Test new gear before shooting.

When it comes to photography, having the right gear is essential. But it's not just about having the right gear, it's also about making sure that your gear is in top condition and ready to go when you need it. This is something that wedding photographer Casey Fagget knows all too well.

In a recent podcast episode, Casey shared some of his worst wedding experiences as a photographer, and in both cases, his gear was the issue. In one instance, his flash died in the middle of a wedding and he didn't have a backup. In another, his camera died the day before a wedding. In both cases, his lack of preparation was the root cause of the problem.

The lesson here is clear: test your gear before shooting. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, it's important to take the time to make sure that all of your gear is working properly and that you have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. This may mean setting up a test shoot to make sure your camera and lenses are working as expected, or it may mean having a spare camera body or flash on hand in case of emergency.

No matter what kind of photography you do, taking the time to test your gear before shooting will pay off in the long run. Not only will you have the peace of mind knowing that you have the right gear and that it's in top condition, but you'll also be able to capture the perfect shot without any unexpected hiccups. So the next time you're about to go out and shoot, make sure you take the time to test your gear and make sure it's ready for action.

Read the manual first.

But what about reading the manual first? Many photographers don't take the time to read the manual before shooting, and this can lead to problems. Not only do you risk not knowing how to use your gear properly, but you can also miss out on features or settings that could make a huge difference in your photos.

Take the example of the podcast transcript: the photographer was having difficulty figuring out how to switch the camera to video mode and change the resolution. If they had taken the time to read the manual first, they would have known exactly where to find the settings they needed.

Reading the manual first can also be a great way to get used to a new piece of gear. With any new camera or flash, there can be a learning curve as you get used to the menus and settings. Taking the time to read the manual first can make this learning curve much easier and faster. Not only will you be able to find the settings you need quickly, but you'll also learn about any new features or settings that could help you take better photos.

In short, taking the time to read the manual before shooting can save you time and help you take better photos. Not only will you know exactly how to use your gear, but you'll also be able to take advantage of any new features or settings that you may have otherwise missed. So the next time you're about to go out and shoot, make sure you take the time to read the manual first.

Don't rely on Kickstarter projects.

Unfortunately, the same can not be said for Kickstarter projects. Kickstarter is a great platform for entrepreneurs to get their ideas off the ground, but unfortunately, it can also be a breeding ground for scams. This was the case for one photographer who invested in a Kickstarter project that promised a 500GB solid state drive with a built-in SD card reader. The project was fully funded, but the company never delivered, and the photographer never saw their money again.

This is a cautionary tale for anyone considering investing in a Kickstarter project. It’s important to do your research and make sure the project is legitimate before investing your money. Read reviews, check out the team behind the project, and make sure there is a plan for delivering the product. If the project has already been funded, make sure there are regular updates from the company so you can track progress.

Ultimately, Kickstarter projects can be a great way to support new ideas and products, but it’s important to be careful and do your due diligence before investing. Don’t rely on Kickstarter projects blindly. Take the time to do your research and make sure the project is legitimate and has a plan for delivery.

Bring an extra pair of pants.

When it comes to attending a wedding, one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to always bring an extra pair of pants. I learned this lesson the hard way when I attended a wedding a few years ago. I was feeling quite ill, and as soon as I was done being violently sick, the bride knocked on the door to use the bathroom. Unfortunately, Bollywood's don't smell very well and it was quite a bad experience for both of us.

I was in a bit of a panic, not knowing what to do for the rest of the wedding. Luckily, there was a gas station right across the street, so I ran over there and bought some Tylenol, ibuprofen, and pepto-bismol. After taking all three, I felt much better and the sickness only lasted about 30 minutes.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: always bring an extra pair of pants to a wedding. I had heard this advice before, but it wasn't until this experience that I truly understood why it was so important. People can rip their pants or stain them, or in my case, have a sudden illness. It's always better to be prepared for any potential mishaps.

Since then, I have been a wedding photographer for over 20 years. I started out taking photos with a film camera at my friends' weddings, and eventually started my own photography business. I always make sure to bring an extra pair of pants, just in case.

