good friends.

I haven't delivered anything to them yet, they are still in Alaska on their honeymoon, but I am relieved to have it done with and have some decent results.

[daacon]

I think you did an outstanding job! I love the putting shot. A nice start to a weekend career - careful what you wish for Well done.

[cputeq]

Outstanding work! You, sir, are a braver man than I. Excellent shots and I like every one of them.

[dkittle]

Excellent work. I like number 1 and number 14 the best, but all are really well done. I'm certain you could turn this into a successful weekend passtime!

[cupic]

You have excelled in your present to the Bride and Groom

Just one thing did she get the putt in LOL


cheers

[vievetrick]

Amazing job!!! great style that covers everything in your own way. They will love it!!!

Nice work Ben, the B&W conversions look great. The third and fourth shots though; Is the third one after they beamed down from the Enterprise and the fourth one, just before they beam back up?
Gary

[bigben91682]

You have excelled in your present to the Bride and Groom

Just one thing did she get the putt in LOL


cheers

I wish I could say she did, but the whole thing was a set-up...

It was actually spur of the moment and we borrowed the putter and ball from some random people playing golf at the time, there was a group waiting to tee off behind them as well (it was a par 3..) so the shot was a bit rushed to say the least. The B/G thought I was crazy, but I think they will like the picture as they are both golfers.

I never thought I would be laying on my side on a putting green shooting this shot when I started the day out! We went to the reception right after and one of the guys in the band asked why I had grass on my arm & back.....I told him it was a new style of off-road photography.

[lbam]

Having shot my first wedding as an assistant Saturday just gone, I have to say your work here is fabulous, creative, and brave... I love shot 5 in particular.
Well done!

[Fritzvds]

Like every1 else all I can say is dont sell yourself short.
I wouldnt have the guts to attempt what you have done. I think the hardest thing for me
is trying to come up with new angles and previsualizing the shots.

Congratulations on a job well done!