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Bower Power

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The Only Wedding I will ever Shoot

PHOTOGRAPHY

Way back in the beginning of this summer, my brother asked if my sister & I would photograph a friend’s wedding. 

At first, I was hesitant…I mean, I’m no wedding photographer.  I don’t have the right equipment.  I have just the standard Rebel with the cheapest Canon lens on the market.  I’ve never really even been to a wedding knowing how to operate my camera before…much less been responsible for capturing those shots that will be treasured for, well, like ever. 

But then I remembered, this is my brother.  My baby freakin’ brother.  The boy that could ask me for my left pinkie toe and I would whip out the bone saw.  I’d do anything for this kid.  (ok, ok…here’s a picture of the cutie…)

Inniesocute? 

So anyhoo…he asked and we knew why…these folks didn’t have money for a real photographer.  Hence, they were callin’ in a favor from the best man’s sisters…and we, outta love for our baby bro, agreed. 

All that to say, this will be the only wedding I will ever shoot.  Dudes….wedding photography is hard.  HARD hard.  I know now why they charge an arm and a leg and a large portion of your liver to take photos of your big day.  Because dang!  Frankly I am surprised that I am still alive and not shriveled up in a corner somewhere shaking with postmortem stress seizures.   Yeah.  It was that bad.  I’m just glad I never have to do that again…willingly.  And Timmy…the next time you are the best man and ask a favor…just remember that you are trading your sister’s life for free photography.  Not that that will change anything…but just remember that sister of yours feeds your very cute helpless baby nephew with her very alive body, mmkay?

Now onto the wedding photos:  here is the bride.  Yes, she looks like Jessica Simpson.

photography tip: when possible, get those ‘moments’ (whether it be a mom fluffing her daughter’s veil or the first time you feed your baby solid food) near a LARGE natural light source….like an open door or window. 

 

And the groom.

 

photographers tip: have your subject face the light.  Note the difference on dad’s face vs. Groom’s face.  The dad’s face looks better lit and more flattering whereas the Groom’s face is partially shadowed. 

Ceremony pics:

 

And my favorite….post ceremony photos:

 

photographers tip: wanna take a photo with the foreground in focus and the background blurry?  Make your f-stop as LOW as possible then make your camera focus on your foreground image.  the closer you are to the foreground, the blurrier then background 🙂

   

 

And then of course, some reception photos:

 

  

 

Whew!  I’m glad that is over.  Although…I am really glad to add that swinging bride photo and the one where she is laying in his lap into my portfolio…I love them.  A lot.  Which one is your favorite?  Any wedding photogs out there that want to vouch for the hardness that is Wedding Photography?  Or perhaps you just wanna share in the chuckle over that melting Batman cake or the fact that she nailed him with the delicious red velvet? 

And next time Timmy asks me for a favor, I’m going to smile…and then save me the trouble and hand over my left pinkie toe.  Believe me…it’ll be a bargain.

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Comments

  2. WOWWWWWW! Are you kidding me – these are awesome! Trust me – I’m engaged right now and have seens LOTS of wedding photos and these are very good! If you ever think you could handle the work – I think you could definitely do well as a wedding photographer!

  3. You did an AMAZING job! Those are gorgeous photos. Don’t be so hard on yourself…you are a REAL photographer, too! Chin up…they will cherish those beautiful pictures forever!

  4. i do wedding photography “on the side” too…the first time my wedding photographer asked me to shoot with him, i was terrified. it is a scary feeling to shoot something so momentous in someone’s life…i, too, was thinking about how these were the pics they would cherish forever.

    You got some AMAZING photos and i can tell you right now that i bet they are over the moon about them :)!

  6. You definitely did a fantastic job! I can’t imagine the pressure… All of the post-processing is phenomenal as well. I wouldn’t necessarily over-emphasize this as your last wedding shoot because I wouldn’t be surprised if you got a few more requests after this. And hey – at least you could charge them! 😉

  7. You did an amzing job! I bet the bride was beyond thrilled and grateful for them. I can imagine it is hard work to shoot a wedding. You would make a great professional photographer if you ever wanted a side job.

    I love the picture of the bride on the swing and the bench one. Beautiful!
    xo,
    Kelly

  9. Fantastic job! You do seem to have an eye for photography but yes, it is a very stressful job! My hubby has a side biz as a photophapher and I help out as a second shooter and it no small task. Your brothers friends were lucky enough to have someone with some natural talent and have some great images capturing their wedding day.

