Photography Tips for Shooting a Wedding
You get one chance to photograph a wedding and you have to get it right the first time. That means a wedding photographer, whether a seasoned professional or an amateur helping out cash-strapped friends, needs a solid game plan before the event takes place. To create that game place, it's important to take the time to talk with the bride and groom about their expectations and scout the venues before the big day arrives.
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Plan Ahead
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Before the wedding day arrives, sit down with the bride and groom and find out what kind of pictures they want from their wedding. Give the couple a list of options for family portraits and decide which they want taken.
Visit the venues for the ceremony and reception before the event. Check with employees and staff about camera policies, layout plans and lighting conditions. Remember that every ceremony is different and know the order of events.
Prep Your Camera Equipment
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Give your camera equipment a thorough cleaning the day before the event and format all your memory cards.
Pack extra equipment in your camera bag, even if you think you won't need it. Gear can break, lighting conditions can change and many other things can go wrong. Most important is to have an extra camera body and ample memory cards and batteries.
Make sure you camera is muted so you don't cause distracting noise during the ceremony.
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Photography During the Wedding
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If possible, shoot images on the RAW setting so you have more editing control later.
Make a list of all the images you need to get from the wedding and keep it and a pen with you. Check images off the list as you take them. But don't forget to give the couple unexpected pictures, as well.
Don't forget the basic rules of photography and remember to vary your vantage point. Look for detail shots and sweeping overviews of the scene. Move around, looking for unexpected angles. Get both formal and candid moments. Good composition is key.
Family Portraits
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If you don't have an assistant to help, ask the bride and groom to name a person responsible for helping gather family members for portraits. Each image should take an average of five minutes to set up and shoot.
Consider splitting the portrait sessions into two groups -- one before the ceremony and one after.
When deciding the order of portraits, handle children first, as they are more likely to get dirty or distracted easily. Also try to get to the larger groups early, as well as the bride's family, who might have responsibilities during the reception.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