I also host a podcast called The Nerdy Photographer, where I talk to other photographers about running a successful business. I think it's important for creatives to focus on the business aspect of their work, and I try to make it entertaining and informative.

So, if you're attending a wedding, make sure to bring an extra pair of pants. You never know what might happen!

Bring backup gear.

The same can be said for wedding photographers. While it may seem like a burden to have multiple camera bodies and a lot of gear, it is absolutely necessary to have a backup. After all, you don't want to be stuck in a situation where you're forced to shoot with your phone.

I've seen countless horror stories online of photographers who didn't bring a backup and ended up having to rely on their phone. Not only is this embarrassing, but it also puts the quality of the photos at risk. It's understandable why some photographers might not want to invest in extra gear, but it's important to remember that cameras are expensive and it's worth it to have a backup.

Having a backup camera body is a must, but it's also a good idea to have redundant gear. This means having enough lenses that you can pick from if something were to happen. It's also important to have a UV filter for protection, as you never know when someone might bump into you and break your lens.

In conclusion, it's important for wedding photographers to bring backup gear. Not only will this help to protect your equipment, but it will also help to ensure that the quality of the photos you take is up to par. Investing in extra gear may seem like a burden, but it's worth it in the long run.

Collaborate with clients expectations.

As a wedding photographer, it's important to collaborate with clients' expectations. It's important to be open and honest about what can and cannot be accomplished. This means having conversations about what the couple wants and needs, and then helping them to determine if their expectations are realistic. At the same time, it's important to be honest and upfront about what you can and cannot do. This means that if a couple is asking for something that isn't feasible, it's important to let them know that it won't be possible.

When it comes to collaborating with clients' expectations, communication is key. As a wedding photographer, it's important to listen to what the couple is asking for and then work with them to determine a solution that works best for everyone. It's also important to be open to suggestions and feedback from the couple. This will help to ensure that the photos you take are the best they can be.

At the same time, it's important to be prepared for any unexpected events that may occur. This means having backup gear on hand in case something goes wrong. Having extra lenses, camera bodies, and other equipment can help to ensure that you can still capture the moments that the couple wants, even if something goes wrong.

Overall, it's important for wedding photographers to collaborate with clients' expectations. This means having honest conversations with the couple about what can and cannot be done, being open to suggestions and feedback, and being prepared for any unexpected events. By taking these steps, wedding photographers can ensure that they are able to capture the moments that the couple wants and provide them with the best possible experience.

Manage expectations effectively.

When it comes to managing expectations, it's important for wedding photographers to understand what the couple is looking for. This means asking the right questions and listening to their responses. By having an open dialogue with the couple, photographers can better understand what the couple wants and how they can make their style work with their vision. This also allows photographers to provide suggestions and advice that can help the couple achieve their desired outcome.

It's also important for wedding photographers to be aware of the amount of time that they have to work with. This includes taking into account any unexpected events that may occur, such as a bridesmaid wanting to do a Vogue shoot. In this situation, the photographer should be honest and explain why they don't have the gear or personnel to do so. This helps the couple understand the limitations of the photographer and sets realistic expectations.

Finally, it's important for wedding photographers to remember that they are there to support the wedding and not take over. This means avoiding the temptation to impose their own artistic vision onto the couple and instead, focus on finding ways to express the couple's personality and uniqueness. By doing so, photographers can ensure that the photos are truly reflective of the couple and their special day.

In conclusion, managing expectations effectively is an important part of being a wedding photographer. By understanding the couple's vision, being aware of time constraints, and avoiding imposing their own ideas, photographers can ensure that they are able to capture the moments that the couple wants and provide them with the best possible experience.

Trust the photographer.

Trust is a key factor when it comes to wedding photography. Couples must trust their photographer to capture the moments that they want and to be aware of the time constraints that are often associated with city weddings. They must also trust that the photographer will not impose their own ideas and will instead work to create a personalized experience that reflects the couple's vision.

