Things You'll Need:
- Professional camera
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Step 1
1. Get a check list together
2. Listen to the bride and groom
3. Understand depth -
Step 2
Get a check list together! Create a checklist of special shots that the bride and groom can check off of the photos they like. For instance:
1. Shots before the ceremony (dress laying over a chair, zipping up the dress, bride looking in mirror, groom hugging parents etc).
2. Shots at the ceremony (parents being seated, bride and father walking down aisle, close up ring shots etc).
3. Posed wedding shots (bride with bridesmaids, groom with groomsmen, parents etc).
4. Reception photos (cake, garter toss, bouquet toss etc).
The reason you want a checklist is it gives you a better idea of the bride and grooms likes and dislikes. It also helps so that you don't forget to take certain photos. -
Step 3
Listen to the Bride and Groom!
Taking the time to hear how they envision their photography shots will give you a good clue of their personality. Showing them samples helps because they may say "I don't like this type of photo" or "wow this one is great!" When you hear this you will know instantly what excites them and they will be sure to love their photos.
Keep in mind little details that could end up being a big detail later on. For instance, let's say that the bride is a little more on the heavy side. Make sure that you pose her slightly sideways and not straight on. Because later she may not like her photos and it may not have anything to do with your style but rather that she hates the way she looks in certain shots. If her stomach is a little poochy have her hold her bouquet over that area. Let's suppose she has a double chin, simply have her hold her head up and jaw slightly out. It's not going to be a great shot if she does not like the way she looks. This is true of other family members too so pay attention! They are not in front of mirrors and won't know if their hair is mussed so help them fix that! Having an assitant really helps.
Now let's discuss depth. Shooting all your photos straight on is going to be boring if you keep doing it. Take some photos where a tree branch is in front of your camera or perhaps flowers etc. This gives depth and looks very unique. Practice with this idea! I have been known to actually pull off a twig with leaves on them and hold it in front of my camera. The results are great.
The last tip I would like to share is this: Look at other photographers photos all the time. If you always think you are the best you will never grow. Sometimes I have seen photos and thought... wow, why didn't I think of that? And don't forget to practice on your friends!
Shaw Productions Las Vegas
Comments
Kilogramm said
on 8/24/2009 This is great, thanks for this great how to!