  12. Wow these pictures are awesome!! I LOVE the one at the ceremony where it looks like you just might be laying on the floor to get their picture of them at the other end of the aisle. You really did a great job and I am sure they are very very thankful that you were able to not only photograph their wedding, but also that you took amazing picture for them to remember their wedding day with. When I see wedding pictures like this I want to get married all over again! Wanna come up to Philly to shoot my second wedding?? 😉

  18. Never say never. You have an eye, girlfriend. Don’t let it go to waste. What beautiful shots. I especially love the one where she’s laying in his lap. Priceless. Thanks for sharing them with us.

  20. It may have nearly killed you, but it looks beautiful and you did a fantastic job. I fell your pain though. I catered a wedding once and I thought I would die…or go to jail for homicide.

  21. Hi there, I just happened to see your blog listed over at ‘Thrifty Decor Chick’ so I thought I’d come by so I could see the wedding photos. OMGoodness, they are INCREDIBLE!! You did an amazing job and if I weren’t already married, I’d get married just so you could take our pictures. :0) LOL!

    Seriously, you should definitely keep working on this because you obviously have the talent it takes and from what little I know about photography (which admittedly is next to nothing, but you don’t need ‘knowledge’ to recognize a great photo when you see it! ), I bet you could make some amazing money at it!

    Thanks for sharing. I love to look at great photography, so I’ll definitely be back soon. Hope you and your family have a great Thanksgiving!

    Blessings,

    Teresa <

  23. You did an incredible job and I think the bride and groom will be thrilled with these pictures and the price! Are you SUUURE you don’t want to consider doing this for a little extra $$$$? 🙂

  25. Wow!!! You did an amazing job!! What beautiful pics! (are you SURE this is the only wedding you will ever photograph?! 😉 )

  26. Awesome photos! and what a beautiful bride…

    Katie! you know you are good..you just fish for compliments:P

  28. KATIE!!!! (yes thats me yelling) Those are beautiful. You certainly have an eye for photos. Question–I was looking at DSLR’s today and the guy said with the Canon Rebel you dont get as clear a photos in low lighting (hockey rinks, gymnasiums) with something as ‘basic’ as the Rebel. Do you find you have trouble shooting in low lighting? I know you (and everyone) prefer natural lighting, but just posing the question? thanks for your help. Trying to morph myself into a Katie Jr before our little one arrives in February (camera wise…not bacon wise 🙂
    Lynn

  29. You did a fabulous job! But yes, weddings are freaking hard. I shot three by myself before retreating in defeat. And I am still so traumatised by shooting them that when I see a wedding and I spot the photographer I actually feel sick in my stomach.

  30. Good heavens, those are SOOO freaking gorgeous. You should be so proud. Our wedding photos are horrific. Just so bad you wouldn’t believe it, and by a supposed professional. I don’t particularly do “regrets” in my life, but not finding a way to pay for a GOOD (heck, even a semi-decent) photographer is a true regret for me.

  32. These are fantasic! I wish we would have had a friend like you when we got married! We couldn’t afford a photographer for our day either, and while a family friend took pictures…… ummmm they aren’t ones I’d hang on a wall

  35. I think you did a GREAT job on the photos, but I can only imagine the pressure knowing this is someone’s “once in a lifetime day!” They are beautiful though.

  36. Hi Lynn,
    Well, to answer your question, exposure depends on three things…ISO, shutter speed and your f-stop. The right combo of those three things allow for the light to get into the camera and properly expose your subject. Now…if you plan on shooting in manual and want to shoot in low-lighting situations, it’s not just the camera (which controls the ISO and shutter speed) but also your lens (which controls the f-stop available). I say all that to remind you that you can have a mack-daddy camera but the wrong lens and get similar ‘dark’ photos. Or you could just expose it improperly. Which I like to call the K-factor. If you never have photographed anything manually before controlling these three things it takes a LOT of practice…and you might not want to drop 3K on a camera that is more advanced than the Rebel. Everything I have read about Canon’s states that the Rebel is the BEST starter camera…if you are more than a starter then…well, you wouldn’t be asking me 🙂
    xo – kb

  37. For a first timer there amazing!!!

    I have done 3 weddings so far, and they are by far THE most stressful thing in the world.