When couples trust their photographer, they can relax and enjoy their special day knowing that their photographer is working hard to capture the moments that they want. Trusting the photographer also allows couples to be more open to suggestions and to collaborate with them to create a vision that is unique and special to them.

In order to build trust, it is important for photographers to be honest and transparent with their couples. They should be willing to discuss their ideas and be open to feedback. They should also be aware of the time constraints associated with city weddings and be able to communicate this to the couple in order to make sure that they are able to capture the moments that are important to them.

It is also important for photographers to be flexible and willing to adjust their plans based on the couple's needs. They should be able to provide guidance and advice without imposing their own ideas and should be willing to work with the couple to create a vision that is unique to them.

Ultimately, trust is essential when it comes to wedding photography. Without it, couples can find themselves feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. By understanding the couple's vision, being aware of time constraints, and avoiding imposing their own ideas, photographers can ensure that they are able to capture the moments that the couple wants and provide them with the best possible experience.

Know your limits and safety.

However, it is also important for photographers to know their limits and safety. While it is important to collaborate with the couple and make sure that their vision is fulfilled, it is also important to make sure that the couple is not taking risks that could endanger their safety or the photographer's. In the podcast, the speaker talks about a time when a couple wanted to do a sword fight in the middle of the first dance. While this could have been an exciting moment to capture, it could have also been dangerous. The photographer had to step in and explain why this was not a good idea.

In addition, it is important for photographers to be aware of their own skills and knowledge. If they are not sure about something, they should not be afraid to ask questions or research the topic. As the speaker mentions, they had to research and ask questions when a couple asked them to take pictures while skydiving. They had to be aware of their own limits and make sure that they were able to safely take the photos that the couple wanted.

Ultimately, it is important for photographers to be confident in their abilities and be aware of their own limits and safety. While it is important to collaborate with the couple and make sure that their vision is fulfilled, it is also important to make sure that the couple is not taking risks that could endanger their safety or the photographer's. By understanding the couple's vision, being aware of time constraints, and avoiding imposing their own ideas, photographers can ensure that they are able to capture the moments that the couple wants and provide them with the best possible experience.

LED lights not as powerful.

One of the most common mistakes made by photographers is using LED lights as their sole source of light throughout a wedding. While LED lights are relatively easy and cheap to access, they are not as powerful as a regular speed light, meaning that they are not suitable for use as a primary source of light. LED lights are usually used for TikToks, Instagram reels, and other forms of video, but they are not powerful enough to capture a wedding. Furthermore, LED lights do not cast light very far, meaning that they are not as effective at capturing a large area.

The inverse square law is an important concept to understand when it comes to lighting. This law states that the power of light decreases as the distance between the light and the subject increases. This means that LED lights can only be used for a short distance, and are not suitable for capturing a large area.

In conclusion, LED lights are not suitable for use as a primary source of light for a wedding. Not only are they not powerful enough to capture a wedding, but they also do not cast light far enough to capture a large area. Photographers should be aware of the limitations of LED lights and use other sources of light, such as a regular speed light, for their wedding photography. By understanding the limitations of LED lights and using other sources of light, photographers can ensure that they are able to capture the moments that the couple wants and provide them with the best possible experience.

Avoid trendy photos.

When it comes to wedding photography, it is important to avoid trendy photos. While trends can be popular and can even get photographers more attention, they can also be very dated and not timeless. It is important for photographers to create photos that will stand the test of time and that will not look dated in the future.

One way to avoid trendy photos is to focus on capturing the moment as it happened. By doing this, photographers can create photos that are timeless and that will not look dated in the future. It is also important for photographers to create their own editing style and presets that are not too removed from reality. This will help to ensure that the photos look natural and that they are not too heavily edited.

Another way to avoid trendy photos is to not chase every trend that comes along. It is important to use trends in a balanced way and to make sure that they are not the primary focus of the photos. Photographers should also be aware of what is popular in the industry and should be careful not to fall into the trap of following every trend.

