PAD 11

[Mike Farley]

Day 11 and the first time since starting the project since I have been out all day and entirely dependent on what I could find to shoot for my image of the day. There was hardly a Plan A, let alone a Plan B.

This "bride" is actually a model at a photographic convention where photographers were receiving professional tuition. I was able to get this shot as they were shooting from around 40 yards away and firing a single flash remotely. The model's pose seems rather surreal for a wedding shot, so I have heightened this by going for a gritty, high contrast look in the image.

[davidc]

Do you know what the convention/meeting was that offered them a chance to getting wedding photography experience? A few friends have asked if I'd be willing to take shots at their weddings and though definitely interested it's not something I'd be comfortable doing without more practice.

[Mike Farley]

It was The Societies Convention, which is an annual event and finished yesterday! Details are in the thread I posted in the Outings and Events forum.

Rather than being a complete A-Z of the subject, a lot of the courses are in specific techniques, so maybe it is not the best option, especially given the year's wait. There are lots of people offering tuition on wedding photography, so you could try Googling for the info.

Personally, I would not take it on as it is a lot of work and responsibility. What I have found works well is taking informal shots and leaving the pro to do his/her stuff. A number of people have commented that my pictures have been the best ones of the day.

[davidc]

I'm inclined to agree with the latter statement, r.e. floating around letting the the pro do their job while I aim to get perhaps more natural and candid rather than posed shots.

I don't think I'd want to do it without getting paid (it's a huge investment of time and effort before/during/after) and also a psychological burden of providing something for their "big day". Not ready for that by a long way.

Still, I'd really like to learn how to do it and I asuume the techniques would apply to regular model shoots. Definitely something I want more experience in. And if it means I have better eye for getting the natural shots for friends that can only be a plus too.

[Mike Farley]

A course would not necessarily cover model shoots. More likely posing the happy couple, arranging group shots, the practicalities of producing prints and albums, getting work, getting paid and dealing with the taxman. Best to decide what you want and then find someone offering tuition in the subject.