112: Photographer Friend Ruins Wedding, How Not to Make The Same Mistakes

This Week I share the Story of how Indianapolis Wedding
Photographer Raymond Hatfield helped a couple get closure after
their wedding photographer never delivered their wedding photos
from more than 5 years ago. The bride, Tracy had became good
friends with a girl who wanted to get into photography and begged
to shoot their wedding. She knew her friend took great photos but
she also wanted to make sure her wedding day was captured
professionally. Tracy reluctantly agreed. She shares her story of
what happened and what she would do differently if she could do
it all over again. Watch the video below 


 


How to avoid being the friend that won't deliver. 


1: Put yourself in check


You know how to shoot in manual, you have shot some pretty
awesome photos of your dog or your kids that your friends on
facebook and instagram love. These are important steps in your
photography journey but know that you have so much more to learn
about photography. Take a moment to think about how important of
a day this is for your couple. Watch the video above and see how
it has affected them and their lives. I'm not trying to add
pressure but I just want you to remember that you are working
with the couples best interests in mind today. Even if you REALLY
want that awesome creative shot you see in your head, get
everything else they need first.  


2: Be Prepared


Wedding days can be hectic so do your best to prepare before
hand. Ask the couple for a timeline. Even if it very basic it
will help you look for any potential problems. If the couple are
taking a limo from the ceremony to the reception, do they want
you in the limo? What will you do with your car? 


3: Have a shot list


As you progress shooting wedding you may not need a shot list but
for your first 5-10 weddings its smart to have a shot list as a
reference guide. This is primarily helpful for portraits. You
know you need a shot of the cake and decorations, no need for
that to take up space on the list. Things like. Bride on grooms
shoulder looking back at camera, wide shot of couple walking
towards camera laughing, groom facing bride smiling, bride and
groom close together looking at camera. Come up with half a dozen
shots you know you have to get and then get them. If there is any
time left to shoot, you can streach your creative muscles. 


4: Get help with family photos


Family photos are always a mess. There is 100 people walking
around talking not paying attention and you don't know who anyone
is. Ask the couple for a list of must have family photos and ask
them to designate one person to help you help call out the family
members you don't know. 


5: Shoot on small cards


I think want happened to the photographer in Tracy and Durans
story is either camera or card failure. While its hard to prepare
for these things, there is something you can do. Some cameras
have dual card slots, space for 2 memory cards. If one memory
card fails, you still have the other to save the day. If your
camera does not have dual card slots I highly re


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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!