    Well done! – i love the one of them kissing under the veil.

    xx

  38. I being a photographer know how daunting it can be to photograph a wedding, but dear, you have GOT it! Don’t let that talent go to waste… When your not doing it for free, the stress of editing isn’t so bad either!

  39. Girl you have nerves of steel – I don’t plan on ever shooting a wedding either! They really turned out great and my favorite is her laying on the swing, just breathtaking. Good job Katie!

  40. OMG!!!!

    These are beautiful photos. I am engaged and have been looking at wedding photographers and you would rank amongst the best that I have seen.

    How lucky for the couple to get photos that would usually cost thousands.

    Great job!

  41. Hey Katie! The pics are beautiful, that goes without saying really… However, scrolling through the comments quickly, I can’t believe more people didn’t comment on your brother. Boy! You were right when you said he was a cutie. With that twinkle in his eye, I think maybe anyone would hand over a pinkie toe or two! LOL 🙂 Man you & your siblings were so blessed with great genes from your parents, the whole lot of you are photogenic. No wonder Will can work a camera!

  43. great job kb! my husband does a lot of editorial/advertising photography but I quit work to go to law school full time so he’s started shooting weddings to help beef up our income (what a trooper). anyways, i shoot the weddings with him and geez louise, talk about intense. we shot a wedding in columbia, sc OUTSIDE in june. it was ridic, and we had to shoot for over 8 hours, it was intense. but weddings are so fun at the same time, there is nothing better than seeing the bride and groom together that first time!

  44. You are way too hard on yourself!! These pictures are amazing. I’d hire you in a heart beat…but don’t worry, I’m already married. 😛

  46. Katie!
    These are remarkable. Such a generous gesture on your part and I’m sure seeing the amazing results are well worth the ulcer(s). Just one question, being in your area…was this a local wedding? I love the rustic look!

  47. These photos are fabulous for your first wedding! I love the little moments you were able to capture. Did you shoot all of these photos with your Rebel and 50mm or did you rent additional gear? Great job!

  48. Katie,

    You ARE a natural! Now it’s time to cash INNNN. You should really consider doing it as a side job and building a college fund with it. It would only take a few years with talent like that. Go you.

  49. You amaze me; this does not seem like a first time photographer effort! You should be so proud of yourself! Kudos to you for having the confidence to take on such a cool challenge. Nice work!

  51. Even if this couple had all of the money in the world to pay for “professional photography,” I’m not sure that they would have gotten what you captured … magic! Intimacy, personality, perfection!

    You did an absolutely beautiful job … beautiful! I have no doubt that you could submit your photos alongside the best of the best and that yours would still rise to the top … the cream of the crop!

    And … there is no way this is your last wedding!

    Miss Katie, you are not meant for crawling, so don’t! You have wings — learn to use them and fly. Rumi

  52. Hey KatyKey,
    It took place in North Georgia…I wish I could remember the name of the place…but I didn’t drive (my sister did) so I don’t even have the address. Boo me.
    xo – kb

  53. Nope…I couldn’t really justify renting something for an event I wasn’t getting paid to do (c’mon we have a baby!)…so I took each one of those photos with the Rebel and the 50mm 🙂
    xo – kb

  56. Really REALLY beautiful! You should reconsider being a wedding photographer, seriously! Awesome locations too, these people have gooood taste. And I love that the groom wore suspenders, so cute! Just stunning work.

  57. 1. You inspire me. I just bought your camera a few weeks ago and now I’m trying to be patient and wait until after x-mas before buying the 2 lenses you talk about.
    2. You don’t give yourself enough credit. These wedding pictures are beyond gorgeous.
    3. My favorite is the ceremony b/w shot you took where it looks like the camera is on the floor. I love it.

  58. I wont even go into detail how I wish my wedding photos were half as good as those. Seriously. Not kidding… touchy subject! But… How much could I beg you to take photos next time your up north visiting family? You could easily do this professionally… and I would pay you!

  59. I totally, totally, totally agree. I shot two weddings myself and them swore them off. After the 1st one I could barely walk the next day. Shooting a wedding is like a nervous breakdown and a workout all rapped up in a hectic little package. I enjoyed the experience, but swore it off for good. You did an amazing job. I’m like you though…I’m gonna stick to snapping pics of my baby. Can a baby go blind from to many flashes in his face? Hmmmmm….

