Um, I’m a wedding photographer?

So. You all thought that my first “all by my lonesome” wedding shoot was in February.
Well you were wrong.
And so was I, as it turns out.

My hubs sent me this text last Monday

“Want to take photos of a wedding on Sunday for free?”

My response:

“Haha. No?”

Please.
I have plenty of opportunities to practice weddings all the time.
Not.

It turned out that his coworker, E, had gotten engaged two weeks prior and was getting married Sunday.
The only thing she bought was a dress and the rest of the wedding planning, her church was throwing it together.
Josh offered my amateur services as our wedding gift.
Well, alright.
I guess it’s no pressure. 
It was either my amateur photos or no amateur photos.
I decided why the heck not. 
I had met her once before and knew she was super sweet.

So we arrived at church yesterday and I patiently waited with my handy dandy (and quite handsome) assistant.
(Amateurs are totally allowed to have assistants FYI)

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

It seemed like we waited FOREVER.
And then once it begun, it begun.
(now I know I promised all the good and all the bad. But I already deleted all the bad.
oops. But you can trust me, there were plenty of “blurfests”)

So, I’ll just show off the ones I’m proud of
(…at least for right now. I’m already going back and looking at photos thinking, 
“Seriously, Melissa? That was kind of embarrassing.)
All a part of the process, people

Oh and at this moment, I have a free trial of lightroom going on so that is what I have been getting to play with! if anyone wants to give me a hands on lightroom 101…yes, please.
🙂

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
waiting to walk down the aisle!
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

Now my favorites..

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
LOVE the tat.

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?
Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

So I just realized this is like 99.9% the bride.
Can you blame me though?
Honestly?
She was stunning. 

Ok.
So lessons learned. 

1. An ISO of something in between 800 and 1600 would greatly benefit me.
1A. Grainy is better than blurry. Lesser of two evils.
2. having an assistant is great, even if it is only for emotional support 🙂
3. photographing a wedding is nothing but an adventure
4. I need to be confident and assertive
5. Not so great at posing people. I tell people kind of where to sit and tell them to do what is natural and hope that it looks good.
6. Seeing what a church family can pull off for one another is greatly encouraging
7. I still have A LOT to learn but it was a great experience

Um, I'm a wedding photographer?

  1. YEA! So exciting 🙂

  2. Arroyalee says:

    She IS stunning! Great job Melissa 🙂

  3. Lani says:

    If you ever want to practice on a baby you can use Naomi. She may not always cooperate, but maybe that's the point…? hahah

  4. Anonymous says:

    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you did such an awesome job on my sister's picture LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!

  5. Anonymous says:

    Melissa, I am so happy that you decided to be the photographer at my daughter's wedding. You did a great work. As you and many others know that my daughter is a stunning woman, but your work capitivates her beauty in still frames. I can't wait to to see all the pictures!!! thank you so much again, you are kind a thoughtful.

  6. EVP Videos says:

    Great job showcasing this bride and groom. Love the unique look to your pictures! So very beautiful!

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