Photographing a wedding is a difficult and stressful task, especially for a first time wedding photographer. However, everyone has to start and everyone has to have a first wedding. Wedding photography is an art and a science together; you usually only have one moment to catch something so you must be prepared and ready to shoot at all times. There are enough wedding photography tips to fill an entire book, but there are a few key elements all wedding photographers must keep in mind.
Shot List
The bride, groom and family members will all be expecting a certain photo. Whether it is the mother zipping up the bride, the groom lifting the veil or the cake feeding---you cannot miss any of the classic shots. If a photographer is wracked with nerves and excitement, certain shots an be overlooked. A shot list is a great tool for first time photographers as it is a visual reminder of what you must do. A shot list first plants the scenes in your head and can also be referred to physically during the wedding. Common shot lists include the bride getting ready, the dress on a hanger, the groom waiting with his groomsmen, a close up of the rings, the father giving away the bride, the kiss, the cake, the first dance, formal wedding party shot, full-scope of the venue and many more. Go over your shot list with the bride and groom to learn if they have any other requests concerning can't-miss shots. Of course, you will take many additional photos along with the those on the list.
Equipment Check
If you are the only photographer at the wedding and your equipment happens to malfunction, there is no way to fix it. A wedding is a one time only event; if you fail to perform for whatever reason, there is no making it up. To avoid catastrophic events, double check your equipment the night before and morning of. Clean your lenses, charge all of your batteries and empty your memory cards (always have at least two memory cards in case one is faulty.) If you have access to a second camera, even if it is not as good as your main, take it with you as a backup.
Scout Out the Venue
If you are unfamiliar with the venue or have a bit of extra time the day before, it is always advantageous to visit the locations of both the church and the reception so that you can get a feel for the light situation. Knowing what to expect always gives the photographer the upper hand. If the bride and groom are available the day before, do a walk through with them, you can even take their photographs and present them as an engagement shoot. Also attend the ceremony rehearsal so that you know the best locations in the church for photographing. During the rehearsal you can ask the officiant where is and is not a good spot for you to be and whether or not flash is permitted.
Shoot the Details
Aside from the shot list and candid photos of the event, make sure you shoot the oftentimes overlooked aspects of a wedding. A lot of detailed planning and work goes into putting a wedding together, so document that for your clients. Take shots of the place settings, candles, flowers, children, shoes of the bridesmaids, jewelry, cufflinks, hairstyles, glasses of champagne, food, place settings and of course the cake.
Know Your Camera
If you are asked to photograph a wedding, chances are you already have some skill with a camera. If you don't, read up on your camera's settings, how to meter, how to adjust to low light and high light situations and how to use flash if necessary. Only use an external flash with a diffuser; using a straight-on flash will produce photographs no different from those of Aunt Sally. A flash diffuser is critical if taking photos at night or in low light indoors. Practice with different settings and flash before actually using them at the wedding.
Get What You Need
You cannot be afraid or shy as a wedding photographer or else you will miss all of the shot opportunities you need. You are being hired, whether for pay or not, to photograph the event due to your photographic ability. As such you are being hired as an artist and it is your terrain to direct and get what you need all the while not getting in the way of the wedding. You should never argue with or order guests around but rather politely ask someone to step aside.
Photographing a wedding is a difficult and stressful task, especially for a first time wedding photographer. However, everyone has to start and everyone has to have a first wedding. Wedding photography is an art and a science together; you usually only have one moment to catch something so you must be prepared and ready to shoot at all times. There are enough wedding photography tips to fill an entire book, but there are a few key elements all wedding photographers must keep in mind.
Shot List
The bride, groom and family members will all be expecting a certain photo. Whether it is the mother zipping up the bride, the groom lifting the veil or the cake feeding---you cannot miss any of the classic shots. If a photographer is wracked with nerves and excitement, certain shots an be overlooked. A shot list is a great tool for first time photographers as it is a visual reminder of what you must do. A shot list first plants the scenes in your head and can also be referred to physically during the wedding. Common shot lists include the bride getting ready, the dress on a hanger, the groom waiting with his groomsmen, a close up of the rings, the father giving away the bride, the kiss, the cake, the first dance, formal wedding party shot, full-scope of the venue and many more. Go over your shot list with the bride and groom to learn if they have any other requests concerning can't-miss shots. Of course, you will take many additional photos along with the those on the list.
Equipment Check
If you are the only photographer at the wedding and your equipment happens to malfunction, there is no way to fix it. A wedding is a one time only event; if you fail to perform for whatever reason, there is no making it up. To avoid catastrophic events, double check your equipment the night before and morning of. Clean your lenses, charge all of your batteries and empty your memory cards (always have at least two memory cards in case one is faulty.) If you have access to a second camera, even if it is not as good as your main, take it with you as a backup.
Scout Out the Venue
If you are unfamiliar with the venue or have a bit of extra time the day before, it is always advantageous to visit the locations of both the church and the reception so that you can get a feel for the light situation. Knowing what to expect always gives the photographer the upper hand. If the bride and groom are available the day before, do a walk through with them, you can even take their photographs and present them as an engagement shoot. Also attend the ceremony rehearsal so that you know the best locations in the church for photographing. During the rehearsal you can ask the officiant where is and is not a good spot for you to be and whether or not flash is permitted.
Shoot the Details
Aside from the shot list and candid photos of the event, make sure you shoot the oftentimes overlooked aspects of a wedding. A lot of detailed planning and work goes into putting a wedding together, so document that for your clients. Take shots of the place settings, candles, flowers, children, shoes of the bridesmaids, jewelry, cufflinks, hairstyles, glasses of champagne, food, place settings and of course the cake.
Know Your Camera
If you are asked to photograph a wedding, chances are you already have some skill with a camera. If you don't, read up on your camera's settings, how to meter, how to adjust to low light and high light situations and how to use flash if necessary. Only use an external flash with a diffuser; using a straight-on flash will produce photographs no different from those of Aunt Sally. A flash diffuser is critical if taking photos at night or in low light indoors. Practice with different settings and flash before actually using them at the wedding.
Get What You Need
You cannot be afraid or shy as a wedding photographer or else you will miss all of the shot opportunities you need. You are being hired, whether for pay or not, to photograph the event due to your photographic ability. As such you are being hired as an artist and it is your terrain to direct and get what you need all the while not getting in the way of the wedding. You should never argue with or order guests around but rather politely ask someone to step aside.
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