  61. These pics are better than my wedding photos and I PAID for mine! You are very talented and you could absolutely do this as a “side hustle”. My husband just bought me a Rebel T2i… for some reason I thought you had a Nikon. Didn’t I see a photo of you with a Nikon recently?

  62. Oh my goodness these pictures are stunningly Beautiful!!!! I am getting married and have seen tons of portfolios with poses that I’m not in the least bit crazy about. But your pictures are ART girl I love love love the poses, I will definately be using them for inspiration (since hiring you as my photographer is out of the question):)You are very creative and I love your blog thanks for sharing so many good ideas.

  63. Hi, Katie,

    I have been reading your blog for months now, but have never commented!

    I think you did a wonderful job with these wedding photos! I paid my professional photographer over $3K and my photos aren’t half as good as these are!

    And, you are very sweet to help your baby bro! I would do the exact same 🙂

    Jessica

  66. Nope Keeley…I’ve always been a Canon girl…but I have heard great things about the Nikons. My girl Sherry from YHL has one and she loves it 🙂
    xo – kb

  68. Don’t sell yourself short–your photos are lovely! At least you know that if you ever have the sudden urge later on to do wedding photos, it’s old hat now.

    For some reason, my favorite is the black and white picture of the groom and groomsmen. I’m not sure why–perhaps it’s the pose, or the lighting, or the setting, or perhaps because you have captured everyone smiling, but they don’t look at all like fake smiles–they seem to be having a great time! Overall, well done, and thanks for sharing!!!

  69. These are really beautiful! 🙂 I had photographed a friend of a friend’s wedding and I agree it almost caused me to have a stroke. But I had a great time doing it and the couple was beyond happy with the pictures. On the other hand when I got married a few years ago I hired one of the top two photographers in my area and was thrilled. Week after week of looking at all the amazing pictures on the photographers blog I was getting more and more excited. However my pictures are not as great as I though they were going to be and actually don’t even like to look at them. I do not have any close up shots of me and my husband or even the classic “bride” shot of myself, none of our rings, none of the detail shots that I requested like our favors, table cards, etc. I was pretty shocked because to me those shots are the “standard”. So to anyone out there even if you think you have the dream team as your photographers make sure you speak up to what shots you want!

  70. Um…I think you should reconsider never doing wedding photography again!! These pictures are so beautiful. Do you want to reshoot my wedding day?

  72. OMG! You did and incredibly amazing job! These pictures are great! You should definitely go into the photography business! Amazing!

  73. You did an amazing job. You gave this couple a gift they will never forget, which is wonderful for a couple who may not have had the gift otherwise. Way to be so giving, Katie!

  77. Katie!

    Your first wedding is much better than mine! Of course, you have a much better understanding than I did back then.

    And yes, wedding photography is hella hard….you had decent light here, I’ve shot weddings in freaking pitch black light with some christmas lights strung haphazardly in the background.

    yea……:)

    (posted this on your newer post, sorry!)

    p.s. instead of reading your blog I should be editing 3 weddings that I haven’t finished yet! ha. Procrastination, ftw. 🙂

  78. Katie… you did an awesome job on these pictures!!! I don’t totally understand the whole “i don’t wanna be responsible for taking wedding pic’s” stress, but my sis is a photgrapher and she REFUSES to shoot weddings! However, she has been talked in to doing a few (because the people were in the same situation as your clients, and one photographer cancelled on the bride at the last moment) and she said it is totally not worth the stress she goes through. She literally makes herself sick worrying about it beforehand!

  79. Hi Katie,

    I’m not normally a poster (as in one who posts, not the wall hanging), but…

    Last night, my husband and I were watching a BBC nature documentary called Life, which looks at a range of fascinating and beautiful animals. One of the birds they featured builds a large nest and decorates it lavishly with colorful things that it finds. It is actually pretty amazing. Here’s a picture I found online of one of the nests: http://www.fedbybirds.com/pics/vogelkopp1.jpg

    Anyway, the name of the bird is the “Bower” bird, so I couldn’t help but think of you. And I thought it was very appropriate that the Bower bird happens to be an excellent decorator (for a bird.)

