Hey everyone,

I'm in the process of adding weddings to my portrait business. I've been reading, learning as much as I possibly can, and I've got some money set aside for my education. With as much reading as I have done, I would love the chance to see some photographers in action. I want to do as much learning as I can before I jump in over my head (and then swim to the top...didn't I see someone attribute that to Mike Colón?).

I'm looking specifically for a DVD or set of DVDs that focus on shooting techniques (and other techniques related to shooting, like posing, relating with clients, etc. - but not necessarily sales). It'd be really cool to find a DVD or set that contained teaching from several different photographers - I'd like to be able to see a variety of styles and approaches, as opposed to only being able to see the way one photographer works.

In terms of shooting approach, I am solidly in the documentary/photojournalism camp, but I also recognize the meaningfulness of posed portraits and group shots to families. I love the work of Marcus Bell - amazing documentary coverage and also wonderful posed shots. I really love Jeff Ascough's work, but I don't think I'd go as far as he does and not do the posed images. Posing is actually an area I'd really like to work on, and I'd love to have some training in it beyond reading.

With that in mind, can you recommend some DVDs for me? I've heard of one that seemed to fit what I want - was is "Masters of Wedding Photography" or something like that? I'm not sure.

It'd be ideal for me to be able to learn from photographers who are excellent in their field, but at opposite ends of the spectrum. Say, someone who's very photojournalistic in their approach, maybe Jeff Ascough, along with someone who's much more traditional, maybe David Ziser, then throw in someone with a flair for fashion, maybe Joe Photo or Bambi Cantrell.

Thanks, everyone!
Aaron

P.S. If you have a recommendation and know the best place to buy it, could you add that too? Thanks!

Edit: I should add that I have not yet shot a wedding. Yes, I am in search of opportunities to second shoot.

Elevate DVD --- check out the trailer:

http://www.garrettnudd.com

and click on "for photographers"


Also seriously considerer attending elevate 4 in September...

http://www.garrettnuddworkshops.com/

www.Photovision.com has exactly what you are looking for. You get to see photographers from all around the world. see them on location, how they shoot, process, think, light, and the results. Must have to watch.

Thanks Tami Jim - I've seen info on Elevate, I'll look into it more. I didn't know they had put out a dvd. Sweet!

Thanks Ross - I actually just got a coupon code for Photovision. I just haven't been able to figure out if I sign up now, do I miss out on half the year? Do I get the first several discs all at once?

Dude - Gino's for sure! Some of the best REAL wedding training I've seen! ...and Bob Davis too!

Thanks, DJ - I've heard good things about Gino's series. Which would you recommend? Why?

Thanks!

Tami - Thanks for the link to the Elevate DVD - the trailer looks cool. I can't seem to find any info on it other than the trailer, though - I've tried searching and haven't found anything. Do you know of a page or discussion that details what's on it, or could you tell me a bit about it? I'll try emailing Garrett in the morning.

Thanks!

I agree with DJ


www.digitalweddingpro.com

Vol 1-3 (a must for ANYone entering Wedding Photography)

Vol 4-5 (geared toward Canon shooters who use 580 and St-e2 alot)

That's what I'd do! It's one thing to watch it on DVD, and another to be there in the action...

huh??? I thought if you owned a camera, that made you automatically qualified to shoot weddings as a professional. So many others have just assumed that.

Well...since you are already a photographer...I admire you for trying to get some kind of information. At least you have some working knowledge of what could be involved.

I had one guy call me and tell me he was going to stop doing weddings...just couldn't handle all the work required... .

Many, many years ago, I bought every Wedding photo book I could find and would try to duplicate the great photographers. Then I learned to create my own style, somewhat.

Good luck to you.

Thanks for the info, Gino! I'm considering it.


Rachael, thanks, and I agree. What I'm really hoping for in a DVD (or set) is the ability to see several photographers at work. Not nearly the same thing as being there, but I'm hoping to get something that can supplement second shooting.



I'm pretty sure that's the story of a lot of really good photographers, though.

Actually, I've gone through a similar cycle of imitation, then moving into my own style. As I move into weddings, I'm trying to learn as much as possible about how to swim before I get thrown into the deep end!


Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! Anyone else want to add? I'm hoping to make a decision by the end of the week.