Of all the various types of digital photography wedding photography is perhaps the most stressful. How to survive this most perilous of assignments? Follow these simple rules.
The List of Shots
Prior to your worrying about your equipment, you should find out exactly what photos are wanted and needed. Ask the bride if she’s already thought this through - she probably has. Beware a vague direction to record the mood and ambiance. If so, be afraid, be very afraid. Request or propose a listing of the most essential shots.
A shot list should be separated into three broad categories:
1. Prior to the Ceremony
2. The Ceremony
3. Following the Ceremony
Before the Ceremony
These photos can include the following:
* The bride dressing
* The bride with her friends
* The bride with her parents
* The groom and friends
* The groom and parents
* The Dress
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* Arriving at the church
Some of these can be candid shots. Some work better if you pose them.
The Service
These shots depend on the venue and if you are permitted to shoot the actual exchange of vows, etc. Get the bride to find out if the celebrant is okay with you shooting during the ceremony. Be as unobtrusive as possible, and place yourself somewhere you can frame the bride. The [shots of the bride will be the most popular.
These shots should include:
* Medium shots of the bride and groom and celebrant.
* Establish the setting by framing the bride and groom showing the background.
* Three quarter length to full length of the entire bridal party including the maids and groomsmen.
* Photograph the bride and groom together, usually a medium length framing.
* The ring (close-up on the hands if you can zoom in fast otherwise go for the semi-close-up)
* The kiss (semi close-up)
Lighting plays a big part in the ceremony photos. Flash is too harsh and intrusive so do your best with the available lighting - it’s probably adequate. You can evaluate the lighting by attending the rehearsal. Make sure you use a tripod.
Your digital camera should have an option to turn the shutter sound off. Do that so you can shoot many frames without disturbing the event. The more the better. Set the camera to multiple frames and hold the shutter down at the important moments. You won’t find out if a blink has ruined the shot until later. You should compensate by covering these critical moments with many shots.
Now move quickly so you can take the newly weds as they move off from the altar. Now this is an important wedding photography tip: Take advantage of the rehearsal to see where you can move so you can stay ahead of the action. The moment to use your flash in when the bride and groom begin walking down the aisle after the ceremony. For more information look under ‘Equipment’.
After the Service
Again some of these can be candid and some ought to be posed. These should include:
* The bride and groom outside the church/venue with well-wishers
* The confetti moment (just hold the shutter down!)
* The bouquet
* Groups of bride and groom and all parents
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* The limo itself if it has been tricked up with cans and graffiti etc.
After-After the Service
These usually need to be planned ahead. Accompany the couple to a location you have scouted out - a park, a beach, or a garden. Don’t forget the dress - you can achieve some nice shots here against a peaceful background. keep an eye on the background but otherwise just allow them to relax and behave naturally. Find an attractive location with soft lighting and shoot with your zoom, also do some semi-posed photos.
Here too is the reception. Guests may request photos, but make sure you preserve your battery for the list shots you have still yet to take.
Cutting the cake is one definite shot. You should also cover the bridal table, early on before it becomes messy. The newly weds are your client and their big moment will be the service so concentrate on that first.
Recruit the matron of honor if possible to help you stay on track at the reception and organize the group photos.
The Final Product
It is preferable to supply a CD or DVD with the duds edited out. A dud is any shot that makes you look incompetent. For added effect you can use video editing software to quickly make a slide show of the event in sequence. Images should retain sharpness and clarity when zoomed to A4 size - if not, don’t submit them. Make a CD of the best photos and you’re done.
Tags: photography tips, taking wedding shots, wedding shots, weding photography tips, weding photos