I caved too.

Or rather, you can't say no when it's two friends you've known since primary school and spent a good chunk of the last few years with in Brno. Much has already been written about wedding photography, so I'll try to look at it a little differently. I felt quite a lot of responsibility. After all, it was my first time photographing a wedding (the whole thing). And I was fairly anxious about the ceremony and the subsequent outdoor and group shots.

For me personally, preparations started back in April when I visited the venue on a Saturday to scout the lighting conditions and think things through. I concluded that I'd either shoot with flash or borrow a faster lens so the beautiful top light could really shine. I managed to borrow the lens (Nikkor AF-S 17-35 f/2.8 IF-ED) — thanks to Viktor Šulc — all that was left was to check all the batteries (2x EN-EL3 for the battery grip and 12x Sanyo Eneloop for the flash). On Friday I packed all the equipment (D80+50/f1.8+85/f1.8+17-35/f2.8+SB800+Manfrotto 190XPROB+reflector) and set off home. At home I added a studio stand and an umbrella (just in case the weather didn't cooperate and we had to shoot indoors). I didn't yet know how wise that decision would turn out to be.

On the day itself everything went like clockwork — hairdresser and make-up artist in the morning. Then lunch and the bride getting dressed. Up to that point there was plenty of time, you could say there was even room to put your feet up. Before the ceremony I found out from the officiant where I could and couldn't go, from the best man I learned what surprise was waiting outside, and I took my position. I got the ring exchange and the kiss — and out we went... And I made one mistake. I'd switched the dial to A and hadn't checked the settings (I had time). So the first 3 photos outside are completely white — even RAW couldn't save them. Once I realised I corrected it and everything else went to plan. Congratulations, group photos, and then the tough call of whether to shoot outside or indoors. The sun was out, but I followed Bear Grylls' advice: "Clouds are as dangerous as they look." And they looked dangerous to me, so we headed to Lešná Castle near Valašské Meziříčí. It was a great choice — the umbrella and studio stand created beautiful light, and thanks to the wonderful newlyweds we created a lovely memento of their wedding day. Incidentally, about halfway through the outdoor shoot it started pouring. The evening programme after returning was just formality — plate smashing, carrying the bride through the doorway, the first dance, and cutting the cake. I'm sorry I didn't photograph the flying shoe that gave the best man a laceration on his head, but nothing to be done about it. In total I shot 543 photos taking up about 5 GB. The batteries (2x EN-EL3) were drained to roughly 40% of capacity. The flash batteries held up without a problem.

Would I do it again? Only for truly close friends and a smaller wedding. Even then I'd think hard about it and would most likely decline.