Wednesday, September 08, 2010

the reluctant wedding photographer

My brother Eric had two children get married in the last month. My nephew Jason was married in Logan the first week of August, and my niece Ashley was married last Friday in Boise. I had taken Jason & Katie's engagement pictures back in June when they were in town for my parents' 50th Anniversary, and they asked if I would do their wedding pictures. I told them I'd never done a wedding, but if they wanted me to, I would. They said they did. As I started preparing, I started to almost wish I'd said no. I spent about a two weeks reading, practicing, and reading some more. It was a great learning experience, as I finally had to learn some things that I'd been able to avoid learning up until now. I knew that I needed to know my stuff inside and out because I'd only have one chance at these wedding pictures.

I didn't sleep at all the night before Jason's wedding. Every time I'd almost be able to "count" myself to sleep (I sometimes try relaxation exercises where you count your breaths in & out), aperture, ISO, flash settings and shutter speeds would start racing through my head. It would have been laughable (it is now) if I hadn't been in such a panic.

After the wedding, my brother and his wife asked if I was interested in taking Ashley's pictures. I said I'd be willing to do it if they wanted me to, but they needn't feel obligated to ask me. And I suggested they wait until they see the pictures from Jason & Katie's wedding before making up their mind. They ended up asking me, and thankfully it wasn't nearly as stressful. Though the Boise Temple didn't have quite so many "photo spots" as the Logan Temple, but we ended up with a number of great shots. I think they'll be pleased.


Ashley's wedding pictures are first, then Jason's.












Oh, and if you are wondering if this means I want to do wedding photography now, I can safely assure you that the answer is NO WAY! I had a lot of fun doing these two weddings because I knew the couples and I was going to be at them anyways, but I don't have any interest in spending entire days away from my family or dealing with bridezillas or any of that. Ashley and Katie were super laid back and a ton of fun. But if somebody else in the family gets married in the next couple of years, I'd be willing to shoot their wedding if they want me.

8 comments:

andrea said...

those are cute! Good job! I love the black and white one with their veil over them.
Weddings ARE super stressful! The last one I did I had to stop at a bridge and throw up before I got there. Luckily I was fine during the wedding. But they aren't fun unless you know the people for me. I'm not doing them anymore.

mindy said...

Thanks, drea! Oh man, sorry about the throwing up. But I can imagine doing the same. The other thing, I think I would have to charge $$$$ to make it worth the stress and everything, and then you're dealing with people who can pay that much, and the pressure and stress just gets higher and higher!

Kirbell said...

Great pics, Mindy! I agree about wedding pics...I would do candids anytime, but not all the formal pictures.

Liz said...

how much would it be for you to take pictures of my little family for christmas cards and such?

mindy said...

Thanks Kir. Yeah, candids are fun. :o)

Elizabeth, I usually run a "Christmas Card Special" in the fall where I do a short family session for $40. Of course, I'd be happy to do a longer session with you guys for no additional charge. And I'd love to take some pics of the divine Miss H. while we're at it. :o)

Mary said...

Just in case you wanted to know my favorites...

I really love the second and last photos from Ashley's wedding, and the first three photos from Jason's. Each of those photos pulled at an emotion for me (humor, sweetness, joy). That seems like the mark of a good photo. See? The stress paid off. You did a great job!

Pam Williams said...

Yeah, great job. I recently had my passport photo taken, and it looks almost nothing like me, but I guess that's the reason for passport photos. Having someone you know take the pictures is a good idea because they know the personalities and can make more memorable photos highlighting that.

Cassidy Lundgren said...

You did an awesome job! Love the two black and white ones and the one where the bride's holding the groom's tie. Way to go!