How hard is it to photograph a wedding?

[Gna]

How hard is it to photograph a wedding?

A couple have successfully sued their wedding photographer for his shoddy coverage of their big day. Anyone can point a camera at a happy couple, but what pitfalls do the professionals face?
The memorable shots from Marc and Sylvia Day's wedding are unusual, to say the least. Decapitated guests, a ceremony hardly visible through the gloom, and random close-ups of... not the bouquet, or a snatched kiss, but of carriage wheels.
The three-year-old bridesmaid - caught in one snap without her clothes on - could have done a better job.

The Days are so upset that they've taken their photographer to court for breach of contract over the £1,450 photo and video package.
But how hard can it be to get great shots at a happy occasion, where everyone is dressed up in picturesque locations? Most guests bring along their own cameras, after all. [...]

How hard is it to photograph a wedding? (includes video).

[KatMitchell]

After watching that video, I see their point..!

Kat

[swampler]

Originally Posted by Gna

How hard is it to photograph a wedding? (includes video).

It isn't hard at all. Unless you mean, how hard is it to do a good job photographing a wedding?

Thanks for the link. Hard to believe.

[Sean C]

Just wow. Not even any exposure control on the video. Apparently no IS or steady cam for follow shots. I've been drug kicking and screaming to do some friends & family weddings (stills) and would have been ashamed to turn in a job like that.

I don't want the pressure of doing that for strangers and can't imagine being so unprepared. Sheesh.

[korman]

That judgement is great for wedding photographers, just perfect. The couple got awarded £1000 for totally crappy pictures, an unedited video and seven spelling errors on the names, I doubt you could even do worse. So one can assume, the worth of a totally botched job is about as much, not a sum to be afraid of. It won't ruin anyone even for a photographer charging $400 per wedding it would only mean doing 4 jobs for free.

Korman

[Tykimeister]

I dont see the video on thi site

[moxi1]

Hi there,

How hard is anything

For some people it might be easier than others, besides skill you also need the love to do it. I shot several, but find it too nerve wrecking.

A friend of mine thought he probably would do better business if he includes video as well. He hired a video camera and as with his SLR did quite a few scenes in the vertical (portrait) format, needless to say his video was not a total success story.

Cheers Moxi1

[KmH]

Originally Posted by Gna

How hard is it to photograph a wedding? (includes video).

But, but, but, the guy's friends and family all told him his work was remarkable.........and he should start a business!

[jollyg]

That depends...will the mother of the bride be there?

[Songman45]

Originally Posted by jollyg

That depends...will the mother of the bride be there?

Now that's funny right there.

[waggles2004]

That depends...will the mother of the bride be there?

How very true! It has been my experience that the Mother of the Bride can be as demanding (if not more so) than the Bride herself.

[Sean C]

What about the mother of the bride and bride giving conflicting instructions?

I sympathize with the full time wedding guys for the social situations they've got to navigate when they're photographing a drama family.

[crankyinmv]

I can't find the video

[dean1401]

me either