It's a question that's been asked a couple of times in our online forums over the last couple of months so while I'm not a Pro Wedding Photographer I thought it was time to share a few pointers on the subject of Wedding event Photography.
I'll leave the technical ideas of photographing a wedding to the pros-- but as someone who has actually been asked to photo many loved ones wedding events-- here are a couple of ideas.Wedding Photography Tips.
1. Produce a Shot List&.
One of the most valuable suggestions I have actually been given about Wedding event Photography is to obtain the couple to plan ahead about the shots that they'd like you to catch on the day and assemble a list so that you can check them off. This is especially practical in the household shots. There's nothing worse than getting the pictures back and understanding you didn't picture the delighted couple with grandmother!
2. Wedding Photography Family Picture Coordinator.
I find the family photo part of the day can be fairly stressful. Individuals are going everywhere, you're uninformed of the various household characteristics at play and individuals are in a joyful spirit (and have often been consuming a couple of spirits) to the point where it can be fairly disorderly. Get the couple to nominate a member of the family (or one for each side of the family) who can be the director of the shoot. They can round everyone up, assistance get them in the shot and keep things moving so that the couple can return to the party.
3. Hunt the Place.
Check out the areas of the various locations that you'll be shooting prior to the wedding day. While I make certain most Pros don't do this-- I discover it truly useful to understand where we're going, have an idea of a few positions for shots and to understand how the light may enter play. On a couple of wedding events I even went to places with the couples and took a few test shots (these made good engagement photos).
4. In Wedding event Photography Preparation is Key.
A lot can fail on the day-- so you need to be well prepared. Have a backup strategy (in case of bad weather), have batteries charged, memory cards blank, think of routes and time to get to locations and get an itinerary of the complete day so you know exactly what's taking place next. If you can, participate in the rehearsal of the ceremony where you'll gather a great deal of great details about possible positions to shoot from, the lighting, the order of the ceremony and so on
5. Set expectations with the Couple.
Show them your work/style. Learn what they are wanting to achieve, the number of shots they want, what vital things they want to be taped, how the shots will be utilized (print etc). If you're charging them for the event, make sure you have the arrangement of price in place up front.
6. Turn off the noise on your Video camera.
Beeps throughout speeches, the kiss and pledges don't contribute to the occasion. Turn off noise before hand and keep it off.
7. Shoot the small information.
Photo rings, backs of dresses, shoes, flowers, table levels, menus etc-- these aid give completion album an extra dimension. Flick through a wedding publication in a news represent a little inspiration.
8. Usage 2 Cameras.
Beg, borrow, employ or take an additional camera for the day-- set it up with a different lens. I attempt to shoot with one broad angle lens (fantastic for candid shots and in tight spaces (particularly before the event in the preparation stage of the day) and one longer lens (it can be convenient to have something as big as 200mm if you can get your hands on one-- I use a 70-200mm).
9. Regard as a Second Wedding Photographer.
Having a second backup portraiture professional photographer can be a fantastic strategy. It implies less moving throughout ceremony and speeches, permits one to capture the formal shots and the other to obtain candid shots. It also takes a little pressure off you being the one to need to get every shot!
10. Be Bold however Not Obtrusive.
Timidity won't get you the shot-- often you need to be bold to record a moment. However timing is everything and thinking ahead to obtain in the best position for crucial moments are important so as not to disrupt the occasion. In a ceremony I attempt to move around at least 4-5 times but try to time this to coincide with songs, sermons or longer readings. Throughout the official shots be strong, know exactly what you want and ask for it from the couple and their celebration. You're driving the show now of the day and have to keep things moving.
11. Learn the best ways to Make use of Diffused Light.
The capability to bounce a flash or to diffuse it is key. You'll discover that in numerous churches that light is really low. If you're permitted to utilize a flash (and some churches don't enable it) think of whether bouncing the flash will work (keep in mind if you bounce off a colored surface area it will include a colored cast to the image) or whether you may want to buy a flash diffuser to soften the light. If you can't utilize a flash you'll have to either use a fast lens at large apertures and/or bump up the ISO. A lens with image stabilization might likewise help. Learn more about Utilizing Flash Diffusers and Reflectors.
12. Shoot in RAW.
I know that lots of readers feel that they do not have the time for shooting in RAW (due to additional processing) but a wedding is one time that it can be particularly beneficial as it gives a lot more versatility to control shots after taking them. Wedding events can present photographers with challenging lighting which result in the need to control exposure and white balance after the reality-- RAW will help with this considerably.
