If this is your first time taking pictures at a big occasion, it can be quite intimidating. You can create magnificent pictures that will get a great response from all concerned.
Perhaps the most difficult subjects for amateur photographers is Wedding photography Technical knowledge of lighting effects and the like just isn’t enough; you also need some basics of keeping things moving while you shoot.
Some key points that can help:
Create a Photo List
Before the wedding ceremony, ask the couple to consider the shots they want to have scheduled and make a list for you to check off on the day. It is quite frustrating when you have had the photos done, and realize then that you have missed the photograph of the couple with their grandmother.
Put a Family Member In Charge Of Organizing Photos
The family photos at a wedding can drive you crazy. The quests have other things on their mind rather than posing for photos One representative of both the bride’s and grooms family should be put in charge of taking pictures, and ensure that they all assemble at the right time and in the right order to be photographed.
Scout the Location
Many pro photographers have enough experience to plan shots the day of the event, but it will be helpful for an amateur to plot the best spots to shoot from in advance. Try to figure out the areas that light will come from and perhaps even take several test pictures of the couple and they can put this together with their “pre-nuptial pictures.
Plan For Everything
A lot of things can go wrong on the day itself so better be prepared with a back-up plan, extra charged batteries, blank memory cards and have a map of the routes as well as the day’s itinerary. It will also be a good idea for you to attend the wedding rehearsal to gather more information about shooting positions, lighting and others.
Set Reasonable Goals
Show the couple your previous works and style and discover what they want to achieve, the number of shots they wish for and the essential photos they want. If they are paying you, make sure that you have a clear agreement on the price.
Turn-off the Sound of you Camera
Make sure that the sound on the camera and all accessories is turned off before the ceremony, and you will need to keep it silent during the speeches, the couple kiss and the important vows exchange, to avoid any distracting beeps.
Shoot The Small Details
You’ll want shots of the backs of dresses as well as the fronts, special shoes, the wedding rings, at least one table setting. You can get some good ideas from wedding magazines.
Use More than One Camera
Rent or borrow extra cameras for the event and have them set up with various. At least two would be fine – a broad angle lens for candid shots, which will also work fine in tight places, and another with a long lens for distance shots.
Use another Photographer
Two photographers at a wedding are a great idea as it allows for less running around and more opportunity to capture shots from different angles. It’s helpful to have someone who can share the burden of getting the “big” pictures so you can both also catch the details and candid moments. It will also be much easier as there’s less pressure on you being the sole photographer.
Be Bold yet Unobtrusive
You need to move right upfront at a wedding to ensure you don’t miss important shots so don’t be shy. But it is also important to have timing and think ahead about being in an accurate position for the ‘key’ moments so you won’t be disrupting the event. It is important to remember to change position at least five or six times but make sure that movements are timed with the songs or long readings in mind.
Weddings are festive events and one of the best ways to ease up the couple and the party during formal shots is to do fun shots as well. Photographers are always ready to respond with a smile because it will cause a postitve response in people. Also, backgrounds and the picture perspective at important in coming up with amazing effects on the photos. Once the wedding ceremony is over, it would be nice to show off some of the photos at the reception which your guests will be sure to enjoy.