It's a question that's been asked a couple of times in our online forums over the last few months so while I'm not a Pro Wedding Photographer I believed it was time to share a few suggestions on the subject of Wedding event Photography.
I'll leave the technical tips of photographing a wedding to the pros-- however as someone who has actually been asked to photograph many loved ones wedding events-- here are a couple of recommendations.Wedding event Photography Tips.
1. Create a Shot List&.
One of the most helpful tips I have actually been offered about Wedding event Photography is to obtain the couple to think ahead about the shots that they'd like you to capture on the day and compile a list so that you can check them off. This is especially handy in the household shots. There's nothing worse than getting the photos back and recognizing you didn't photo the pleased couple with grandma!
2. Wedding event Photography Family Photo Organizer.
I find the household picture part of the day can be fairly difficult. Individuals are going everywhere, you're uninformed of the various household characteristics at play and people are in a joyful spirit (and have actually typically been consuming a few spirits) to the point where it can be rather chaotic. Get the couple to choose a member of the family (or one for each side of the household) who can be the director of the shoot. They can round everyone up, help get them in the shot and keep things moving so that the couple can return to the party.
3. Scout the Location.
Go to the places of the various places that you'll be shooting prior to the big day. While I make certain most Pros do not do this-- I find it truly useful to understand where we're going, have a concept of a couple of positions for shots and to know how the light might enter play. On a couple of weddings I even went to locations with the couples and took a few test shots (these made nice engagement images).
4. In Wedding event Photography Preparation is Secret.
So much can fail on the day-- so you have to be well prepared. Have a backup plan (in case of bad weather), have batteries charged, sd card blank, consider routes and time to obtain to locations and get a travel plan of the full day so you know what's occurring next. If you can, attend the rehearsal of the ceremony where you'll gather a lot of fantastic details about possible positions to shoot from, the lighting, the order of the ceremony etc.
5. Set expectations with the Couple.
Show them your work/style. Find out exactly what they are wishing to achieve, the number of shots they want, what key things they want to be taped, how the shots will be utilized (print etc). If you're charging them for the occasion, see to it you have the agreement of price in place in advance.
6. Switch off the noise on your Video camera.
Beeps during speeches, the kiss and pledges do not add to the event. Turn off noise prior to hand and keep it off.
7. Shoot the little details.
Photograph rings, backs of dresses, shoes, flowers, table levels, menus etc-- these help give completion album an extra dimension. Flick through a wedding event publication in a news represent a little motivation.
8. Usage 2 Cameras.
Beg, obtain, employ or steal an additional video camera for the day-- set it up with a different lens. I aim to shoot with one wide angle lens (excellent for candid shots and in tight spaces (especially prior to the event in the preparation phase of the day) and one longer lens (it can be handy to have something as large as 200mm if you can get your hands on one-- I make use of a 70-200mm).
9. Consider a Second Wedding Professional photographer.
Having a second backup portraiture professional photographer can be a fantastic technique. It indicates less walking around during ceremony and speeches, permits one to record the formal shots and the other to get candid shots. It likewise takes a little pressure off you being the one to have to get every shot!
10. Be Bold however Not Noticeable.
Timidity won't get you the shot-- in some cases you need to be bold to capture a moment. Nevertheless timing is everything and thinking ahead to get in the ideal position for essential moments are important so as not to interfere with the occasion. In an event I attempt to move a minimum of 4-5 times however aim to time this to coincide with songs, sermons or longer readings. Throughout the official shots be bold, understand exactly what you want and ask for it from the couple and their party. You're driving the show at this moment of the day and need to keep things moving.
11. Discover the best ways to Utilize Diffused Light.
The ability to bounce a flash or to diffuse it is key. You'll discover that in lots of churches that light is very low. If you're permitted to use a flash (and some churches don't permit it) consider whether bouncing the flash will work (keep in mind if you bounce off a colored surface it will add a colored cast to the picture) or whether you might want to purchase a flash diffuser to soften the light. If you cannot make use of a flash you'll need to either use a quick lens at broad apertures and/or bump up the ISO. A lens with image stabilization might likewise assist. Find out more about Using Flash Diffusers and Reflectors.
12. Shoot in RAW.
I know that numerous readers feel that they don't have the time for shooting in RAW (due to extra processing) however a wedding is one time that it can be particularly useful as it gives so much more flexibility to control shots after taking them. Wedding events can provide photographers with difficult lighting which result in the have to manipulate direct exposure and white balance after the fact-- RAW will help with this considerably.
