Anxiety Free Wedding Photography Tips
Posted on September 1, 2009
Filed Under Digital Camera Features, Good Digital Cameras |
One of the most stressful forms of digital photography is wedding photography. How to survive this most perilous of assignments? Follow these simple rules.
The Shot List
Prior to your worrying about your equipment, you must ascertain exactly what shots are wanted and needed. Some brides have worked this out already. Others may have a general idea that you should just ‘capture the mood and feeling of the joyous occasion. If she says anything like that be ready to flee - or have a list of your own prepared. Request a list of shots.
A shot list is best separated into three broad categories:
1. Prior to the Ceremony
2. The Ceremony
3. Subsequent to the Ceremony
Prior to the Ceremony
These photos can take in the following:
* The bride getting ready
* The bride with her friends
* The bride with her parents
* The groom and friends
* The groom with his parents
* The wedding dress
* Getting into the limo
* Sitting in the limo
* Arriving at the church
A number of of these can be candid photos. Some work better if you pose them.
The Ceremony
These shots depend on the venue and whether you are permitted to photograph the actual exchange of vows, etc. Get the bride to find out if the celebrant is okay with you shooting during the ceremony. As unobtrusively as possible, position yourself on the groom’s side so you can focus on the bride. The bride is looking her best on this occasion so cover her fully].
These photos should include:
* Allow enough space in the frame to show the bride and groom three-quarter length and celebrant.
* Show the bride and groom from the waist up.
* Three quarter length to full length of the entire bridal party including the maids and groomsmen.
* Close-ups and medium close-ups of the new couple.
* 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 service shots. Flash is a no-no, so make sure you have worked out how to use the available light. Don’t leave the lighting to chance on the big day - this is what rehearsals are for. Make sure you use a tripod.
Mute the camera’s shutter sound. 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. Some otherwise excellent pictures have been completely ruined by capturing a blink mid-flight. Shoot more - not less, and avoid this pitfall.
You may have to be fast on your feet to catch the newly-marrieds walking back down the aisle. Now this is an important wedding photography tip: The rehearsal is also useful for planning where you will move at each phase of the ceremony. Flash can be used when the couple face the congregation and leave the alter. For more information look under ‘Equipment’.
Following the Service
Once more some of these may be candid and some should be posed. These should consist of:
* 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.
Following on-After the Service
These usually need to be planned ahead. Take the happy couple to a park, a beach, some location you have scouted out beforehand. This is when you can shoot the dress to good effect. The subjects can relax here and figuratively let their hair down. Do some posed photos and then put them into some properly lit and attractive location and go candid with a telephoto zoom.
This includes the reception. Stay with the main action and resist being pulled away by enthusiastic guests who will probably never remember those shots they just had to have on the day.
One shot you should not miss is the cutting the cake. 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 ceremony so concentrate on that first.
At the reception it’s wise you have a helper to organize the group shots.
The Final Product
It is best to supply a CD or DVD with the duds edited out. Anything that makes you look bad is a dud. For added effect you can use video editing software to quickly make a slide show of the event in sequence. Clarity and sharpness at around magazine cover size is another criteria. If you don’t have to worry about orders, just provide a CD of the best selection as part of your fee.
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