How to Take Wedding Reception Photos
Your job as a wedding photographer wedding is likely to be a demanding though enjoyable task as you attempt to produce a photo documentation of both the ceremony and reception. In addition to working closely with the bride and groom, photographing the reception will also require you to interact with the majority of the wedding guests, including friends, family members and the wedding party. Taking the time to prepare properly and to review a few simple tips will help you take the best wedding reception photos possible.
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Instructions
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Visit the location of the reception before the wedding day. Becoming familiar with the wedding venue in advance will help prepare you to tackle any lighting issues, find appropriate positions from which to shoot and come up with ideas for creative shots. If possible, ask the bride and groom to accompany you during this visit to the reception location so you can discuss ideas and take a few test photographs.
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Be prepared to deal with unexpected setbacks and obstacles the day of the reception. Bring an extra camera, if you have one, along with additional camera batteries, film or memory cards, and lenses. Have an alternative indoor location in mind for photographs if you are shooting an outdoor wedding in case you encounter bad weather.
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Ask a family member or close friend of the bride and groom to help you with directing the guests for photos. This person will most likely be able to clue you in about any sensitive dynamics between guests, such as divorced parents who might not want to be photographed together, and help you to gather people for photos when necessary. Ask the bride and groom in advance for a recommendation regarding whom to ask you to assist you with this task. Usually a member of the wedding party will be more than happy to help.
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Be forward and confident about getting the necessary shots. It is common for photographers to feel that they are interrupting or interfering with a special moment, but in most cases the bride and groom would prefer you to step in and capture it on film so it will be documented and remembered. It may also be necessary to speak up and direct the crowd in order to get the shots you need, so try to remember that it is part of your job to assume the required positions to get the shots you need.
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Avoid deleting images that you may think have not come out well if you are working with a digital camera at the wedding reception. The ability to review your photographs as you take them may become distracting. Focus on taking as many shots as possible during the precious time that you have and worry about selecting the best images later.
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Tips & Warnings
Turn off the sound on your camera before using it at the reception. Beeps and other noises while taking photos can distract from important moments during the receptions, such as speeches and toasts.