Finally, photographers should be aware of what the couples want and should strive to create photos that are timeless and that will not look dated in the future. By understanding the couple’s vision and creating photos that will stand the test of time, photographers can ensure that their clients will be happy with the results.

In conclusion, it is important for photographers to avoid trendy photos and to focus on creating timeless photos that will stand the test of time. By understanding the limitations of LED lights and using other sources of light, such as a regular speed light, photographers can ensure that they are able to capture the moments that the couple wants and provide them with the best possible experience. Furthermore, by creating their own editing style and presets and not chasing every trend that comes along, photographers can ensure that their photos are timeless and that they will not look dated in the future.

Test yourself outside.

One of the best ways to ensure that your photos are timeless is to test yourself outside. As a photographer, you need to understand the limitations of your gear and the lighting conditions that you will be working in. By going out and practicing with a specific lens and settings, you can learn how to work within those parameters and find the shots that will work best with the light that you have available. This will help you to become more creative and think outside the box when it comes to shooting.

For example, if you are shooting a wedding and you only have a 50mm lens, you can challenge yourself to find the shots that will work best with that lens and the light that you have available. This will help you to become more creative and come up with new ideas for shots that you may not have thought of before. Additionally, it will help you to become more comfortable with the gear that you have and the settings that you need to use in order to capture the moments that the couple wants.

Furthermore, testing yourself outside of the wedding day environment can help you to create your own style and presets. By experimenting with different settings, you can find the style that works best for you and your photography. This will help you to create a unique style and look that you can use for all of your photos, ensuring that your photos will stand out and be timeless.

In conclusion, testing yourself outside is an important part of becoming a successful photographer. By understanding the limitations of your gear and experimenting with different settings, you can create a unique style and look that will stand the test of time. Additionally, this will help you to become more comfortable with your gear and the settings that you need to use in order to capture the moments that the couple wants.

Limit yourself to create better work.

When it comes to photography, it is important to challenge yourself and push your boundaries in order to create better work. This doesn't always mean buying the latest and greatest gear, but rather taking the time to understand the limitations of your gear and experimenting with different settings. For example, limiting yourself to a certain number of exposures or a certain aperture can help you to become more creative with your shots and make sure that you are using the gear to its fullest potential. Additionally, this can help you to become more comfortable with your gear and the settings that you need to use in order to capture the moments that the couple wants.

Limiting yourself to create better work also means taking the time to go out and experiment. Taking the time to go out and practice on a monthly basis can help you to hone your skills and become more comfortable with your gear. Additionally, this can help you to become more creative with your shots and make sure that you are using the gear to its fullest potential. Additionally, by challenging yourself to take only 36 photos, you can make sure that you are getting the most out of each shot and that you are capturing the moments that the couple wants.

Overall, limiting yourself to create better work is an important part of becoming a successful photographer. By understanding the limitations of your gear and experimenting with different settings, you can create a unique style and look that will stand the test of time. Additionally, this will help you to become more comfortable with your gear and the settings that you need to use in order to capture the moments that the couple wants.

Invest in quality lenses.

One of the most important pieces of advice for any photographer is to invest in quality lenses. Quality lenses are more expensive, but they can make a huge difference in the quality of your images. Quality lenses will help you capture the sharpest images, with the best color and contrast. Quality lenses will also help you to create the most accurate depth of field, and will allow you to capture the most detailed images. Quality lenses will also allow you to capture images in low light situations, and can help you to create images with the least amount of noise.

When it comes to investing in quality lenses, it’s important to consider the type of photography that you do. If you do a lot of weddings, you may want to invest in a macro lens. Macro lenses are great for capturing close-up images, and can help you to capture the details of the wedding day. If you do a lot of portrait photography, you may want to invest in a lens with a longer focal length. This will help you to create images with a shallower depth of field, and will help you to create beautiful portraits.

It’s also important to consider the type of camera that you use. If you use a DSLR, you may want to invest in lenses that are compatible with your camera. If you use a mirrorless camera, you may want to invest in lenses that are specifically designed for that type of camera. Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of photography that you do. If you do a lot of landscape photography, you may want to invest in a wide-angle lens. If you do a lot of sports photography, you may want to invest in a telephoto lens.