    Thanks for your inspiring blog,
    Ashley

  80. a) lovely.

    b) i’m kind of in the same boat. i do it for fun, i do it for the blog, i do it to allow my creativeness-stuck-in-corporate-america (which i still love though) to come out… but people have started asking me to do shoots for them. so far i’ve done one toddler shoot, one maternity, one family, and one newborn shoot… and my oh my they are all difficult… and they aren’t even weddings! to kudos to you.

    c) until i read “ange’s” comment i too couldn’t believe no one asked about inniesocute tim! what a handsome guy! send the man The Girl’s way!

    d) really good job, even though it will be your last 🙂

  82. Wow, Katie, you did a fantastic job! I would pay for those photos. 🙂 Hope you decide to continue to hone that talent because those are awesome for a first (if only) foray into wedding photography (this is coming from someone who has made a part-time job of blog-stalking wedding photographers)!! I’d bet the bride & groom are elated with the finished product 🙂

  84. You know what Ashley?….We were watching that EARTH series that was on tv a while back…and we saw that bird too! I died laughing thinking about how the male bower bird decorates his nest and then the girl picks the best one for a mate…that is not too far off from what happened with Jeremy & Me 🙂
    xo – kb

  89. Now, I know you won’t shoot WEDDINGS, but I’ve been married almost 20 years, so we are good there. However… I really need some family photos for the Christmas cards, and I am SURE you have always wanted to visit lovely Portland, right? C’mon… I think I can swing the plane tickets… (let’s check Expedia… ATL to PDX…)

    *sigh* This dream is gonna die hard…

    As far as these photos go, I think they are exquisite. My personal “ooh!” gut reactions were for the one with her mom, the first one of the groom (you caught such a natural look), the flower girls hugging, the bride swinging, and the one with focus on the bride in the foreground. And, honestly, the barn. I’m all about the scenery.

  90. Oooooh!! My favourite is definitely the one where they’re dancing with the ligh across the base of the image.

    I love it so much it’s going into my ‘when I get married I want photos like this to be taken’ indpiration folder.

    Thank you! Gorgeous work!!!

  91. Did you use an external flash at all?? The onboard camera flash?? I was doing a search about shooting a wedding with nothing but a 50mm and I find this post, your photos are awesome and they give me some hope. A friend asked me to shoot their wedding and my gear is about as extensive as what you have. THanks for the inspiration.

  92. ABSOLUTELY NO FLASH 🙂 It’ll blow out your subject…especially if you use the flash built into your camera without bouncing it or diffusing it. Natural light is always the best!
    xo – kb

  93. I knew I couldn’t be the only one wondering about Little Brother!

    Single, hey? So’s this girl…if he likes petite, sassy brunettes who are a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, send him on up to Michigan 🙂

    Oh and uh…gorgeous photos KB!

  96. OMG! Trying to catch up on all my fav blogs since having my new baby girl Oct. 29th. If I had only seen the photos and not read your post, and someone asked professional or not, I would have said professional. Why on earth would you not do it again!!! I mean… I totally get it is soo stressful and be that it was your first time I totally get it. BUT GIRL, you have a talent. They turned out stunning. Matter of fact, I paid thousands for our pics and when I have time to pull up some I will email you back and share how much they look alike. I mean in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh NC area people pay tons for this photographer. I just want to tell you that you definelty should continue on with doing photography, I am sure you hear that all the time!! P.S. My mom keeps telling me to read your letter you wrote to yourself about being mom.. I keep trying to get to it to read it. 7 week old keeps you super busy!

  97. Omg Katie! These are what I wish our wedding photographer had done! Instead, I got stuck with pics that don’t look any more creative than what our guests shot and I’m still fighting with the unprofessional prick over the album almost two years later. I don’t sound bitter, do I? 😉

    Seriously, really nice work!

  98. Wow, your photography is beautiful! I’d put you in the top percentage of good wedding photographers because you so beautifully captured the emotion of the moments and the personality of the couple. No cookie cutter pictures or check sheet shooting schedule shooting schedule here. I booked the best photographer in my city, and we even changed our wedding date to get him, but he didn’t cue in to as many wonderful candid type moments or photos as you have! Congratulations.

  99. I just came across your blog and am so glad I did! I just got talked into my first wedding photo gig. I have always said I would NEVER shoot a wedding. Since the bride and groom have a very little budget and it was either me taking the pics or someone with a point and shoot I knew I had to do it. You have given me some great ideas for poses. So glad I found you! 🙂

  101. Hi katie,
    I realize I am a bit late here, but I just came across this post. I am just starting out in photgraphy, and like you didn’t have many lenses or equipment. Do you have a list of equipment you used here at this wedding. The photos are beautiful. Thanks for the inspiration,

    Melissa

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