So it's wedding season…multiple formats?

[Takkun]

Friend-of-a-friend asked me to shoot a small, low-key wedding. Pretty low-budget, but small scope: just the ceremony, not the reception, oddly wants no prints. (I guess my 'Facebook generation' is finally getting married now..)

I haven't shot weddings as a primary shooter since college, when I'd do BW and color film with two Nikons and worked with couples that not only wanted more journalistic-style work, but wanted all film and were willing to pay for it.
That said, it's been a while since I've shot events, especially one as demanding as a wedding; I've been mostly doing street and live music since then. I've photographed families as a second shooter and guest, and obviously its a lot less pressure.

This couple knows my style pretty well and my background in photojournalism, and I've asked if they have a preference for BW versus color. Haven't heard back, but I've also asked them if they have a particular 'look' in mind, and made sure they have a list of all the requisite shots they want. Don't want to disappoint here.

So I've got a few months to mull on it, but I'm now worried about equipment. I still have SLRs and down to 3 prime Nikkors, but I'm far, far more comfortable shooting RFs these days, at least when I'm not pressed for quantity. So part of me wants to bring an SLR backup, either digital or film, but part of me wants to keep my kit as small as possible and focus on getting the shots right, and not worry about making as many images as possible.
Then there's the versatility of digital versus aesthetic of film issue. I'm leaning toward all digital, if anything, because they aren't the sort that doesn't seem picky about that, it makes my job easier and faster, and saves some Tmax in my freezer.
Maybe I'll just bring a Holga as my backup. I hear that's trendy these days.

Side note: the venue will be at a beautiful lodge near Rainier National Park, a place I know very well and the quality of light is favorable enough to preclude flash.
So for all you weddings-on-the-side photographers, what's your setup—do you switch up with color/BW, digital/film, RF/SLR, small/medium format? I have a pretty well-defined style when it comes to portraits and the like, but I want to make sure I've got my ass covered. I'm doing this alone this time.

Thank god I'm not doing engagement photos.

 

[Bill Clark]

For me, it's all digital.

Just a thought to help, try to find a wedding photographer you could help before the wedding. It may help you build your self confidence, lessening nervousness the day of.

I would suggest having an engagement session as it could be an opportunity to establish a relationship with the bride & groom and get to, with time, feel at ease with each other. It should help you on the wedding day.

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

I only shoot digital with two Canons and Fuji X. Mixing too much makes it to complex for me. I like to keep it as simple as possible. I hope I can switch fully to Fuji X soon.

 

[Ansel]

So for all you weddings-on-the-side photographers, what's your setup—do you switch up with color/BW, digital/film, RF/SLR, small/medium format? I have a pretty well-defined style when it comes to portraits and the like, but I want to make sure I've got my ass covered. I'm doing this alone this time.

Thank god I'm not doing engagement photos.

I prefer film but you should really only use what you are accustomed to using for something like that. If film is your thing then go for it, its lovely, but if you are a digital shooter then stick with what you know.

 

[Takkun]

Not sure where all the other replies to this thread went, but it's all much appreciated. After another email conversation with the couple, they really want color (not sure why, after seeing most of my work in BW). And as such, I'm okay shooting all digital, especially now that I have a digital RF. Shooting color film, and processing, probably wouldn't be cost-effective. So I'll just have to grab a few extra batteries and cards.
There was someone on a similar thread that remarked that, unless the couple has an eye for film, most people would see something 'off' in the end result.

I might keep a film body in an extra bag, just in case. The other downside to working alone is less time and freedom to experiment.

 

[Chris101]

Danger, danger! If B&W is your thing, and now they want color, the couple may not be happy with the results (no matter the actual quality of the work.) Be sure to have an iron clad, written contract that limits your liability in such a case. As well as limiting how much reprocessing time you will spend on it. Especially if you are friends.

 

[rscheffler]

If it's low budget, then digital without question. The cost of film and processing will come out of your fee, unless they agree to cover that in addition to the fee.

My guess is they just want photos (high-rez digital files), nothing fancy. Even though your style isn't much about color, I'd just go for basic post processing with a neutral color palette. I'm just wondering if your lens options for the M8 will be a bit restrictive? In your situation, I would bring along a DSLR as well, if it's an option, just in case. It doesn't mean you have to use it, but would be good to have.

A contract is a good idea, as it will spell out what they get from you and the extent of your responsibilities. Would be good to include a clause limiting your liability in the case of equipment failure, operator error, etc., to whatever they're paying you for the job... Last thing you want is to be on the hook for re-staging the wedding at a later date, bringing in their guests for photos, etc. Even though it's a budget wedding, it would be very expensive... Not to say it would be to that extent, and you should have a better feel for the personalities of the couple. But still good to be safe and cover yourself against such liability. It should also offer them some reassurance that they have something in writing to confirm what they will receive from you.

As much as we all want to be considered for our artistic abilities, very often in these kinds of situations (limited budget), the client is thinking of photography as a utilitarian solution. If this doesn't match your photographic state of mind, and the money isn't necessary, or enough, then it's usually better to defer the opportunity to others.