This strikes me as attempting to cover all the options most of the time. It's arguably about skill and experience. I certainly wouldn't want to hire someone who was 'learning' and only comfortable shooting on-camera flash (typically flat harsh lighting) with say a cheapo MFT. Suggesting it's OK to shoot with a single card to start with is just rolling the dice and coupled with limited experience is hardly going to result in great memorable coverage. IMO best to gain experience as a second shooter assisting someone who has been through a number of successful shoots. I only ever did weddings a few times, but I ensured I did it professionally. I started when friends saw my (amateur) photography and wanted me to shoot their wedding. I hesitated at first as I didn't want to 'f*** it up'. But found, despite the stress, my 20+ years as a photographer helped, especially if/when things didn't go to plan. Everyone I ever shot for was delighted. But I met enough wannabes to realise that many less skilled and less equipped (skills, technique, experience and kit) photographers (chancers) were attempting to ply their trade. Sadly many couples don't really know what to look for in a photographer and can be tempted to hire inexperienced 'cut price' opportunists. But, as the saying goes, things are often 'cheap' for a reason.
Nice guide for beginners. I have yet to see a photog or video or any UA-cam/influencer speak about what you actually need to start the business though.
Very Nice Review - I like what you said about buying 2nd hand or used by from dealer since you can usually get warranty with your purchase. I was selling my GH5 camera, a person reached out to me that had purchased same camera model from FB. When he took the camera home, took a bunch of photos he realize something was off. It appeared the sensor was dirty. Turned out the sensor was damage. He reached out to the owner explaining this was the case. Long story short, the buyer was now out a lot of money. I felt some horrible for him since that was all he could afford and he got taken. So be very careful when buying used . Thanks for your informative video.
Further to my earlier comments, if you don't already know most of this advice, then you probably aren't really ready to shoot a wedding 'professionally'. On flash I'd steer people to Godox (prob best range and pro value). I have used Nikon, no brand subs when learning, Metz, Bowens, Profoto and finally have about 5 Godox flash units plus a range of grip kit (stands, clamps, weights, poles, brollies, reflectors, etc etc) so I can cover just about any eventuality with backup and knowledge on how/when to use. Camera is less important (I now use several full frame Sony bodies) but knowing how to use rapidly is more important. Fast shooting (5-10 FPS) is arguably a luxury. One should have the skill and experience to anticipate and 'read' the event rather than attracting attention and attempting to 'machine gun' the decisive moment. Failing to plan is, as they say, akin to planning to fail. For a wedding you owe it to your clients to deliver quality work, well composed, exposed and ideally 'delighting'. Sadly I suspect too many 'cut price,' inexperienced opportunists mistakenly think this is an easy earner. Then again 'smart' clients should ensure they are careful, do their own due diligence, check competencies and look for a proven portfolio and ideally personal recommendations. One funny thing I learnt is that the more I charged the more my clients seemed to appreciate my work. I'm actually just a long-time amateur photographer who learnt how to shoot properly. I might do the occasional wedding, if asked and I like the clients, but Im fortunate that I don't need the income and can treat photography as an indulgent hobby. 17:18
If you dont know what you need to start shooting weddings, then you should not be shooting weddings. Start with portraits. If you mess up you can reschedule. Cant do that with a wedding.
Yeah, like... to shoot a wedding well, realistically, you should be well-versed in shooting a *wide* variety of genres. For me, gels are a *MUST*, and I don't even use a dedicated macro lens, I use a 50 with extension tubes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ the biggest things missing are liability insurance / equipment insurance
Perhaps he speaks about what he knows - not a bad approach. It's less about the camera and more about how well you can use it and the range and quality of glass one 'brings to the party' IMO. I have shot extensively with Nikon (film and digital) over 28yrs. Now I choose and use Sony. IMO Sony have class leading Eye AF - useful in fast paced, people oriented event work (eg weddings). But, any half good, experienced photographer should be able to deliver 'pro' level results on any of the main systems. Everyone has their own idea about what 'good' constitutes - but I'd advise anyone to look at the end results and not sweat the camera, lens, lighting choices etc.
Great video!! One thing I would add is some sort of ND filter. You don’t get to pick the time of day when a bride and groom get married.
This strikes me as attempting to cover all the options most of the time. It's arguably about skill and experience. I certainly wouldn't want to hire someone who was 'learning' and only comfortable shooting on-camera flash (typically flat harsh lighting) with say a cheapo MFT.
