About Master's Guide to Wedding Photography
"Almost" as they say, is only in horseshoes. Other than possessing a great deal of talent and having an eye for fantastic shots, the wedding photographer must be disciplined, ever ready with the camera and have a plan of execution for the wedding day.
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Ask Questions and Use Questionnaires
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It is a very good idea to know as much about the wedding and reception as possible beforehand. Southern California's acclaimed photographer Albert Evangelista uses a Wedding Photographer Pre-Planning Sheet for the bride and groom to fill out. It asks pertinent questions about the wedding, the wedding party and the relatives and friends of the bride and groom, such as the bridal party names starting with maid or matron of honor. It will ask about desired postwedding shots of relatives and whether they wish to have wedding-preparation photos, such as the maids attending to the bride. Have the bride and groom confirm the address of the wedding, reception and prewedding location more than once.
Be Punctual
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It's far worse for the photographer to show up late than any other member of the wedding party, including the bride or groom, because there is only one walk down the aisle, only one "I do" and only one "You may now kiss the bride" that can be captured and held as a sacred memory. Everything a photographer does in preparation for her client's wedding day is crucial to the memory of that day. Pack your photography gear and make sure that your clothing is ready the night before. Know the route you are going to take and if possible visit the wedding and reception sites before hand. It's all in the details. Do you have extra batteries? Enough gas in your car? Yes, these things are simple but they can snag you up if you forget them.
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Shots That Are Important to the Couple
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Every bride has her vision of the perfect wedding and the perfect wedding photos to cherish in her album. What is important to one couple may be insignificant to another. Many of the most popular shots are of the bride walking down the aisle as the groom looks on, the couple exchanging rings or vows, the "I do" kiss, cutting the cake and throwing the bouquet. The same also holds true for family members who the bride and groom want to be included in the photos. Sometimes that might even mean the family pet. All weddings are personal, so get to know your wedding couple and their wishes.
Technical Details
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Black-and-white and color photographs should be offered to the client. Using a black-and-white camera ensures the best results for black-and-white shots, though color cameras take black-and-white portraits as well, if only in slightly lesser quality. A good photographer owns black-and-white and color cameras. It's best to use special effects like soft focus sparingly, and concentrate on getting good, clean, sharp images of your clients.
Require a deposit at the time the client signs the contract for services. It's customary that it should be about 25 percent of the total cost of the project. At 30 to 60 days before the wedding up to one half of the cost should be requested; this amount should be nonrefundable if the wedding doesn't take place, since it is usually too late for the photographer to reschedule that day with another client. The remaining balance should be due on the day of the wedding.
Some of the equipment a good wedding photographer should possess are: 35 mm (36 mm by 24 mm), 645 (60 mm by 45 mm), digital (CMOS or CCD), 2 1/4 square (60 mm by 60 mm), 6 by 7 (70 mm by 60 mm), reflective lighting and shields and umbrellas.
Consider the Lighting
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In many cases weddings are held during the day when natural light abounds. Natural light certainly is the best environment for picture taking. If there is not enough light, try to resolve the situation and discuss this with the bride and groom well before the wedding day. If you still cannot get the lighting to an acceptable level, forewarn the couple before accepting the job. Some wedding locations will not allow flash cameras. Determine this in advance. Using a faster film can lessen the need for flash lighting but is of lesser quality.
Dress for Ease of Movement
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You will be spending the entire day moving, standing and possibly getting in awkward positions for just the right shot. The typical wedding photographer's uniform is black. Clothes should be clean and pressed. Shoes should be shined and comfortable since you will be on your feet all day.
Remember that while you may be at the wedding, you are not part of the wedding. You should remain as inconspicuous as possible, especially during the ceremony. When in tight places use the utmost caution in calculating your steps. Even though you are to be inconspicuous and stealthlike, always remember that as a wedding photographer your job is crucial and will be (or not) appreciated for a lifetime.
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Resources
- Photo Credit All Photos Courtesy of Photography by Albert
