my friends and i are thinking of getting into wedding photography, but all without pro-experience, we do not have the confidence yet to be the main photogs. we're afraid to mess up, especially a couple's most precious moment. so we're thinking about a candid-only photography - aside from the photogs/videographers the couple will be hiring, we'll be a separate group (of 2 or 3) there only to take candid shots.
here's the plan: we'll be doing it in a significantly lower fee than the main photogs, or perhaps for free for the first 2 or 3 weddings just to have a portfolio we can show to the next clients. we'll be offering the couple a separate album for the candids or perhaps a framed photo-layout.

questions: is this feasible? is there a market for this? how much should a candid shoot be compared to the main photogs? should we stop wasting our time planning & thinking about this and just concentrate on our day jobs?

thanks in advance! :)

In one wedding that I attended one photographer was actually assigned to take the candid shots and these shots were already part of the main photographic/video service. For big weddings/events I suppose (not sure) there's room for more than 1 outfit but that would be rare I think. Maybe it's better if you start out with less formal events (i.e. kids parties, programs, stage presetations, etc.).

Nols

hi vin... it's really difficult starting up... i myself have had several weddings to my experience already, and yet i feel there's so much to learn.. i suppose learning is continuous process...

maybe you can show a seasoned photog your portfolio. i believe if he's impressed enough he will at least allow you to shoot - with pay. i'm sure if the main objective is for you to gain experience and learn from it then maybe your first few coverages, as 2ndary or so photog, can be offered for free, just to neutralize any resistance to your presence as photog during the shoot

Once you feel confident enough that you are worth the money, then it's time to ask for a fee...

thanks guys!
perhaps a kiddie party is a good training ground. programs & corporate events seems not to contain any candid opportunity. since i'm using a telephoto lens, and have an eye (i think) for unposed shots, i find candid as my style.
ive found some photogs specializing in candid/PJ-style wedding photography, and i think we can start from that.
we're looking for weekend weddings here in laguna where we can offer to shoot for free to practice/experience/get some exposure. is this ethical? even if the couple agrees, will this be a disrespect to the hired photogs?

hi vin, i suppose it would be ok for you to shoot the candids as long as you dont get in the way of the main photographers... kasi, sometimes (in my experience) alot of other people shoot din sa weddings and its difficult to shoot when people jump infront of you to take the very same shot na you are taking... (that is one of the reason why i dont get va's :P) pero i suppose its ok if you guys shoot sa side or something.. :P hehe..

Hello Vin.

I love candid shots. My gameplan when I started doing weddings that I'll be focusing more on the stolen / candid shots. But as a main photographer, my clients expect me to take posed shots as well. You have to be ready, esp when crucial moments come. Having a secondary photographer or having a second cam w/ a telephoto lens can make it (candid shots) easily happen. During the homily you can roam around to take the shots you want but there should be a photographer ready to take candid moments of the couple as well.:Grin:

Oh and usually some (main) photographers hate it when other photographers (paid or not) get in the way. especially in an already crowded hotel room, or walking across the line of sight.

Here's one foreign wedding photographer who have great candids- http://www.jeffascough.net/main.html

-I think it is already part of his style.

my friends and i are thinking of getting into wedding photography, but all without pro-experience, we do not have the confidence yet to be the main photogs. we're afraid to mess up, especially a couple's most precious moment. so we're thinking about a candid-only photography - aside from the photogs/videographers the couple will be hiring, we'll be a separate group (of 2 or 3) there only to take candid shots.
here's the plan: we'll be doing it in a significantly lower fee than the main photogs, or perhaps for free for the first 2 or 3 weddings just to have a portfolio we can show to the next clients. we'll be offering the couple a separate album for the candids or perhaps a framed photo-layout.

questions: is this feasible? is there a market for this? how much should a candid shoot be compared to the main photogs? should we stop wasting our time planning & thinking about this and just concentrate on our day jobs?

thanks in advance! :)

Hi Vin,

If your question is about the feasibility of what you're planning, I'm afraid there's not much into it, although "candid" wedding photography is now becoming a norm.

Just like some of the members here, I am into wedding photography ( my bread and butter, to say the least ) and it is a standard whenever I cover weddings that 2 photographers roam around to take candid shots. Normally, a photography outfit would have a main photog to shoot the money shots and a back-up to shoot candids, so why would a couple pay extra for the candids when the main photog and his crew can very much cover it at the package they offered?

On leaving your jobs, I'd say think about it a thousand times over. You say you're just new, why not hone your skills first before you even think about getting assignments? The problem I see today is that because of the cheaper cost of DSLRs, many have bought it and many, even as beginners, are trying to recoup the cost of what they bought by getting assinments at a "market breaking" price.

If you want to turn pro, spend some time learning the craft. I've been shooting since the "new wave" days, but only turned "full time" middle of last year. Why? Because last year was the time when I believe my clients wouldn't be shortchanged if they get my services.

Lastly, enjoy your new hobby and have fun with it while learning. Keep this in mind..."when play becomes work, it gets less fun..." :)

HTH and God bless.

Deo P.

I say, don't charge them at first. Just shoot your best shots w/o getting in the way of other photogs (those pros) and after that, print it the same day and let the family see your shots. Only, make sure that your shots are better than those pros to convince the family to buy your shots or even pay you as Pro Photographers.

