Wedding Photography Seminar

I don't have any cool title for this posting. I attended a wedding photography seminar yesterday so I wanted to share some of the info as well as my whole feeling on the subject.
I've said this many times, props and respect to all wedding photographers or any photographer out in the field. Photography is an art and you must love it in order so succeed in a cut throat business. I am not a cut throat, competitive business savvy person, however I know that good pictures come when you can connect with your subject. I know somewhere in my pictures I am able to do so, especially when I have a personal relationship with the people I'm shooting.

Here's some useful info and my reaction of course
Equipment--more specifically lenses: I understand why photographers charge an arm and a leg for their services. In addition to time post production, making photo albums, etc, they need to get lenses and perhaps an extra camera body to make the special day right. This particular photographer recommended 70-200 f.28 and 24-70 f2.8 85mm f1.4. now add that all together and the total cost of lenses equals: $4,808. I dont know about you, but for a hobbiest, this a killer in any budget. I'm writing a list of all the things that I can do with $4,808 (including an exotic trip to Europe and beyond), but again if you are doing this as a business, you are charging to cover the costs of this insanely expensive piece that enhances your pics. the 70-200 f.28 is huge because it is a telephoto lens and at 200mm zoomed in, you're still getting an amazing apeture..so it costs to get good lenses that allow a lot of light in the world of photography (and i hit myself for choosing such an expensive hobby). The lady giving the seminar shoots with a Canon but mentioned that Nikon lenses in general are superior (so everyone in the room including myself thanked God we had Nikons but the debate will always be there LOL)

Flash: I learned, when possible always use....I just bought a nikon speedlight sb-700 and I really dont know how to use it...I put it in ttl mode which is equivalent to auto mode. But flash is extremely useful in those low light situations and lit situations as well. Fun fact: flash freezes movement including at a low shutter speed :) the photographer yesterday mentioned she loves to use as much natural light as possible.

Then there was a lot of time focused on how to make it through a wedding. One must have an established relationship with the bride and groom prior to the wedding. Wedding photography has evolved into photojournalism, telling the story about the couple. There is some formality that is kept with wedding photography, but many people like to see the story behind the couple. A good photographer can tell this story, so that no matter if there are 100 weddings are at the same church or reception place, each wedding does not look a like. My personal view, is that when shots look the same with different couples same photographer, the photographer is not using his/her creative/artistic ability to show the story or personality of the couple.
Preparation before the wedding is key, knowing the lighting of where you're going. I think the word light or a form of it was used the most yesterday. Photography in general is having that perfect light and the perfect exposure....How do you make the person look their best. There were all other kinds of tips such is bringing a stepstool with you (especially if you're short like me) because shooting from below is not as flattering as above--go Facebook self portraits!

My whole view on this: I don't have the confidence, money or zeal to venture into wedding photography just yet. I was just too overwhelmed me in so many different ways. I am a little scared that I will lose the enjoyment of photography once turned into a business....so for now I'm going to continue to shoot my circle of friends, experiment on them until I gain that command and confidence. I still have a far way to go in learning about photography and the ins and outs of it. I know that every photographer starts with some sort of spark and passion. I know I have it, I just want to enjoy the hobby for now and see where it leads me..