Wedding Photography

Many photographers get into wedding photography as it is really enjoyable and rewarding. Although it can be quite stressful and daunting until you gain your confidence.

I shall attempt to break each stage down into bite size pieces of information that can easily be digested and hopefully put into practice.

To start the ball rolling I would make sure that you have a few years photography experience behind you. the last thing you need to be doing is looking through the manual on the day trying to work out how you external flash works. It is important that you know your equipment and that you understand photography as a whole.

Wedding photography is not just about turning up in your best suit and snapping strangers in there's. its about creating a near perfect memory of a very momentous occasion.

The process does not end once the last pint at the reception has been drunk, the wedding is the middle but the there is a before and an after. A good wedding photographer will ensure that the processes involved run smoothly as the Bride and Groom have enough to worry about.

Lets start at the very beginning of the process...

House call

Once you have got the job as photographer to a wedding of a very special couple you need to arrange a day to go and see the love struck pair. If you have done a wedding before take along some of the best pics, possibly a portfolio but do not worry if this is your first wedding. Just take along photographs that you have taken of other subjects for reference of your expertise.

Discuss the specific shots that they would like. They may want certain group shots they may also want one with the grandmother who only leaves the house on special occasions. You also need to discuss the styles in which you are to take the mood shots. They may not know of the capabilities of your skills so tell them what you can do and if you can provide examples.

If you have the facilities to create wedding books, canvas prints as well as fantastically presented photo albums then your on to a clear winner. Not only can they hire you for the wedding but they will also pay more to have their images put on to a variety of different mediums. It maybe an idea to have another portfolio that illustrates the many mediums that you can supply.

Before leaving it is important that you decide on a price for the wedding photography. It does not matter about the format of the prints just yet all you need to do is wet their appetites for now. A price for the actual wedding is needed and a deposit or around 25% would secure the deal.

A Scouting Trip

Its always good to stay one step ahead, from the previous meeting try to obtain the address of the venue and go in search of it. Look for good spots and imagine everybody there. Ask yourself where would you like these people to congregate? Look at your notes and search out spots that would be ideal to capture the specific shots you agreed on.

Look at the suns position around the time of your outdoor shoot and distinguish how this could help.

Take a few pictures of the place to get a feel for it, perhaps the big steel gates or the large oak door, just things you might not get chance to on the day.

Dress Rehearsal

Make sure you attend the rehearsals, the bride and groom will appreciate your presence as it means you are taking an interest and that you are keen to get it right too.

At this point go over your equipment and judge what you will need for the occasion judging by the light and the regulations of the buildings interior. Some churches (and old buildings) do not allow flash photography so check this before hand. You may need a flash diffuser for inside shots, look at ways of bouncing light too.

Discuss any last minuet issues with the couple and prepare yourself for the big day.

Do you need help?

Its not to late to ask for help, you may think its a two man job. Not everybody as a helping hand at their disposal but its always a good idea to have one if the occasion needs it. You may have trained this way being a rookie for somebody else.

Equipment

It maybe a good idea to take two cameras with you so you do not have to fiddle about with lens changes which can make a delicate operation a rushed one. Remember to take a few blank memory cards (recommended 2GB) and also spare batteries.

Shoot in RAW + Jpeg format so that you can do any light adjustments later on if need be. Although you are a seasoned photographer much of your photography will be done off the hip so it is beneficial to have this option at your disposal. With the Jpeg images we can create a slide show later on.

From here on in do not delete any images no matter how bad you think they are. Keep everyone of them as you may find an excellent use for them later on even if it means heavily editing some of them.

The Big Day

Relax you can do this, do not forget to smile and talk to the guests. Try to get to know as many as you can, so that you can liaise with them throughout the day. Try to remember names, they will appreciate your interest if you say "smile Sarah" later on and you only met them briefly a few hours ago.

Do your thing... Once you start snapping you shall lose the nerves its just you and your camera. You know what is needed and you know where and roughly when its going to happen so go with the flow.

Take note of colours, peoples dresses and the background try not to create unsightly clashes. always keep an eye on the background as it is important that it does not draw the eye away from the subject in the image. Keep backgrounds simple and not too busy.

Its the small things that really count

Its not always the main attraction that makes the photography great. Its often the little things like the bridesmaid who's heal broke so she stood lopsided or the best mans tears at the ceremony. All sorts of little insignificant things will be happening all day but they are really not insignificant they are what the occasions all about. Perfect moments, some serious, some humours and some very cute but all in all with out your memento's they will never be remembered.

Try to take pictures of the rings, the cake and all the other little things that make the day, the vicar and the little boy who keeps skidding on his knees too. The bride and groom may be turning up in a flash car or horse drown cart these are things that need to be remembered. All you pictures will count towards the selection process for the album later on.

Do not panic

It is likely that something will go wrong, it could be the weather or that the family members are not friendly. Whatever it maybe try to remain calm and professional. Try not to liaise with the bride and groom, its their special day they would prefer that you used your expertise and initiative to sort the problem out yourself.

Often negative situations or actions that were not predicted make up the memory of the day. Try to capture these events, you may never use them or present them but its important that you capture antics of the whole day. If weather is particularly bad you may have to take pictures inside the building - take necessary flash equipment for such an event.

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Recruitment

After speaking with most of the family members on both sides choose one person from each family to be your voice. They may not listen to the stranger in the corner wielding their camera about. The chosen family members will have hierarchy and therefore will be able to put the family in to certain formations for you. Ultimately they understand the dynamics of the two families and they will know everybody's name which is a great bonus.

Its Not Over Yet

Once the ceremony has finished, and everyone is heading home to get ready for the evening celebrations. Its time for you to link you camera to a laptop and view your work. Due to the careful planning and your expertise you should have a everything the bride and groom want plus much MUCH more.

Be proud of your work you have worked jolly hard to get them. Put them all on to the laptop or viewing device in some sort of order and get ready your self for the do ahead.

Arrive early at the venue so you can take some shots outside and in of the layout. Try to get the bride and groom as they arrive and most of the guests.

Once everybody has settled you can being to relax the lights will have dimmed and photography will be almost impossible. Sit on a table out of the way with your viewing device open giving a continuos slide show of the days events.

Many people will take an interest of your work, do not forget to have business cards at the ready. This is your chance to get more customers as there are often couples at weddings that are close to tying the know too.

Its all about the presentation

It advised that if your thinking about becoming a wedding photographer that you also include within your professional service the option of image development and presentation.

Once you have all the necessary pictures its time to work with them. Follow the link opposite to seek out information on media types and ideas.

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