Overall, investing in quality lenses is an important part of becoming a successful photographer. Quality lenses will help you to capture the sharpest images, with the best color and contrast. Quality lenses will also help you to create the most accurate depth of field, and will allow you to capture the most detailed images. Additionally, quality lenses will help you to capture images in low light situations, and can help you to create images with the least amount of noise. Investing in quality lenses is an important step in becoming a successful photographer, and will help you to create beautiful images that will stand the test of time.

Great light is essential for photos.

However, investing in quality lenses is not the only important factor in creating beautiful photos. Great light is just as essential. Without great light, you cannot create beautiful images, no matter how good your lenses are. As a wedding photographer, I have learned this firsthand. There was a series of billboards featuring photos taken on an iPhone, and they all had one consistent factor: fantastic lighting. This goes to show that no matter what camera you are using, great light is essential for a great photo.

When shooting a wedding, it is important to be mindful of the light. I always make sure to arrive at least half an hour early, so that I can scout the area and find the best light for the photos. It is also important to be respectful of the wedding party, and not to interrupt intimate moments between the couple. Additionally, I give guests a one minute window to take photos with their phones, so that the couple can remain focused on me and my instructions.

In conclusion, great light is essential for photos. Investing in quality lenses is important, but without great light, you cannot create beautiful images. As a wedding photographer, I have learned this lesson the hard way. I always make sure to arrive early, scout the area for the best light, and be respectful of the wedding party. With great light and quality lenses, you can create beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.

Don't block photographers' shots.

Unfortunately, there is one thing that can ruin a photographer’s shot: guests blocking the view. It is a common occurrence at weddings for guests to step in front of the photographer to take a picture with their phone. This is especially true during the ceremony, when the bride and groom are exchanging their vows. Guests, eager to capture the moment, will lean out into the aisle and take photos with their phones. This can be very distracting and can ruin the professional photo that the photographer was trying to take.

I have encountered this problem many times as a wedding photographer. I have seen guests lean out into the aisle during the ceremony to take photos with their phones. I have also seen guests take photos while standing directly in front of me. This can be very frustrating, as I am trying to capture the moment. In these situations, it is important to remain professional and courteous. I usually just ask the guest to move out of the way or to wait until I have taken the photo.

It is also important to remind guests to be mindful of photographers when taking photos. I have seen many guests take photos with their phones during the ceremony, and it can be very distracting. I always make sure to remind guests to be respectful of the photographer and to be mindful of their surroundings.

In conclusion, it is important to be mindful of photographers when taking photos. Guests should be aware of their surroundings and be respectful of the photographer. As a wedding photographer, it is important to remain professional and courteous in these situations. With great light, quality lenses, and respectful guests, you can create beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.

Capture key moments quickly.

Capturing key moments quickly is a skill that many wedding photographers strive for. It is important to be prepared for any situation and be ready to get the shot. This could include being prepared for the first kiss, cake cutting, or first dance. It is important to be aware of guests and their movements in order to capture these moments without interference.

At weddings, it is common for guests to want to take photos or videos of the couple. This can be distracting for the photographer and can cause them to miss key moments. It is important for the photographer to make it clear to guests that they should stay behind the photographer and not interfere with the shot. It is also important for the photographer to be aware of the DJ's announcements and be ready to capture the moment quickly.

In addition to being aware of guests, it is important for the photographer to have the right equipment. Having quality lenses and lighting is essential for capturing key moments quickly. It is also important to have two cameras ready with different lenses in order to capture different angles and compositions.

There are many different scenarios that can arise at a wedding, and it is important for the photographer to be prepared for any situation. It is important to be aware of guests and their movements, and be prepared with the right equipment and lighting. With these tools, you can capture key moments quickly and create beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.

Deliver on promises as photographer.

