This is an old post that was transferred from my Tumblr. I still feel the same about wedding photography, but now it's more so because of my equipment.
Recently, I was offered to do my first wedding sometime later this year. I was so excited for the offer. I felt honored to be asked to be a part of one of the most special times in someone’s life.
I declined it.
It wasn’t an abrupt decision, and it actually took a week for me to decide. I even consulted my cousin, Gabe. There was a few reasons as to why I declined:
Equipment - As you know, I shoot with an EOS M. It gets the job done for what I want to do, but I wouldn’t be comfortable with the next level job(wedding). I was mainly worried about the lighting and lasting into the evening. I have the batteries for longevity, but my camera isn’t the best low light camera. I didn’t even ask if it was indoor or outdoor, but it’s not a summer wedding so the sun sets earlier regardless.
Cost - I’m not even sure the right price would’ve swayed me because of the other two reasons, but it played a factor in my decision. Weddings and photoshoots take a lot of time. Not just the wedding, but travel time(1-2 hours away) and edit time had to be factored into it. Even if it was going to be my first wedding, it didn’t add up for me to budge.
Hobbyist - I’m not sure if I’ll ever make the jump for something of that magnitude. Sure i’ll upgrade my equipment eventually and i’ll still book photoshoots every now and then, but wedding photography is a different plane. I’m not sure if i’d enjoy it enough to be honest. It walks the fine line of photography being a job vs being something I enjoy. I didn’t want to feel like I was dragging myself out there. It wouldn’t have felt right, and wouldn’t be right.
After realizing these things, I respectfully declined the offer. It was a hard choice because it was my first wedding offer, but I knew it wasn’t the right time (if ever). I’m just not sure I want to do a full wedding. That’s how I feel as of now, but it could very well change.
Trust your gut, and do something because you’re heart is in it.
