How to Train for Wedding Photography
Taking wedding photographs is a very important job. Brides and grooms consider their photographs too important to be left to an amateur.
Things You'll Need
- A backdrop
- 35mm Camera
- Flash unit
- Batteries to charge Flash
- Film
- Portrait umbrellas
- Digital Camera (optional)
Instructions
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How To Train For Wedding Photography
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Dress for the wedding you are about to shoot like you are one of the guests. Brides are nervous enough on their wedding day without having to worry that the photographer is treating the affair too casually. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes because you will be on your feet most of the day.
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2
Be outgoing and personable. You need the full cooperation of the people you photograph so having a good personality helps in this job. People feel more at ease when you joke with them and can talk to them. When they are at ease your job is easier.
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3
Learn what photos are important at weddings. The most important photos are of the bride and groom with certain people. When you are taking group shots you also need to take more than one or two. Six to ten shots of the same group in the same pose is average. Combinations of people would be bride with each bridesmaid, bride with all bridesmaids, bride with mom, bride with dad, bride with mom and dad. Do the same with any other relatives or friends that are at the pre-ceremony site. You should get all these photos in full length shots and 3/4 length shots.
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4
Learn what the dummy button is for. The dummy button refers to setting the flash off without snapping a picture. Once in awhile when people have been drinking, they may want you to take photos that are less than tasteful and would be embarrassing if they appeared in the proof book. You can try to steer them away from posing, but if they continue to make an issue of it, it's easier to pretend to do it than to argue with them.
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Tips & Warnings
Always have a battery backup
Talk to the priest before the ceremony so you can follow the church's rules for photos and flash.
- Photo Credit Photo by Joshua Hoffman.