It's a concern that's been asked a few times in our online forums over the last few months so while I'm not a Pro Wedding Photographer I thought it was time to share a few ideas on the subject of Wedding event Photography.
I'll leave the technical ideas of photographing a wedding to the pros-- however as somebody who has actually been asked to picture many friends and family wedding events-- here are a few recommendations.Wedding Photography Tips.
1. Produce a Shot List&.
One of the most useful pointers I've been given about Wedding Photography is to get the couple to plan ahead about the shots that they'd like you to catch on the day and compile a list so that you can inspect them off. This is particularly handy in the family shots. There's absolutely nothing worse than getting the photos back and understanding you didn't photograph the happy couple with granny!
2. Wedding event Photography Household Photo Organizer.
I find the family image part of the day can be quite difficult. People are going all over, you're uninformed of the different household dynamics at play and individuals remain in a joyful spirit (and have commonly been drinking a few spirits) to the point where it can be fairly disorderly. Get the couple to choose a family member (or one for each side of the family) who can be the director of the shoot. They can round everybody up, help get them in the shot and keep things moving so that the couple can get back to the party.
3. Look the Location.
Go to the places of the different locations that you'll be shooting before the special day. While I'm sure most Pros do not do this-- I find it really handy to understand where we're going, have an idea of a couple of positions for shots and to know how the light might enter into play. On one or two wedding events I even visited areas with the couples and took a couple of test shots (these made good engagement images).
4. In Wedding event Photography Preparation is Secret.
So much can go wrong on the day-- so you have to be well prepared. Have a backup strategy (in case of bad weather), have actually batteries charged, memory cards blank, consider paths and time to obtain to locations and get a travel plan of the full day so you know what's happening next. If you can, go to the rehearsal of the ceremony where you'll collect a great deal of terrific info about possible positions to shoot from, the lighting, the order of the event and so on
5. Set expectations with the Couple.
Program them your work/style. Discover what they are wanting to accomplish, how many shots they desire, what essential things they want to be recorded, how the shots will be used (print etc). If you're charging them for the event, make sure you have the contract of rate in location in advance.
6. Switch off the sound on your Electronic camera.
Beeps throughout speeches, the kiss and promises don't add to the event. Switch off noise prior to hand and keep it off.
7. Shoot the small details.
Photograph rings, backs of gowns, shoes, flowers, table levels, menus etc-- these assistance offer completion album an extra dimension. Flick through a wedding magazine in a news mean a little motivation.
8. Usage Two Cameras.
Beg, obtain, work with or take an extra camera for the day-- set it up with a various lens. I try to shoot with one broad angle lens (great for candid shots and in tight areas (particularly before the ceremony in the preparation phase of the day) and one longer lens (it can be convenient to have something as huge as 200mm if you can get your hands on one-- I use a 70-200mm).
9. Think about a Second Wedding Photographer.
Having a second backup wedding photographer can be an excellent method. It suggests less moving throughout event and speeches, permits one to catch the official shots and the other to get honest shots. It likewise takes a little pressure off you being the one to have to get every shot!
10. Be Bold however Not Interfering.
Timidity will not get you the shot-- in some cases you need to be strong to record a minute. However timing is everything and thinking ahead to obtain in the right position for key moments are very important so as not to interrupt the occasion. In a ceremony I try to move a minimum of 4-5 times however attempt to time this to accompany songs, sermons or longer readings. During the official shots be bold, understand what you desire and ask for it from the couple and their party. You're driving the program at this moment of the day and have to keep things moving.
11. Discover ways to Utilize Diffused Light.
The ability to bounce a flash or to diffuse it is essential. You'll find that in lots of churches that light is extremely low. If you're allowed to utilize a flash (and some churches do not 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 photo) or whether you might wish to purchase a flash diffuser to soften the light. If you cannot make use of a flash you'll have to either utilize a fast lens at large apertures and/or bump up the ISO. A lens with image stabilization may likewise assist. Find out more about Using Flash Diffusers and Reflectors.
12. Shoot in RAW.
I know that many readers feel that they do not have the time for shooting in RAW (due to additional processing) however a wedding event is one time that it can be particularly useful as it offers a lot more flexibility to control shots after taking them. Weddings can provide professional photographers with tricky lighting which lead to the have to control exposure and white balance after the truth-- RAW will fight this considerably.
