12/05/2025
Why I don’t answer “I’m shooting my first wedding for free because I have no idea what I’m doing — any tips?” posts
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1️⃣ Craft first, not shortcuts.
There’s a defined, proven path to becoming a wedding photographer:
• Learn the fundamentals
• Study the flow of a wedding
• Assist
• Second shoot
• Build consistency
• Then go solo
Skipping all of that out of impatience or “winging it” gets zero respect from me. If weddings are truly what you want to photograph, follow the process and — boom — you walk into your first one prepared instead of panicked.
You are not the burden bearer of someone else's lack of money or wedding priorities.
2️⃣ Most people making these posts don’t want real advice.
They’re already set on taking the wedding, and they’re only looking for reassurance. The moment you suggest holding off, they have an excuse ready. They’ll say things like, “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I don’t want to mess it up,” without realizing those two statements contradict each other. If someone genuinely didn’t want to mess it up, they’d go back to step one and train.
My best piece of advice if you’re going do it is get a good contract, like this one: https://www.joelnisleitphotography.com/product-page/wedding-photography-contract
3️⃣ The friend-discount wedding is the F5 setup.
If you think it’ll all work out because “we know each other” and “no one expects much,” buddy… buckle up. That’s the exact recipe for an F5 crap-twister, and it has taken out many beginners.
Friendship does not protect you from liability, shifting expectations, poor agreements, emotional fallout, or legal trouble.
A wedding isn’t just about skill — it’s the legal, financial, and social implications you’re unknowingly inheriting on this “simple job.” Every wedding is a risk. Every wedding requires full professionalism:
✔️ Training
✔️ Preparation
✔️ Real client consultation
✔️ A professional written agreement
✔️ Followthrough on professional delivery
Anything less, and you should expect turbulence somewhere on the Fujita scale. 🌪️
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