Things to Remember When Photographing a Wedding
You get a frantic call from your sister or a close friend a couple of days before her wedding in which you learn that her photographer has just backed out and she doesn't have the time to find another one. She knows how much you love photography and asks you to please help her. You’re now the official photographer of one of the most important days of her life. There are a number of pointers that you should keep in mind when photographing a wedding so that nothing goes wrong and the newlyweds will have their special day properly and creatively documented.
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Backup Camera
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Have a backup camera on hand in case your primary camera malfunctions. This way you’ll still be able to do your job. Also carry extra batteries and an additional memory card, just in case.
Take Standard Shots First
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Everyone wants photos of the wedding party grouped together. These include the bride and groom alone, the bride and groom with their respective immediate families, both families together -- it’s a pretty standard list. Take care of those first so you can relax a bit and concentrate on getting interesting and fun candid shots of the wedding party and their guests.
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Plan The Photographs
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Meet with the bride and groom before their wedding day to get a list of photos that they want taken on their wedding day. If they’re adamant that they want a group shot with their college friends or favorite cousins, find out in advance, write it down and make it happen. The bride and groom may be too excited or involved with their guests to remember on their own what photographs that they wanted taken.
Get Assistance
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Prevail upon someone who knows almost everyone at the wedding to help you get people together for photographs. You can’t be running after everyone to organize them in photos. Enlisting a wedding party member or a bored uncle to help you round up family members is a good idea.
Don't Be a Distraction
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Remain in the background as much as possible to avoid being a distraction during the wedding ceremony and the reception. If your cameras make sounds, turn them off when you are not using them. Be assertive when you need to get certain group shots, but for candid shots, mingle unobtrusively with the guests. If the wedding service is held in a church, shift your position during songs or readings rather than during the "big" moments.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