Lito Sy is the master for this kinds of events. I think you should see his portfolios. :)

good luck bro

thanks guys for the replies, im learning a lot here :)
of course there's a lot of thinking required, i wouldn't jump out of my dayjob without a concrete proof that i can earn from photography what i get from being an engineer. the plan actually is to become a weekend photographer only, then we'll see from there if the demand will grow, i might sacrifice some weekdays for a shoot.
i currently do it for free for my friends and relatives and since most of them liked the shots, i'm thinking of offering the service to others. but of course, i need some expert advice from you guys first.
thanks again! :)

Vin- you can start being an event photographer, not yet wedding(it takes a lot of skills).

Anyone who offers "Candid" wedding photography in the Philippines is in my opinion an inexperienced wedding photographer. Unless the couple shows tremendous affection (very rare in the Philippines especially with Chinese couples) a pure Candid wedding doesn't exist. You can shoot everything candid but your wedding album will look like crap.

Jeff Ascough can do it because he photographs in a different culture.

@Vin, me? im still amature too (no background in photography and just starting 3 months ago) but i already earning through wedding photography, just give your best shoots and try not to panic when your onsite already and before the event try to read some magazines about wedding and you will get ideas what to do while looking at the picture and try to list down what you need to shoot specially from preparation up to reception. and try also visit some photograhy sites that covers wedding and have a look...... hope this could help too.

agree to that sir nick.
of course no couple will get a "candid only" wedding photographer. filipinos will always want posed shots. and candid moments are very few in a standard filipino wedding.
i've seen couples asking photographers for candid shots aside from posed ones, and there are photogs who offer them, but ive not seen yet an album of pure candids.
now i'm realizing how small, if not non-existent, the market is for candid-only photos. thanks guys.
but i think it won't hurt if i still continue to do it free for friends and relatives, my shots may be crap compared to the real pros, but they can make some people happy, that's enough reward for me :)
back to square one...

Hi Vin,

Welcome to the world of wedding photography! Let me give you some tips, advice and information that may want you to pursue this as a full time job or stick to your daytime job or throw the idea out the window.


A "real" wedding photographer must have these qualities

must be in command at all times
must never by shy to approach ANYONE and direct them to do something
must never be sick on a weekend
must be willing to give up his weekends
must be your couples new best friend
must be a psychiatrist
must know makeup
must know about fashion
must be friendly to everyone including designers, makeup artists, the nasty guards ect
must be a people person
must have a strong voice, back and feet
must work fast ( 3 minutes sometimes for formal portrait is all I have)
must be able to disconnect his personal life from work on a wedding day (leave your problems at home even if your loved one is sick)
must be a product photographer
must be a landscape photographer
must be a photojournalist
must be a portraitist
must be a sports photographer
must be a paparazzi
must be a fashion/glamour photographer
and many more qualities i may have forgotten

I will be honest with you and let you know what pro wedding photographers feel when there is a second team or a friend or a cousin who wants to "photograph" the day.....they get in the way of the pro. They dont know where to position themselves especially when there is an important highlight in the event. And a lot of times, they end up being in the photo. Pro's normally bring their back up photographers who shoot the candids. They work with the photographers and know exactly where to position themselves so that they are not "in the line of fire" of the lead photographer. When i get a client who wants my team as a second team, 95% of the time I turn it down. I only say yes if the main photographer is a good personal friend of mine.

My advice to you is this....... I did not start as a pro. I backed up for a photographer and experienced the whole thing...if I liked it or not. I mastered the whole ceremony.. I perfected my moves, I invested in gear, I took professional lessons in wedding photography, I went to the U.S. and took up classical portraiture to make my work different from the rest. Entered competitions, won awards, won photographer of the year in 2004, invested in different types of albums...everyone is going digital book, I offer traditional ( also have digital if they want) So I am not discouraging you but photographing your friends wedding is totally different from photographing a total strangers wedding. You cant also be a "fly on the wall" and take candids...it just isn't enough to stand out in todays breed of wedding photographers.

Good luck in what ever decision you take.....always take baby steps.

wow. thank you ma'am pilar.
its a really great feeling letting others know of a plan and listening to their opinions/advises from real experience.
as an amateur, i do not know any of what pros really feel, now i got a glimpse. i'll definitely consider that ma'am.

thank you all for the enlightenment, i really appreciate it. truly priceless :)

my pleasure...keep us posted on your baby steps.....oh and you can call me Pilar:)

@ Pilar, great tips and advice hehehe

Great compilation Maam Pilar:)

If I may add: > Dapat Laging Handa!

Good Luck on your new endeavor Vin!

thanks bordoy, it'll take me decades to be half as good as ma'am pilar and the other pros here are. no hurries, im still young, i can still afford to take baby steps, hehehe :)

i hope this thread has also helped the other wedding photog wannabees here.
thanks so much for all the tips guys & gals! :)

and also, drink lots of vitamins, if you need ion, drink it. and.. bring a coleman full of bottled water (for you and your staff - i.e. back up, lights people, video people). look neat and professional and charge right :P

This is a nice thread..especially reading the minds of the experts in this field.

Goodluck Vin :-) take the advises of the masters :-)