However, even with the best equipment and preparation, there is one thing that can ruin a wedding photographer’s reputation: not delivering on promises. This could be anything from not providing the quality of photos that were promised, to not delivering the photos on time. It is important for photographers to be honest and realistic about what they can offer, and to make sure that they are able to deliver on their promises.

The quality of photos is one of the most important aspects of a wedding photographer’s job. It is important to have the right equipment, such as a light field camera, and to have the right lighting. It is also important to have a good eye for composition and to be able to capture the right moment. If a photographer is not able to provide the quality of photos that they promised, then they are not delivering on their promises.

Another important aspect of delivering on promises is making sure that the photos are delivered on time. This is especially important for weddings, as couples will be eager to see the photos and share them with family and friends. It is important for photographers to make sure that they are able to meet their deadlines, as this can make or break a reputation.

A wedding photographer must be able to deliver on their promises if they want to be successful. This means providing quality photos and delivering them on time. It is important for photographers to be honest and realistic about what they can provide, and to make sure that they are able to deliver on their promises. By doing this, photographers can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.

Under-promise, over-deliver.

The story of the wedding photographer who became popular and then over-promised and under-delivered is a cautionary tale. He promised to take beautiful photos and was booked for 60 weddings in a two-year period. This was a recipe for disaster, as he was unable to scale up and deliver on his promises. He was also dishonest, telling one bride that he had never been to the venue before when he had already taken photos from another wedding there. This led to the bride not receiving any of the photos she was promised, including important photos of her father who had since passed away, and her brother who had walked her down the aisle.

It is important to remember that under-promising and over-delivering is the best way to ensure success as a wedding photographer. By being honest and realistic about what can be provided and delivering on those promises, photographers can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time. This not only ensures that the couple will be happy, but also that the photographer will get a good reputation and will be able to continue to book weddings in the future.

Overall, it is important for photographers to remember that under-promising and over-delivering is the best way to ensure success. By being honest and realistic about what can be provided and delivering on those promises, photographers can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time. This not only ensures that the couple will be happy, but also that the photographer will get a good reputation and will be able to continue to book weddings in the future.

Underpromise, overdeliver.

The podcast discussed how it is important to manage expectations when it comes to the number of photos that can be delivered. It is important to let the couple know how many photos they can expect and to be realistic about the time it will take to get them. This can be especially difficult for new photographers who are still learning the ropes. It is important to start out with a lower number of photos and work your way up as you gain experience. This will also help to manage expectations and make sure that the couple is happy with the results.

The podcast also discussed the importance of being realistic about the types of photos that can be taken. For example, it is important to let the couple know that composite photos take a lot of time and may not be possible on the wedding day. It is important to be honest about what can be provided and not make promises that cannot be kept. It is also important to be aware of the lighting in a venue and make sure that the photos can be taken in the time available.

In conclusion, under-promising and over-delivering is the best way to ensure success as a photographer. By being honest and realistic about what can be provided, photographers can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time. This not only ensures that the couple will be happy, but also that the photographer will get a good reputation and will be able to continue to book weddings in the future.

Practice and research first.

Practicing and researching first is key to becoming a successful photographer. As Casey F of the Nerdy Photographer Podcast said, it is important to practice and know exactly what you are getting into before taking on a job. It is also important to research the venue to ensure that the photos will turn out well. By doing this, a photographer can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.

When taking on a job, it is important to not promise anything that cannot be delivered. It is better to not tell the couple that a certain shot can be done until the photographer has tried it out first. If it does not turn out well, they can simply not show the couple the photo. This not only ensures that the couple will be happy, but also that the photographer will get a good reputation and will be able to continue to book weddings in the future.

Engagement sessions are a great way to practice and get comfortable with the lighting that will be used for the wedding. It is also a great way to get to know the couple and make sure that the photographer and the couple are a good fit. By doing this, the photographer can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time.

Overall, practice and research are essential for any photographer. By being honest and realistic about what can be provided, photographers can ensure that they will be able to provide beautiful photos that will stand the test of time. This not only ensures that the couple will be happy, but also that the photographer will get a good reputation and will be able to continue to book weddings in the future.