One Wedding: How to Photograph a Wedding from Start to Finish Paperback – May 13, 2014

So I just finished this book, I didn't only read it. I took notes, I highlighted parts throughout the whole book. I took note of how many minutes were allotted between each time from location, place, scene and sequence of each part of the wedding day. The book is well written, it definitely covers more than just the wedding day. But here is where I don't feel is is applicable to a large majority of wedding photographers in regards to time frame. As a wedding photographer I have to figure out what is a reasonable amount of time to cover a wedding. I am sure Mr. Florens is a very, what is considered, high end wedding photographer. So I am assuming when he is hired he is making a very good sum of money to cover a 14 hour 40 minute wedding day.The wedding day starts with the Groomsmen at 8:50am and the Reception ends at 11:30pm. Now I am an average wedding photographer covering the price range of probably 40% or more of photographer across the US. give or take a few exceptions here or there, with an average of 2k to 3k per wedding. What I would like to have seen in this book is a more realistic time frame of wedding coverage for the large majority of wedding photographers and average weddings.Take my business for example, I give 10 hours with every wedding collection at an affordable price, I am only one of a few photographer in my area that offer 10 hours with every collection/package. Most other photographer, even on the higher end of the wedding photography spectrum here in Va Beach area give packages of 6 hours, 8 hours and 10 hours. I think the only time I had close to a 14 hour day was during an Indian wedding that was more of a destination wedding because it was in another state. Then if I tie in all my editing (which a major majority of wedding photographers in my price range cannot afford a separate person to edit)...etc. would leave me in the dark if I was to even try to give a 14 hour day.So I think the book is good in regards of helping to create a consistent timeline for a wedding photographer to follow in a consistent manner and to make sure every aspect is covered; but I give it 4 stars because I think that the time frame of the wedding coverage is not realistic for the majority of the average wedding photographers. If you were in the 40% range of most wedding photographers with an income of 2k to 4k it would be impossible to cover a wedding with this amount of time on a consistant basis over a wedding season and be able to profit from it, let alone I do 30 to 40 weddings to make it through the year, if I was doing much work with your timeline I would probably not make it through one wedding season. If you have time lines that are more consistent it would be nice to see a blog post or download to a .pdf to see how it would work.

This was the first book in a long time that when I finished reading, I felt like it was actually valuable and not a lot of regurgitated information. The approach was fresh, following one couples journey from start to finish. Many insights into the technical and the business side of photography were shared as well as the camera settings used that seem to be missing in many books. Thanks Brett for sharing your experiences.

Brett Florens doesn't disappoint with this guide to Wedding Photography. I wish I had purchased a hard-bound copy, as the book is rather thin and flimsy. The tips and posing options were helpful, and he definitely gives a detailed glimpse into a day in the life of a wedding photographer. However, if you are just starting out, this might stress you out a little as Brett shoots "magazine style" which can be overwhelming to someone new to the photography business.

Being a somewhat beginner at wedding photography, this book taught me more than any classes and seminars I took in school. Even though it only goes through one wedding it really helped me fully understand even the basic concepts of aperture, ISO, etc. I will be looking for more books by this author.

Not for the new photographer, but for more expensive weddings.

Book came on time without damages. I was just expecting more poses, the story the pictures tell with the poses and set up are really outdated and come off a little weird.

What an amazing book. The detail and the commentary is excellent. If you are a first time wedding photographer, this book is a must-have.

I've been second shooting weddings for a little while and this book has been wonderful since I am hoping to take on more in the future.