Religion, Torrential Rain & Auntie Bob

Here's the first instalment of Diary of a {newish} wedding photographer

Last Saturday I did my first wedding of the season.  I’m relatively new to wedding photography (only done 5 weddings), so I’m still struck by nerves and I still freak out over the organisation & formal photos. 

In principal I know what I’m doing; I’ve been “doing” photography for the last 4 years, I’m comfortable with my equipment, I know my style and I’m good with people.  But I don’t think there is anything that can prepare you for the stress of wedding photography.  I’m fully aware that these photos will mean so much to the bride and groom, and that to mess up on them is completely out of the question –so I prepare to the point of obsession. 

So anyway back to the day.  I arrived nice and early (with butterflies) at the grooms house. I took the obligatory photos, we had a bit of a laugh & generally I eased myself into it.  The torrential rain cleared up and we managed to get outside (which was a good job as I had left my wedding umbrella at home – arghh) .  All good so far. 

Next I had to get myself to the ceremony – never underestimate the journey over to the venue.  I always allow extra time, but even that didn’t prepare me for the disastrous traffic.  So with maybe 10 minutes to spare I arrived at the location for the ceremony and yet again the heavens opened. It was just going to be one of those days...

Its at this point that I have to point out that although I was brought up catholic, I’m not particularly religious.  All the weddings I have done so far have been either non-religious, church of England or catholic.  And so I made my first mistake.  The bride & groom were Jehovah Witnesses.  I knew this in advance, I had taken the time to try and find out what to expect.  Little did I know that the chain I wear round my neck would cause offence, leading to the gentleman leading the ceremony asking me to remove the offending cross.  OMG – I was so embarrassed.

Then within about 2 minutes a lady approached me to tell me that she was an “ex” photographer and started to quiz me about what I was planning on doing, my equipment etc... my heart sank.  Not only did I feel my usual nerves, I was also now expected to perform!  I just hoped that this would be the last I would hear from her.

And yes you guessed it.  Just as I started rounding up family for the formal photos, she popped up again.  Was I really going to do that?  Why wasn’t I doing this?  When she last did weddings at this venue she did X Y & Z.  It took all my strength to remain polite.  I don’t enjoy formal photos, I’m not a naturally bossy person & I don’t do shouting – possibly a recipe for a disaster at a wedding, but it works for me.  So I got on with it, spoke to the bride and ignored this lady.  It was a stressful afternoon. And a definite learning curve! Note to self, talk to other photographers to find out what they do...

The bride and groom had only wanted me there until the meal, so thankfully I got to leave quite soon afterwards.  Though not before the rather odd hotel manager asked if I would download all my photos onto his computer – so he could use them for marketing?  WTF?  I’m all for working with venues but prefer a little time to look at my photos first!

Suffice to say, that my first wedding of the year was an experience & felt in some ways like it was my first one again.  Note to self: lots to learn and even more to remember.

I'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR EARLY EXPERIENCE IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY - PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT!