Wedding photography tips
When I first started as a wedding photographer, the biggest hurdle for me was feeling like I had a grasp over the entire day’s time-line. For 8+ hours, you have to balance so many things – being creative, working with people, dealing with ever-changing environments and lighting situations, while still hitting every beat. You have to stay on top of things, and deliver the best images you can, as your clients expect of you. It felt over-whelming at the beginning, but eventually I found my stride – my own rhythm where I could more effortlessly do my work as a wedding photographer.
Here are a few of my best tips for wedding photographers … but before we even get there, let’s make this even more interesting – I would like to hear from you, what advice you have for other photographers shooting weddings. Post your reply in the comments section.
A few of my best wedding photography tips
• Take control with the family formals. Don’t assign the task to someone else to gather people for you. That isn’t efficient. You need to take control and make sure everything runs smoothly. If this part of the wedding is daunting to you, then do check out my video tutorial: Posing and sequencing the family groups.
• Help keep things rolling along. Often enough as the wedding photographer, you become the de facto wedding coordinator on the day who has to help keep things on track. So have an eye on the time-line, and gently guide events along. The church ceremony should start on time, and the wedding reception will start on time – and this means you have to help keep everything rolling along or the time will be curtailed that you have to photograph the couple, and their families and the bridal party. This is going to rouse the ire of the wedding photographers who consider themselves to be purely photojournalistic, but I do believe that as a great wedding photographer, you can’t be passive. You are there to help make the couple’s wedding day be fantastic.
• Make sure that you get straight-forward portraits of the bride and groom, individually and as a couple, where they look at the camera. Regardless of how “photojournalist” you may think you are, and that these more traditional photos don’t fit into your style – getting these straight-forward portraits are quickly done, and is good practice since doing this will help keep parents and family happy. Trust me on this one. Also, when doing this, shoot full-length, half-length and portraits.
• Shoot for variety. When you have the B&G set up for a pose, remember to shoot wide, medium and tight. Vertical and horizontal. Sweep around and shoot from other angles as the couple interact with one other. Change your composition, and shoot off-center compositions as well.
• Have the bride and groom fill out a time-line and info sheet. But remember, you will invariably have to adapt. So consider the time-line as a rough guide. On that note, make sure beforehand that your GPS can find the various places you will be driving to. I am so paranoid about this, that in addition to my car’s built-in navigation, and the navigation on my phone, I have an extra GPS in my car. Oh, and my car has run-flat tires. Have I mentioned that paranoia is a good thing?
• Back to your shooting workflow on the day. However many batteries you think you may need during the day, double that. Same with memory cards. Have enough memory cards so that you can shoot two (or even three) weddings back-to-back, without having to erase memory cards for the next shoot. The ideal should be that you only format a memory card once the processed images are uploaded to the gallery – which then acts as your off-site / on-line backup. Oh, and never ever format a card on the job!
• Make sure you have back-ups. In fact, make sure your back-ups have back-up. This may sound like redundant advice, but I often see photographers post in FB groups about images lost, and other catastrophic failures – all because they don’t grasp the idea of ‘Single Point of Failure’, and how that is something you’d want to avoid. Paranoia is a good thing when it comes to workflow.
• Shoot on two large memory cards per camera. Not smaller ones. You run a huge risk swapping smaller memory cards out during the day. Two big cards in each camera, which never leave your body. The idea of not having too many eggs in one basket, and spreading the day over several memory cards, has become a useless and even dangerous practice with dual-slot cameras. So, shoot shoot RAW+RAW as back-up in-camera. Memory and storage is so cheap now that it would be false economy to skimp on this. Think of how any single failure in your workflow might entirely disrupt you – and then take pre-emptive steps to avoid that.
• Know your gear! You need to be familiar with your cameras and lenses and your lighting. You should be so familiar that you don’t even have to think about camera settings, and that much of it comes from finger memory. Struggling to figure out camera settings on the day, means you aren’t ready yet. I remember reading an article way way back in American Photo where a photo-journalist described how he would practice loading film in his camera while jogging in the dark. You want that kind of familiarity with your camera gear.
• Be sure to stock up on some essential items in your camera bag that will help in unforeseen situations: What else is in your camera bag?
Related articles
- Tips on improving your photography technique
- Tips & advice for second-shooting weddings
- Wedding photography: posing and lighting – a consistent style
- Wedding photography posing tips – For variety, make slight changes
- More tutorials on wedding photography
What are your best wedding photography tips?
I’d like to hear from you what you your best advice would be to make photographing a wedding, a more successful task. What are the essential things that you believe photographers should look out for or do?
So let’s make it fun, and inspire each other. Post your ideas and plans in the comments section.
The contest closed on Friday, July 15th, 2016
and the winners of the two prizes announced.
To make it interesting, two of the entries were picked for a prize each.
• Brett Florens’ latest book – Shot In The Dark.
• The other is a copy of Brett Florens’ tutorial video on Destination Wedding Photography. Totaling 5.5 hours of material as Brett covers how he photographed a wedding in Dubai.
Shot in the Dark
In this book, Brett Florens and contributors show techniques and lighting solutions — from reflectors, to LED lights, to flash — that will help you ensure that no important image is lost to poor light or exposure concerns.
From choosing and using the best camera settings to scouting locations with interesting, workable light, to creating gorgeous artistic effects, this book provides the skills you need to get THE shot at every stage of the wedding and in any locale.
You can either purchase a copy via Amazon USA or Amazon UK.
One Wedding | Destination Dubai from Brett Florens on Vimeo.
One Wedding | Destination Dubai, by Brett Florens
Take the trip of a lifetime with Brett Florens to the exotic location of Dubai, as he shoots a magnificent Destination Wedding that was featured in Harper’s Bazaar magazine. In this 5½ hour video, Brett guides you meticulously through his first meeting with the client, packing equipment, the fabulous fashion-inspired Engagement shoot, the beach wedding and opulent reception as well as the Post-Wedding shoot – in the heart of the Dubai Desert complete with a camel! He then leads you through his album design and finally you can join him as he presents the album to the bride just after she returns from her honeymoon.
Regarded as one of the world’s most influential photographers, Brett is a greatly accomplished and respected teacher of his craft. As we’ve come to expect, he shares every aspect of his journey, from great technical tips, inspirational composition and creativity, to his own personal attributes when forming a great working relationship with clients.
This video has over 5½ hours of highly valuable material, and is available for $179.
1Sharon says
Really get to know the bride and groom. You’ll be able to make them feel even more special if you know what stresses them out, what makes them laugh. Make it fun and easy going for them and they will remember it when they loom at their photos.
2Patti Hale says
Great article, Neil. Here’s my wedding tip: Bring an extra set of clothes! I usually change clothes at the beginning of the reception, especially on hot/sweaty or rainy days. This has saved me countless times from being miserable for the remainder of the wedding day!
2.1Maggie says
great tip!
3Joy Yagid says
While I tend to do rather untraditional weddings – some things I’ve picked up:
Shoes – make sure they are supportive AND comfortable – you’ll be on your feet the entire day. Also, soft soles. Made a rookie mistake my 1st wedding and I tapped my way around the church.
Food & water: have a protein bar and water in your bag – you may not be able to eat.
Beside that in the bag: sewing kit, gaffers and electrical tape, lint brush, matches, quarters, velcro, small tool kit, feminine hygiene products, small but powerful LED flashlight – saved a harpist when they put her in a dark corner, band aids and Advil. And ear plugs for you – I use HEAROS or similar, and for guests, the CVS foam kind, mostly the older generation that will thank you.
Any of these could save the day and make you look like you actually know what you’re doing…other than that – roll with it. Having a calm ‘yes, I can’ attitude works wonders…
4Chris Bollinger says
Excellent tips as always Neil.
5Heather says
Great tips, Neil! You covered back-up gear, which is probably the most critical advice for a wedding photographer. I’m pretty crazy about my gear, I have a checklist before I leave as we place the bags in the trunk, and I use that same list as we are leaving the reception. No gear left behind!
6Kip Murray says
BACKUPS!!!! when you get home and download your images make backups! Don’t use the SD cards or compact flash cards for another wedding until you hand off the photos to your clients!!!
7Kim Espinosa says
Great tips as always!!!
In addition to what Patti said, I bring baby wipes for those excess sweats, a deodorant & light cologne. I feel uncomfortable the whole night if I start smelling myself. And as a diabetic, I usually have a couple of Snickers in my pocket. I don’t wanna be somebody else when I feel low on sugar. ?
8Anja says
Have a nice relaxed pre-wedding shooting with the couple. Some ice cream and lots of laughs will help so much to feel like complices during their wedding day and photographing them naturally will be lengths easier.
9GORDON TERRY says
Good evening all,
My best tip is to take time and effort on the engagement shoot. Not many photographers here in England even bother with this process. For me it is essential. It gives me chance to build a good rapport with the clients, helps teach them how to pose and gives them confidence for the big day. They may feel that posing feels strange and awkward but once they see the images they will know you can produce the results. This speeds up the overall work flow on the day as it will feel more natural for the couple.
10John A. says
Perfect ideas! I employ all of them, except the triple GPS thing because I scout my locations beforehand.
Another thing that helps me is to formally introduce myself to the person performing the wedding, the DJ and anyone else providing a service so that we are all on the same page.
11Riekert says
The Timeline is your friend. Find the MC as early as possible, make friends with him and get him to understand the importance of the timeline.
Bonus tip: The Apple watch really works in this case.
1.Keeping the information on my arm at all times
2.Keeping my hands free from a Mobile phone (Timeline) which means you are never putting equipment down.
3.Losing paper timelines and grouplists.
4.You look a lot more professional as your phone stays in your bag.
12Humberto Yoji says
Love it, Neil! Glad to know that I already do everything from your list – except the GPS paranoia. I am particularly crazy about backups. I use two cards in camera and have a HD wich I can downlod direct from the cards. Then I put the HD on my backpack, the SD card on my wallet and the CF in a belt case. When at home, I download the pictures to my computer and back it up to two external HDs. Paranoia!
However, my advice for others is not backup related. Whenever I arrive at home, I put all my batteries to charge. Camera and flash batteries, everything I used during the wedding day. I try to keep my equipment as ready as possible. You never know when a last-time-job can show up, so I try to be rady for it. And it already save me a couple of times. Of course, I have enough batteries for two assigments in a row, but I feel much more confotable with all my stuff with me at every job.
Cheers!
13Jason Rodgers says
I have seen and heard from wedding guests complain about photographers being shouty, rude and aggressive which I find really hard to believe as I am none of those, my tips are hardly tips because they come natural to me:
1. Smile, it may sound simple, it may even make you look simple, but a smile is contagious.
2. You MUST strike up a good rapport with the bride and groom, become their friends, if not it come across on the images you take and vice versa.
3. Have an emergency wedding kit, safety pin, lucky sixpence, a clean tissue to pass to the Mother of the bride for her tears, gaffer tape, spare cufflinks, headache tablets, mobile phone charger. These little things show you care, and you will be remembered for them.
4. Don’t just meet their expectations, exceed them, go over and beyond your call of duty, again you will be remembered, word of mouth is the best advertising.
5. Always remember to take photos of the youngest members of the wedding party and the oldest. Once the youngest have grown up they will have something to look back on, once the oldest have departed this world people will want to remember them forever.
14Joe Hoddinott says
Fabric softener sheets kill static cling and can help with clingy pants on groomsmen.
15Photomatte says
Most of the tips I thought of have already been mentioned (as well as a few I hadn’t thought of!) but here’s one I find helpful: ask the bride for a list of all the family members she wants in the group formals; get their names and their relationships to the bride or groom. Also, ask if there are any people who should NOT be posed together.
Another tip is to ask the couple if they have any off-the-wall things happening at any time during their ceremony or reception; this will help you be ready to capture a moment that will come as a surprise to most of the guests.
16Don Richter says
Without a doubt the 2 best tips… Know your gear & backups for backups
17Mo Gelber says
Have at least two of everything because sooner or later some kid will take your best lens and dip it in barbecue sauce.
18Scott Krebs says
I’m given a list of formal groups, I ask that they are placed on index cards. It’s easy have my assistant remove those that are completed, it’s far easier to reorder the “list” on the fly and no need for a pen to check them off as complete. On the off chance that some are unable to be taken, it’s easy to flip through them and let the couple confirm that we can move on without those groups. I think it’s easier for the couple to take in what’s left to do when they only see the remaining cards. If we do skip any I’ll have my assistant keep them handy in a pocket and later we can look for opportunities to grab a less formal group of those people.
19Vinh says
One wedding couple had made up the family portraits shot list with group numbering and distributed this to all those that were in them. It was a matter of ensuring the officiant reminding all vested to stick around and then having my partner/assistant calling out the group numbers. It was very efficient.
20Craig G says
Remember you are the Bride and Grooms hired professional, not their best friend. Act accordingly and remember it is their day. Don’t make yourself the center of attention. Carry a tube of Tide instant stain remover. More than once a bride’s dress was saved. Then, you will be the bride’s best friend.
21Steve Vansak says
Expect that something will go off course and be ready to roll with it. I believe a wedding photographer needs to shoot what the couple needs and not just what they want, so I totally agree with Neil’s approach of shooting basic portraits of the bride and groom in addition to the artistic and photojournalist images.
As annoying as guests and family members can be with their cell phones and DSLR’s, don’t shout them down during family formals. Simply remind the subjects before every shot to look at your camera only. I’ve found that asking guests to not take photos at this time simply doesn’t work as they don’t seem to care.
Make every pose a 4 to 5 shot affair as in get multiple shots out of one. Shoot it tight, wide, from different angles, them looking at you and away and at each other.
If you sense at all that they are losing confidence in something, that is the time to show them an image on the back of the LCD.
Don’t forget the detail shots! Brides love these and they are great in an album as well. Also, if you want to sell albums (and you should), makes comments such as “this is going to look great in an album”, etc.
22Jennifer Lynch says
Really great advice Neil. Two pieces of information stood out for me. One, the fact that you put run flat tires on your car epitomizes why you are so successful — you will be there no matter what and there are no excuses. You do what you need to do to make each shoot perfect and magical and you go what some might call the extra mile but in fact is just making sure you will be where you need to be and ready. The second piece of info that stood out is that you sometimes become the wedding coordinator. I think one reason this happens to you is that you exude and instill confidence. You put your clients at ease by being so in control and confident and (therefore) appearing relaxed and at ease. So, because of that, clients defer to you on a lot, including timing.
In hopes of winning a prize, I will offer some advice. I don’t shoot weddings but I do assist other photographers.
1. Be confident (even if you’re not) and appear that you have everything under control.
2. Be really upbeat, positive and act as though you’ve never been so excited about a union as this one. Have a great personality (even if you don’t) so that the couple loves having you there and so that your positive attitude is infectious.
Regarding point #1:
Of course, if you are not confident about your ability to perfectly capture a wedding, do not do it in the first place. But if you are confident that you can deliver photos they will love totally, do it. Just mask any isolated lack of confidence or nerves about any aspect of your role in the day — so that your clients don’t get nervous about your abilities. Part of your role is your part in the entire experience as the day unfolds and I think it’s important that couples later say “We loved our photographer” as well as, of course, “We love our pictures.”
I know one wedding photographer who does indeed deliver stellar, creative, top notch photos. But he is also brimming with personality and and a really positive attitude. Everyone loves him and I know part of what makes him special and in-demand is this sunshine-filled yet warm and genuine personality that he brings to each wedding. If you are not naturally lovable and fun, it’s OK. Just be positive and be yourself and let them know you love sharing their day with them and it will be fine.
23Tamara Green says
Something that is often overlooked. Attend the rehearsal and include it as part of your collections. I find that it is extremely beneficial because it offers the ability to meet the important family members prior to the wedding, speak to the officiant and get his/her rules and regulations (it’s always great to follow their rules – more chances of becoming a “preferred vendor”) and most of all, every ceremony is different. You will be more prepared. I also take a few photos and include them as an “extra” for the bride and groom. I’ve received a lot of feedback over the years and this is something that always gets great comments :)
24Heitor says
Great tips as always, not only yours, but from everyone.
My two (three) cents:
Get to know the couple, their dreams, how they met, what they like. It helps a lot to create ideas for unique photos, they love it.
I know that a creamy bokeh is delicious but be aware of your surroundings, sometimes there are details on the scenario that are worth to include in the pictures.
Now that you are aware of your surrounding, pay attention the acts of the guests. Something as small as one lady aiding another or a great laugh gives a great life to the work. It works best of you are the second photographer.
25Amy Woolard says
Always turn around to make sure you do not miss other areas to capture. That beautiful scene may be right behind you.
26Brian ball says
The main thing with me is to have fun and have a laugh and joke with the bride and groom,get to know them the more relaxed you are the more relaxed the day will be
27Craig Skinner says
Great tips!
One of mine would be to meet up with the couple at least twice before the big day, and preferably point your camera at them on one occasion! Helps them to get to know you and feel more relaxed with you so that on the day they can just enjoy themselves (grooms in particular seem to have an aversion to being photographed in my experience!).
28Johan Schmidt says
If you want to shoot high end weddings, look the part. Dress neatly, almost as if you’re a guest, but comfortable enough for working. People don’t want to pay $$$ and have their photographer look scruffy. You don’t have to look like an artist, but your photos do.
29john pacetti says
I still use multiple cards. I feel safer know the entire wedding is not on one card (or two). Been doing that way for years. Also, I do replace cards every year for my own piece of mind. The second slot i use for JPG backup.
30Joseph Dart says
Keep things simple!
Especially in the beginning, don’t bring along all your gear (yes you should have a backup camera) you need to stay nimble at a wedding and it’s easy to get bogged down with gear especially if you’re moving to three or more locations during the wedding.
You need to stay ahead of the day (timeline) and not be chasing your tail. If the bride and groom have already left the church for the reception venue and you’re running back in to the church to grab extra kit that you couldn’t carry it then becomes very stressful day.
Get your safe shots first.
Shoot for the album spread (this relieves so much stress once you know you’ve got the album spread covered)
If you’re ever stuck/panicking wondering what your next shot would be just think of what would happen if this were a film scene. Films tell great stories and so should your imagery (this is the same as wide/tight/angles etc)
31Neville says
I think one thing not mentioned, but is so important, is to advise the bride and groom about the the problems associated with people taking photos on cell phones and ipads during the ceremony. It is becoming increasing difficult to get a decent shot of the bride walking down the aisle and sometimes the groom cannot even see his bride. I have even had people walking in front of the bride taking photos on an ipad. I could not get a single shot of the bride walking down the aisle. I have also had a case where the bride and groom were releasing white doves and a guest stepped in front of me with an ipad and bumped my camera as I was about to take the photo. At 12 frames a second, I took about 40 photos of the floor! This is one of those shots which can never be repeated.
I find the easiest way to get around this problem is to get the bride and groom to ask the officiant (or M.C.) to announce that no cellphone photos may be taken during the ceremony.
32Rob says
There are a ton of great tips already listed. Here is something I learned early on. Don’t be constantly checking the back photos on the back of your camera. It will eat up the battery and will make you look as though you aren’t as interested in what is currently going on; you may miss a special moment. Be a photo ninja! (haha) The best compliment I have heard from parents of the bride is that they were having so much fun that they didn’t even realize I was still there taking photos. Move quickly and be polite when moving around the reception.
33Tav says
Timelines should not only take into account travel times, but potential traffic, finding parking, and walking from car to location. Another item that helps is having a shot list for formal family and bridal party photos. Keep the list very basic because the client WILL add a few lineups of their own that’s going to eat away at photo time. Design the shot list so that there’s as little movement as possible for family members. This will speed things up.
34Dawn says
Most of my couples do not have a planner- so they are usually planing their own timeline. Same as Neil, I do send out a a timeline request and a final details form asking about vendors.
BUT when they book me, I give them a beautiful printed handout. I call this handout the building blocks of your photography for the wedding day. It contains how much approximate time to budget for a first look, family formals, bridal portraits, grooms portraits AND I mention to them on this handout to include travel time to locations, sunsets and a couple of other tips. It is graphically pleasing (almost like a infographic) and done to match my brand. THIS has saved me from lots of angst on the day- not all angst, but some; ).
At the 6 month mark, I send out the handout again in PDF format, and add that I would be happy to answer any questions they may have about their timeline or the handout. I am trying to create beautiful images on their day and I need the time to do so. With the handout, I am empowering them to give me the time.
35Ken Owen says
Scout in advance! See the venue ahead of time at the same time of day as the wedding. Look for places at the location where you can photograph with preconceived ideas of posing and backgrounds. Have a “Plan B” for if it’s raining!
36Paul C Wynn says
Great article Neil. Having back ups for the back ups, is probably the most important piece of advice I received when starting out.
I would strongly recommend taking two sets of clothes on a full day wedding, at the last one I split my trousers during the bridal prep, so thank goodness I could change when back at my car.
Also take plenty of water and food you like. You will be no good to your clients if you are fighting dehydration and hunger during critical moments in the day.
Thanks once again for all the posts, Tangents is always a great resource for advice and inspiration.
37Claude Carrier says
Hi everybody,
I ask the brides and groom of the photos that they absolutely want during the wedding day (for example : A picture with my great grand mother who is 104 years old, or with my best friend that will come all the way from XXXX) and write them down on a piece of paper that I bring with me at the wedding. So I can remind the bride or groom that they wanted that or that picture. In the excitement of the moment, they often forget about these special demands.
38Michael Lunceford says
My claim to fame tip is learning and memorizing the names of the principal participants in the wedding. I ask for a list of names before hand. I memorize the names on my way to the wedding. Then, when introduced, I give intent attention to remembering who is who. Example: Woman says to you: “I’m the mother of the bride.” You say: “Hi, Edith, I’m Michael.” You are being introduced to the bridesmaids and when you get to the last one, you say: “So, you must be Julie.” Etc. It is also helpful, and impressive when you can address and direct people by name. It greatly facilitates bonding, and enhances good feelings toward the photographer.
38.1Jennifer Lynch says
Good advice. This is huge, as you know. Really helps to make you look professional and interested and caring to be able to call family members and close friends by name. I worked with a wedding photographer once who had a long multi-page worksheet for couples to fill out well ahead of time. It listed everyone’s name in the family and the wedding party, and what their relationship was to the couple. It listed information such as any disabilities people had or mobility issues. Couples were asked to list sensitive considerations such as family members who did not get along and who shouldn’t be photographed side by side or even in same photo. It also listed all the groupings the couple wanted in addition to the traditional groupings. It was very helpful and it helped the photographer bond with the family, it helped speed things up and she looked very professional and in control. She usually remembered everyone’s name and how they fit in. Even though I did not see the sheet until the wedding day, she asked me, as the assistant, to try to remember as many names of principals as I could. Even though you don’t mean it, if you have to say “young lady in the blue dress” you look detached and uninterested.
