Free Wedding Photography Tips
Wedding photography can be lucrative, but it is also stressful. Nothing wears on the nerves more than being an unprepared wedding photographer. While wedding ceremonies create a sense of harmony and peace, behind the scenes there is a lot going on. If you are shooting a wedding and you are not ready for what is coming at you, then you are in trouble. Luckily photographers can learn from the experience of others, and come to their wedding shoots prepared to do well.
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Scouting
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Be sure to scout the location of the wedding and the reception. Doing this will help you to become familiar with the lighting conditions. When scouting a location, find several vantage points from which you can shoot. Aim to be in a spot that gives you a good view, but does not intrude on the ceremony. Make a few test shots and take note of your exposure settings as well as what type of light you are using. Plan to use these settings so that you do not have to think about it on the wedding day.
Shot List
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Create a shot list that you can rely on during the ceremony. There are too many shots that could be forgotten if you do not write them down. There are a number of standard wedding shots that are a "must" for any album (see Resources). Be sure to ask the wedding planner and bride ahead of time if there are any specific shots that they would like you to capture. Cross out each shot on your list as you get them to track your progress.
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Use Two Cameras
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If you have two camera bodies, use both of them to your advantage. Mount a wide-angle lens on one and a zoom lens on the other. Rather than taking the time to switch lenses, having two camera bodies will allow you to have instant access to multiple lenses. You will probably use the zoom lens more, but it is always handy to have a wider lens for tights spots indoors and creative portraits.
Shoot in Raw
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Shoot in the RAW format if possible. The RAW format gives you more options in post processing, such as custom white balance toggling as well as more exposure options. The RAW format does take up about three times as much memory as JPEG files, so make sure you have plenty of extra memory cards; pack more memory cards and supplies than you think you will need.
Mind All Backgrounds
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Consider the background in every shot you take as much as the subject itself. A distracting background can ruin a picture, whether there is a tree appearing to grow out of someone's head, or an ugly parking lot ruining the moment. Go for simple backgrounds with one or two colors. Increase lens blur by widening the aperture of your lens, if possible. Do anything to make the background clean. Less is more.
Bring A Flash
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The most handy tool for a wedding shoot is an external flash, particularly ones with swiveling heads. A swiveling flash with allow you to get decent pictures in low-light situations as well as outside. Bounce the flash off of a ceiling or wall to softly light your subjects. Dial the flash exposure compensation a stop or two to use the light to fill in shadows on the faces of your subjects. Make your flash easily accessible in your camera bag so that you can mount it quickly when necessary.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
