Weddings are fun...and tough!


Intrepid followers of this (not all that frequent) blog are probably already aware that wedding photography isn't generally my forte. That's not to say that I'm opposed to this type of work or don't see the value in it because I absolutely do and some of my favorite photographers do amazing wedding work (Sony ambassador Kesha Lambert comes to mind). I think that at this stage in my life most of the folks I know are already married so the sphere I keep of potential wedding gigs is pretty low, If I'm being totally honest I've not really sought it out due in no small part to having ZERO desire to work with overly demanding and/or entitled brides and grooms. I've done one wedding in the past and that was really more of a "help with the groomsmen" and document the reception type arrangement so when I say that I'm a relative wedding noob it's pretty accurate.


This is my long winded introduction to saying that I have now shot two weddings. Having looked at my portfolio and decided that I've got at least passable skills a family member asked if I would shoot his wedding back home in Wisconsin. After some discussion with my wife, looking at travel costs, and coordinating with other family members (who we wanted to see when we were home) I agreed to help out with their big day. Having just returned from a 5 day trip that included some late nights, countless bratwursts, and waaaay too many beers I'm proud to say that I think it went exceptionally well and I'm happy with how it turned out. Of course, not everything I wanted to accomplish got done (I'm looking at you drone footage) and that's not unexpected. I did learn a ton and thought I'd take this opportunity to share a few of those things:


  • Wear comfortable shoes because you're going to be on your feet a long time
  • Don't forget your gallon of water in the car (see reason 1)
  • If possible, pre-scout the venue for interesting locations
  • Have a plan! The day goes fast so having a plan of attack is key
  • Not limited to, and including, a shot list of family, friends, and loved ones
  • Pack as light as possible
  • Have 2 camera bodies (or more) in so as not to have to change lenses and in the event that one dies (ask my friend Jim about this one)
  • EAT SOMETHING!!!! Personally, I'm useless on an empty stomach
  • Wide aperture lenses are your friend-not only for those beautifully blurred backgrounds but for when the light starts to go down. I shot mainly with the Tamron 28-75 F2.8 (beautiful lens), Sony 85 F1.8, and Sigma 35 F1.4. If I had it to do again I'd have probably sprung for the Sigma 35 F1.2
  • Be VERY familiar with your gear so as not to miss any moments
  • Mirrorless is awesome and silent shutter is a great way to not draw (more) attention to yourself...just remember to shut it off if you're going to shoot flash
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help-the shot of the bride in the moonlight wasn't turning out so I asked a guest to use her phone as a flashlight and we got the shot


All in all I had a great time shooting this wedding and if you know someone who is a chill, low stress couple or are one yourself and like my work give me a shout.