Photographing a wedding was never on my bucket list. I bought my DSLR Nikon 5100 early this spring. I had no big dreams or ambitions, I just needed a new camera and decided it was time to go for a ‘real’ camera instead of another point and shoot. I’ve always liked taking pictures. And I enjoyed editing them in Picasa for the past couple of years. I never expected photography to become a passion. I never really even planned to take my girls pics myself when I bought the camera. But over the past six months I have discovered that photography is, indeed, a passion of mine!
I am by no stretch of the imagination a professional photographer! I just love my camera, and I love learning new things it can do, and that I can make it do 🙂 My skills have improved a little in the six months I’ve been practicing. And my total number of pics taken on the camera topped 10,000 pics during the wedding shoot. (I took 1800+ at the wedding) I am now, officially, no longer shooting in auto!! Another 10,000 and maybe I’ll be ready for complete manual!!
Never for a moment did I even think about helping to photograph a wedding when I was researching cameras. But after a few months with my camera, co-hosting a Photography party, and realizing just what all my camera was capable of I found myself offering to be a backup photographer for my cousin’s wedding. She was delighted, I was excited, and all was good.
I asked a friend if she recommended getting a new lens or a flash before this wedding. She recommended the flash, and while I really really want a bigger, better lens I knew she was right. So I began some research on a flash for my camera. I ended up borrowing a flash from my friends father-in-law. I also spent an hour listening to him give me tips on photography and photoshop. Spending some more time hearing his photography knowledge is at the top of my list of things to do!
Simple and sweet, I loved the sleeve detail my cousin added. And yes, that is a cough drop in her hand – I lack the photoshop skills to edit that out so I just left it!
The little details are my favorite. Someday I really want to help photograph a wedding with all kinds of froofy frills and hoopla!
I enjoy photographing food too. Maybe I can work for a food magazine someday 😉
They served grilled hamburgers – the food in the background of this pic is the condiments!
Chocolates instead of mints – my kind of wedding candy!
I will say I think it would be really fun to do this again! What do you think? Should I dream of helping photograph another wedding or should I hang my camera in the closet?
The cameras today almost take pictures by themselves. Of course, an expert photographer maximizes his/her camera’s abilities. But just as important is having the imagination and artistic “eye” to see the picture – and the ability to edit. I think you definately have those abilities! Lovely pictures!
I agree Jane, I think anyone can pick up a good camera and take decent pics. It’s fun to figure out just what all you can do with the camera – now I’m working to do as much with the camera as possible so I have less post editing time – editing is fun but the time it takes is crazy!
Dream on and keep going! These are so sweet. I bet the “man and wife” will be loving what you did! You captured a lot of the details that certainly must have made the day special, ones they may not have taken the time to notice in the hoopla of the day and will be grateful to enjoy after the fact. Great job!
Liz
Thanks Liz! I wish I could show you some pics of the bride and groom but I’m just not sure they will want their pics out here on a public blog.
MMMM…love that pic of the chocolates!!! Gives me the crave! These are so pretty, Jill! Wonderful perspective! I can tell you are having tons of fun. Carry on…
Havilah, I love that you used the phrase carry on!! 🙂 Love it!
🙂 I love that too Hav!
Thanks Hav – I hope you are being honest cause you are one of my favorite photographers! If I can come somewhat close to what you do with a camera I will be happy!
Love the photos! Inanimate objects are so fun to photograph. You can get such fun angles and shots. Love the details too!
🙂 I agree!
Great Job! Keep it up!
Thank you Melanie 🙂 It’s fun so I will keep taking pics and trying to get better 🙂
Jill, you attention to detail and ability to see the beauty in ordinary and extraordinary things makes you an ideal wedding photographer.
Thanks Amy, I always look forward to your comments – you are so sweet!
I always think “you should do what makes you happy”. I’m guessing they were very pleased with the pictures?:)
🙂 Great advise Kellie 🙂
beautiful!
Thanks Breida!
I may have mentioned a few times I think your photo & styling skills are amazing! 🙂 I love the last photo, what a fun wedding, chocolate and burgers…yum!
Thank you Pam! I’m still amazed when people tell me they love my photography! So fun to have such a supportive blogging community!
Gorgeous, Jill! There is such an artistry to your photos. My favorite is the feet/shoes photo. Beautiful work!
Thank you Jennifer! I’m enjoying honing my photography skills! Never dreamed I’d be going down the photography trail but it seems the fever has got me!