juliette_p

<p>Ha ha, thank you kindly Marcus and Bob. I appreciate the responses! I'll definitely keep this in mind to correct things the first time it happens, rather than wait and be walked on, lol. </p>

<p>Thanks again! :)</p>

<p>Hello All,</p>

<p>Last night I was fortunate to shoot a wedding as the lead photographer, for the first time. I've been a 2nd shooter before, so I've been able to observe various occurrences. </p>

<p>I know that it's completely expected to have guests snap photos with their point and click cameras, etc. However, I'm not accustomed to the pushy types that purposely get in your way to get a shot. Of course, this would happen my first time solo, lol.</p>

<p>While the Bride and Bridal Party were getting ready, a guest walked into the room and started snapping pictures, directly in front of me. Usually guests aren't permitted to enter this area, so this threw me off. I continued to smile and work with what I had. Space was limited, so I ended up having to ask her to move a few times as I couldn't get the shots desired - as always with a smile on my face. During the ceremony, she stayed in her seat. However, during the reception, she was in the way numerous times again and never friendly.</p>

<p>Hindsight, I wish I would have pulled her to the side and explained that the B&G paid me to capture these moments. Also that I would appreciate it if she'd work around me as I want to give them their money's worth, but above all, I do not want to ruin the Bride & Groom's day. </p>

<p>Have any of you had this happen? If so, how did you deal with this? I'm aware that every situation is different, but is pulling them aside and explaining why you're there a correct approach? </p>

<p>Mainly, I want to do my job while being courteous, however I don't want to be a pushover or come across as snarky at the same time. I guess it comes down to whether you can have your cake and eat it too, right? Lol.</p>

<p>Thank you in advance for your responses!<br>

-Juliette</p>

<p>The student version is the full version. They discount it to students and educators because they know they can't afford much and are using it for educational purposes, not for business and such. But keep in mind that it can only be put on 2 computers, so use it wisely (not give to other people, etc. in case your computer takes a dive or you purchase a new one).<br>

When you get it, you'll have to provide academic proof (i.e. student ID and tuition statement/bill, etc.) among other things before you ever get the codes. So make sure that you have this information ready to speed up the process once you receive the item. <br>

Good luck and enjoy! :)</p>

<p>I used to love wix.com. Still do, but it's not for me anymore. I made several types of sites from virtual fashion, to business sites with a shopping cart. I haven't used it in several months, but from what I hear they've made a vast amount of improvement (now you can edit html, etc.). </p>

<p>It's very simple to say the least. There are forums with a ton of information on "how to's" and the basics of setting up the site. But if you're wanting to do a proofing gallery, get an additional proofing gallery from a 3rd party site. Then I would make a link to that 3rd party proofing site from within the "Wix" setup/links that you make.</p>

<p>Another thing that I had an issue with were "galleries". At the time it was a pain to do a copacetic gallery. But like I said earlier, now it seems that they've made a great deal of changes, so it can look great.</p>

<p>The potential for a beautiful site from wix is very possible, as they have a plethora of templates that you can edit to make it "your own". The company has been around for a couple of years now, so they're still growing.</p>

<p>I wish you the best of luck! :)</p>

<p>Hello Nathan,</p>

<p>Congrats on your first wedding! I'm trying to move up from amateur status also, but as we all know... everything takes time and practice.</p>

<p>I was a backup photographer for a wedding last month. I used a Canon Rebel XS, 18-55mm lens, and used the standard camera flash (which is a big no, no). To be quite honest, I entered the ceremony as a wedding guest. The bride and groom know that I've done photography in my spare time (mostly fine art/fashion/urban) for years. At the wedding, I took photos as a spectator as we all do. After an hour or two into the reception, the photographer left. So the bride asked me if I would take photos of her and the groom. Of course I was thrilled (as I can put this in my portfolio). I'm pleased to say the photos turned out wonderfully vs. the shots that they paid for. </p>

<p>The difference was... I like to shoot photography constantly (and have since moved up to the Canon Rebel T2i). I usually tow my camera around town with me in case I get inspired by the moment, or something takes my breath away. The Bride and Groom paid someone $1000 (which is under cutting the market considerably) to shoot their wedding. The photos were blotchy, and a bit distorted (from post processing in Photoshop Elements). But above all, it looked like the photos were taken with a point and shoot camera. My thought on this is: the person they paid, simply had a camera and called them-self a professional.</p>

<p>So a few pointers from my personal stand point (as I'm an amateur as well)...</p>

<p>Know of anyone else getting married between now and June? Jump on the opportunity to attend and take photos as a spectator/guest. As someone else said earlier, see if you can be a 2nd photographer. Hone up your skills (lighting, aperture, f-Stop, rule of thirds, etc.). Plus, keep in mind that not every photograph will turn out. So shoot as many as you can.</p>

<p>Are you familiar with post-processing work? I don't recommend it for all photos... as it's necessary to have a quality photo to start with and it will not cure a blurry photo. If you don't have Photoshop, try looking into Photoshop Elements or even the freeware "The Gimp." I personally used this software for a year, prior to purchasing Photoshop (I do a lot of virtual world content creation regularly).</p>

<p>Look at other wedding photography on the web. Take lots of notes on positioning, poses, expressions, and the environment. Do they want it to be fun and cutesy? How about dramatic or whimsical? Perhaps you could try to do an engagement session with them so that the three of you can get a feel of how it is to work with each other.</p>

<p>On another note, since they are paying you -- have them sign a contract. Doing business with family and friends can end in turmoil, even on the happiest of occasions such as a wedding.</p>

<p>Just make sure that you do your research and get out there and practice, practice, practice!</p>

<p>I wish you the best of luck! :)</p>