39Alina Oswald says
Great tips, as always, Neil! And thanks everybody for sharing.
I haven’t photographed too many weddings, but (maybe because of that) I tend to take my time throughout the process, if possible. I usually photograph the engagement, and then the wedding. I agree that that offers the opportunity to get to know the couple, whoever performs the ceremony, and every other VIP that I need to be aware of. I also offer to follow the couple around throughout the entire experience, and document it. Photograph every single step or every single important step. I went to City Hall when they applied for marriage license and even was their witness. Went with them to venues and talked to restaurant owners and event organizers. Whatever they needed. etc. Some of the behind-the-scenes shots end up in the wedding album. Others help promote the venue and those involved in putting together the event. I’ve found out that shooting the ‘details’ before the wedding (if possible, of course) is a big help. Couples are usually more relaxed and willing to experiment and try out different poses, shots, etc. Also, if family/friends show up before the wedding with enough time for pictures, I offer to take a few shots. Some images can really help tell the entire story, not only of the wedding day, but the bigger story of the couple.
Also, I always try to look for the unusual, for stuff others don’t notice, and capture those particular moments.
40Bart J says
Try to aim for a solid photography throughout the whole day instead of trying to create those wonderful perfect pictures you see on the web.
The images you see aren’t shot on one day either, and if you are more relaxed by not getting all those wonderful pictures in one day, your photography will be better and be sure those great pictures will come.
41Baart1980 says
My tips for new wedding photographers:
Organisation:
– be honest with your couple. if it is your first wedding – tell them !
– you have to be the best informed person. I remember, when I remind my couple about one stage of the event. They have forgot !
– Every wedding is very different ! And I mean VERY DIFFERENT. Something WILL go wrong.
– You should be the best friend of the bride and groom – at least it works for me. Try to steal their hearts
– You DON`T have time, use best what you have.
– Couples don`t think about the photographs during the wedding day, they have too many own problems like food, drinks or does everybody have fun, but I assure you that they DO THINK about photographs AFTER their wedding day so better give them what they pay for.
– Bad photograph ? It`s only your fault.
Gear
– make it double. Batteries – fourfold. So the cards.
– have your gear always next to you, unless you have an assistant (trusty ;-) )
– take most expensive gear that you can afford.
Technique:
– always observe the light
– take the most important photos first, then you can play
– when something goes wrong – improvise, you can do it !
– learn, learn, learn and if you have first success, learn more, because there is always someone better than You !
42Charles says
My 2 cents worth is #1 (like Denis Reggie says) dress according to how the wedding party is dressing. If they are in Bermuda shorts then you should also, so you will blend in and not take any attention away from anyone. Out of the 6 weddings I have shot so far this year I have only met 1 couple. The rest have been online and actually I prefer it that way, keeps from being chummy and buddy buddy. There is time for that later but while at work, I do my job and blend in, one pastor said I was the most unseen and unheard photographer he has met – and the bride raved on the images I got when no one could see me shooting candids off and on all day. If I was their buddy they would be trying to laugh, joke, etc. and that would make me ruin some good shots that I got while shying away from attention. I become their buddy when going over the albums and we then can laugh and have a good time. But before hand I prefer to be the unseen guest doing my job.
43Neil vN says
Contest winners:
Joy Yagid, (at comment #4) is the winner of the video tutorial series.
Jennifer Lynch, (at comment #23) wins the book.
Thank you to everyone who participated.
44Jennifer Lynch says
Thank you Neil! What a nice surprise.
45Nicu says
Yeah, I am now processing a wedding and I realise I haven’t shot straight portrait of the BG. I took a lot of artsy pictures but not many look-at-me single and together shots.
Once in a while I make this mistage, great advice !