Wedding photography moments – Anticipation & being ready
Wedding photography has fortunately come a long way since the times when it was more portrait dominant. Now there’s more emphasis on the story-telling aspect – the photojournalism – where the moments that happen as the day unfolds, gets rightful attention. Obviously this means you need to have a watchful eye, and be ready to respond. This also means you have to have your camera ready – appropriate settings, and an appropriate choice of lens. You have to be able to anticipate what is likely to happen where you are right then.
Depending on the specific customs of the wedding, there are moments which will happen fairly predictably, simply because of the rhythm of the day, and human psychology. So there are certain things which I know are likely to happen, and I will position myself accordingly.
The newly-wed bride will show off her ring
That is a certainty – the bride will show off her ring, and guests and family will want to see. This is especially easy to capture during the wedding reception when everyone is more relaxed, and the bride has time to float around with her guests.
I usually have my 24-70-mm lens on for candid groups and fun shots, but I will also have the 70-200mm f/2.8 ready on the other camera, for shots just like these.
Catholic ceremonies – the Sign of Peace
Every flavor of religious ceremony will have their specific rituals and ceremonies. Familiarize yourself with these beforehand. With Catholic ceremonies there is the moment when guests are invited to exchange a sign of peace with one another – usually they shake hands, or hug and kiss. You just know already that close family members who hug the bride or groom, will be emotional. This really is a moment you should be ready for to capture.
Church ceremonies – the first time the couple are closer together
In a previous article on anticipation and timing, I mentioned that the moment when the couple are seated next to each other for the first time, they will respond. With Catholic ceremonies for example, this is while guests are receiving Communion. Then there is a lull in the ceremony, where there is little attention on the bride and groom. They will look at each other, and they will lean closer to talk a little bit for the first time as a married couple. This is an easily anticipated moment during most weddings – and a fast 70-200mm lens is perfect for this.
Kids!
This is an obvious one. Kids will become restless, and they will be more active and expressive than the adults. Just don’t get too wrapped up in photographing cute kids, and then neglect concentrating on the rest of the ceremony unfolding, and be caught unawares.
A second photographer for a different angle
In the article on tips & advice for second-shooting weddings, I mentioned that I rely on the 2nd photographer to get a different angle. During the exchange of the vows, I will instruct my 2nd shooter to get a reaction shot of the bride while I shoot straight down the aisle. The second photographer then shoots more or less over the groom’s shoulder, getting a clear shot of her expression if possible. This is one of my favorite photos – a slightly cheeky expression from the bride as he gives his vows.
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I seem to have a knack for anticipating what’s about to happen, be it good or bad. Perhaps it’s not a knack but experience or as you say human psychology along with the rhythm of the day. I totally get it with kids at the church, during the service they’re bored, makes for great photography. You’re right about them distracting from the more important couple, I have missed shots due to getting to wrapped up in their antics.
Another good article, Neil. Oh the magic of having not only the understanding of the technical aspects of shooting, but also the eye and experience to anticipate the next photo op. When you catch a really great moment — it makes the extra effort of carrying all that camera gear worthwhile. Sometimes it’s just luck, but most of the time it’s not. The best reward is knowing that the bride and groom (and their families) appreciate that you were in the right place, at the right time, and ready for the moment. Doesn’t get much better than that!
Thanks for the reminder to keep on our toes and be ready for moments that last only a second…
Kids are the best. There will always be one that’s doing something fun while everyone else is dead serious.
It makes me laugh when I see photographers include a “vendor meal” in their contract. Really? How many precious moments are being missed while that meal is being consumed. Of course, everyone has their own style of shooting…
Not much happens during dinner time. Nothing emotional at least. People are eating. So this wouldn’t be a time I’d concentrate on.
Serendipity! Plain and simple…I just love to capture those moments that at the end of a long day I know the couple will love and gives added value to my work.
Hi Neil
I notice – in the last shot with the bride giving a cheeky look – that are quite grainy. Was this image shot with any flash added? And, if this was one of those occasions where flash might not be permitted and you have to trade off a little quality yet still come up with useful images, would you present this image as it stands or try to amend it in Photoshop? I suppose, and you’ve intimated this before in previous posts, that sometimes the technical aspects of a shot take something of a back seat when you’ve captured a moment that is so special and cannot be repeated.
Occasionally I’ve taken shots where I haven’t had a flash to hand, or – if I had – it didn’t fire at that critical moment, leaving me with an under-exposed image. Then, when I try to recover in Photoshop – by pulling up the exposure – I see a similar result to that in your image above – and then find myself in a quandary: do I bin the shot or risk it reflecting poorly on my photography skills?
That photo wasn’t under-exposed. However, it was shot at 6400 ISO on a 5D mk2 by by second-shooter. (No flash.) The little bit of noise there never bothered me.
At 1/200 shutter speed with a stabilized lens, it is sharp. That is my main technical consideration – image sharpness. A lower ISO with image softness from camera shake or subject movement, would’ve been much harder to accept.
I presented the photo as is, with no word from my client.