Suggesting it's OK to shoot with a single card to start with is just rolling the dice and coupled with limited experience is hardly going to result in great memorable coverage.
IMO best to gain experience as a second shooter assisting someone who has been through a number of successful shoots.
I only ever did weddings a few times, but I ensured I did it professionally. I started when friends saw my (amateur) photography and wanted me to shoot their wedding. I hesitated at first as I didn't want to 'f*** it up'. But found, despite the stress, my 20+ years as a photographer helped, especially if/when things didn't go to plan. Everyone I ever shot for was delighted. But I met enough wannabes to realise that many less skilled and less equipped (skills, technique, experience and kit) photographers (chancers) were attempting to ply their trade. Sadly many couples don't really know what to look for in a photographer and can be tempted to hire inexperienced 'cut price' opportunists. But, as the saying goes, things are often 'cheap' for a reason.
Nice guide for beginners. I have yet to see a photog or video or any UA-cam/influencer speak about what you actually need to start the business though.
Laptop and external solid state drive. Backup before you leave. And time sync your camera bodies.
Yes, these are great, especially time syncing your cameras, super handy if you shoot with more than one camera 👍🏻
Last bit of the video gave me the chills and boost I need to tackle me first wedding Event this month cheers!
Very Nice Review - I like what you said about buying 2nd hand or used by from dealer since you can usually get warranty with your purchase. I was selling my GH5 camera, a person reached out to me that had purchased same camera model from FB. When he took the camera home, took a bunch of photos he realize something was off. It appeared the sensor was dirty. Turned out the sensor was damage. He reached out to the owner explaining this was the case. Long story short, the buyer was now out a lot of money. I felt some horrible for him since that was all he could afford and he got taken. So be very careful when buying used . Thanks for your informative video.
Further to my earlier comments, if you don't already know most of this advice, then you probably aren't really ready to shoot a wedding 'professionally'.
On flash I'd steer people to Godox (prob best range and pro value). I have used Nikon, no brand subs when learning, Metz, Bowens, Profoto and finally have about 5 Godox flash units plus a range of grip kit (stands, clamps, weights, poles, brollies, reflectors, etc etc) so I can cover just about any eventuality with backup and knowledge on how/when to use.
Camera is less important (I now use several full frame Sony bodies) but knowing how to use rapidly is more important. Fast shooting (5-10 FPS) is arguably a luxury. One should have the skill and experience to anticipate and 'read' the event rather than attracting attention and attempting to 'machine gun' the decisive moment.
Failing to plan is, as they say, akin to planning to fail. For a wedding you owe it to your clients to deliver quality work, well composed, exposed and ideally 'delighting'. Sadly I suspect too many 'cut price,' inexperienced opportunists mistakenly think this is an easy earner.
Then again 'smart' clients should ensure they are careful, do their own due diligence, check competencies and look for a proven portfolio and ideally personal recommendations. One funny thing I learnt is that the more I charged the more my clients seemed to appreciate my work.
I'm actually just a long-time amateur photographer who learnt how to shoot properly. I might do the occasional wedding, if asked and I like the clients, but Im fortunate that I don't need the income and can treat photography as an indulgent hobby. 17:18
Where did you buy those caps for lenses? Or are these stickers?
Thanks for the great information here.. Absolutely useful.
You should say the difference between depth of field from sensor size
Thank you for the tips James.
That's correctly
If you dont know what you need to start shooting weddings, then you should not be shooting weddings. Start with portraits. If you mess up you can reschedule. Cant do that with a wedding.
Yeah, like... to shoot a wedding well, realistically, you should be well-versed in shooting a *wide* variety of genres. For me, gels are a *MUST*, and I don't even use a dedicated macro lens, I use a 50 with extension tubes ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ the biggest things missing are liability insurance / equipment insurance
When you do portraits for sometime, you also must learn what you will need to move up
I do wonder why this guy talks highly about Canon and Sony, yet he fails to mention the best brand, …….. Nikon😉
Perhaps he speaks about what he knows - not a bad approach. It's less about the camera and more about how well you can use it and the range and quality of glass one 'brings to the party' IMO.
I have shot extensively with Nikon (film and digital) over 28yrs. Now I choose and use Sony. IMO Sony have class leading Eye AF - useful in fast paced, people oriented event work (eg weddings).
But, any half good, experienced photographer should be able to deliver 'pro' level results on any of the main systems. Everyone has their own idea about what 'good' constitutes - but I'd advise anyone to look at the end results and not sweat the camera, lens, lighting choices etc.